The smell of blood and ashes had yet to fade from the arena. Severely wounded, Nangong Heyao lay on the ground, barely propping up his upper body. Fury burned in his eyes, but he lacked the strength to stop her. Yue Linmeng was covered in blood, yet madness gleamed in her eyes. Biting through the tip of her tongue, she forcibly drove her remaining Spiritual Qi into motion. Her hands traced blood-colored runes through the air, accompanied by her final furious roar:
"Die! Not one of you Cloud-Leveling Hall geniuses will leave here alive!"
In an instant, a blood-colored storm formed above the arena, like countless bloody mouths roaring and howling. Innumerable blood lotuses bloomed in the air, their blade-sharp petals pouring down with a presence that could tear heaven and earth apart, hurtling straight toward Qin Yu as he lay unconscious!
Nangong Heyao roared, his voice raw with tearing pain, "Stop!!!"
Below the platform, the Cloud-Leveling Hall disciples seethed with outrage. His eyes bloodshot, Yang Zheng struggled desperately to reach the edge of the arena. "Stop-!!!"
Zhao Xinyu's eyes brimmed with tears, her voice hoarse, as though her heart were being torn apart. "Stop!!!"
But the sea of blood lotuses crashed down, with almost no one able to stop it.
In that lightning-swift instant-
Boom!!!
An utterly terrifying gray light suddenly burst from Qin Yu's body at the center of the arena. That light was no color of the mortal world, but the "Radiance of Void and Stillness" that swallowed every color. The instant it erupted, every sound between heaven and earth seemed to be devoured, leaving only minds trembling from the shock.
Gray light shot skyward, like countless gray thunderbolts interweaving in midair to form an enormous gray domain. The arena's formation patterns shattered with a thunderous crash. Space cracked layer upon layer like a mirror, while the sea of blood lotuses became fragile scraps of paper beneath the impact of that gray light, evaporating instantly without even a fragment left behind!
Beneath the gray light, the disciples and elders of every sect, including the mightiest experts watching the battle, were all suppressed by that radiance they could not look upon. Their eyes stung, tears flowing uncontrollably. They covered their faces with their hands, yet still could not stop the trembling that reached deep into their souls.
Heaven and earth lost their color. The arena turned to ash.
Only that gray light remained, like an ancient source of annihilation, suppressing everything alone.
Only one thought rose in everyone's heart:
This power belonged to none!
It had even surpassed every cultivation level they could comprehend!
At that moment, although Qin Yu remained unconscious, the gray light automatically protected its master, like some supreme will between heaven and earth declaring:
No one could harm him in the slightest.
The gray light surged like a tide, pressing down upon heaven and earth.
When that boundless power of deathly stillness finally dispersed and the arena reappeared before the crowd, only indescribable astonishment and alarm remained in their hearts.
Only two people remained in the arena.
Nangong Heyao was covered in wounds, kneeling on one knee, his chest heaving violently. Qin Yu lay quietly in the center, his robes tattered and his breath weak, yet a hazy gray afterglow still surrounded him, like the last ember between heaven and earth.
As for Liu Hongzhuang and Yue Linmeng, whose overwhelming might had filled the arena moments earlier... they had vanished without a trace. No bodies, no fluctuations of Spiritual Qi-even their names seemed to have been stripped from the world, erased completely.
The spectator stands were deathly silent.
"What... just happened?" someone asked shakily, their voice trembling as though the wind might scatter it.
"I-I didn't see anything... that light hurt my eyes so badly I couldn't open them." Another disciple looked bewildered.
"Did the arena's formation patterns erupt? Or did some hidden expert intervene?" The elders of the various sects exchanged glances filled with confusion and wariness.
Even the elders of super sects such as the White Cloud Sect and Thousand Autumns Hall wore grave expressions, indescribable shock buried deep in their eyes. That gray light had come abruptly and departed soundlessly, like a momentary manifestation of some supreme will between heaven and earth, nothing like something human power could accomplish.
The Cloud-Leveling Hall disciples were even more dumbfounded. Yang Zheng stared fixedly at Qin Yu, his heart pounding. "Brother Yu... just what..." He forcibly swallowed the words on his lips. Like everyone else, he had seen nothing clearly.
