Azure Cloud Sect Outer Sect Disciple

"Arrive!"

Huo Qingtong's voice suddenly rang out, revealing a hint of joy and eagerness.

Hua Qiang snapped out of his reverie, looking into the distance in the direction Huo Qingtong was pointing.

A majestic mountain range, resembling a sleeping dragon, was hidden among the swirling clouds and mist, exuding mystery in its hazy glow.

On the mountain, lush pines and cypresses resemble a green ocean, interspersed with countless pavilions and buildings. The eaves and brackets are partially hidden by the branches and leaves, like stars hidden in green clouds.

A giant plaza suddenly appears in the center of the mountain range, its smooth stone surface gleaming with a cool luster under the sunlight.

On the plaza, numerous disciples dressed in uniform sect attire were either sparring in pairs, their fists whistling and swords flashing.

Or they might close their eyes and concentrate on their cultivation alone, their aura flowing around them, as if merging with the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi.

Their clothes fluttered in the wind, like graceful butterflies, full of vigor and vitality.

In the mountains, birds often stretch their strong wings, cut through the sky, and emit clear chirps.

Various animals roam the forest, their bodies lithe and their fur shimmering in the light and shadow, giving the tranquil mountains and forests a vibrant life and spirit.

Each waterfall and spring resembles an inverted Milky Way, with water splashing and playing a stirring symphony among the Shan Yan, and the spray creating a misty, dreamlike atmosphere.

On the south side of the square, a winding stone staircase, like a white ribbon, stretches leisurely down to the foot of the mountain, until it connects to the towering mountain gate.

The mountain gate resembles a giant beast lying on the ground, with layers of ancient and heavy stones piled up. Its wide-open "mouth" seems to silently tell the story of the vicissitudes of time and the sect's profound heritage, exuding a majestic and awe-inspiring presence that commands respect.

Hua Qiang's heart pounded as he looked at the magnificent scenery.

On Blue Star, he lived in a small base surrounded by steel forests. He had never seen such a magnificent and fantastical sect residence.

A sense of wonder and awe surged within him, his eyes filled with amazement and longing, and his curiosity about this mysterious sect grew wildly like vines.

Huo Qingtong looked at Hua Qiang, whose eyes were shining with excitement, looking exactly like a country bumpkin who had never seen the world, and smiled slightly.

That smile was like a blooming flower under the warm spring sun, bright and beautiful.

With a light touch of her lotus feet on the back of the Red-headed Eagle, the Red-headed Eagle, as if receiving a command, spread its wings and created a gust of wind, carrying the two of them as they slowly and steadily descended towards the square.

The disciples who were originally immersed in their cultivation noticed the commotion and looked up to see what was happening.

Upon seeing the Red-headed Eagle land, they all showed surprise and joy, quickly gathered around, bowed respectfully, and shouted, "Greetings, Saintess! Greetings, Saintess Senior Sister!"

The voices rose and fell, some excited, some thrilled, some adoring, and some worshipful.

Huo Qingtong's expression was warm, with a slight smile on her lips. She nodded in response to each question, displaying an elegant and graceful demeanor.

Then, she gently raised her hand, gesturing for Hua Qiang to follow, and then walked gracefully toward a palace.

The disciples watched the two leave, their hearts filled with doubt.

In the past, the Saintess Huo Qingtong was always aloof and distant, as if covered by frost and snow, keeping people at arm's length, and exuding an aura that made people dare not approach her easily.

But on this day, she was so approachable, and she was accompanied by a strange young man.

Hua Qiang was tall and handsome, with a heroic air between his sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes. However, his attire was very different from that of the other members of the sect, making him look strange and unique.

Everyone couldn't help but wonder: Who exactly was this man? Where did he come from? And what intricate relationship did he have with the Saintess?

For a moment, questions swirled in my mind like a tangled mess.

Even worse, seeing Hua Qiang and the Saintess standing side by side, her eyes burned with jealousy and hostility.

In their hearts, the Saintess is an unattainable, bright moon, the object of their longing and yearning through countless long nights.

