Within seconds a scenery as pretty as a picture was created on the site. The flowers are really beautiful~

Two fair and elegant twin sisters of about age 30 with slender bodies, wearing matching orange hanfu with their black hair tied in a bun. One has a thin sword hanging on her waist, she is the Martial Arts Pavilion Master of Sunlight Sect, Fan Xin. Her twin sister, the Beast Pavilion Elder Fan Min is carrying a whip on her waist. Her Beast Companion is a White Spirit Peacock, a rank 8 spiritual beast, roosting besides her leg.

Standing next to them is a 5'5", 20 years old woman with black hair tied in a ponytail, medium brown skin with a sweet smile and a chiseled face. She is wearing a yellow hanfu with a sword hanging on her waist. The direct disciple of the Outer Sect Elder Shen Zan, the lady is none other than Tian Lei.

Shaking her hands right now is the Venerable Lou's disciple, Xu Xin. A cheerful lady of 20 years old, average height, petite body with a cute face and long black hair. She is wearing a green hanfu.

This charming group of maidens is more than enough to spark desires in any man's heart, but unfortunately they are being overshadowed by a single 20 years old beauty present in the same bevy of ladies—

Her shiny black hair, adorned with a blue pin is like a waterfall reaching her knees. Her jade white skin is smooth, without any blemishes. She has limpid black eyes, deep as the ocean. An oval face with chiseled nose and soft rosy lips. A curvaceous body with slightly bigger than medium breasts. Wearing a deep blue hanfu, standing 5 feet 7 inches tall, she is like a moon which can only be admired but not touched. A gorgeous beauty with a calm temperament. Chu Dongmei!

No one can deny that this silent beauty can cause the downfall of any nation!

Gulping noises could be heard coming from the men in this gathering of Cultivators as their eyes fell on Chu Dongmei— Old or young, rich or poor, hated or respected, no one can keep their calm looking at such a beauty.

Even our Zhu Furong stood agape for a second before coming back to his senses.

He cleared his throat and rubbed his nose with embarrassment. Even though he isn't interested in women other than Jiu Weici, some things could not be helped as a man.

'Senior Sister was always beautiful but it seems like she is getting more and more pretty as time passes.'

The man couldn't help but admire the beauty.

As he was lost in the thought a heavy hand landed on his shoulder.

Turning back, Zhu Furong couldn't help but flinch.

A five feet eleven inch, strong bulky guy with light brown skin and a heavy sword on his back. His square face has a beard and a mustache. The guy is none other than Zhu Furong's sworn brother, Tian Su.

After confirming his brother's identity, Tian Su's mouth curved in a wide smile.

"As I thought, it's you. Long time no see brother!" Saying this, Tian Su put his thick arm across Zhu Furong's neck and dragged him towards the Sunlight Sect's gathering area.

"Hey, wait Tian Su, I cannot go there."

His words fell on deaf ears as Tian Su shouted with joy—

"Hey Tian Lei, check who I found in the crowd, my little brother, Zhu Fu—Zuo Rong!"

Zhu Furong cussed in his mind, 'This brown bear! When did I become his Little Brother?—Wait! What did he just call me?'

Zhu Furong turned his head towards Tian Su with inquiry.

Tian Su cleared his throat with a fist near his mouth, he whispered—

"Sorry, I was worried about you and forced Elder Wu Hao to spill the beans."

He frowned, "By the way, you sure you don't need my help?"

Zhu Furong spoke nonchalantly, "Family matters should be solved by family members."

Tian Su nodded, "Well, I don't think a genius like Ming Zen will need the help of someone like me anyways."

Zhu Furong patted Tian Su's back.

"No worries, the day you evolve to a Heavenly Bear, come and find me. I can use some help."

"What?"

Zhu Furong clevery changed the subject, "Who else knows about my identity?"

Tian Su thought for a second before replying, "I think Pavilion Master Fan Xin is the only other person who knows. Hmm... No one else."

Zhu Furong nodded slightly.

The duo has reached the bevy of ladies while whispering to each other.

...

