Misty Cloud Sect

On the Nine Heavens Continent, sects stand like forests, and their hierarchies are strictly defined.

There are nine ranks in total, from bottom to top, with the first rank being the lowest and the ninth rank being the most revered.

In this cultivation world where the strong reign supreme, a sect's rank not only represents its heritage and foundation but also serves as a symbol of its power and status.

The Great Xia Kingdom boasts a vast territory, with five major sects dominating within its borders.

Among them are two third-rank sects—the Mysterious Heaven Pavilion and Crimson Flame Valley—both first-rate powers with cultivators in the Sea Breaking Realm holding them steady.

There are three second-rank sects. Though slightly inferior, they are still colossal powers that dominate their respective regions.

The Misty Cloud Sect is one of these three second-rank sects.

The Misty Cloud Sect is situated atop a thousand-zhang peak in the Azure Mist Mountain Range in the eastern part of the Great Xia Kingdom, enveloped by swirling clouds.

The sect's buildings are constructed according to the mountain's terrain, with pavilions and towers hidden amidst the perpetual mist, appearing like celestial palaces from afar, hence earning it the reputation of a "celestial gate among the clouds."

The current Sect Master is Yun Yi, a cultivator at the eighth level of the Essence Transformation Realm, possessing immense power.

The twelve Inner Sect Elders within the sect are all cultivators at the fifth level of the Essence Transformation Realm or higher.

Among them, the youngest, Mu Bai, the Law Enforcement Elder, despite being only thirty years old, has already reached the seventh level of the Essence Transformation Realm and is hailed as a Sword Dao Prodigy rarely seen in the Misty Cloud Sect in a century.

What makes the Misty Cloud Sect most feared by the outside world is the Grand Elder who is in secluded cultivation deep within the sect.

Rumor has it that this ancestor has long since broken through the Sea Breaking Realm and is in seclusion, comprehending even higher realms.

However, the sect's iron rule states: unless the sect faces annihilation, the Grand Elder shall not act.

Thus, for nearly a hundred years, no one has seen his true appearance. All that is known is that astonishing Sword Qi frequently shoots towards the heavens from the Forbidden Ground behind the Misty Cloud Sect's mountain.

At dusk on the third day, as the last ray of sunset painted the sea of clouds red, Su Yu and his party finally arrived at the foot of the Misty Cloud Sect's mountain.

"My heavens! This mountain gate is even taller than our Skywind City's walls!"

Su Yan tilted his head back, his jaw almost dropping to the ground.

"Look at those palaces, built on such high peaks. Aren't you afraid they'll blow away in the wind?"

Su Mei shot him a look. "Do you think everyone is like you, worrying about being blown away by the wind all day?"

Though she spoke with disdain, her eyes sparkled, clearly awestruck by the sight before them.

They saw a thousand-zhang peak piercing the clouds, seven main peaks standing like sharp swords, each with magnificent palace complexes erected on its summit.

The glazed tiles shimmered with a golden-red light under the setting sun, resembling celestial palaces from afar.

Mist swirled around the mountains, with occasional cranes circling. Faintly, they could hear the clear sound of bells.

After the gate-keeping disciples verified their jade pendants, a man in a dark indigo robe strode towards them.

This man had a lean face, and a natural aura of sternness emanated from his brows. A bronze token hung from his waist, swaying gently with his steps.

It was the insignia of a Misty Cloud Sect Outer Sect Deacon.

"I am Li Jie."

The man's voice was steady as his gaze swept over everyone.

"By order of the Elder, I am here to escort you to the Outer Sect's quarters."

As he spoke, Su Yu keenly sensed the faint flow of Spiritual Qi around him.

At least Spirit Condensation Realm cultivation.

Following Li Jie through the mountain gate, the scene before them left the group mesmerized.

On the bluestone-paved mountain path, disciples in various colored robes could be seen everywhere: some in moon-white training uniforms were sparring with swords; others in deep blue uniforms hurried past with ancient texts; and a few in gray robes, carrying herb baskets, strode with vigor.

The sound of clashing metal could be heard from the distance, likely from a martial arts arena where a competition was underway.

Su Yan eagerly stepped forward. "Senior Brother Li! How many disciples does our Misty Cloud Sect have? I see people coming and going along this path; it's so lively!"

Li Jie's steps didn't falter. "The Misty Cloud Sect currently has over eight hundred Inner Sect disciples and more than two thousand Outer Sect disciples."

Su Mei thoughtfully inquired, "How are the daily cultivation arrangements for the Outer Sect disciples?"

"Outer Sect cultivation emphasizes self-discipline."

Li Jie sidestepped a group of laborers carrying spiritual herbs.

"On the first and fifteenth of each month, elders from each peak will lecture in the Transmission Hall, answering questions about cultivation. On other days, disciples are expected to arrange their own training."

Su Yan blinked. "What if we encounter problems during regular days?"

A faint smile touched Li Jie's lips. "On the first floor of the Scripture Repository, there is the Cultivation Q&A Record, which compiles common questions. If that still doesn't solve it..."

He pointed to a blue-tiled building in the distance. "There are always duty deacons in the Deacon Hall available for consultation, but..."

He glanced meaningfully at Su Yan. "Each question will cost one Contribution Point."

Su Mei muttered softly, "Looks like we'll have to be economical with our questions..."

"That is the Spirit Cuisine Hall," Li Jie said, pointing to a three-story building emitting cooking smoke on the left.

"Meals are served daily at the Chen, Wu, and You hours. If you prefer solitude, you can also take your meals back to your residence."

He then pointed to a majestic hall ahead and to the right. "Tomorrow at the Chen hour, you will need to gather at the Outer Sect Main Hall. You will be issued sect uniforms, briefed on the rules, and there will also be..." He paused deliberately.

Choosing an introductory martial skill.

Martial skills! Su Yan became excited again.

New outer sect disciples can choose one high-grade Human-tier martial skill.

Li Jie glanced at him.

If you wish to obtain martial skills of a higher grade, you will need to exchange them for sect contribution points.

After rounding a mountain pass, the view suddenly opened up.

Before them, on a platform spanning several miles, pavilions and towers were arranged with exquisite taste.

The most eye-catching was a seven-story Scripture Repository in the center, its upturned eaves adorned with bronze bells that chimed melodically in the wind.

This is the living quarters for outer sect disciples.

Li Jie led them to a courtyard area shaded by green bamboo.

Each person received an independent small courtyard, containing a training room and a meditation room.

He added meaningfully, "Registered disciples and laborers don't get this treatment; twenty of them share one large courtyard."

As Su Yu pushed open the gate to his own courtyard, a refreshing herbal fragrance wafted towards him.

The small courtyard was designed with exquisite taste. Calming Spirit Flowers were planted on either side of the bluestone path, and a waist-high medicinal furnace sat beneath the window of the main house.

The most delightful surprise was a Spirit Spring in the backyard. Gurgling clear water flowed from the mouth of a stone dragon, shimmering faintly under the moonlight.

Tomorrow at the Chen hour, do not be late.

After giving his instructions, Li Jie turned and left, his figure quickly disappearing into the vast sea of clouds.

Su Yu stood in the courtyard, gazing at the peaks that appeared and disappeared faintly amidst the distant clouds and mist, the cries of cranes echoing in his ears.