Half an hour later, the group arrived before a sect.
It was a towering mountain gate that pierced the clouds, grand and imposing.
Below the gate stretched a long flight of bluestone steps, extending from the foot of the mountain all the way to the entrance, numbering several hundred steps.
Lush spirit bamboo had been planted along both sides of the stairs, swaying in the wind with a soft rustling sound.
A faint fragrance of bamboo lingered in the air, refreshing the mind and spirit.
Above the mountain gate hung an enormous plaque bearing the three characters: "Azure Cloud Sect."
"Miss Wan'er, we've arrived."
After speaking, Qin Yan removed the Wood Longevity Shield surrounding Nangong Wan'er.
The emerald-green radiance slowly dispersed, turning into specks of True Qi that flowed into Qin Yan's palm.
"Thank you, all three of you, for escorting me. Wan'er is deeply grateful."
Nangong Wan'er thanked the three escorts, yet her gaze remained fixed on Qin Yan, her expression complicated.
Within those clear eyes were gratitude, reluctance, and an indescribable emotion.
After the incident with Old Monster Canglang, she had tried to speak with him several times along the way.
But each time, he merely gave a bland reply before saying nothing more.
It left her feeling deeply disappointed.
"Excuse me, are you here to register?"
At that moment, a clear voice interrupted Nangong Wan'er's thoughts.
She turned and saw a young disciple in a green robe, carrying a black staff, walking out from within the mountain gate.
"My name is Zhang Xiaofan, an outer disciple of the Azure Cloud Sect. Are you one of this year's new disciples?"
Upon hearing this, Nangong Wan'er took out her identity Token and handed it to him.
Zhang Xiaofan accepted the Token, carefully checked it, then looked at Nangong Wan'er's