"This person is strong and talented."

Eli Shan's eyes widened as he turned to his father. His father had always been an enigmatic figure, even to him. The more Eli Shan trained and grew stronger, the more he realized just how mysterious and powerful his father truly was. Never before had he heard his father compliment anyone, yet today, he had praised this young man—who appeared to be in his twenties—as strong and talented. The unexpected admiration left Eli Shan baffled.

Eli Shan couldn't process it and stared at the young man with a mix of envy and curiosity. The man exuded an aura of invincibility yet carried himself without a hint of arrogance. As Eli Shan observed him, the young man's gaze swept across the area before locking onto him. A smile formed on the man's face, and he moved forward without hesitation, approaching Eli Shan and his father.

As the young man reached them, he cupped his fist respectfully and introduced himself. "I apologize for the intrusion. My name is Jian Wu, and I am the eldest disciple of the Sword Sect." His eyes flicked to the sword at Eli Shan's side, then back to him with a knowing smile. "If I am not mistaken, you are here to join the Sword Sect?"

Upon hearing his loud introduction, the onlookers fell silent, their eyes widening in disbelief. This person was Jian Wu, the eldest disciple of the Sword Sect? If he wanted to kill anyone present, not even the combined might of the entire East could protect them!

In this eastern region, the Sword Sect was the pinnacle of power, its influence unrivaled. Even an outer disciple of the Sword Sect received VIP treatment wherever they went. And here stood Jian Wu, the eldest disciple of the Sword Sect. The atmosphere was thick with awe and curiosity, though a single question echoed in every mind: "Why is this big shot so polite to Eli Shan?"

Eli Shan shared their astonishment. Why would someone of Jian Wu's status show such courtesy to him? Many questions were racing in his mind, however, maintaining his composure, he cupped his fist respectfully and responded, "Brother Jian Wu, I am Eli Shan. The reputation of the Sword Sect reaches even my village, and I came here to try my luck in joining the sect."

Jian Wu nodded, a smile playing on his lips. "You are very polite, Brother Eli Shan. I observed your sword movements earlier—they were flawless and precise. The sword aura you unconsciously leaked was exceptionally pure. Even the top ten disciples of our sect might not match your skill. If you wish to join us, it would be our honor to train someone like you. I can facilitate your entry without the usual formalities."

Everyone looked at Jian Wu in disbelief, then glanced at Eli Shan with envy. How could someone receive such preferential treatment? It seemed unfair, and many considered fighting among themselves to show off and possibly receive the same special treatment. However, fear held them back; if the eldest disciple found it disrespectful, they would be gone forever.

Despite the envious looks from the crowd, Eli Shan looked at Jian Wu with confusion. "Why are you offering me special treatment? And do you really have the authority to do that?" he asked.

Inwardly, Eli Shan was astonished. During his brief clash with Yu Wen, he had only made a single sword move. Yet, Jian Wu had discerned his abilities from that alone? Eli Shan knew he had leaked a bit of sword aura, but it was so negligible that even masters might not notice it. But Jian Wu did. His father was right; this person was indeed strong and talented!

Still, Eli Shan wanted to be sure of Jian Wu's intentions. Though he wasn't particularly concerned about it, it didn't hurt to be cautious.

Jian Wu nodded with a proud smile, answering all of Eli Shan's doubts. "As the eldest disciple of the Sword Sect, I hold the same authority as the inner elders. So, yes, I can help you gain entry without any trouble." He paused, closing his eyes briefly before reopening them with a sigh. "I admire true sword cultivators. And here, I, Jian Wu, recognize you as a true sword cultivator. I believe you could easily pass the entrance tests and rise through our ranks. But that would waste a lot of your time, and I don't want that to happen to a true sword warrior. Frankly, it would be our loss not to have you among us." Jian Wu's expression shifted to a broad grin. "Moreover, having a new recruit capable of challenging our disciples will motivate them to train even harder."

Eli Shan listened to Jian Wu's every word and then smiled. "You are an honest person. I like it." He then turned to his father, silently asking for permission. The Lord gave him a nod. "Why don't you join him?"

Eli Shan nodded, then turning his attention to Jian Wu, he cupped his fist. "Then I will be in your care, senior brother".

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Jian Wu returned the gesture with a smile. "You don't need to be so formal, Junior Brother."

Then turning his attention to the lord, Jian Wu cupped his fist and bowed. "You must be Junior Brother's father. Even though you are just a Qi Gathering realm cultivator, I can sense that you could easily best me in a sword fight. I would like to invite you to join the sect as well, but I guess you would reject me mercilessly."

The lord smiled warmly. "I am old and my cultivation realm is not high. All I have are my meager sword skills, unworthy of your attention. My only desire now is to spend my remaining time with my family. Just take care of my son; that is all I ask."

