Deep within the heart of the central continent sprawls an awe-inspiring mountain range, standing as a testament to the very essence of grandeur. Infused with qi down to its core, it's as if the universe itself conspired to bless this land with celestial energy, while the earth cradled it with unwavering care. Stories and fables intertwine, narrating how this monumental range emerged from the remnants of an esteemed being who had ascended to the zenith of the third great step of cultivation.

Known as the World-Encompassing Five Divine Peaks, this range is a divine land unto itself, embracing the quintessence of the five elemental qi alongside an excess of earth qi. Naturally, a domain this potent can only be governed by the most formidable power—the Profound Heavens Sect, reigning as the paramount authority in the central continent.

These five great peaks are graced by the presence of the sect's grand elders and its leader. Among them, Xin Dongyang commands the Stellar Flame Peak, Yin Meili, the venerable matriarch of the Yin family, watches over the tranquility of Serene Waters Peak, and the third peak bows to the guidance of the Lin family patriarch, a member of the three great families, as he presides over Verdant Dragon Peak.

The final two peaks stand as the zenith of power, mirroring the earth and metal elements respectively. These are under the protection of the sect master and the fourth grand elder—the latter informally referred to as the sect master's sword.

Beyond these renowned peaks, the sect's vast expanse is speckled with innumerable mountains. Similar to the World-Encompassing Five Divine Peaks, many of these mountains resonate with a distinct element. They bear names such as Azure Lightning Peak, each falling under the dominion of various elders or peak lords. As one ventured closer to the inner sanctum of the sect, the authority vested in these mountains grows.

This division provides the framework for the sect's outer, inner, and core sect domains.

Currently, a veritable sea of individuals swarms 'the Rising Phoenix and Soaring Dragons Arena', located between the inner and outer sects. Although the arena boasts the dimensions of a sprawling city, the amassed populace made it appear modest. However, this was to be expected, for it marked the grand occasion of the Profound Heavens Sect's disciple acceptance ceremony. An occasion when the corridors of the sect welcomed an influx of youthful talents, each carrying the promise of untold potential.

⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅∙∘☽༓☾∘∙•⋅⋅⋅•⋅⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅

Amidst the crowd, Xiao Xiang utilized her spiritual senses to scour the crowd, seeking a familiar face. Beside her stood a young man, curiosity tinging his voice as he asked, "Xian'er, what are you looking for?"

"Nothing in particular, Brother," Xiao Xiang replied, a hint of disappointment seeping into her voice.

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

This boy is none other than Xiao Xiang's brother, Xiao Dong. His parents raised Xiao Xiang alongside him, she was always treated as if she were their family.

"Is that so…" Xiao Dong's expression tensed a bit at her reply.

[AN: It's the green, it's the green, it's the green indeed, and when I look at his head, it's the green I see.]

'Is he not here? Perhaps he's younger than me…' As Xiao Xiang's dismay deepened, an elder approached the assembly of potential disciples.

"Greetings, everyone. You've congregated to seize an opportunity to join the central continent's greatest sect. While you might have been esteemed as talents in your homeland, entry into the Profound Heavens Sect requires you to prove yourselves through a series of tests."

The elder paused conjuring forth floating spheres aglow with mystical light before each group of candidates.

"The first trial assesses your spiritual roots. Although straightforward, this test will cull over half of you. Your results hinge upon spiritual root purity, number of roots, and any exceptional constitutions."

The crowd was blatantly organized into groups based on background and talent. Scions from cultivation families were grouped together while other groups consisted of those barely qualified for testing. During the assessments, a few prodigies occasionally outshine the rest, until…

"Huh?" The testing elder exclaimed dumbfoundedly as a spiritual root-evaluating sphere radiated a brilliant blue glow. Wisps of gold surge within the sphere, emanating from a group of candidates who possessed moderate talent but lack significant backgrounds.

Gasps rippled across the arena as the sphere's brilliance escalates.

Meanwhile, in the spectator's area—where prominent elders gathered—laughter resounded.

"Hahaha! So you sent your maid to investigate that girl for this reason?"

Sensing the quizzical glances of fellow elders, Jianyu's face flushed with embarrassment as he sensed the gaze of the many elders present.

'Could you please exercise some restraint? You're creating misunderstandings!!'

"Yes, I conducted a minor investigation due to her unique constitution." Jianyu strived to maintain an air of innocence, in an attempt to protect his face.

"Oh, I see. I thought you'd fallen head over heels at first sight for her."

'He's doing this on purpose!'

"Absolutely not! Love requires time to develop as you get to know someone. Love at first sight, is a falsehood coined by the lustful!"

Upon hearing Jianyu's righteous retort, silence settled, for Xin Dongyang himself, after all, had many times employed 'love at first sight' to legitimize his desires.

Surrounding elders tried to suppress their laughter, wary of offending one of the sect's four grand elders.

"Ahem!" Xin Dongyang coughed into his fist, "That girl indeed seems to harbor a unique talent… Furthermore, she possesses water spiritual roots. She'll likely be chosen as a disciple by Grand Elder Yin or someone from Serene Waters Peak."

Xin Dongyang pondered briefly, then grinned at Jianyu, definitely an attempt to get under his skin.

"It appears the talent you admired will slip through your fingers."

'Why must you do such things in public?!'

Concealing his true sentiments, Jianyu adopted a slightly disheartened demeanor.

"So long as she becomes a sect member, that's what counts." his words seeped with great persuasion, a bitter smile on his face.

Jianyu's response prompted murmurs among the nearby elders.

"What a compassionate child." "If only my son were half as considerate." "As expected of the grand elder's descendant."