The Hall of Induction stood as a testament to the sect's legacy, its vaulted ceilings adorned with celestial carvings and moonlit beams filtering through jade panels. Despite its grandeur, the room felt strangely empty, with only two figures standing before the crescent-shaped dais—Mochi and Hua Yi.
The air carried a quiet solemnity as an elder, his snow-white hair flowing like silk, stepped forward. He radiated authority and an aura of deep cultivation, his sharp eyes studying the pair before him.
"Only two?" he murmured, more to himself than anyone else. His voice echoed in the spacious hall. "It has been some time since the Celestial Moon Pavilion opened its gates for late arrivals. Yet here you stand, outside the cycle, and with purpose."
Hua Yi stepped forward, her demeanor calm and respectful. "I am Hua Yi of the Hua Clan. My clan has long admired the Pavilion, and I seek to deepen my cultivation within its hallowed grounds."
The elder nodded slightly, his gaze shifting to Mochi, whose amber eyes gleamed with amusement. She offered a small wave, her tone light but confident. "I'm Mochi. No big titles, just me. I heard this place is incredible, and I want to see how far I can go."
The elder raised an eyebrow but didn't comment on her casual demeanor. Instead, he gestured toward the intricate moon phases etched into the dais. "The Celestial Moon Pavilion is not a place for idle curiosity. You will find that progress here is earned, not given."
Mochi's smirk widened, her auburn hair catching the light. "Good. I wouldn't want it any other way."
The elder's lips curved into the faintest of smiles. "Very well. Let the induction begin."
---
A Solemn Start
Though there were no other applicants, the induction ceremony was carried out with all the traditional formalities. The elder recited the sect's oaths, speaking of discipline, unity, and the pursuit of enlightenment. Mochi glanced at Hua Yi, who stood solemnly with her hands clasped.
When the elder finished, he extended a hand, and two crescent-shaped tokens materialized in the air, glowing softly with spiritual energy. He handed one to each of them.
"These tokens mark you as members of the Celestial Moon Pavilion. They also serve as keys to the sect's facilities. Guard them well."
The weight of the moment settled over them, even Mochi falling silent.
---
A Private Tour
Without a large group to manage, a senior disciple was assigned to guide just the two of them through the sect grounds. Their guide, Lian Feng, was a reserved man with sharp features and an air of quiet authority. He spoke little, but his explanations were thorough.
"This way," Lian Feng said, leading them out of the Hall of Induction and onto a crystalline bridge. Below, streams of glowing water wound through the sect's vast gardens, while towering jade spires loomed ahead.
"This is beautiful," Hua Yi murmured, her eyes taking in the scenery.
Mochi grinned, leaning over the railing of the bridge to watch the light-dappled waters. "It's like walking in a dream."
Lian Feng glanced at her but continued walking. He led them past the training grounds, where the clanging of weapons and bursts of spiritual energy punctuated the air. "These grounds will be your proving place. Every disciple spends countless hours here refining their techniques."
Next, they passed the sect's library—a towering structure with floating platforms that rotated slowly, carrying scrolls and tomes imbued with ancient knowledge. Mochi's eyes widened as she craned her neck to look up. "Do we just… jump to get those books?"
Lian Feng's expression remained neutral. "You'll learn how to access them. In time."
Hua Yi chuckled softly, while Mochi pouted.
---
The Dormitories
Their tour ended at the dormitories, elegant buildings nestled against the mountainside. Each was designed for privacy and focus, with small courtyards and meditation areas.
"These are your quarters," Lian Feng said, gesturing toward two adjacent rooms. "You'll find the sect provides everything necessary for cultivation. Do not disrupt the harmony of this place."
Mochi peered inside her room, noting the minimalist yet comfortable design. "Not bad. A bit too tidy, but I can fix that."
Hua Yi sighed. "Just don't make a mess."
---
A Curious Encounter
Later that evening, Mochi wandered through the gardens outside the dormitories. The luminous flowers and faintly glowing streams gave the area an otherworldly beauty. Shimmer, her golden fox-like familiar, darted playfully among the foliage, its tiny wings scattering sparks of light.
As she strolled, Mochi noticed a figure seated beneath a large spirit tree. The man's emerald eyes glinted in the faint light, and his presence felt calm yet commanding. He was dressed in the sect's green robes but bore an insignia that marked him as someone of significant rank.
Curious, Mochi approached, her steps light. "Mind if I join you?"
The man looked up, his expression unreadable. "The gardens are open to all."
Mochi plopped down beside him, Shimmer fluttering onto her shoulder. "You're not very chatty, are you?"
The man regarded her for a moment before speaking. "Silence often reveals more than words."
She tilted her head, intrigued. "Philosophical. I like it. Got a name?"
"Call me Jian," he said simply, his gaze shifting to Shimmer. "Your companion is unusual."
Mochi smiled, stroking Shimmer's fur. "Yeah, Shimmer's one of a kind. What about you? You seem like you've been here forever."
Jian's lips twitched in what might have been a smile. "Long enough."
Their conversation was brief, but as Mochi returned to her room, she couldn't help but feel there was more to Jian than he let on.
---
The Next Morning
The first bell tolled at dawn, signaling the start of a new day. Mochi and Hua Yi met outside their dorms, both wearing their newly issued robes.
"Ready for your first day?" Hua Yi asked.
Mochi stretched, her auburn hair catching the sunlight. "More than ready. Let's see what this place is made of."
As they walked toward the training grounds, the sect's activity buzzed around them—a blend of discipline, ambition, and quiet determination. The journey had only just begun, but the challenges ahead promised to be as thrilling as they were daunting.