Jian Wu shook his head. "You are too humble, Uncle. If you ever wish to visit your son, you are welcome at any time." Jian Wu took out a golden token and handed it to the lord. "With this, no one will dare to stop you anywhere in this world."

Lord smiled and accepted it. "Thank you for your gift."

With that, the lord bid farewell to Eli Shan before turning back towards his village.

"Shall we go inside?" Jian Wu asked.

"Yes, Senior Brother." Eli Shan replied.

As Jian Wu led Eli Shan through the grand gates of the Sword Sect, whispers of envy and admiration followed them. The eyes of the onlookers lingered on Eli Shan, who walked with quiet confidence, leaving everyone in his wake.

Just as Eli Shan stepped inside the gates, his gaze fell upon a breathtaking sight. His eyes widened in awe as he took in the expanse before him: thousands of majestic mountain peaks, each piercing the sky and touching the clouds. Rivers flowed gracefully between the peaks, their waters sparkling as they meandered through lush forests. The trees lining the riverbanks swayed gently, their leaves shimmering in the sunlight.

It was a wonder that such a magnificent landscape could remain hidden. But then Eli Shan recalled the formation he had sensed upon his arrival. The realization struck him: it was this powerful formation that concealed the towering mountains from the outside world. If he had wished, he could have broken through it, but at the time, he hadn't been curious enough to investigate. Now, reflecting on it, he found the formation intriguing. "Maybe I will look into it in my free time," Eli Shan mused, his curiosity piqued by the complex enchantment shielding the Sword Sect's domain.

Putting aside his thoughts, Eli Shan took in the beauty around him. This place didn't seem like it belonged in the mortal realm; it was like the immortal realm itself!

This was the first time Eli Shan had seen something so breathtaking up close.

Jian Wu noticed Eli Shan's reaction and smiled. "Junior Brother, this place is beautiful, isn't it?"

Eli Shan nodded. "It truly is."

"Come, I will show you more places you might like."

Jian Wu guided him to various mountain peaks, and then to the crystal-clear waters of a flowing river. He even showed him the sect master's residence, the largest peak with the densest sword qi.

As they continued their tour, Eli Shan's gaze was drawn to another mountain peak bustling with activity. It was filled with numerous disciples engaged in a fierce competition. The sight of so many skilled practitioners in the midst of the contest sparked Eli Shan's curiosity.

"What's going on over there?" Eli Shan asked.

"Oh, that's the ranking tournament," Jian Wu explained. "It happens every year to determine the ranks of the inner disciples. I don't particularly enjoy participating, that's why I ran outside. Otherwise, the elders would force me to join, haha."

Eli Shan looked at him in surprise. "You don't like to fight?"

Jian Wu shook his head with a wry smile. "It's not that I don't enjoy fighting; it's just that I don't find practice matches appealing, especially against those who are much weaker than me. When I wield my sword, I become so intensely focused that my movements become almost ruthless. I tend to lose myself in the heat of the moment, and I often end up inadvertently injuring my juniors. So, I usually avoid these tournaments."

Eli Shan could sense the profound respect Jian Wu held for the sword. The admiration was palpable, woven into his every word and gesture.

Suddenly, Jian Wu's eyes lit up with a new idea. "Junior Brother, would you like to take part in the tournament?"

Eli Shan shrugged. "I haven't even registered as a disciple yet. Do you think I can fight for ranking, especially with the tournament almost over?"

Jian Wu grinned playfully. "Haha, you're right, Junior Brother. As for registration, you can leave that to me. You'll have the chance to fight for ranking next year."

With that, Jian Wu led Eli Shan to a mountain peak. Though it wasn't as grand as the others, Eli Shan's eyes widened in surprise as they arrived. "Is this still a house?" In front of him stood a massive residence, resembling a castle. Ancient writings adorned the gate, and the sword qi lingered in the air around it.

"Junior Brother, you can stay here and cultivate," Jian Wu said. "I chose you because I sensed a unique potential in you. Make sure to live up to it."

Eli Shan smiled and nodded. "Don't worry, Brother. I'll do my best."

Jian Wu returned the smile with a nod of approval. "I'm looking forward to it. Until then." With that, Jian Wu took his leave, leaving Eli Shan alone to focus on his cultivation.

Once Jian Wu was gone, Eli Shan's expression turned serious. "This guy is already at the Emperor realm at his age. What a monster! Even his sword aura doesn't feel like it was developed over just a few years."

As Jian Wu made his way back, he reflected on his encounter with Eli Shan. "Eli Shan is truly exceptional. His sword aura is incredibly dense and pure—perhaps even more than mine. Moreover, I can't discern his full cultivation. I'm eager to test my skills against him when he matures. Maybe, together, we can even challenge the Shadow Clan."