This Child Is the Hope of the Righteous Path

Violet Thunder Peak stood towering above the sea of clouds.

This lofty main peak resembled a colossal dragon coiled in repose, its head raised proudly toward the heavens. Several somewhat shorter subsidiary peaks stood guard around it like halberd-bearing sentinels.

The body of Violet Thunder Peak was a deep purple-black, faintly covered in countless strange patterns that flowed with a dim, noble chill.

Purple clouds shrouded the skies above the mountain year-round. Purple lightning slithered through them like serpents, gorgeous and mysterious.

Meng Wuyan, one of Violet Thunder Peak's deputy peak masters, was climbing halfway up the mountain.

Even he had to climb one step at a time. He was not qualified to use magic power to ride the clouds and mist.

Upon reaching a pavilion on a jutting cliff, Meng Wuyan stopped. He folded the list in his hand into a Flying Letter and sent it far away.

"To the Violet Pole Hall, before the Thunder Pool, for the use of the peak master: Deputy Peak Master Meng Wuyan, trembling with sincerity and fear, respectfully submits this memorial before my peak master."

"This subordinate has received your grace and unworthily occupies the deputy position. Day and night, I remain vigilant, fearing I may fail the peak master's great trust or the sect's expectations. Now, the Xingyun Minor Trial has reached its first stage. Heroes have gathered, and clouds and rosy vapors flourish."

"This subordinate has personally investigated and carefully observed their conduct and abilities. I have found several youths. Though their origins differ—some humble, some unusual—their endowments are outstanding, their spiritual roots deeply planted, and their wills firm. They are uncut jade and unrefined gold, future qilin and phoenixes. I respectfully present their essentials to the peak master:"

"First, Xiao Caiting. A daughter of rogue cultivators from the wilderness,