Tears glimmered in Zhao Xinyu's eyes. Biting her lip, she murmured, "Who exactly... saved him?"
At that moment, confusion, shock, and an indescribable chill permeated the entire arena.
Only one thing was certain: Liu Hongzhuang and Yue Linmeng had vanished from this world completely.
The arena's gray light dissipated, and deathly silence lingered. Suddenly, a formidable figure cut through the air-the grand elder of Cloud-Leveling Hall. His expression was grave, but when he saw that Qin Yu was safe, irrepressible delight flashed in his eyes.
"Qin Yu!" the grand elder called in a low voice, reaching out to lift him gently into his arms. Qin Yu's breath was extremely weak, his face as pale as paper, as though he might sink into deep slumber at any moment. With a sweep of his sleeve, the grand elder sent a translucent spiritual pill into Qin Yu's mouth. It dissolved immediately, and a gentle stream of Spiritual Qi slowly nourished his meridians and dantian. At last, Qin Yu's breathing steadied, his chest rising and falling with increasing strength.
Everyone witnessed this, and the cloud of doubt hanging over their hearts was temporarily suppressed. Indescribable awe and shock filled the arena.
The adjudicating elder stepped forward, his voice shaking the entire tournament grounds of White Frost Ancient City. "The tournament for outer disciples of the Great Yan Continent's low-tier sects hereby-concludes!"
After a brief silence, a thunderous roar erupted throughout the arena.
"First place! Cloud-Leveling Hall!"
"Nangong Heyao! Qin Yu!"
At that moment, every sect's gaze converged on Cloud-Leveling Hall's seats. Cloud-Leveling Hall, once mocked and belittled by many sects, had now surpassed all its rivals and claimed first place through the efforts of two young disciples!
The Cloud-Leveling Hall disciples erupted with excitement. Yang Zheng was the first to shout toward the sky, "Brother Yu! Senior Brother Nangong! Well done!"
Zhao Xinyu's eyes reddened. Her hands clenched tightly, and tears nearly spilled from her excitement. "Cloud-Leveling Hall... can finally hold its head high!"
In the stands, elders from several sects spoke quietly with dark expressions. "This Qin Yu... this boy is certainly no creature destined to remain in a pond."
"And Nangong Heyao. Between the two of them, they weathered Pure Fragrance Garden's onslaught one after another. Simply heaven-defying."
At the highest seats reserved for the five great sects, an old man from the White Cloud Sect nodded slightly, his gaze sharp. "Qin Yu... I'll remember him."
An elder of Thousand Autumns Hall stroked his beard and sighed softly. "If this boy can grow, he may become our sects' most formidable opponent."
Amid all the discussion and shock, Qin Yu still slept in the grand elder's arms. Yet his peaceful face seemed to proclaim silently:
This was a glory that belonged to Cloud-Leveling Hall.
The clamor at White Frost Ancient City's outer disciple tournament grounds surged like a tsunami. Clouds rolled across the heavens, drums and music rang out together, and colored flames soared skyward. Disciples of every sect shouted loud enough to shake the sky, stewards raised their arms and cheered, and even the mortal spectators on the city towers could not help bowing down and kneeling as they witnessed this grand celebration of cultivators.
The Cloud-Leveling Hall disciples shouted in unison:
"Cloud-Leveling Hall is number one! Cloud-Leveling Hall is invincible!"
Their voices converged like countless war drums beating, shaking the nine heavens.
Holding Qin Yu, the grand elder slowly rose onto the dais. Clad in white, Nangong Heyao stood at its front, radiant as a god of war. Yang Zheng and Zhao Xinyu stood among the crowd, tears and pride gleaming in their eyes, while the Cloud-Leveling Hall disciples knelt and bowed together. "Congratulations, senior brothers! Congratulations, senior brothers!"
At that very moment, a vast canopy of runes suddenly appeared in the sky, opened by a steward of White Frost Ancient City through his cultivation at Greater Completion of the Soul Foundation Realm. Enormous spiritual patterns cascaded like a river of stars, engraving the tournament's final results into the air:
First place: Cloud-Leveling Hall!
Nangong Heyao, Qin Yu!
Golden light branded the vast sky, difficult to erase even through ten thousand ages.
