The crescent-shaped artifact soared through the skies, its surface gleaming like a shard of polished silver. Gian sat near the edge, her small hands gripping the smooth railing as she looked down at the vast expanse of the world below. Forests stretched endlessly, rivers glittered like threads of silk, and mountains rose with majestic defiance against the heavens. She had never seen the world like this before, so open and alive.
Her emerald eyes sparkled with curiosity, but her heart was heavy. She glanced back toward the horizon, hoping to catch a final glimpse of her father and sister, but the clouds had already swallowed Tianlan.
"You miss them already?" The voice was soft, almost musical. Gian turned to see a young woman seated nearby, one of the disciples escorting her to the Ethereal Moon Sect.
Gian nodded. "I've never been away from home before."
The disciple smiled warmly, her features gentle. "That's natural. But you'll find the sect welcoming, and soon, it will feel like a second home."
"Do you think I'll do well there?" Gian asked, her voice small.
The disciple's gaze lingered on her for a moment before she spoke. "You're the daughter of the World Architect. That alone makes you extraordinary. But," she added with a knowing look, "in the sect, who your father is will matter less than who you choose to become. Remember that."
Gian nodded slowly, her fingers tightening on the railing.
---
Arrival at the Ethereal Moon Sect
The Ethereal Moon Sect was unlike anything Gian had ever imagined. Nestled atop a series of floating islands suspended high above the clouds, the sect seemed to exist in its own world. Bridges of translucent light connected the islands, and shimmering waterfalls cascaded endlessly into the abyss below.
The air was thick with spiritual energy, so potent it made Gian's skin tingle. Disciples moved gracefully across the islands, their robes glowing faintly under the moonlit sky.
As the crescent artifact descended, Gian's gaze darted around, trying to take in every detail. She spotted a garden filled with flowers that seemed to hum with life, a library so massive it looked like a mountain of books, and a series of elegant pavilions where disciples practiced their arts.
"Welcome to the Ethereal Moon Sect, young one."
The voice belonged to the sect leader, who stood at the landing platform with her hands clasped in front of her. Her silver hair flowed like liquid starlight, and her presence exuded an unshakable serenity.
Gian disembarked cautiously, bowing as her father had taught her. "Thank you for having me."
The sect leader's lips curved into a faint smile. "Your humility is admirable. Come, I will show you to your quarters."
---
Days of Adjustment
The first few days at the sect were overwhelming. Gian was given a small but elegant room overlooking one of the floating gardens. The mornings began with meditation sessions, followed by lessons in cultivation techniques, spiritual theory, and even arts like calligraphy and painting.
At first, Gian struggled to keep up. The other disciples were older, more experienced, and seemed to grasp the teachings effortlessly. Her frustration grew with each passing day, but she refused to let it show.
One evening, after a particularly difficult lesson, Gian retreated to the garden near her quarters. She sat beneath a tree whose blossoms glowed faintly in the moonlight, her sketchbook resting on her lap.
"Why can't I be as good as them?" she muttered, her pencil tracing aimless lines on the paper.
"Because they've had years of practice," a voice answered.
Startled, Gian looked up to see the same disciple who had spoken to her on the journey to the sect. The young woman smiled and sat beside her.
"It's not about being the best right away," the disciple said. "It's about growing, little by little."
Gian hesitated before showing her sketchbook. It was filled with sketches of her father, her sister, and the home she missed so dearly.
The disciple's smile softened. "You draw beautifully. Use this as your strength. The Ethereal Moon Sect values creativity and expression. Don't let frustration blind you to your own gifts."
---
Progress and Growth
As the months passed, Gian began to find her rhythm. She excelled in the artistic disciplines, her creations earning quiet praise from her instructors. One day, during a painting lesson, she discovered something extraordinary.
While practicing with a brush dipped in radiant inks, she painted a vibrant phoenix on a blank canvas. To her astonishment, the phoenix shimmered with life, its wings fluttering slightly before it faded back into the painting.
The instructor paused, their gaze sharp. "That... is a rare talent. You may have unlocked the foundation of your true path."
Word spread quickly. Disciples and even elders came to see Gian's colorful creations, each imbued with a faint trace of vitality. Her confidence grew, but she remained humble, focusing on refining her skills.
---
Moments of Solitude
Despite her progress, Gian missed her family deeply. She often wrote letters to her father and sister, though she never knew how they were delivered.
One night, under the light of a crescent moon, she sat by the edge of one of the floating islands, her sketchbook open to a half-finished portrait of her father.
"Father," she whispered to the wind, "I hope you're proud of me."
The wind carried no reply, but she imagined his voice, calm and steady, encouraging her as he always did.
---
A Year Later
By the end of her first year at the sect, Gian had made a name for herself. She was no longer just the daughter of the World Architect—she was Gian, the gifted artist whose creations danced with life.
Her bond with her fellow disciples deepened as well. They often gathered around her during breaks, watching in awe as she brought her paintings to life for fleeting moments.
"Gian," one disciple said one day, "do you think your father knows how talented you've become?"
Gian smiled faintly. "If he does, he hasn't said anything."
"He must be so proud," another disciple said.
Gian's gaze softened. "I hope so."
---
Two Years Complete
By the time her two years at the Ethereal Moon Sect came to an end, Gian had grown in ways she never imagined. Her emerald eyes now held a quiet determination, and her skills had reached a level that left even her instructors impressed.
On the day of her departure, the sect leader personally escorted her to the crescent artifact. "You have done well, Gian," she said. "But remember, this is only the beginning of your journey."
Gian bowed deeply. "Thank you for everything, Sect Leader."
As the artifact ascended into the skies, Gian looked back at the floating islands one last time. Her heart swelled with gratitude and anticipation. She couldn't wait to return home and show her family how much she had grown.
Unbeknownst to her, Jin was already waiting, his gaze fixed on the horizon where the crescent artifact would soon appear.