"I wonder why I will be able to fly as well, sure would be nice to see the world like a bird."
As Lian levitated through the air, he was met with the greatest sight of his life.
Below him, the sect buzzed with activity. Disciples trained endlessly in their martial arts, all clad in white robes, their movements synchronised as if guided by a single will. Every strike, every step carried discipline and intent.
Ahead of them stood a grand waterfall, flowing from one mountain to another—yet the water did not fall. Instead, it floated through the air, forming a suspended river that curved gracefully between the peaks. Within the stream, carps swam freely, their scales shimmering in shades of blue, purple, and gold. Each fish emanated a subtle Qi, marking them as magical beasts.
Towering structures rose at every corner of the sect, ancient spires reaching toward the heavens.
Behind all of it loomed twin peaks, grand mountains, radiating immense pressure. Even from afar, their presence weighed heavily on the spirit, as though they were alive and watching.
As they moved forward, they passed the Pill Pavilion. Massive banners drifted in the air, emblazoned with alchemic crests that pulsed faintly with light. The air itself was thick with the scent of herbs—just passing through filled Lian's body with an invigorating warmth, his Qi stirring eagerly.
Further ahead, they passed another group of disciples. These wore black robes, subtle golden inscriptions etched across their backs. Nearby, stone platforms floated in the air where some of them were already sparring, their blows sending ripples of pressure through the surroundings.
"This… this is just so grand," Lian thought, his eyes drifting from one wonder to the next.
Talismans floated freely through the air, anchoring formations in place. Every new scenery unfolded like a miracle, each more astonishing than the last.
"It's great, ain't it?" Bo said, turning back to look at his disciples.
Their eyes were wide with wonder—so captivated that they had completely forgotten they were brought here against their will.
"Hahaha! Look at them. They can't even hear a word I'm saying."
With a laugh, Bo suddenly increased his speed. The scenery blurred and unfolded once more until—without warning—he came to a stop.
They hovered above a mountain that radiated an oppressive, domineering aura. Suspended above its peak floated a giant silver sword, its hilt a deep blue. Though motionless, it released short bursts of blade intent, each one sharp enough to make the air tremble.
"Welcome," Bo said as he descended and landed,
"to Twin Sword Peak."
"From now on, this will be your base while you train." He grinned.
"Bo Yung, show them to their quarters. I'm sure everything's already prepared. Oh—and you'll all stay here until I call for you. Since this is your first time in the Upper Realm, you need to solidify your cultivation before we unlock your true potential."
With that, Bo vanished—gone within half a heartbeat.
"Hah… he must have something important to deal with," Bo Yung said, stepping forward.
"Or he ran out of booze," Lian thought to himself.
"Alright, juniors, follow me," Bo Yung said, turning and leading the way.
The peak was densely built with structures. They passed a quiet pond, then a wide hall, and along the journey, Bo Yung explained every corner of the place, his tone casual but proud.
"That over there is the Garden of Swords," he said, pointing ahead.
"All weapons stored there are Xuan-tier. Once you're promoted to black-robed disciples, you'll each get a chance to choose one."
There it was a grand garden with all manner of swords, some were large, some thin and slick, each one of them vibrated with different Qi.
They continued walking until they reached a long corridor lined with many doors, each bearing a nameplate.
"Here we are," Bo Yung said. "Each of you will enter the room with your own nameplate. Good luck—we'll meet again soon."
With that, Bo Yung turned and walked away, leaving the disciples standing before their new quarters.
"Oh—and one more thing," Bo Yung added casually as he turned away.
"Remove the robes you're wearing and change into the new ones prepared inside. You'll find them far less restricting."
Lian's gaze drifted across the corridor until it landed on his nameplate.
Bo Lian, it read.
"Tsk… so they really do change our names once we enter their sect," he muttered.
"I hope we see each other again soon. We didn't even get a chance to properly meet," Bo Ming said, a young girl who had also been chosen.
But Lian didn't respond. He stepped forward and entered his room.
"Don't mind him, he thinks he is some big shot," the other boys consoled the girl.
"Yeah… see you soon again." Bo Ming forced a smile.
The moment the door closed behind him, a thick wave of Qi slammed into his body.
"This…" Lian's breath hitched.
"This is the densest Qi I've ever felt."
The room itself was simple but far from ordinary. A single bed rested against one wall, beside a small dressing table. An incense burner glowed faintly in the corner, releasing thin strands of mist that curled through the air.
The floor was paved with smooth stone slabs clearly designed for cultivation. The walls hummed softly—arrays and talismans etched into them pulsed with restrained power, forming a sealed environment.
At the foot of the bed, neatly folded, lay a set of white sect robes.
Lian stood still for a long moment, letting the pressure sink in.
"I will seize this opportunity and grow so much that no one will control me, be it hell or heaven sent, I will break it all."