"Zuo Rong, how have you been?" Fan Xin asked.

Zhu Furong slauted, "I have been doing well, Pavilion Master."

"Is this the disciple Elder Ma wanted to take?"

The one who asked is none other than Martial Arts Pavilion Elder, Chang Shun. A fair and handsome looking man.

"Yes he is." Fan Xin agreed.

"I heard he left the sect because of some family issues— Is everything alright? If not, I can provide you with some help— privately." Chang Shun smiled at Zhu Furong.

Zhu Furong slauted, "Thanks for the Elder's concern, but family matters should be solved by family members. It's better for future development." He passed the same words he told Tian Su.

Chang Shun nodded, "Smart."

The formalities were done, so Chang Shun went away to meet with the superiors of other sects with a face full of doubt.

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

'I get the feeling that I have met that boy somewhere before... But where?'

...

"Since you are here, your Cultivation rank must have improved?" Fan Xin asked.

Zhu Furong nodded, "I am currently at peak Foundation Establishment rank."

"Cough! Cough! Cough!" Fan Min choked on hearing this.

The other ladies are also amazed while Tian Su blushed with shame standing beside Zhu Furong.

He scratched the back of his head and murmured in an audible voice—

"This guy... It has only been a year and he already jumped two small ranks. At this pace I feel like he will surpass me by next year."

Fan Min asked with hesitation, "If I am not wrong... You are only 15 years old right?"

"Yes." Zhu Furong nodded.

This time Fan Min muttered in an audible voice, "If Prince Ming Zen and Thousand Arms Sect's Star Disciple Ryujin are heavenly geniuses then what is this guy?— He doesn't look much different from them."

Everyone subconsciously nodded in agreement.

...

While these people were in disbelief, a lady in the group was throwing daggers at Zhu Furong.

Noticing the heat, Zhu Furong turned his head to only meet the fiery eyes of Xu Xin. He instantly turned his head back, ignoring her.

...

"How much do you know about the Dragon Palace?" Fan Xin asked.

"Just some general knowledge that it belongs to some Ancient Dragon species and appears every 10,000 years. Only Cultivators below mid Revolving Core rank can enter the palace and the palace is filled with traps and treasures." Zhu Furong answered.

"That's not enough information."

Saying this, Fan Xin called—

"Disciples of Sunlight Sect who will be entering the Dragon Palace gather here. I will be doing a final explanation."

Soon a few more disciples gathered. This group consists of two peak Foundation Establishment rank disciples from the Inner Sect and 2 Core Formation rank disciples from the Outer Sect. Along with them is Xidi Junjie who is still at the Core Formation rank unlike Chu Dongmei who has broken through to the early Revolving Core rank thanks to the resources Zhu Furong had gifted Fan Xin.

Wearing a wide smile and sauntering like an emperor, the second prince of Xidi Kingdom walked to Chu Dongmei and stood close to her.

With a frown, the lady took a step back and walked away to her Master while Fan Xin gave Xidi Junjie an intense glare from the corner of her eyes.

Xidi Junjie couldn't help but hang his head to avoid Fan Xin's gaze and his embarrassment.

From the side, Tian Lei walked and stood where Chu Dongmei was standing, forming a solid wall.

The series of actions didn't escape others eyes and they couldn't help but mutter mocking remarks about Xidi Junjie which did not escape Xidi Junjie's ears, making him even more ashamed and inwardly angry.

...

Fan Xin cleared her throat.

"I think the Elders have already explained these things but I will still take this chance to inform you again."

"Dragon Palace is not a tourist spot. Don't take it lightly."

"Last time the Dragon Palace appeared, about 500 early Revolving Core rank Cultivators entered, but only 50 returned."

"The casualties of those under early Revolving Core rank is better to not be discussed."

"So only enter the Dragon Palace if you are confident in your 'own' strength."

She swept her gaze across the group.

"Seems like you all have resolved yourselves— Good."

She slightly nodded and continued.

