In the Azure Cloud Sword Sect, a large crowd had gathered in the main courtyard. Disciples, deacons, and deans who had been away on missions for extended periods mingled together, creating a buzz of excitement and confusion.
"What's going on?" a disciple with travel-worn robes asked, glancing around at the unusual assembly.
"I don't know, I just got here," another replied with a shrug, equally puzzled by the sudden summons.
Throughout the courtyard, cultivators exchanged greetings after long separations, clasping hands and trading stories of their adventures outside the sect. The atmosphere hummed with anticipation as more members continued to arrive.
Suddenly, a booming voice cut through the chatter. "Why am I not allowed in?"
The crowd turned toward the main gate where a massive shirtless man stood, his bulging muscles gleaming in the sunlight. His imposing frame towered over the guards who blocked his path. Beside him stood a shorter man, though his physique was equally impressive with well-defined muscles rippling beneath his robes.
This second man, Zhao Disheng, addressed the disciple guarding the entrance with poorly concealed contempt. "Can't you see who stands before you?" When the guards merely stared back blankly, he elaborated with exasperation, "This is Zhao Tiangang, the Sect Master of Iron Spirit Mountain."
Zhao Tiangang nodded smugly at his subordinate's introduction, arms crossed over his bare chest.
Murmurs spread through the gathered crowd. Everyone knew that Iron Spirit Mountain was one of the three dominant sects in the region, with its Sect Master equal in status to their own. Refusing him entry would be a grave insult, yet this gathering had been announced as sect members only. The disciples at the gate shifted uncomfortably, caught in their indecision.
"Hmph, how barbaric," a soft, melodious voice commented from behind the crowd.
Every head turned to locate the source of such a bold statement. Who would dare insult Zhao Tiangang so brazenly?
Standing there was a strikingly beautiful woman in flowing jade-colored robes, accompanied by an equally stunning female cultivator. Their elegant postures and refined auras provided a stark contrast to Zhao Tiangang's rugged appearance.
"Are you insulting the Sect Master?" Zhao Disheng's eyes narrowed dangerously, completely unmoved by the women's beauty as he stepped forward with clenched fists.
"Zhao Disheng, how dare you speak directly to the Sect Master!" The beautiful attendant, Lin Binghe, vanished from her position only to reappear directly before Zhao Disheng. An ice sword materialized in her hand mid-swing, aiming for his throat.
But Zhao Disheng wasn't to be underestimated. With ease, he raised his hand and caught the ice blade between his fingers. "Hmph, she dared to insult the Sect Master," he growled, applying pressure until the ice sword shattered in his grip.
"Looks like you've grown stronger since we last met," Lin Binghe acknowledged, not retreating a step despite her broken weapon.
"So have you," Zhao Disheng replied, muscles tensing as they prepared for another exchange.
Meanwhile, Zhao Tiangang approached the other woman, his massive frame casting her in shadow as he deliberately positioned himself to block the sun. "Yan Xuelian, what brings you here?" he demanded, looking down at her.
"Since when did my Lotus Jade Palace have to report to you?" she responded coolly, meeting his gaze without a hint of intimidation despite the significant height difference.
Zhao Tiangang simply stared at her, the tension between them almost palpable.
"Disheng!" "Lin Lin!" Both Sect Masters called out simultaneously.
The subordinates immediately ceased their confrontation and returned to their respective leaders' sides, though they continued exchanging hostile glares.
Just as the situation threatened to escalate further, a familiar voice broke through the tension. "Sect Master Zhao, Sect Master Yan, you've finally arrived. The Sect Master has been waiting for you."
The crowd parted to reveal Elder Huang approaching with measured steps. When the disciples saw her, visible relief washed over their faces—an elder could properly handle this delicate situation.
Yan Xuelian and Zhao Tiangang exchanged surprised glances. "Waiting for us?" Their expressions revealed genuine confusion—had they been expected?
Elder Huang simply smiled at their reaction. "Follow me," she said, turning to lead them into the sect.
...
As the three walked through the Azure Cloud Sword Sect's elaborate pathways, Yan Xuelian broke the silence with a contemptuous remark. "To think you've fallen so low, welcoming guests now," she said, her melodious voice laced with mockery.
Elder Huang merely turned around, maintaining her serene smile. "It's only appropriate for someone of equal status to welcome the guests," she replied with deliberate emphasis on "equal status."
Yan Xuelian's expression immediately hardened, how could she not understand what Elder Huang was implying. If it was indeed appropriate for someone of equal status to welcome guests, then logically the sect master should have greeted them personally. Yet here was Elder Huang performing the duty instead. Did this mean that they weren't worthy of the sect master's presence? They were clearly being looked down upon.
