Chapter 7: To the Red Valley Sect!
As the examination concluded, the elder gave the participants time to bid farewell to their entourages. The atmosphere was filled with a mix of excitement and melancholy as the successful participants prepared to leave for the Red Valley Sect.
Da Cai approached Uncle Yun, his emotions welling up. The older man's eyes, though calm, glistened with unshed tears. "You've grown so much, Da Cai," Uncle Yun said, his voice steady yet warm. "Remember, the world is vast, like an endless ocean. What you've seen so far is but a drop. Always keep your heart open to learning and your spirit strong. A tree that bends to the wind survives the storm, but the one that stands rigid may break."
Da Cai nodded, committing the words to memory. "Thank you, Uncle. I will never forget your kindness and teachings."
Uncle Yun handed Da Cai a small bag filled with clothes, essentials, and a modest amount of money. "This will help you in the days to come," he said, pressing an ordinary-looking necklace into Da Cai's hand. "This belonged to my late wife. It's nothing fancy, but it carries memories. Keep it close as a reminder of home."
Da Cai's throat tightened as he accepted the gift. "I will treasure it."
After a final embrace, Da Cai joined the other participants. He turned back for one last look at Uncle Yun, who stood firm, watching him with pride and hope.
When the allotted time was over, the elder clapped his hands. "Time is up. Prepare yourselves for the journey."
The entire venue began to shimmer, and before their astonished eyes, all the structures and equipment were packed away into what appeared to be a storage ring. The participants' murmurs filled the air, marveling at the convenience and power of such a device.
"Now, we proceed to the Red Valley Sect," the elder declared.
He pointed toward the horizon, where a black dot was visible against the sky. The participants squinted, trying to make out the shape. As it approached, the air seemed to hum with energy. The city's array shield lit up in response, glowing faintly to indicate its readiness. However, the shield soon retracted when the object was identified—a massive flying ship bearing the insignia of the Red Valley Sect.
Gasps erupted from the crowd as the ship hovered closer. Its size was awe-inspiring, dwarfing any structure in Red City. Smooth and sleek, the ship floated effortlessly in the air, its mechanisms a mystery to Da Cai and many others.
To Da Cai, it was like witnessing magic. Despite his memories of the modern world, this technology—or was it cultivation? He couldn't tell—was beyond anything he had ever seen.
The ship didn't dock. Instead, a mechanism lowered platforms to the ground, allowing participants to board. Da Cai watched in amazement as the platforms glided smoothly up to the ship, carrying groups of passengers with ease. When it was his turn, he stepped onto the platform, gripping the rail as it lifted him into the air.
Once aboard, Da Cai was handed a set of bright red robes. "These signify your status as an Outer Disciple," said a sect official, her tone brisk but not unkind. Along with the robes, he received a manual detailing the sect's rules and a small starter kit for cultivation—a pouch containing a few spirit stones, basic medicinal pills, and a rudimentary cultivation technique scroll.
"Memorize the rules," the official instructed. "Disobedience is not tolerated in the Red Valley Sect."
Da Cai nodded, tucking the items into his bag. The ship's interior was spacious, filled with corridors and chambers that hummed with the energy of runes etched into the walls. Everything about the ship spoke of the sect's power and sophistication.
As the ship began its ascent, the participants gathered near the viewing platforms, watching Red City shrink beneath them. The elder's voice echoed through the halls. "The journey to the Red Valley Sect will take a week. Use this time wisely to familiarize yourselves with the manual and prepare for the challenges ahead."
Da Cai found a quiet corner to sit, clutching the necklace Uncle Yun had given him. He looked out at the endless expanse of sky, his heart a mixture of excitement and trepidation. His journey had truly begun, and he vowed to make the most of the opportunities ahead.