The morning sun broke through the horizon, painting the skies in hues of orange and gold. Within the courtyard of their grand home, Jin prepared for a journey that would once again ripple through the cultivation world. His emerald robes, simple yet elegant, reflected the gentle light, and his expression was calm but resolute.
At his side stood Mochi, her nine-year-old energy barely contained as she tugged at her father's sleeve. "Are we really going to Gian's old sect, Father? Will it be fun?"
Jin looked down at his spirited daughter, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "It's not meant to be fun, Mochi. It's an inspection."
"But I still want to come!" she declared, her dark hair bouncing as she skipped in place.
His wife, standing nearby with their one-year-old son in her arms, shook her head with an indulgent smile. "Make sure you keep her out of trouble, Jin."
Jin gave a small nod. "Silverflame will guard the rest of you while we're away."
At his words, the guardian appeared, stepping out from the shadows of the courtyard. Its crystalline form shimmered under the sunlight, its sapphire eyes filled with a serene, unyielding presence. Mochi waved enthusiastically at it.
"Silverflame, protect them until I return," Jin instructed.
The guardian bowed slightly. "As you command."
Satisfied, Jin summoned his mount. From the void emerged a massive drake with silver scales that gleamed like moonlight. Mochi's eyes widened in awe.
"Whoa! Can I ride in the front?" she asked eagerly.
Jin lifted her effortlessly, setting her before him on the drake's back. "Hold on tight."
With a mighty beat of its wings, the drake soared into the sky, leaving behind a trail of shimmering light.
---
A Shock Across the Skies
As the drake streaked across the heavens, its sheer presence caused an uproar below. Villages and towns halted their daily routines as farmers, merchants, and common folk stared upward, their mouths agape.
"Is that...?"
"The Creator! It's him!"
In distant sects and clans, powerful formations flared to life, alerting their leaders to the overwhelming power passing above.
"It's Jin," murmured one elder of a prominent sect, his voice trembling. "He moves openly... What could this mean?"
Despite their curiosity, none dared approach or interfere. The memory of Jin's display of power at the tournament a decade ago remained fresh in their minds.
Mochi, oblivious to the commotion they caused, leaned over the drake's neck, laughing as the wind whipped through her hair. "Father, look! The clouds are so close!"
Jin remained silent, his gaze fixed ahead, though his hand rested protectively on her shoulder.
---
Arrival at the Ethereal Moon Sect
The Ethereal Moon Sect, nestled among towering peaks, was a sight to behold. Its grand halls and intricate formations exuded an air of majesty, befitting its middle-grade rank. Yet, to Jin's discerning eyes, it was far from perfect.
The sect grounds erupted into chaos as the drake descended with a resounding thud. Disciples stopped mid-training, their weapons clattering to the ground as they stared in disbelief.
"Is that...?"
"It's the Creator!"
The sect master, Elder Lin, hurried out with the other elders, their faces pale. They immediately fell to their knees, their foreheads touching the ground.
"Creator Jin," Elder Lin stammered, his voice shaking. "Your presence graces us beyond measure."
Jin dismounted, lifting Mochi down gently. He glanced at the groveling elders with indifference. "Rise."
The disciples whispered among themselves, their awe palpable.
"Who's that with him?"
"A child? Is she his disciple?"
Mochi, noticing the murmurs, tilted her head. "Why are they staring, Father?"
"They're in awe," Jin replied simply, striding forward. "Come. Let's begin."
---
A Thorough Inspection
Jin's inspection of the sect was methodical and thorough. He started with the training grounds, observing the disciples as they practiced.
"You call this swordsmanship?" Jin's voice cut through the air like a blade, his tone calm but biting. "Your formations are flawed. They leave gaps wide enough for an amateur to exploit."
Elder Lin bowed his head. "We will correct it immediately, great one."
Mochi, watching from the sidelines, mimicked a few of the sword forms she saw, giggling as she stumbled through the movements.
"Father, can I join their practice?" she asked brightly.
"Not today," Jin replied, though a faint smirk crossed his lips at her enthusiasm.
In the library, Jin's sharp eyes scanned the shelves. Though the collection was respectable, it lacked depth in key areas.
"Your knowledge on talismans and barrier techniques is severely lacking," he remarked, his tone clipped.
Elder Lin flinched but nodded. "We will address this deficiency, great one."
At the alchemy labs, Jin inspected the tools and ingredients, noting their mediocre quality. "These are unfit for any serious work. Your alchemists must struggle to achieve even minor successes."
Mochi wrinkled her nose at the pungent smells in the lab. "It smells funny in here!"
Jin placed a hand on her head, steering her out of the room. "Then stay outside."
The inspection continued across the sect's barriers, treasury, and spiritual fields. Every flaw, no matter how minor, was noted and addressed. By the time Jin finished, the sect leaders were visibly trembling under the weight of his scrutiny.
---
The Creator's Gifts
In the central hall, Jin stood before the gathered sect leaders. Without a word, he raised his hand, and the air shimmered as golden light flowed outward.
The barriers surrounding the sect transformed into radiant, pulsating domes of energy. The armory filled with weapons and talismans of superior craftsmanship, each imbued with faint spiritual auras. The library expanded, its shelves now filled with rare and ancient texts.
Even the spiritual fields glowed with newfound vitality, their energies surging to unprecedented levels.
Mochi clapped her hands in delight. "It's so pretty!"
The sect leaders fell to their knees once more, their voices trembling with gratitude.
"Thank you, Creator Jin! Your generosity knows no bounds!" Elder Lin cried.
Jin raised a hand, silencing them. "These gifts are sufficient to elevate your sect to a high-grade level. Do not waste this opportunity. Complacency breeds failure."
The leaders bowed deeper, their foreheads nearly touching the ground. "We swear to honor your grace, great one!"
---
Sect Rankings
As they prepared to leave, Mochi tugged on Jin's sleeve. "Father, what does 'high-grade' mean?"
Jin glanced at her. "Sects and clans are categorized into four levels: low, middle, high, and transcendent. Your sister's former sect was barely middle-grade. Now, it is high-grade. It means their resources and capabilities have improved significantly."
Mochi nodded thoughtfully, though her understanding was limited. "Does that make them the best now?"
Jin's lips curved into a faint smile. "Not the best. But better."
---
Reflection
As they ascended into the sky once more, the Ethereal Moon Sect now a gleaming jewel in the distance, Jin's thoughts turned inward. He had given them the tools to rise, but their future was theirs to shape.
Mochi leaned against him, her small hands gripping the drake's reins. "Father, can we visit another sect next time?"
"Perhaps," Jin replied.
As they approached their home, Jin allowed himself a rare moment of peace. For all his power and responsibilities, these quiet moments with his daughter were a reminder of what truly mattered.