Chapter 12: A New Beginning and the Call to Prepare
The sun was setting, casting a warm golden hue over the Supreme Celestial Sect. Zhang Xian stood at the head of the main hall, the echoes of footsteps signaling the arrival of the 36 cultivators who had sworn loyalty to him. Each of them was a pillar of strength in their own right, but today, they would face a new reality. Zhang Xian was about to share something deeply personal, and his intentions for the future would be laid bare.
The 36 cultivators, now gathered in the hall, stood at attention, their expressions a mix of curiosity and respect. Some had long known of Zhang Xian's growing bond with He Ruxue, while others had suspected it. But now, with the time having come, Zhang Xian would officially announce his relationship with her and inform them of the matters at hand.
He cleared his throat, drawing the attention of every cultivator in the room. The energy shifted, the weight of the moment settling in.
"My loyal cultivators," Zhang Xian began, his voice calm but filled with determination. "I have called you here today to share two important pieces of information. First, I wish to make it known that He Ruxue, my trusted companion and disciple, is no longer just that. She is my wife. From this moment onward, she stands by my side as an equal, not only in cultivation but in life."
The cultivators exchanged glances, a mixture of surprise and acknowledgment. He Ruxue, standing beside Zhang Xian, nodded in quiet agreement, her Dao Physique still shining softly as a symbol of her strength and status. She was no longer just another disciple in the Sect; her position had shifted, as had the very dynamics of the Supreme Celestial Sect.
Zhang Xian continued, his tone firm but compassionate. "I trust that all of you understand the significance of this. He Ruxue has earned this place by her strength, dedication, and unwavering loyalty to the Sect. I ask for your support in welcoming her into this new role. This is not just a personal decision—it is a step toward the unity and strength of our Sect."
A few of the cultivators nodded, understanding the importance of maintaining harmony within the Sect. Others, particularly the female cultivators, seemed to silently approve of the bond. Zhang Xian had always led with strength and fairness, and this new declaration did not appear to detract from that. Instead, it added to his resolve and vision for the future.
The atmosphere shifted slightly as Zhang Xian moved on to the second matter he wished to address.
"Now," he said, his gaze growing serious. "There is another matter we must prepare for. Every twenty years, a critical event takes place outside our Sect. It is known as the Demon Suppression Event. Cultivators from across the world, including the most powerful sects, gather to suppress the demon beasts that have emerged from weakened seals of a powerful ancient demon. These beasts are a threat to not just the weak sects, but to all cultivators. This is a time when we must unite to ensure the safety and order of the cultivation world."
The cultivators in the hall exchanged concerned looks. The event was well known among the older generations, though many had never participated. The Demon Suppression Event was infamous for its perilous nature. It was not just a simple battle against beasts—it was an effort to maintain balance in the entire cultivation world.
Zhang Xian's voice grew more determined. "I am aware that many of you have remained within the boundaries of the Sect, far removed from the outside world. But the time has come for us to step beyond the borders of our sanctuary. This event will affect us all, and the Sect must be ready. We will not hide from this threat. We will prepare for the event and show the world the power of the Supreme Celestial Sect."
A murmur of agreement spread among the 36 cultivators. Many of them had already anticipated this moment, knowing that Zhang Xian would eventually lead them to greater things. The time of isolation had come to an end, and they would stand alongside their Sect Master, as they had always done.
Zhang Xian continued, addressing each cultivator with an intense gaze. "We will begin preparations immediately. We are not only gathering intelligence but also making sure that we are capable of defending ourselves when the time comes. We must demonstrate our strength, our unity, and our resolve to the world. You have all been chosen because of your abilities, and it is now time for you to prove yourselves."
The 36 cultivators stood straighter, a sense of pride and determination settling over them. Zhang Xian was not just a leader; he was their guiding light. They would follow him into whatever challenges lay ahead, knowing that their Sect's future depended on it.
He glanced at He Ruxue, who stood silently beside him. Her calm expression showed no sign of fear, only determination. The two of them would face this challenge together, as they always had.
Zhang Xian concluded, "I will trust each of you with your specific duties in preparation for this event. Some of you will be responsible for gathering information on the movements of other sects and the demon beasts. Others will help reinforce the defenses of the Sect and ensure that we are ready for any potential conflict. We will act as one. United in purpose, our strength will be unstoppable."
The cultivators bowed in unison, their voices rising as one in respect for their leader.
"Yes, Sect Master!" they chorused.
Zhang Xian nodded, his heart swelling with pride for the cultivators who had pledged their loyalty to him. This was the beginning of their journey beyond the Sect, and it would be a defining moment in their history.
"We are not just a Sect," Zhang Xian said, his voice strong. "We are a force to be reckoned with. The world will learn of the Supreme Celestial Sect, and they will remember us."
As the last of his words echoed through the hall, Zhang Xian's gaze fell on He Ruxue once more. The bond between them, now strengthened by both declaration and purpose, was clear to all present. Together, they would lead the Supreme Celestial Sect into a new era, one where their strength would be known far and wide.
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End of Chapter 12