Anyone who gets close to the Saintess is their enemy, a "thorn in their side."

Several impatient disciples exchanged glances and then used their movement techniques to dash towards the depths of the sect, seemingly to deliver this astonishing news to a key figure.

Huo Qingtong seemed oblivious to the undercurrents behind her, and turned to Hua Qiang, whispering, "You're new here, and your cultivation level is still low. According to the sect's rules, you need to become an Outer Sect Disciple first."

"Once you cultivate to the Saint Realm Fourth Tier, I will change your status to that of Inner Sect Disciple."

"Above that, there is the position of Personal Disciple, which is only attainable by the most outstanding among the elite."

"So, you'd better work harder on your training from now on and don't slack off."

Hearing this arrangement, Hua Qiang scratched his head, his eyes flickered, and looked at Huo Qingtong, asking, "Then where will I stay?"

Upon hearing this, Huo Qingtong's beautiful eyes flickered as she looked at Hua Qiang, a slight upturn of her lips and a playful glint in her eyes.

She teased Yu: "Man, what are you thinking? You don't actually want to live with this Saintess, do you?"

"You still want to climb into my bed every night?"

"Dream on!"

"Although you are now my betrothed, this matter has not been approved by the Lineage, nor has it gone through the proper formalities of a marriage ceremony. It is merely a private agreement between the two of us."

"You still have a long way to go before you can truly become my rightful husband."

She paused, her expression becoming slightly solemn, and added, "However, since I have Saintess you, I will not mistreat or let you down."

"But for now, we need to avoid suspicion to prevent gossip."

"But you must also remember that when I summon you in the future, you must be available immediately and not delay. When I need your help, you must appear at once."

Hearing this, Hua Qiang was inwardly suspicious, thinking to himself, "What kind of nonsense is this? They're treating me like a tool, summoning me at will and dismissing me at will."

"No wonder everyone says being a live-in son-in-law is tough; there are truly no 'human rights' to speak of."

Thinking this, he kept walking and followed Huo Qingtong into a palace.

The palace is decorated with carved beams and painted rafters, and the walls are painted with mysterious symbols and depictions of the heroic battles of our ancestors, exuding an ancient, solemn, and mysterious atmosphere.

Huo Qingtong walked straight to a window and called out, "Steward Li, could you please help me? This is a new disciple from our sect. Could you help me register his identity information and then give him the necessary items as usual?"

Inside the window, Li Chunhua was engrossed in organizing files. Upon hearing the sound, she hurriedly stood up, straightened her clothes, and bowed in greeting.

He bowed respectfully and said, "Greetings, Saintess! As per the Saintess Maiden's instructions, I, this deacon, will do my utmost to carry them out without fail."

As he spoke, he deftly took out the register, spread it out on the table, picked up a brush, dipped it in ink, looked up at Hua Qiang and asked, "May I ask your name, age, and place of origin, and whether you have any teachers or disciples?"

After Hua Qiang answered each question, Li Chunhua wrote down the details in a swift and elegant hand.

After registering, Li Chunhua turned around and rummaged through the cabinet behind her, finding a bunch of items.

A wooden Token with the words "Outer Gate of the Azure Cloud Sect" engraved on the front and Hua Qiang's name and unique number on the back.

Next was a set of Outer Sect Disciple's robes, hat, shoes, and socks. The robe was made of dark black cotton cloth, with silver silk thread outlining the patterns on the cuffs and collar, simple and elegant yet maintaining the style of the sect.

A cylindrical hat, thick-soled cloth shoes, and a sharp Longsword.

The scabbard is jet black, engraved with simple mountain and river patterns, and the hilt is wrapped with black hemp rope, making it comfortable to hold.

Finally, Li Chunhua handed over a cloth bag containing two Low-grade Spirit Stones and a bottle of Blood Qi essence.

Each pill is round and plump, emitting a faint medicinal fragrance, which can help practitioners temper their qi and blood and enhance their skills.

Hua Qiang reluctantly accepted these gifts, thus beginning his journey of growth as a disciple of the Azure Cloud Sect.