Tian Hao's heart pounded as the massive doors to the grand hall creaked open, their deep, resonant groan echoing through the chamber like a call to judgment, each vibration amplifying his anxiety.

Sunlight filtered through the intricate latticework of the high windows, casting long, ethereal shadows across the polished stone floor.

Tian Hao, his robes ragged and still bearing the dust and grime of his journey, felt a now familiar knot of anxiety tighten in his stomach as he walked towards the center of the hall. Despite his exhaustion, he straightened his back. He forced himself to project an air of confidence he didn’t quite feel, his gaze fixed on the raised platform where his father, Sect Leader Tian Shou, and the elders awaited.

Lin Mei walked beside him, her usual playful confidence replaced by a quiet reserve. Her gaze was fixed on the floor ahead, as if she were navigating not the smooth stone floor of the grand hall but the treacherous mountain passes they had just crossed.

Yu Xian and Wei Lo followed, their expressions carefully neutral. Their bodies radiated a disciplined control that Tian Hao both envied and resented. Each of their movements felt like a subtle reprimand of his own perceived lack of decorum.

Jiuwei, perched on his shoulder, was almost lost against the backdrop of the grand hall. She flicked her tail, her golden eyes darting around with a mix of curiosity and disdain. "Hardly impressive," she thought, her tiny paws clutching Tian Hao’s robe a bit tighter as if silently daring anyone to underestimate her.

As they reached the center of the hall, Tian Hao bowed deeply. His movements were more fluid, more precise than they had been before his travels. Now, each bow felt to him like a performance intended to protect himself as much as honor his sect.

"Greetings father, elders."

As he bowed, Tian Hao's thoughts raced. He had no desire to provoke the elders unnecessarily. All he wanted was to get through this, to be accepted back into the sect, and to finally have a chance to rest. The comforts of his old life—warm baths, Fatty Wu's food, fine wine, and soft beds—called to him like a distant dream. He just needed to endure this, play his part, and maybe, just maybe, things would go back to how they once were.

Lin Mei, Yu Xian, and Wei Lo followed suit. As they bowed, they spoke in unison, their voices clear and respectful. "Greetings to Sect Master Tian and the honored elders."

Tian Shou, his face etched with a sternness that made Tian Hao sweat, raised a hand in acknowledgment, his gaze settling on his son, conveying both expectation and lingering disappointment. “You have returned, my son,” he said, his voice deep and resonant, a hint of relief barely discernible beneath his stern expression. “It is good to see you back safely.” Tian Shou paused for a moment. “Report on your mission.”

Tian Hao cleared his throat, straightening up. He took a deep breath, steeling his resolve.

“Sect Leader, Elders,” he began, his voice faltering slightly, before he paused, his gaze dropping to the polished stone floor. He cleared his throat, trying again. “We have completed the task as requested.” He forced his voice to steady, the nervous flutter in his stomach turning into a tight knot. “The spirit herbs were successfully delivered to the outpost, and their alchemical experiments can proceed without hindrance.”

He hesitated for a moment before continuing. His mouth went dry as he considered just how much of the truth he should reveal to the sect's leaders. He could feel sweat forming on his palms, his eyes flicking briefly to the stern expressions of the elders before settling back on his father.

BSS’s voice echoed in his mind, a sly whisper that both amused and unnerved him. **“Careful, Little Hao. Honesty is a virtue, but too much honesty can be inconvenient. Especially when dealing with elders who have a penchant for punishment.”**

Ignoring her warning, he decided on a path he hadn't taken before this journey—honesty tempered by discretion, truth guided by respect, and pressed forward. “There was an unexpected incident during the mission. I encountered a… a hidden realm that… formed beneath me, and I found myself separated from the group.” He could feel the weight of their gazes intensify, their curiosity piqued by his unexpected revelation.

He continued, choosing his words carefully, his gaze shifting between his father and the elders.

He explained how he’d stumbled across an ancient formation—a prison where Jiuwei had been trapped—and how his blood had somehow triggered her release.

“It was a… rather unusual experience,” he finished lamely, trying to downplay the sheer improbability of his tale. The memory of the fox spirit's response at his casual interruption of her millennia-long slumber was still vivid.

He gestured towards Jiuwei, adding, “I managed to rescue her, and she has agreed to accompany me.”

