The towering peaks of the Azure Cloud Sect came into view as they soared through the skies. Riu Xian could feel the energy radiating from the sect, it was far more profound and refined than anything he had ever experienced before. The sight of the grand sect filled him with a mix of awe and anticipation.

As they landed in a spacious courtyard surrounded by towering pavilions and cascading waterfalls, Riu Xian took a moment to steady himself. Disciples in azure robes bustled around, their movements graceful and efficient. The place exuded a harmonious blend of beauty and power, a testament to the sect’s might.

Before Riu Xian could take another step, a sudden wave of Qi swept over the courtyard. It wasn’t oppressive, but it commanded attention. Moments later, a graceful figure appeared, descending from the sky with effortless elegance. Her azure robes, embroidered with golden patterns of clouds and cranes, shimmered faintly in the sunlight.

Elder Xiao Ming approached, her gaze sharp and curious. "Riu Xian," she called, her voice calm yet carrying an edge of authority. "I sensed the presence of my jade token as soon as it entered the sect's proximity. I haven’t given that token to anyone else, so I knew it had to be you."

Riu Xian stepped forward and bowed respectfully. "Elder Xiao Ming, I’ve come as you instructed. You gave me this jade token and said to bring it whenever I was ready to join the sect."

Xiao Ming nodded, a faint smile on her lips. "Indeed, I remember. I wasn’t sure when you would come, but I am pleased to see you here." She glanced at the token he held, then gestured for him to follow her.

"You will join the Azure Cloud Sect as my disciple," she declared. "I will personally oversee your progress."

Riu Xian’s eyes widened slightly. Becoming her disciple meant an elevated status within the sect. "Thank you, Elder Xiao Ming. I will not disappoint you."

She nodded approvingly and continued, "You will be assigned to Azure Radiance Peak, one of the six peaks designated for the inner sect elders. Each peak is managed by a Nascent Soul elder responsible for teaching and nurturing disciples. The other six inner sect elders, while equally powerful, focus on the sect's protection and management. They reside either in seclusion or within the sect’s main residences."

Xiao Ming’s tone became more serious as she elaborated, "Our sect is divided into two major branches, the inner sect and the outer sect. The outer sect also has twelve elders: six for disciples and six for sect management. However, their cultivation levels are generally lower, ranging from early to mid-Nascent Soul realm."

Riu Xian absorbed her words carefully. The hierarchy and strength of the Azure Cloud Sect were far beyond what he had encountered in his previous sect, where only six Nascent Soul cultivators existed, and even they were not as strong as the elders here.

"In the Azure Cloud Sect, all twelve inner sect elders have reached the peak of the Nascent Soul realm," Xiao Ming continued. "Our sect leader, my mother, has stepped into the early Deity Transformation stage, as has the Supreme Elder. The Supreme Elder was also the previous sect leader and, incidentally, my father. He relinquished his position to my mother several decades ago, choosing to step back from sect affairs and enter deep seclusion to focus on breaking through to the next realm."

Her voice softened as she glanced at him. "You have great potential, Riu Xian. Your constitution alone sets you apart, and it is why you will bypass the outer sect entirely to join the inner sect directly."

Riu Xian felt a surge of gratitude but remained composed. "Thank you for this opportunity, Elder Xiao Ming. I will strive to live up to your expectations."

She smiled faintly. "Good. Go to Azure Radiance Peak and settle in. You will find accommodation prepared for you. I will explain more about the sect and its workings later. For now, I must meet with my mother. There are matters I need to discuss with her."

With that, she turned and ascended gracefully into the air, her figure quickly disappearing into the clouds as she headed toward the sect leader’s residence.

Riu Xian watched her leave, then took a deep breath. The Azure Cloud Sect was grander and more powerful than he had imagined. This was only the beginning of his new path, and he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

As he made his way toward Azure Radiance Peak, the towering mountains and the vibrant energy of the sect filled him with determination.

Elder Xiao Ming ascended quickly toward the sect leader’s residence, the grand palace at the highest peak of the Azure Cloud Sect coming into view. The palace was majestic, made of white jade and decorated with golden carvings of mythical beasts. The air around it shimmered faintly with protective formations, a reminder of the power that resided within.

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Landing softly in the courtyard, Xiao Ming bowed respectfully before entering. The halls inside were peaceful yet imposing, filled with the quiet strength of someone who had led the sect for years. At the center of the main hall sat Sect Leader Xiao Lian, her presence both commanding and serene.

