The grand assembly hall of the Verdant Sky Sect buzzed with the excited murmurs of new disciples. The space was massive, its ceiling vaulted and decorated with intricate carvings of dragons and phoenixes swirling amidst clouds. Pillars of jade and gold lined the hall, radiating an aura of majesty that left many in awe.
Yohan, Elara, and Selene stood among the crowd, each silently observing the grandeur in their own way. Yohan's expression remained cold, his crimson eyes scanning the room for potential threats. Elara looked determined, though she couldn't help but glance nervously at the older disciples standing at the front of the hall. Selene, as bold as ever, smirked with excitement, clearly eager for whatever lay ahead.
The murmurs quieted as a figure stepped onto the raised platform at the center of the hall. A tall man with flowing green robes and a commanding presence, Elder Wei, one of the sect's senior leaders, exuded an air of authority. His sharp gaze swept over the crowd, silencing even the faintest whispers.
"Welcome, new disciples, to the Verdant Sky Sect," Elder Wei began, his voice echoing through the hall with an almost tangible weight. "You have passed the entry test, but understand this: stepping through these gates is merely the beginning. Your journey to greatness will be long, arduous, and fraught with challenges."
He paused, letting his words sink in.
"In this sect, strength reigns supreme, but it is not the only measure of a disciple's worth. Our ranking system will determine your position, privileges, and future within these walls. Your rank is earned through merit, missions, and duels with fellow disciples. Every contribution you make, every battle you win, will raise your standing. However, fail to meet expectations, and you will fall into obscurity—or worse, be expelled."
The crowd stirred uneasily at his warning.
Elder Wei continued, his tone growing sterner. "Duels are a crucial part of life in the sect. They foster growth and test your resolve. However, there are rules. Regular duels must stop before serious injury is inflicted. But if you wish to stake your life, you may challenge another to a life-or-death match. Be warned—such matches are not taken lightly, and the sect will not intervene, regardless of the outcome."
Yohan's eyes narrowed. The mention of life-or-death matches intrigued him, though he noted the dangers. Elara frowned, clearly uneasy with the notion, while Selene looked unfazed, her arms crossed confidently.
Elder Wei's gaze sharpened, as if daring anyone to question him. "The path of cultivation is not for the faint of heart. This is your opportunity to rise above mediocrity and carve your name into the annals of history. But know this: the Verdant Sky Sect does not tolerate weakness or complacency. Only the strong will thrive."
He gestured toward the towering gates at the back of the hall, which slowly began to open, revealing a sprawling courtyard bustling with activity. Disciples of all ranks sparred, meditated, and worked on various tasks, their energy palpable even from a distance.
"This," Elder Wei said, his voice booming, "is your new home. Go forth, explore, and prepare yourselves. Your true trials begin now."
The crowd erupted into whispers once more as the new disciples began filing out of the hall and were led to the central courtyard.
Yohan turned to Elara and Selene. "Stay focused," he said coldly. "The ranking system will determine how we're treated here. Falling behind isn't an option."
Elara nodded, determination hardening her features. "I understand. We'll do what it takes."
Selene smirked, leaning closer to Yohan. "Don't worry. With you around, I doubt we'll have any trouble climbing the ranks."
Yohan ignored her, his mind already turning over strategies to navigate this new environment. The Verdant Sky Sect was a battlefield in its own right, and he intended to come out on top.
The new disciples gathered in the central courtyard, the morning sun casting long shadows over the bustling area. The courtyard had been transformed into a makeshift arena, with rows of desks and elders seated behind them. Disciples lined up, shuffling forward as their names were called.
Yohan, Elara, and Selene stood together, their eyes scanning the scene. The sound of murmuring voices and the occasional shout from sect officials filled the air.
Elara fidgeted nervously. "I wonder what kind of duties they'll assign us. I hope we get something manageable."
Selene smirked. "As long as I'm not stuck cleaning latrines, I'll be fine."
Yohan remained silent, his arms crossed as he observed the process.
An elder near the front raised his hand, calling for attention. "Disciples, step forward when your name is called. You will receive your initial class placement and duty assignments. These are determined based on your performance in the entry test and your potential as assessed by the elders."
The process began, with names being called one by one. Each disciple received a small scroll containing their assignments and instructions.
"Elara Moonstone," the elder announced.
Elara glanced nervously at Yohan before stepping forward. The elder handed her a scroll, and she returned to their group, her expression a mix of relief and curiosity.
"I've been assigned to the Herbalism and Combat Basics class," she said, unrolling her scroll. "And my duty is helping in the alchemy labs."
Selene leaned over to peek at the scroll. "That's not too bad. At least you're not scrubbing floors."