Jiuwei, sensing the attention, stood taller on Tian Hao’s shoulder, her tiny form radiating an indignant confidence. “Indeed, I am the great Jiuwei,” she declared, her small voice carrying an air of majesty that was slightly undercut by her size. “Hmph! If not for my grace, young one, you would have been mere fodder for the spirits in that hidden realm.” she added, her tone dripping with disdain, her tail flicking as if daring anyone to doubt her importance.

The elders exchanged glances, a silent exchange of puzzlement and cautious curiosity.

Elder Han leaned forward, a bemused smile on his face as he examined Jiuwei.

"A hidden realm, you say?" he asked, his voice laced with intrigue. "Such occurrences are not common, and this spirit beast, she seems weakened. Yet her eyes… they hold an ancient wisdom."

His gaze lingered on Jiuwei for a moment longer before shifting to Tian Hao, his eyes narrowing slightly, an unspoken question hanging in the air.

Elder Hua, her face set in a stern frown, spoke up, her voice sharp and laced with suspicion.

“You bring an unknown creature into our sect, Tian Hao?” she asked, her eyes fixed on him. “One whose origins are unclear and whose power is… questionable? You must be mindful of the potential risks. We are at a precarious moment and cannot afford further disturbances within the sect grounds, or with other sects should this little fox decide on something… untoward. Given the proclivities of her... kind, I’d be cautious of such possibilities.”

The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

Tian Hao nodded, his gaze steady. “Of course, Elder Hua. I understand the concerns, but Jiuwei is no threat. She’s been cooperative and wishes to recover her strength under our protection.”

Internally, Tian Hao couldn't help but wonder why Jiuwei continued to follow him. She was powerful, even if weakened, and her attitude suggested she had no real respect for him. Was it just convenience, or did she have some hidden agenda?

He gave Jiuwei a sideways glance, silently urging her to play along.

Jiuwei sniffed in disdain but said nothing, her ears twitching with barely contained irritation.

Tian Shou finally spoke, his gaze settling on Tian Hao with a pressure that made him quake.

“Regardless,” he said, his voice low but firm, “you have completed the task given to you. For this, you will be awarded sect contribution points.”

He paused, his eyes softening slightly, a hint of pride flickering beneath the surface.

“You’ve taken the first step, Tian Hao. But understand, strength is measured not just in actions but in the discipline of the heart. Can you show me, son, that you are prepared for this path?”

Tian Hao swallowed, his throat suddenly dry. He lifted his gaze, meeting his father's eyes with a determination that surprised even himself. “I understand, Father. I am ready to prove myself—to show that I am capable of more than my past mistakes.”

Tian Shou paused, his eyes softening slightly, a hint of pride flickering beneath the surface. He was pleased to see his son's return after completing the mission successfully, despite their strained relationship. He still held hope this might temper some of the chaos and hedonism his son was known for.

“I must remind you that your actions reflect upon the entire Skyward Lotus Sect. There is still much to prove, and the trouble you caused… has not yet been resolved. Elder Yun was far from pleased.”

His gaze drifted to Jiuwei, his frown deepening. “Bringing this spirit fox back has also, I am sure, created another debt with which I am expected to deal.”

Elder Hua’s lips thinned, and she gave a curt nod of agreement. “Let us not forget,” she said sharply, her voice echoing her displeasure. “He is still the same disciple who caused disruptions at the feast. His prior indiscretions with the Azure Mist Sect… his near burning down the courtyard with ill-conceived and untested formations… those matters are still awaiting resolution.”

Elder Han’s expression, to the contrary, was one of calm understanding. “Everyone makes mistakes, Elder Hua,” he said gently, his voice a soothing balm against the sting of her words. “What matters is how we learn from them. Besides,” he added, his eyes curving with amusement, “the successful delivery of the spirit herbs was crucial. Perhaps he is becoming more… resourceful. Perhaps,” he added softly, turning towards Tian Hao, “this journey did do some good—the mountains have a way of stripping down those who wander into their shadows.”

Tian Shou raised a hand, signaling an end to the debate, his gaze returning to Tian Hao. “Enough. Let us move on. There is another matter we must attend to immediately.”

Tian Hao straightened, trying to mask his growing curiosity and unease with his usual carefree smile, though the weight of the previous weeks, the strange lessons and sudden battles, and the small fox on his shoulder now made it harder for the performance to feel quite the same as it used to. “Another matter?” he echoed, his voice a little too high-pitched.

Tian Shou continued, his voice firm and authoritative. “In two weeks time, there is a gathering in Skyveil City known as the Celestial Conclave. It is a significant event—a gathering of sects and notable cultivators from across the region. You, Tian Hao, will be required to attend.”