Qin Yu slowly opened his eyes in the grand elder's arms. The spiritual pill's effects were gradually nourishing his internal organs, replacing his feeble Spiritual Qi with a resilient newborn power. He looked up at the golden radiance filling the sky, the wild cheers of Cloud-Leveling Hall disciples ringing in his ears. At that moment, his heart was utterly clear-
All of this was not merely his personal glory, but the prelude to the rise of Cloud-Leveling Hall as a whole.
The grand elder raised his right arm high, his thunderous voice resounding between heaven and earth:
"Today, our Cloud-Leveling Hall has claimed first place through the strength of its disciples! This glory was won through your courageous, desperate battles! From this day forward, no one will dare look down on Cloud-Leveling Hall!"
As his words fell, all of White Frost Ancient City shook. Even the elders of the five great sects watching from afar wore grave looks.
The White Cloud Sect elder murmured, "Qin Yu... he truly deserves our White Cloud Sect's close attention."
A spark of fighting spirit ignited in the hearts of the Thousand Autumns Hall disciples. If he grows, he will surely be our greatest opponent.
At that moment, the Cloud-Leveling Hall disciples had already raised their banners in a vast procession. The cries of ten thousand people surged like rushing rivers, shaking hundreds of miles.
Qin Yu straightened his back, his gaze firm. His wounds had yet to heal, but he silently swore in his heart:
All of this is only the beginning.
The sky above White Frost Ancient City was painted into a golden-purple ocean by boundless rosy light. Atop the city tower, the city lord of White Frost Ancient City personally ascended the platform, his long robes billowing, his presence deep as an abyss. His voice echoed like a great bell between heaven and earth:
"Today, Cloud-Leveling Hall has surpassed every rival and taken first place in the tournament of ten thousand sects! This is a grand occasion for Great Yan, and an honor for White Frost Ancient City! As city lord, I hereby bestow generous rewards upon Cloud-Leveling Hall as a token of respect!"
As he slowly raised his palm, the spiritual radiance filling the sky suddenly transformed into countless motes of light. They descended together, condensing into a full hundred thousand high-grade spirit stones that cascaded like a river of stars into the center of the square. Their Spiritual Qi surged like an ocean, making countless cultivators hold their breath. Immediately afterward, ten thousand pill bottles whirled through the air, their dazzling spiritual light like rain descending from heaven. Dozens of cultivation technique jade slips floated in the air as well, each emanating an astonishing ancient presence.
The entire crowd erupted!
"A hundred thousand high-grade spirit stones! Tens of thousands of pills! And cultivation technique jade slips!"
"These rewards... are practically equal to a medium-sized sect's accumulation over a century!"
Tears glimmered in the Cloud-Leveling Hall disciples' eyes, their hearts surging. Many wept freely as they shouted in unison, "Victory to Cloud-Leveling Hall!"
Then, beneath everyone's gaze, the hall master of Cloud-Leveling Hall, dressed in purple-and-gold robes and bearing himself with dignity, personally walked up to Qin Yu and Nangong Heyao. Both knelt on one knee and bowed respectfully. The hall master proclaimed:
"Qin Yu, Nangong Heyao! In the outer disciple tournament, you slew powerful foes and defended our sect's glory. Your merits are outstanding! From this day, each of you shall receive two thousand high-grade spirit stones and a peerless cultivation technique, to help you advance further in your cultivation!"
With that, the hall master spread his sleeves. Two purple-and-gold tokens slowly descended from the air, runes flowing across them with unparalleled might.
"These are Cloud-Leveling Purple Gold Tokens. Their bearers hold status equal to stewards, may command outer disciples, and enjoy the treatment accorded to Cloud-Leveling Hall's inner disciples! Such an honor is rarely bestowed in a thousand years. Today, I make an exception and grant it to you!"
Qin Yu and Nangong Heyao accepted the purple-and-gold tokens with both hands, their chests heaving, hot blood surging through their bodies. Spiritual light had branded the words "Cloud-Leveling" onto the tokens, which radiated supreme majesty, symbolizing that they had entered Cloud-Leveling Hall's true core ranks.