A few more names were called before the elder's voice rang out again. "Selene Ardentia."
Selene strode forward confidently, her silver hair catching the sunlight. She accepted her scroll and returned, smirking.
"Combat Advanced and Beast Taming," she said, waving the scroll. "Looks like they recognize my talents."
Elara rolled her eyes. "Of course you'd get something flashy."
Finally, the elder called out, "Yohan Long."
Yohan stepped forward, his cold demeanor drawing a few curious glances from the crowd. He accepted the scroll without a word and returned to the group.
"What did you get?" Elara asked, peering at him.
Yohan unrolled the scroll, his crimson eyes scanning the contents. "Combat Advanced and Resource Acquisition."
Elara tilted her head. "Resource Acquisition?"
Selene grinned. "That's just a fancy way of saying you'll be hunting beasts and gathering materials. Suits you, though."
Yohan folded the scroll and slipped it into his pocket. "It doesn't matter. Let's focus on what's next."
Before they could discuss further, the elder clapped his hands. "Assignments have been distributed, meet back here in one hour for team assignments. Dismissed!"
As the disciples began dispersing, Yohan's mind was already strategizing. Combat classes would provide an opportunity to hone his skills, while Resource Acquisition offered chances to earn Path Tokens and strengthen himself.
Selene nudged him playfully. "Guess we'll be in the same combat class. Try not to get left behind, Yohan."
He shot her a glance but said nothing, his expression as unreadable as ever.
Elara frowned, her unease clear. "We should stick together as much as possible. It's safer that way."
Yohan nodded. "Agreed. For now, focus on learning and improving. The sect's ranking system won't wait for anyone."
The group walked away, each lost in their thoughts. The Verdant Sky Sect was proving to be as competitive and dangerous as they had anticipated, and the real challenges were just beginning.
The central courtyard buzzed with energy as the new disciples gathered once again, this time for team assignments. Elders and senior disciples stood on an elevated platform, overseeing the process. The atmosphere was tense, with whispers of speculation rippling through the crowd.
Yohan, Elara, and Selene stood together near the edge of the group. Elara crossed her arms, glancing at Selene, who stood a little too close to Yohan for her liking.
"I wonder how they'll decide the teams," Elara muttered.
Selene smirked. "Probably based on how impressive we were during the entry test. Shouldn't be a problem for me."
Elara narrowed her eyes. "It's not a competition, Selene."
Selene leaned in closer to Elara whipering, her voice teasing. "Everything's a competition, Elara. Especially when it comes to Yohan."
Yohan ignored the bickering, his crimson eyes fixed on the elders. His mind was elsewhere, already strategizing how to approach these missions.
An elder stepped forward, raising a hand for silence. "Disciples, your first missions will require teamwork and coordination. As such, we have pre-assigned teams based on your performance in the entry test and your demonstrated abilities."
A younger disciple unrolled a scroll, calling out names. The process was slow, and the tension in the air grew with each team announced.
"Elara Moonstone, Selene Ardentie, Yohan Long…"
Elara froze, her eyes widening. "What? We're on the same team?"
Selene's lips curled into a mischievous grin. "Well, isn't this perfect? Looks like fate wants us together, Yohan."
Elara glared at her. "This is going to be a nightmare."
The elder continued, "... along with Kai Ren and Darius Feng."
Yohan glanced at the two male disciples who had also been assigned to their team. Kai was the same young man Yohan had helped during the mountain climb, his bright green eyes shining with gratitude. Darius, on the other hand, was taller and more muscular, with a serious expression and a large broadsword strapped to his back.
Kai waved enthusiastically. "Looks like we're teammates! I'll do my best to contribute!"
Darius gave a curt nod. "Let's focus on the missions. Personalities don't matter as long as we get the job done."
Selene placed a hand on Yohan's shoulder, ignoring the other two. "This is going to be fun, isn't it?"
Elara clenched her fists. "If you call constantly being annoyed 'fun,' then sure."
Yohan finally spoke, his voice cold and steady. "Enough. We're a team now. Focus on the tasks ahead, not your petty arguments."
His words silenced both girls, though Selene's grin remained.
The elder concluded the announcements. "Teams, you will receive your first mission details tomorrow morning. Prepare yourselves. Dismissed!"
As the crowd dispersed, Elara sighed, her frustration evident. "This is going to be a long journey."
Selene laughed, linking her arm with Yohan's. "Oh, come on, Elara. It'll be fun. Let's see how well we can all work together."
Yohan shook her off, stepping ahead. "Let's go. There's work to do."
Elara and Selene exchanged a glance, their rivalry flaring silently, before following him. The first mission hadn't even started, but it was clear that navigating the dynamics of this team would be a challenge in itself.