Tian Hao blinked, the news both exciting and terrifying, hope and fear a tight coil within his heart. “The Celestial Conclave?” he repeated, both excitement and trepidation swirling within him, turning his earlier attempts at nonchalant confidence into a palpable tension that settled as a familiar ache in his jaw. “This… this is an opportunity?”

Tian Shou nodded, though his expression remained serious. It was as if he were daring Tian Hao to treat this new opportunity with the recklessness he was known for.

Tian Shou's look reminded Tian Hao of what had nearly transpired on that simple herb gathering mission, and how much he would have to change for his attendance at such a gathering to bring honor to the Skyward Lotus Sect.

It was a silent reminder of just how far Tian Hao still had to go.

“Indeed, it is. But I must warn you, Tian Hao, this is not the kind of gathering where your usual… unconventional behavior will be tolerated. You will be representing our sect, and you must conduct yourself accordingly.”

His gaze hardened, the weight of his expectations pressing down on Tian Hao like a physical force. “No drunken escapades, no culinary experiments with sect resources, and certainly no further… inter-sect relations.”

Elder Hua, seizing the opportunity to add her own brand of twisted encouragement, stepped forward, her expression grim as she echoed Tian Shou.

“You will behave yourself, Tian Hao. No causing trouble, no unnecessary provocations, and certainly no consorting with other sects’ disciples in ways that could bring us further dishonor. We are already strained, our alliances fragile. Any further scandals, and I assure you, the punishment will be far more severe than a mere trip to the outpost. Remember, the path of cultivation demands discipline.”

Her eyes narrowed, her gaze fixed on him.

“Your actions during this ‘conclave’ will be scrutinized, and we will be watching closely."

Tian Hao felt his stomach tighten, a cold sweat forming at the base of his neck. Elder Hua's words seemed to weigh down the air, making it hard to breathe.

“The future of the sect depends on this.”

Her words were a clear threat, a reminder of the precariousness of his position, each word a lash against his usual confidence and expectations.

Elder Han, his demeanor more measured, gave Tian Hao a look that was far more kind. “Take this opportunity to observe and learn, Tian Hao,” he said gently. “There will be powerful individuals present, cultivators whose skills and wisdom are unmatched. Do try to study them,” he gave a small smile. “Perhaps some of that knowledge will rub off on you.”

Tian Hao bowed respectfully, his voice steady, a new, quiet determination humming within the quiet of the hall. “Understood, Sect Leader, Elders. I will do my best.”

He had no idea what this Celestial Conclave would bring, what challenges awaited him. But now, despite the fear of being thrust once more into a formal public display of his sect's status—or perhaps because of it—he welcomed this new test.

He couldn't help but feel a flicker of excitement at the prospect. A city! Far more interesting than the forest, the mountain, and a bunch of spirit beasts he had been stuck with for weeks. Skyveil City meant bustling streets, new faces, opportunities for wine, food, music, and maybe even... women?

Just as he was about to step back, BSS’s voice echoed slyly in his mind. **“Try to behave yourself, Little Hao. Who knows, maybe this time you’ll actually make it through without causing a scene… though, between you and me, I wouldn’t bet on it.”**

Tian Hao fought the urge to roll his eyes, a small, almost genuine smile tugging at his lips as his shoulders untensed, the weight of the elder’s expectations balanced by his own now-dawning comprehension that perhaps he hadn't yet seen where his path might lead. “I’ll try to remember that, Big Sister System,” he thought back, though he hoped that his words wouldn’t come back to mock him. “I’ll try.”

Tian Shou's gaze hardened as he looked at his son, his voice steady and laden with gravity. "The Skyward Lotus Sect is not only your home; it is your lineage, your legacy. Do not mistake our patience for forgiveness, and do not let our faith be squandered."

He then waved his hand, his expression unreadable. "Tian Hao, Lin Mei, you are dismissed. Rest and prepare for the tasks ahead." He paused, his gaze shifting to Yu Xian and Wei Lo. "Yu Xian, Wei Lo, remain here. There are matters that require your immediate attention."

Lin Mei bowed deeply, her movements graceful and respectful, before turning to leave with Tian Hao.

He turned, giving a final bow before exiting the hall, the weight of his 'exile' lifted, the promise of this new gathering, despite the inherent tension he still felt when faced with sect formalities, an almost welcome adventure in the making.