Across the square, disciples knelt like a tide, shouting together with the force of roaring mountains and seas:
"Congratulations to our two senior brothers! Glory to Cloud-Leveling Hall!"
Qin Yu gripped the purple-and-gold token tightly, yet his heart grew steadier. He raised his eyes toward the endless heavens and whispered inwardly:
Though I have received the sect's highest honor, this is merely the beginning on the Great Yan Continent. The road ahead will never end at Cloud-Leveling Hall, nor will it end at the Great Yan Continent.
After White Frost Ancient City's celebration concluded, Cloud-Leveling Hall's vast procession began its return journey. An immense spirit ship broke through the clouds, borne by auspicious clouds, its grand momentum like ten thousand troops returning in triumph. Along the way, ordinary people, Rogue Cultivators, and wandering cultivators all looked up at the sky, their hearts shaken:
"Cloud-Leveling Hall has taken the championship, its might shaking Great Yan!"
Three days later, bells and drums rang together before Cloud-Leveling Hall's mountain gates, amid countless rays of auspicious light. Tens of thousands of disciples and elders had long since gathered in the square before the gates. Outer and inner disciples stood in orderly ranks holding banners, their flags snapping in the wind as red auspicious clouds shrouded the mountaintops.
When the spirit ship slowly descended from the heavens, thunderous cries instantly erupted throughout the square:
"Victory to Cloud-Leveling Hall! Cloud-Leveling Hall is invincible!"
Waves of sound rolled like the celestial river bursting its banks, shaking hundreds of miles of mountains and rivers.
The hall master personally led the elders out to welcome them, his face dignified and gratified, his ringing voice shaking the sky:
"Disciples, Cloud-Leveling Hall's championship in Great Yan today is the glory of our entire hall, and proof of our disciples' unity!"
As his words fell, a golden bell boomed and spiritual music rang out. Golden tables had already been arranged on the jade steps before the great hall. Spiritual pills were piled like mountains, spirit stones heaped like a river of stars, their brilliance dazzling.
The reward ceremony officially began.
The grand elder stepped forward, holding a jade slip, and solemnly read:
"Cloud-Leveling Hall disciple Qin Yu slew powerful foes in the outer disciple tournament and defended the sect's dignity. For his outstanding merits, he is hereby awarded:
Two thousand high-grade spirit stones!
One peerless cultivation technique! One purple-and-gold token, granting status equal to a steward!
Cloud-Leveling Hall disciple Nangong Heyao was unstoppable in the tournament and victorious in every battle. He is hereby awarded:
Two thousand high-grade spirit stones!
One peerless cultivation technique! One purple-and-gold token, granting status equal to a steward!"
As he read, vast spiritual light burst across the horizon. Purple-and-gold divine patterns hung high in the sky, engraving the two names among the clouds, to endure for a hundred years.
Qin Yu and Nangong Heyao stepped forward together, bowed before the great hall, and accepted the purple-and-gold tokens with both hands. The moment the tokens touched their hands, spiritual might spread outward, filling the surrounding disciples with awe.
Then the grand elder continued:
"Yang Zheng distinguished himself in the Shadow Woods and demonstrated tenacious resolve in the tournament. Although his cultivation was somewhat weaker, he remained unyielding. He is hereby awarded:
Five hundred high-grade spirit stones!
One spiritual weapon! One cultivation technique!"
"Zhao Xinyu fought fiercely and unyieldingly in the tournament. Though she narrowly lost, her perseverance is commendable. She is hereby awarded:
Five hundred high-grade spirit stones!
One spiritual weapon! One cultivation technique!"
At that moment, deafening cheers filled the square. Countless disciples' eyes brimmed with envy, but their blood was stirred even more as they shouted in unison:
"Take Senior Brother Qin as our example! Take Senior Brother Nangong as our example! Take Senior Brother Yang and Senior Sister Zhao as our examples! Cloud-Leveling Hall will surely flourish!"
The hall master called out, his voice echoing between heaven and earth:
"From this day forward, our Cloud-Leveling Hall will never be a sect others may casually belittle! After this battle, the name of Cloud-Leveling will surely spread throughout the Great Yan Continent!"