She glanced sideways at Zhao Tiangang, hoping to see if he'd caught the slight. The muscular giant merely continued walking, his face betraying no reaction. Yan Xuelian sighed internally. This brute didn't even understand when he was being insulted. As expected, she couldn't rely on him for anything.
"You seem brighter than you did before," Yan Xuelian pivoted to a different angle of attack, her tone deliberately mocking. "Did Guo Shantian finally confess to you?"
To her astonishment, Elder Huang's hands flew to her cheeks, a genuine blush spreading across her face. "H-how did you know? Is it that obvious?" she stammered, hastily producing a small jade mirror from her sleeve to examine her appearance.
"What?" Yan Xuelian faltered mid-step, completely caught off guard by the response. This wasn't the reaction she had anticipated at all. Was it actually true? The possibility was staggering.
"Dammit Shantian, you actually like this nerdy girl?" she thought bitterly, her expression darkening even more.
Through the reflection in her mirror, Elder Huang observed Yan Xuelian's reaction with secret satisfaction. They had once been love rivals competing for the affection of the genius Guo Shantian. When Yan Xuelian had finally gathered the courage to confess, only to face rejection, she had left the sect entirely, joining the Lotus Jade Palace instead.
Rumors said the Lotus Jade Palace specialized in techniques that froze one's heart, tempering emotions until they no longer interfered with cultivation. Yan Xuelian must have been devastated to resort to such extreme measures, Elder Huang reflected. As the sect master, she should have completely frozen all emotions by now.
Well, it didn't matter now since she won in the end, Elder Huang thought as she tucked the mirror away.
After guiding them through several more courtyards and pavilions, they finally reached a section with ornate chairs arranged for viewing. "You can rest here," Elder Huang indicated with a graceful gesture.
"What? Aren't we going to see the sect master?" Zhao Tiangang finally spoke up, his deep voice resonating with impatience.
"Don't worry, you'll see the sect master soon," Elder Huang reassured him with another enigmatic smile as she settled into a seat near them.
Yan Xuelian's brows furrowed. "Why are you sitting here?" she asked, irritation bleeding into her carefully controlled voice.
"I'm entertaining the guests," Elder Huang replied simply, causing Yan Xuelian to click her tongue in annoyance.
Elder Huang studied her former rival with interest. For someone who should have all emotions frozen by her sect's infamous techniques, Yan Xuelian seemed unusually irritable. Could it be...
...
A large crowd had gathered in the clearing, their murmurs creating a gentle hum of anticipation. The conversations quieted instantly as a figure approached the stage—Elder Guo, his weathered face solemn as he took his position.
From her seat among the audience, Yan Xuelian stared at him, her beautiful features betraying nothing of her inner thoughts. Elder Huang, who had been watching her former rival closely, looked away with a slight shake of her head. "Maybe I'm overthinking it," she thought to herself.
Elder Guo cleared his throat, the simple sound cutting through the remaining whispers like a blade. "Members of the Azure Cloud Sect," his voice resonated across the gathering, "it's no secret that our sect has been through some rough times these past days. Before we look forward, let us take a moment of silence for Sect Master Wei, who gave his life protecting what we all hold dear."
His words hung in the air as he paused, bowing his head respectfully. The entire assembly followed suit, the silence growing deeper and more profound with each passing second. For nearly two minutes, not a sound disturbed the collective remembrance.
When Elder Guo finally raised his head, his eyes seemed to burn with renewed purpose. "The situation before us remains dire, with threats both seen and unseen gathering at our gates. Yet in this darkest hour, I have witnessed a light that burns with unmatched brilliance." With a graceful gesture of his hand, he beckoned toward the side of the stage.
Li Yao emerged, her steps measured and confident as she joined Elder Guo. Though young, her posture radiated a natural authority that commanded attention. Elder Guo turned to face her, his expression softening with unmistakable pride.
"Li Yao, your strength has proven worthy of this mantle, and may your leadership guide our sect to prosperous days that even our ancestors could not have envisioned." With reverent care, he placed the sect master token in her outstretched hands.
Li Yao bowed slightly to her master, her eyes reflecting gratitude and determination in equal measure. Elder Guo returned the gesture before making his way back to his seat, leaving her standing alone at the center of the stage.
At the sidelines, Zhao Tiangang's massive frame tensed, his confusion manifesting as deep furrows across his brow. "That's the new sect master? That kid?" he muttered incredulously.
His bewilderment only deepened as cheers erupted throughout the gathering—not just from eager disciples but from the elders as well, their voices joining in wholehearted support of Li Yao. Zhao Tiangang wondered briefly if he had simply grown too old to understand this new generation.
Standing tall before her sect, Li Yao lifted her voice above the cheers. "First, I wish to express my deepest gratitude to all elders and fellow disciples who have supported me throughout my cultivation journey. Each of you has contributed to the strength I wield today. And most of all, to my master—thank you for your guidance and care. I vow before everyone present that I will not let you down, nor will I allow our sect to falter under my watch."