"Every 10,000 years the Dragon Palace appears at a random place on planet Shengdong. It stays visible for seven days then the gate opens for 1 hour. A staircase is laid from the Dragon Palace to the ground. After 1 hour the gates will close and the Dragon Palace will disappear, trapping you inside for two days."

"During these two days the invisible Dragon Palace will be always moving in the sky, so it is impossible to track down. After two days, somewhere at a random place, the gates will open along with the staircase which will stay for 30 minutes. After that the Dragon Palace will disappear for another 10,000 years."

"Everything related to the Dragon Palace is a form of test. What is the test for? We don't know. All we know is that no one has ever passed the test."

"The staircase that appears will test your foundation. After you enter the gate, you will be split into different locations inside the palace. There you will come across many traps which will test your instincts and judgment skills. Each room of the Dragon Palace holds specific treasures which can be obtained by passing the tests related to the treasure."

"Everyone of you has storage equipment right?"

Everyone nodded.

"Store your findings as soon as you find them. Since human greed is insatiable and there are no Elders to protect you in there, be careful of other sect disciples. Even..."

She hesitated a bit.

"Even your own sect disciples are not to be trusted."

"But I hope you guys can bond together to fight against common enemies."

"Whatever you find inside the Dragon Palace is yours to keep. The sect won't ask for anything."

"As soon as the Dragon Palace reappears, the Elders and Seniors from the sect will rush to escort you back to the sect. Till then hide somewhere or if you can, try to get back to the sect as quickly as possible."

"As I said, human greed is insatiable."

...

As Fan Xin finished her explanation, the Dragon Palace suddenly growled, garnering everyone's attention.

"Get ready. The Dragon Palace is about to open."

"Remember, the early bird catches the worm. No need to wait for anyone."

...

Roarrr!!

With a loud Dragon roar, the huge metal gates on the front of Dragon Palace opened with a bang!

A golden staircase slowly descended towards the Sunlight Sect's gathering spot.

"Seems like I have to thank Pavilion Master Fan Xin for providing my disciple with the best spot for a head start."

Suddenly Venerable Lou who was chatting with other sect superiors till now arrived with a face full of smiles.

Fan Xin greeted him with a smile and a slight nod.

She then turned towards her personal disciple, "Mei'er be vigilant inside the Dragon Palace and don't trust anyone. Use the defense artifact I gave you if necessary. It is strong enough to keep you safe till the Dragon Palace closes but it can only be deployed once, so use it wisely."

She leaned to Chu Dongmei, "Also, be careful of the Ghost Sect members. I think they discovered your secret the last time they were staying in the Sunlight Sect."

She looked apologetic, "Blame you Master for her lack of abilities."

Chu Dongmei held Fan Xin's hand, "Master, don't worry. Your disciple can protect herself. After all, my Master's Plum Blossom Sword Art is the best in the world." She consoled her with a gentle smile.

To Chu Dongmei, Fan Xin is more of a mother than her real mother.

Fan Xin placed her hand on Chu Dongmei's head with love.

...

The golden staircase is about to reach the ground and the disciples from the other sects have already formed a grouped line behind the Sunlight Sect.

Way behind them a scuffle has started among the unaffiliated Cultivators for a spot.

'Guess I have to thank Tian Su for finding me and bringing me here, else I had to wait for a long time before my turn comes.'

Zhu Furong prepared to do so but then he saw Tian Su flirting with Tian Lei and he decided not to disturb the couple.

...

1, 2, 3, 4...

Better not try, it's definitely more than 1500 stairs.

"Go!"

Fan Xin ordered as soon as the stairs touched the ground.

The disciples dashed towards the staircase led by Chu Dongmei.

"Ouch!"

Before he could even start running, Zhu Furong received a heavy kick on his shin.

Xu Xin humphed, twisting her mouth before following Tian Lei.

After rubbing his shin Zhu Furong also started running.

"Are you acquainted with Senior Sister Xu?" Tian Su asked, running beside Zhu Furong.

"No." Zhu Furong instantly shook his head.

"You sure?" Tian Su gave a meaningful look.

Zhu Furong kicked Tian Su's butt.

"Run, we are falling behind!"