Great Gan had nine commanderies, each with vast territory, but the most prosperous and powerful region was undoubtedly Taian Commandery.
Taian Commandery lay in the heart of Great Gan. Not only was its population enormous, but its Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy was also exceptionally abundant. Every so often, cultivators with astonishing aptitudes would be born there.
Aside from the government, several major cultivation forces coexisted within the commandery: Orchid Valley, Hundred Flowers Sect, and Sacred Ghost Palace.
Orchid Valley occupied a Blessed Land and devoted itself to healing the world. Whether in reputation or heritage, it far surpassed the other sects.
Yet great trees attracted the wind. After the Former Valley Master answered Great Gan's summons and departed three years ago, Orchid Valley's once-powerful circumstances took a sharp turn for the worse.
The newly appointed Valley Master had not even settled into his seat before he died a bizarre death.
Two more Valley Masters succeeded him in turn, but without exception, both met with misfortune.
With no leader, Orchid Valley fell into turmoil. Pressured by Hundred Flowers Sect and Sacred Ghost Palace, its sphere of influence shrank again and again.
Fortunately, Orchid Valley's cultivators did not continue throwing themselves into chaos. Instead, they swiftly united and barely stabilized the situation.
Recently, news had even spread in all directions that the valley would hold its once-every-five-years recruitment.
The night was as dark as ink, and the evening wind carried a biting chill.
The boy was drowsy, yet he stubbornly kept his eyes open, refusing to let himself fall asleep.
"Pfft."
The figure opposite him could not help laughing.
"Big Sister, am I really that funny?" the boy asked in a naïve voice.
"Why wouldn't you be?"
"You're practically falling asleep, yet you insist on standing watch."
"You can sleep peacefully."