Azure Cloud Sect

Biodata

Background / History

The Azure Cloud Sect is a major immortal cultivation sect whose experts stand far above the Great Zhou Dynasty's local cultivators. Its elders are regarded as capable of determining a dynasty's rise or fall, while sect disciples possess status comparable to Great Zhou princes and princesses. 1 9

Its recruitment trial is a major goal for young geniuses, with many participating at eighteen. Fang Yuan qualified through his performance but failed after a royal-family member and other prodigies targeted him before the trial's final stage, leaving him severely injured and with a damaged dantian. 1 60

The sect maintains influence over numerous Azure Cloud Academies in surrounding dynasties. These academies serve as recognized martial sacred grounds and channels for sending their most outstanding talents to the sect. 47 48

Organization and Influence

Recruitment and Disciple Trials

• The sect's disciple trial is treated as a path to immense social and cultivation status. 1 9
• After reaching Foundation Establishment, a cultivator may receive more lenient entry requirements and greater favor from the sect. 60
• Sect elders may personally collect exceptional talents; Gu Fengyang arrived in the Great Zhou Dynasty intending to escort Li Chenze and then pursued Fang Yuan after sensing his breakthrough. 53 55
• Fang Yuan considers the trial unjust because a prince and several prodigies jointly attacked him despite the final stage forbidding group assaults. 60
• The sect's established trial standards are defended by Wang Ting as a long-standing and generally complete recruitment system. 60

Relationship with Azure Cloud Academy

• Azure Cloud Academy is a prestigious cultivation academy within the Great Zhou Dynasty and a subordinate institution of Azure Cloud Sect. 47 48
• Its graduates include powerful officials and cultivators, such as regional governors, prefecture governors, marquises, and generals. 47
• The academy's Headmaster, Li Chengxian, originated from Azure Cloud Sect and seeks an opportunity to return there. 51 52
• The academy convened its senior personnel and disciples to receive Azure Cloud Sect representatives, demonstrating the sect's authority over it. 52 53
• Murong Jing became an Azure Cloud Sect elder's personal disciple after joining the sect. 37

Relationship with Fang Yuan

• Fang Yuan's original body entered the sect's disciple trial but was eliminated after being targeted and gravely injured. 1 60
• His refusal to join Azure Cloud Academy twice did not prevent sect representatives from pursuing him. He Yunsong promised that academy enrollment could lead to direct entry into Azure Cloud Sect within a year. 48 49
• After Fang Yuan's second Foundation Establishment caused Heavenly Lightning and auspicious omens, Gu Fengyang and Wang Ting argued over recruiting him for Azure Cloud Peak and Heavenly Sword Peak respectively. 59
• Fang Yuan refused both sect membership and Gu Fengyang's offer of personal tutelage, citing the prior unfair trial and the danger of entering a sect where his royal adversary would have greater backing. 60
• Fang Zhongwu later warned Fang Yuan that completely cutting off the sect's hopes could provoke hostile action from some of its members. 63

Notable Members

• Gu Fengyang — Honored Elder and the Sect Master's junior uncle; personally attempted to take Fang Yuan as a disciple. 53 55 60
• Wang Ting — Sect elder who sought to recruit Fang Yuan for Heavenly Sword Peak. 54 59
• Elder Chen — Titled elder who had already selected Li Chenze as a prospective disciple. 53 59
• Murong Jing — Personal disciple of an unnamed sect elder. 37
• Li Chenze — Ninth Prince of Great Zhou; selected by Elder Chen and expected to enter the sect. 53 59

Notable Quotes

“If your sect's trial were fair, we wouldn't be meeting here today.” — Fang Yuan 60

“The Azure Cloud Sect's threshold is high, with countless geniuses and experts within. It doesn't lack one like me.” — Fang Yuan 60