Shen Xiang and Xia Ning Chang stopped in front of the large gate of the High Heaven Pavilion, a sect that was not very well known because of its weak power and influence in the cultivation world.
They both gazed at the gate with some nervousness. Shen Xiang, who was accustomed to many situations, tried to remain calm. Xia Ning Chang, who was slightly younger than him, walked with steady steps, though her face showed a mixture of curiosity and anxiety.
Just as they moved closer, a gatekeeper, seemingly a disciple of the sect, stopped them.
The gatekeeper wore black servant robes with the High Heaven Pavilion emblem brightly glowing on the left side of his chest. His face appeared stern, filled with seriousness.
"Stop, state your purpose for coming to the High Heaven Pavilion?" the gatekeeper asked in a loud, authoritative voice.
Shen Xiang, who was no stranger to such situations, felt no intimidation. He answered in a calm and firm tone, "We both wish to join the High Heaven Pavilion."
Although the gatekeeper's voice sounded somewhat harsh, Shen Xiang was not bothered. Perhaps such behavior was part of their procedure to verify who was trying to enter their sect.
Xia Ning Chang, standing beside him, lowered her head slightly and waited for the next step.
The gatekeeper paused for a moment, seemingly considering something deeply. After a few seconds, he nodded and instructed his companion beside him.
"Wait here, I'll call for an elder to check on you," he said before walking into a simple building not far from the entrance.
Shen Xiang and Xia Ning Chang stood there, using the time to prepare themselves.
Soon after, an old man appeared from the same building, followed by the gatekeeper disciple who had returned. The elder wore a long blue robe, and his sharp gaze radiated great wisdom and strength.
The elder stopped in front of them, scrutinizing Shen Xiang and Xia Ning Chang intently. He observed both of them without speaking, seemingly attempting to sense their power through his spiritual perception.
However, something seemed off. It was as though a barrier was preventing him from fully sensing their strength.
He squinted his eyes, slightly surprised by this, and finally spoke in a serious tone, "State your names and cultivation levels," he ordered, his voice filled with curiosity.
Shen Xiang, who was used to handling such situations, was not at all pressured. "Greetings, Elder," Shen Xiang said respectfully.
"My name is Shen Xiang, I am 17 years old, and as for my cultivation…" Calmly, Shen Xiang released a slight bit of his aura, allowing the elder to feel it.
The elder was taken aback and almost fell over. Shen Xiang was not joking. He could feel an immense aura of power, and after a moment, he realized that this young man had already reached the 7th stage of the Separation and Union Realm at such a young age.
This was an extraordinary achievement, even among the elites of major sects. The elder's mouth hung open, unable to hide his astonishment.
However, the elder's surprise was far from over. Xia Ning Chang, standing next to Shen Xiang, spoke softly, but the aura she released nearly made the elder lose his balance.
"Greetings, Elder," Xia Ning Chang said humbly. "My name is Xia Ning Chang, I am 12 years old, and as for my cultivation…" With full confidence, she also released a bit of her aura.
The elder was stunned, his eyes nearly bulging. Xia Ning Chang, still so young, had already reached the 6th stage of the Separation and Union Realm, a level that was exceedingly rare in this world.
Most disciples at 12 years old were just beginning their training, yet Xia Ning Chang was already at such an incredible level. It was hard to believe that these two young people had such immense potential.
After a tense moment, Elder Su finally spoke. "My name is Su Xuan Wu, I am the second elder of the High Heaven Pavilion. You may call me Elder Su. Follow me."
He instructed the two gatekeeper disciples, still standing in place, "After your duties are done, come to me for your rewards."
Elder Su led them through the vast sect complex, passing several hallways adorned with intricate carvings and paintings depicting legendary tales. They finally arrived at the Elder's Hall, a grand room with extremely high ceilings and walls lined with books.
"Here, wait a moment," Elder Su said. "I must meet with a few other elders to discuss your acceptance."
Shen Xiang and Xia Ning Chang sat in the reception room, which was simple yet comfortable. They exchanged glances, and a slight awkwardness lingered between them, but they both knew this was a significant step in their journey.
Meanwhile, in a conference room not far from there, five main elders of the High Heaven Pavilion sat around a large table, discussing in quiet but serious voices. They were deliberating whether they should accept Shen Xiang and Xia Ning Chang into their sect.
Great Elder, Wei Xi Tong, who was known for his arrogance and greed, voiced the first opinion. "Could this young man be a disguised enemy? We should interrogate him directly. If he has malicious intentions, we must stop him before it's too late."
However, Elder Su, who was more cautious, tried to calm the situation. "Isn't that a bit excessive, Elder Wei? We must be careful when judging people. If we're too harsh on them, they might feel uncomfortable and choose to join another sect."
But Wei Xi Tong paid no attention to Elder Su's advice. "Better to kill them now and avoid problems in the future. They must have high-level techniques, and look how strong they are at such a young age. If we let them live, they could become a huge threat to us."
Before anyone could respond, suddenly the door to the conference room exploded into pieces. All the elders were startled, and the chill that ran down their spines made them feel as if great danger was near.
They immediately turned around, only to see a handsome young man standing at the door, his eyes glaring at Wei Xi Tong with hostility.
"Is there anyone here who intends harm against my little sister and me?" the young man's voice rang out, filled with fury.
Wei Xi Tong, enraged, immediately shouted, "How dare you! I'll kill you, brat!"
However, before Wei Xi Tong could make a move, Shen Xiang swiftly shot forward, and in an instant, he was standing in front of Wei Xi Tong. With one devastating blow that shook the air, Wei Xi Tong's body was sent flying into the air, crashing down into the sect's plaza.
The elders in the room could only watch a shadow pass by in an instant before hearing the loud explosion that shook the entire sect.
They stood frozen, not daring to move a muscle, sensing that if they intervened, their lives would be at risk.
Elder Su calmly observed the scene. He noticed the large crater on the floor where Shen Xiang had been standing and realized that the young man had only used his physical strength from start to finish.
"Ai, let's go outside and assess the situation," Elder Su said calmly, not feeling the need to interfere further. "Wei Xi Tong was wrong in this matter."
Meanwhile, Shen Xiang slowly walked toward Wei Xi Tong, who was lying on the ground, his body twisted from the harsh impact.
Shen Xiang looked at him with a sharp gaze. "It seems you were the one who wanted to kill my little sister," he said, his voice filled with hatred.
The elders, still silent, could only watch in horror.