The next morning, Riu Xian stood by the window of his room, looking out at the beautiful view of Azure Radiance Peak. The mountains stood tall, their slopes covered in lush green forests, glowing softly under the golden sunlight. The whole scene felt peaceful and full of life, unlike anything he had ever seen back at the Coldspring Sect. Even the air seemed to hum with energy.

He turned back to his room and couldn’t help but admire how big and comfortable it was. The furniture was elegant, and the whole space felt calm and inviting. It was nothing like the tiny, plain hut he had lived in before.

"This is completely different," he thought, feeling both grateful and determined. He knew this was a new chapter in his life, and he was ready to give it everything he had.

As he took in the beauty around him, his thoughts turned inward. "I need to break through to the peak of Foundation Establishment," he murmured to himself. "The Qi here is much more abundant than before, but even this might not be enough for my body." His unique constitution demanded an extraordinary amount of energy, something he knew would be a challenge to find.

Lost in thought, Riu Xian was brought back to reality when a faint hum filled the room. He turned to see a transmission talisman floating into his chamber, glowing softly as it stopped in front of him. Reaching out, he grasped it, and Elder Xiao Ming’s calm voice echoed in his mind. "Riu Xian, come to the hall of Azure Radiance Peak. I have someone for you to meet."

He quickly freshened up and made his way to the hall. The grand space was filled with an air of authority and calm. As he entered, Elder Xiao Ming greeted him with her usual composed smile.

"Riu Xian, let me introduce you to someone," she said, gesturing to a young girl standing nearby. She looked no older than ten, her bright eyes filled with curiosity and confidence. "This is Xiao Qinge’r, my third disciple and also my niece."

Riu Xian bowed slightly. "It’s a pleasure to meet you, Junior Sister Qinge’r."

Xiao Qinge’r grinned. "You’re the new Fourth Senior Brother, right? Elder Aunt talks about you a lot."

Riu Xian chuckled softly. "I hope it’s all good things."

Xiao Ming smiled at their exchange before continuing. "Qinge’r is already at the mid-stage of the Qi Gathering realm despite her young age. She is talented and hardworking. She’s also the daughter of my elder sister, who left this continent years ago with her husband."

Riu Xian raised an eyebrow. "Left the continent?"

Xiao Ming nodded, her expression growing somber. "Yes. They journeyed to another continent, but we don’t know which one. Communication across continents is nearly impossible, and we’ve had no word from them since. Whether they’re alive or not is a mystery."

Riu Xian’s gaze flickered with determination. "One day, when I’m strong enough, I’ll explore those continents. I’ll find answers."

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Xiao Ming’s eyes softened at his words, but she quickly changed the subject. "You should also know about your other senior siblings. You are my fourth personal disciple. Your Second Senior Sister is currently in seclusion, working hard to break through to the late Core Formation realm. She’s already at the peak of the mid-Core Formation stage. As for your First Senior Brother, he is traveling outside the sect to gain experience and temper himself. He’s in the early Core Formation realm."

She paused for a moment before adding, "There are also about 200 other disciples on this peak who study under me, but only four of you are my personal disciples. Every elder in the sect is required to teach a certain number of disciples, like I teach these 200. However, we are free to take personal disciples if we see exceptional potential in someone."

Her tone grew slightly more serious. "Being a personal disciple is a privilege, but it also comes with higher expectations. Remember that."

Riu Xian nodded, absorbing the information. "I look forward to meeting them one day."

"You will," Xiao Ming said with a faint smile. "For now, focus on settling in and preparing yourself. Your journey here is just beginning, and there’s much for you to learn and achieve. As a member of the Azure Cloud Sect, it’s crucial for you to understand the bigger picture of this continent and the powers that shape it."

Her tone grew steady as she continued, "Our sect is one of many in this vast land, and knowing the strengths and rivalries of the forces around us is essential for your growth. This knowledge will guide your path, both within the sect and beyond."

He nodded attentively. "I’m eager to learn, Master."

Xiao Ming smiled faintly. "Good. Our Azure Cloud Continent is vast, and it’s home to six top-ranking sects. Our Azure Cloud Sect, which shares its name with the continent, is currently ranked sixth among them."

Riu Xian raised an eyebrow. "Sixth? So, we’re the lowest-ranked of the top sects?"

"That’s correct," Xiao Ming replied. "The highest-ranked sect is the Dragon Scale Sect. They are renowned for their resources and powerful cultivators. In fact, the Heaven-Mending Pill, the prize for our upcoming inner sect competition, comes from them."

"The Heaven-Mending Pill?" Riu Xian asked, his curiosity piqued.

"Yes," Xiao Ming said with a nod. "It’s a rare and precious pill that can help a Core Formation cultivator break through to the Nascent Soul realm. Such pills are not easy to obtain, which is why this competition will be fiercely contested. Every inner disciple wants that pill."

Riu Xian’s eyes narrowed slightly. "I see. Breaking through to Nascent Soul is a big deal, isn’t it?"

"It’s more than that," Xiao Ming said, her tone serious. "In our sect, any disciple who reaches the Nascent Soul realm is promoted to the rank of elder. For those in the early Nascent Soul stage, they become elders in the outer sect. But even being an outer sect elder grants immense authority and access to resources. It’s a position everyone yearns for."

"What happens after that?" Riu Xian asked, leaning forward slightly. "If they advance further?"

"When an elder at the early Nascent Soul stage breaks through to the mid-Nascent Soul stage, they are promoted to the inner sect as an inner sect elder," Xiao Ming explained. "However, advancing in the higher realms is incredibly difficult. Many remain stuck at their current level for decades, or even centuries."

Riu Xian leaned back, processing the information. "So, the competition isn’t just about the pill. It’s about the power and status that come with advancing."

"Exactly," Xiao Ming said. "That’s why you must prepare yourself well. Even if you’re not at the level to compete for the top prize this time, understanding the stakes and observing the competition will be invaluable for your future."

Riu Xian nodded, determination flashing in his eyes. "I understand, Master. I’ll do my best to prepare and learn."

Xiao Ming smiled softly. "That’s the spirit. Now, go and focus on your cultivation. The path ahead is challenging, but I believe in your potential."