Xiao Lian’s long black hair was streaked with silver, and her robes bore elegant phoenix patterns that symbolized her status. Her sharp eyes looked up from a jade slip she had been studying as Xiao Ming approached.

"Ming’er, what brings you here?" she asked, her voice calm but curious.

Xiao Ming bowed again. "Mother, I came to tell you that Riu Xian has arrived at the sect. He used the jade token I gave him."

Xiao Lian raised an eyebrow. "The young man you spoke of years ago? The one from the Coldspring Sect?"

"Yes," Xiao Ming replied. "At that time, I couldn’t take him as my disciple because he was tied to that sect. But now, he has left them, and I’ve accepted him as my personal disciple."

Xiao Lian leaned back slightly, considering her daughter’s words. "You’ve always had a good eye for talent, Ming’er. But taking in an outsider as a direct disciple will stir some waves. People may question why he bypassed the outer sect."

"I’m prepared for that," Xiao Ming said firmly. "Riu Xian’s potential is exceptional. I don’t know the exact details of his constitution, but it’s rare. When I first met him five years ago, he was only at the early Qi Gathering stage. Today, after seeing him again, I observed that he has already broken into the mid-Foundation Establishment realm. Advancing so quickly in just five years, especially without the resources of a major sect, is no small feat. With proper guidance and the resources of the Azure Cloud Sect, I believe he could achieve great things and bring honor to our sect."

Xiao Lian nodded slowly. "If you’re this confident, I will support your decision. But be mindful, there will always be those who doubt, and not everyone in the sect will welcome him with open arms."

"I understand, Mother," Xiao Ming said. "I’ll take full responsibility for his training and prove that my decision was the right one."

A faint smile crossed Xiao Lian’s lips. "Good. But remember, as his master, his success reflects on you. If he rises, so will your reputation. If he falters, the blame will fall on your shoulders."

Xiao Ming bowed deeply. "I won’t let that happen. I will guide him well."

Xiao Lian’s expression softened. "Tell me more about him. His past, his talents, everything that makes you so sure about him."

Xiao Ming began explaining what she knew about Riu Xian. She described his humble beginnings, his struggles, and the potential she had seen in him even when he was part of the Coldspring Sect. Xiao Lian listened carefully, nodding occasionally but saying little.

When Xiao Ming finished, Xiao Lian stood gracefully. "If he is as talented as you say, Riu Xian could become an important part of the Azure Cloud Sect’s future. Nurture his abilities, Ming’er. The strength of our sect lies in the disciples we cultivate."

"I will, Mother," Xiao Ming said with determination.

Before Xiao Lian could turn away, Xiao Ming hesitated and then asked, "Mother, with the upcoming inner disciples’ competition this year, should Riu Xian participate? He’s just joined the sect, but his potential may allow him to stand out."

Xiao Lian’s gaze sharpened. "The competition? Hmm. It’s a rare opportunity for the sect to assess its recruits and test the strength of newer disciples. The prizes this year are significant, especially the first prize."

Xiao Ming nodded. "The pill sourced from the Dragon Scale Sect?"

"Indeed," Xiao Lian confirmed. "The Heaven-Mending Pill. It’s crafted by one of the top sects of the lower realm. It has the ability to help cultivators at the Core Formation stage break through to the Nascent Soul realm. Such a prize will draw fierce competition, especially from disciples aiming to enter the upper ranks of the inner sect."

"I was thinking the same," Xiao Ming said. "It might be too early for Riu Xian, but his constitution and natural abilities could surprise everyone."

Xiao Lian gave her a thoughtful look. "Let him settle in first. Assess his abilities and readiness. If you believe he’s prepared, he should participate. The competition is an excellent way for him to gain experience and prove his worth to the sect. But understand, the contest will not be easy. There are many talented disciples who will stop at nothing to claim the pill."

"I’ll make sure he’s ready if he decides to enter," Xiao Ming said firmly.

"Good," Xiao Lian replied. "Keep me informed of his progress. And remember, Ming’er, you’re not just training a disciple, you’re shaping a future cornerstone of the sect. Treat this responsibility with the seriousness it deserves."

Xiao Ming bowed again, her resolve strengthened. As she left the hall and took off toward Azure Radiance Peak, her mind was already racing with plans to prepare Riu Xian for the challenges ahead. The competition was looming, and if he was ready, it could be the perfect stage for him to begin his rise within the Azure Cloud Sect.