She completed her words with a respectful bow, but when she straightened, something had changed. Her gentle expression hardened into one of resolute determination. "And I will begin that now," she declared, her sudden shift in tone causing many to straighten in alarm.
In the next heartbeat, Li Yao's aura flared spectacularly, spiritual energy swirling around her in visible currents. Her physical form began to transform, crackling with blinding electricity as lightning strikes punctuated the air around her every few seconds. The very atmosphere seemed to bend to her will as power radiated from her as she entered her elemental form.
"That is—" Yan Xuelian began, her composed façade finally cracking.
"—no way, right?" Zhao Tiangang finished, his massive arms uncrossing as he leaned forward in disbelief.
Before anyone could recover from the initial shock, an overwhelming aura spread throughout the sect grounds, pressing down on everyone gathered like an invisible mountain. "So strong," Zhao Tiangang thought, genuine awe replacing his earlier skepticism.
Yet what followed was even more shocking. Above Li Yao, massive storm clouds materialized, dark and pregnant with power, crackling with concentrated lightning that illuminated the gathering with an ethereal blue glow. With a single, elegant motion of her hand, Li Yao commanded the heavens themselves. The lightning descended...
...
The lightning cloud hovering above Li Yao began to discharge, crackling with blinding energy that arced across the sky. Suddenly, blinding bolts descended upon the gathered crowd, and terrified screams filled the air as person after person was struck. Each devastating blast left nothing behind—not even ashes—just scorched ground where cultivators had stood moments before.
Witnessing the chaotic scene, Elder Guo sighed deeply. This girl was truly unpredictable. "Everyone, please calm down," he called out, his voice cutting through the panic. "The Sect Master is simply eliminating the spies within our sect. Stay calm, you have nothing to fear."
As understanding dawned, the initial terror transformed into righteous fervor. The crowd began to chant in unison, their voices rising with each thunderous strike: "Kill the traitors! Kill the traitors!"
The purge lasted only minutes, but its results were catastrophic—over a hundred spies had been eliminated. Disciples and elders alike stared in shock at the charred ground where their supposed comrades had stood just moments ago.
In their seats, Sect Master Zhao Tiangang and Yan Xuelian trembled visibly. They had come hoping to capitalize on the Azure Cloud Sect's vulnerable state, perhaps securing resources or concessions in their time of need. Now they questioned whether they would leave with their lives intact. Though they were Core Formation experts like the previous Azure Cloud Sect Master, they recognized that that lightning would reduce them to nothing if it touched them. Since when did the Azure Cloud Sword Sect harbor such a monster?
Yan Xuelian surveyed the devastation, maintaining a better facade than Zhao despite her inner turmoil. "Dammit," she thought bitterly. "I assumed I could torment Guo Shantian now that his cultivation is damaged. With a disciple this monstrous, wouldn't I simply be digging my own grave?"
On stage, Li Yao finally released her elemental form, the crackling energy dissipating as she returned to her normal appearance. The sudden absence of that overwhelming pressure made many release breaths they hadn't realized they were holding.
"Those are all the people who have colluded with outsiders to harm our sect," she announced, her voice carrying effortlessly across the now-silent gathering. "There might be some still hiding among us, but don't worry—when I find them, they won't fare any differently."
Internally, Li Yao scoffed at her own words. How could anyone possibly remain hidden? With the Empress's assistance, she had identified and eliminated every single traitor. Yet the Empress had instructed her to make this claim, though Li Yao didn't understand why. Wouldn't this make her appear incompetent? 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖
[Not necessarily,] the Empress's voice resonated within her spiritual sea. [Although we know those who are spies, we don't know those who have the potential to become spies. By saying this, you ensure they abandon the idea completely. It's not the most elegant method, but it works.]
"Oh," Li Yao thought, finally grasping the strategy.
Addressing the assembly once more, Li Yao's voice rang with authority. "I'll also be announcing another matter today." She gestured toward the side of the stage.
Xiang Yu appeared, climbing the steps gracefully despite the countless eyes fixed upon him. His blue robes with cloud patterns marked him clearly as someone of importance, yet many disciples appeared confused by his presence.
"Who's that?" whispered one disciple to another.
"Don't you know? That's the Mountain Heart Pavilion's senior brother," came the reply.
Another disciple snorted dismissively. "Isn't he a cripple who can't cultivate?"
Those surrounding him immediately leaped away as if he'd suddenly burst into flames. "Don't take us with you if you want to be struck by divine thunder!"
Unperturbed by the murmurs, Li Yao continued with unwavering conviction: "From now on, Xiang Yu will serve as the Azure Cloud Sect's Grand Elder."