Outside the mountain gates, spiritual springs roared, spiritual birds wheeled, and auspicious clouds gathered. The entirety of Cloud-Leveling Hall's mountain gates seemed like the most brilliant flame burning between heaven and earth, illuminating Great Yan's mountains and rivers.
The bells and drums in the square had not fallen silent, and the disciples' cheers still echoed. Just then, the entire sky suddenly shuddered, as though the nine heavens had been torn apart. Vast pressure descended, blanketing heaven and earth!
The endless sea of clouds churned like enormous waves rolling backward. Five towering figures suddenly appeared above Cloud-Leveling Hall, each like a mighty mountain suppressing heaven and earth. Their boundless presence made the tens of thousands of disciples below catch their breath, their minds trembling.
The first figure wore white and had a long beard, his features like stars. When he opened his eyes, Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi roared in response. He was the steward elder of the White Cloud Sect, a supreme existence at Greater Completion of the Soul Foundation Realm. His presence shrouded all of Cloud-Leveling Hall like a vast celestial river.
The second figure wore golden armor, the faint image of an ancient bell of a thousand autumns appearing behind him. Its toll reverberated as though it could suppress all living beings. He was Elder Golden Bell of Thousand Autumns Hall. Every step resembled a deity treading the world, his might shaking the nine heavens.
The third figure's purple robes snapped in the wind. Countless rays of rosy light interwove behind him, while scrolls of heavenly scripture appeared around his body, every character like heavenly thunder. He was the law enforcement elder of Luofu Hall, his Dao resonance profound, as though he could see through cause and effect.
The fourth figure stood atop phantom waves amid the roar of surging tides, an endless curtain of water behind him reflecting heaven and earth. He was Elder Water Origin of the Tide Capital Sect. Each breath seemed capable of stirring mountains, rivers, lakes, and seas.
The fifth figure wore black battle robes and stood upon the stars, his eyes like Juntian divine fire, his presence billowing. He was Elder Blazing Flame of Juntian Hall. His domineering presence resembled an endless sea of flames, scorching heat permeating heaven and earth.
With five experts at Greater Completion of the Soul Foundation Realm appearing simultaneously, the sky above Cloud-Leveling Hall instantly became a boundless ocean of spiritual pressure. The mountain gate's protective formation activated automatically, its runes flashing, barely managing to shield the disciples.
The grand elder looked up, his expression grave, and asked in a deep voice:
"Elders of the superior sects, what important matter brings you here?"
The White Cloud Sect elder spoke, his voice calm yet echoing through the nine heavens:
"Nothing else. We merely... wish to meet your Cloud-Leveling Hall's son-Qin Yu."
His words sent the entire crowd into an uproar.
Countless disciples gasped, their eyes turning in unison toward Qin Yu in the grand elder's arms. At that moment, everyone understood-first place in this outer disciple tournament had not merely allowed Cloud-Leveling Hall to hold its head high. It had stirred the interest of the five sects at the very pinnacle of the Great Yan Continent!
Above the square, the vast presence of the five elders at Greater Completion of the Soul Foundation Realm enveloped heaven and earth. The Cloud-Leveling Hall disciples felt such pressure that they could scarcely breathe, yet their eyes remained fixed on Qin Yu-they knew this moment would decide his future.
Cloud-Leveling Hall's hall master stood on the jade steps, his dignified face bearing a faint smile. He had anticipated this scene long ago. Once the tournament in White Frost Ancient City concluded, the elders of the five supreme sects were bound to come personally. Cupping his hands, the hall master spoke respectfully but calmly:
"Your arrival from afar, elders of the superior sects, brings splendor to our humble Cloud-Leveling Hall."
The White Cloud Sect elder spoke first. Standing among the clouds with his white beard drifting, his voice shook the nine heavens like a celestial bell:
"Qin Yu, would you be willing to join our White Cloud Sect? The White Cloud Sect is the foremost sect of the Great Yan Continent, its palaces standing in great numbers, its legacy unmatched. If you agree, I will personally recommend you as an outer disciple, grant you the finest cultivation palace in White Cloud Hall, and provide vast cultivation resources, allowing you to devote yourself to cultivation without worrying about spirit stones or cultivation techniques."
His words instantly sent the square into an uproar.
"The White Cloud Sect! That's the foremost sect of the Great Yan Continent!"
