The journey through the skies was breathtaking, the three selected clan members—Duō Xuān, Duō Wei, and Zen—soaring high above the mountains on the massive crane's back alongside Senior Brother Kong. The air was crisp and brimming with energy, invigorating them as they looked out at endless landscapes they had only ever dreamed of.
Xuān, unable to hold in his excitement, leaned forward and bombarded Kong with questions. "Senior Brother Kong, how big is the sect really? How many disciples are there? And what should we expect?"
The envoy, Kong, regarded Xuān with mild annoyance but replied curtly, his tone somewhat dismissive yet tinged with pride. "The White Crane Sect holds thousands of outer disciples and hundreds of inner disciples, each at various levels of cultivation. The sect's land spans millions of kilometers. Each peak is dedicated to specialized forms of cultivation, and only the worthy ever see the true heart of the sect."
Xuān pressed on with more questions, some of which Kong answered with brief, detached replies, while others he ignored entirely. Zen and Wei, however, were mostly silent, their gazes fixed on the scenery. They each held a sense of awe but maintained their composure, allowing Xuān to satiate his curiosity as they traveled.
After hours of flight, just as fatigue began to weigh on them, Kong finally broke his silence. "We're here."
The three looked down, and what they saw took their breath away. As the crane began its descent, the White Crane Sect's magnificence unfurled beneath them, an ethereal sight of towering peaks piercing the clouds, wrapped in mist and gleaming with rivers of crystalline water. Golden pagodas rose like jewels set against lush forests, connected by pathways carved into the rock that seemed to glow faintly with spiritual energy. The sight was like something out of a fairytale, beyond anything they had ever envisioned. They could see disciples in robes moving along these pathways, some meditating, others practicing martial techniques, creating an atmosphere of both serenity and boundless strength.
They descended toward an expansive gate, framed by statues of cranes that appeared so lifelike they could take flight at any moment. At the gate, two young figures awaited them, each exuding a disciplined, powerful aura despite their youthful appearances.
As the crane landed with a gentle rustle, the two figures stepped forward and greeted Kong with deep bows, their voices ringing in unison. "We welcome your return, Senior Brother Kong."
Kong gave a slight nod of acknowledgment. "These are the new disciples from the Duō clan branch. Show them around and inform them of the rules." Without another word, he remounted his crane, which took off with a powerful beat of its wings, heading deeper into the sect's inner peaks. The three could only watch in awe as the crane ascended, quickly disappearing among the towering peaks shrouded in mist.
The female disciple, a young woman with brown hair and eyes, sighed dreamily as she watched Kong depart. "Senior Brother Kong is so... ethereal," she murmured, her voice carrying a hint of longing.
The male disciple next to her rolled his eyes. "Focus, Lián. We have work to do." Turning his attention to the three newcomers, he introduced himself with a stern look. "Welcome to the White Crane Sect. I am Zhào Jìn, and currently at the 6th stage of the Qi Gathering Realm."
Xuān, Wei, and Zen exchanged startled glances. To them, the 6th stage of Qi Gathering was a level only their elders had achieved, a cultivation that symbolized years of dedication and talent. Yet here was someone, barely older than them, who had already reached such a realm. Zhào Jìn's smug expression did little to hide his satisfaction at their reactions.
Lián rolled her eyes at his pride but introduced herself as well. "And I am Lián Yuè, currently at the 5th stage of the Qi Gathering Realm." She gave them a quick smile, then glanced slyly at Duō Wei, her interest piqued by his calm demeanor and striking features. Her tone turned flirtatious as she addressed him. "Junior Brother, what is your name?"
"Duō Wei," he replied politely, meeting her gaze without the faintest hint of interest.
She leaned closer, her voice a sultry whisper. "If you ever need anything... and I do mean anything, you can come to this Senior Sister."
Zhào Jìn, watching the interaction, scowled slightly and muttered, "She's at it again."
Clearing his throat, he resumed the tour, his tone shifting to a more serious note. "The White Crane Sect values strength above all else. Here, only talent and dedication will allow you to rise. Backing from your clan will earn you nothing within these walls. This sect is home to thousands of outer disciples, each with unique abilities, all competing for limited resources and recognition."
He gestured towards a series of towering peaks that seemed to radiate power. "The pathway to becoming an inner disciple is grueling. Only those who reach the Foundation Establishment Realm are even considered."
The three clan members took in every word, both humbled and motivated by the standards laid out before them. This sect operated on a different scale altogether; here, they were no longer among the elite but mere students at the start of a daunting journey.
Zhào Jìn continued as they passed through the grand archway. "The rules are simple but strict. Killing a fellow disciple is forbidden and will result in severe disciplinary actions from the sect's elders."
Lián Yuè added, "The sect operates on a contribution point system. Missions are assigned, and completing them earns you points that can be traded for valuable resources, cultivation techniques, and tools. You'll find the Hall of Missions in the outer disciple compound. Make sure to complete tasks regularly; contribution points will be your lifeline."
"Also," Zhào Jìn interjected, "competitions are held yearly. The top performers earn the privilege to challenge for a spot in the inner sect. Every week, an inner disciple will give lectures open to outer disciples. If you're lucky, you might gain some invaluable insights." He paused, letting the gravity of his words sink in.
The three absorbed the information, each considering their own ambitions. This was no Duō clan courtyard; they were now part of a world where talent was everything, where each step forward would require sweat, strategy, and sacrifice.
As they walked deeper into the sect grounds, they passed countless disciples, each radiating strength and focus. It was a humbling experience, a stark reminder that they were small fish in an ocean of talent. The splendor of the sect—its towering pagodas, lush courtyards, and hidden valleys—was undercut by a palpable tension, a relentless drive for strength and survival.
Lián Yuè glanced at Wei one last time as they neared the dormitories designated for outer disciples. "Remember what I said, Junior Brother. Any time you need guidance… or anything else," she said with a playful wink.
Zhào Jìn rolled his eyes. "Enough, Lián. They need rest and focus if they're going to survive here."
They both left, leaving Xuān, Wei, and Zen to take in the overwhelming reality of their new life. The White Crane Sect was both beautiful and intimidating, a place where grandeur masked the ferocity of competition lurking beneath. As the three settled into their quarters, a mutual silence passed between them. They had crossed a threshold, leaving behind the familiarity of the Duō clan, stepping into a realm where the path forward would be defined by their own strength and ambition.
The sect's echoes of power and mystery hung in the air, promising both wonder and peril. And as they each looked up at the towering peaks, they understood that they had just embarked on a journey that would test every fiber of their being.