Heavenly Dao Sect

Early summer, at the Kyoto First Daoist Academy.

The vast sports field was packed black with fresh graduates in matching pale-blue Daoist robes, several thousand in all.

Sunlight fell across young, vibrant faces, also reflecting the longing for the future in their eyes—and a trace of unease.

On the rostrum, Chen Ke delivered a speech on behalf of the authorities, encouraging these new forces of the cultivation world who were about to step into society.

And the one who drew the most attention was Lin Yan of Maoshan, seated at the head of the distinguished guests' section, wearing a blue Daoist robe washed nearly white, his expression gentle yet solemn.

This contemporary leader of the Daoist sects, who had long since stepped into Refining God to Void, achieved Yang Spirit, and turned the tide in several major crises, had been specially invited to give the graduation address.

His very presence was a symbol.

"...Dao follows nature, yet one must also keep oneself upright."

"What you have learned today is not for standing above all living beings, but for safeguarding humanity, for exploring Heaven's will..."

Lin Yan's voice was calm, yet it reached every person present clearly, carrying a power that soothed the heart.

He spoke of the original intent of cultivation, of Dao and virtue, of power and responsibility.

Several thousand students listened as if drunk and entranced, excited light flickering in many of their eyes.

At the rear side of the sports field, atop the boughs of an ancient tree thick with leaves, space rippled faintly. Two figures stood suspended in the void, yet the clamorous crowd below sensed nothing at all.

They were Zhou Qing and Long Aotian.

"At the middle stage of Refining Essence into Qi, one can graduate."

"To reach such an achievement in just a