"Heavens, if Qin Yu really agrees, his future will be limitless!"
"Cloud-Leveling Hall may be strong, but compared with the White Cloud Sect... it's like mortal fire beside the bright moon!"
Before those words faded, Elder Golden Bell of Thousand Autumns Hall laughed, his voice reverberating like an ancient bell of a thousand autumns:
"Old White Cloud, you're certainly quick, but aren't you taking too much upon yourself? Qin Yu, our Thousand Autumns Hall is equally willing to accept you as an outer disciple. We will grant you a cultivation residence in Golden Bell Palace, a monthly stipend of three hundred top-grade spirit stones, and personal guidance from an elder. Thousand Autumns Hall may not claim to be first, but our disciples are united, and our cultivation atmosphere far surpasses other sects!"
Luofu Hall's law enforcement elder snorted coldly. The phantom image of an ancient heavenly scripture appeared in his hand, Dao sounds rolling forth:
"Qin Yu, if you join our Luofu Hall, you may enter the inner ranks directly! Luofu Hall is renowned for its laws. With your exceptional talent, you are precisely the right material to cultivate our hall's Heavenly Yan Scripture. Join Luofu, and you may wield the power of laws and glimpse the source of the Great Dao."
Elder Water Origin of the Tide Capital Sect swept his sleeve. The curtain of water around him surged like ocean waves, his voice deep and resonant:
"Join our Tide Capital Sect, and Water Origin Hall will open its doors to you. You may choose any secret realm and any cultivation technique. Whatever cultivation resources you need, the sect will spare no expense."
Finally, Elder Blazing Flame of Juntian Hall laughed heartily, his eyes blazing like flames:
"Young man, cultivators should prove their Dao through battle! Our Juntian Hall values slaughter and a keen edge above all. If you join our Juntian Hall, you will be a candidate for personal discipleship! In the future, you may suppress an entire region, command its lords, and enjoy the world's highest glory!"
The voices of the five great sects interwove between heaven and earth like towering waves crashing against the shore, shaking the minds of the disciples in the square.
"The White Cloud Sect, Thousand Autumns Hall, Luofu Hall, the Tide Capital Sect, Juntian Hall... all five great sects are offering him olive branches at once!"
"This is a spectacle rarely seen in a thousand years!"
"Qin Yu's choice will change his entire life!"
Every gaze focused on Qin Yu, waiting for his response.
Qin Yu stood quietly at the center of everyone's attention, gripping the purple-gold token tightly. With every breath, he could still feel the warm spiritual might it radiated. Above him, the voices of the five great sects' elders still echoed between heaven and earth, like rolling heavenly thunder that shook the heart.
His thoughts were slightly unsettled.
The White Cloud Sect, the foremost sect on the Great Yan Continent-if he joined, cultivation resources would be endless, and he might even ascend to heaven in a single step.
Thousand Autumns Hall, Luofu Hall, the Tide Capital Sect, Juntian Hall-each was a top-tier sect, offering treatment and prospects that would send any cultivator flocking to them.
Yet deep in his heart, the name Cloud-Leveling Hall weighed on his chest like a mountain. It was Cloud-Leveling Hall that had taken him in, Deacon Zhang Hao who had taught him and given him cultivation techniques, Yang Zheng and Zhao Xinyu who had supported him throughout his journey, and Nangong Heyao who had treated him as a fellow disciple and brother. Without Cloud-Leveling Hall, he would not be who he was today.
His brows furrowed slightly, and his gaze drifted involuntarily toward the master of Cloud-Leveling Hall.
The hall master stood on the jade steps, his eyes as deep as an abyss, seemingly already aware of the struggle within Qin Yu's heart. Amid the deafening clamor, he used voice transmission, his gentle yet firm voice quietly reaching Qin Yu's ears:
"Qin Yu, do not burden yourself with any misgivings. People strive upward, while water flows downward; that is the natural order. Cloud-Leveling Hall will always be your home, and what you have earned today is also our glory. Make your own choice without worry. Whatever the outcome, Cloud-Leveling Hall will be proud of you."
Those few brief words were like a cool breeze dispersing the heavy fog in his heart. Qin Yu's heart trembled, and his nose prickled slightly.
He slowly raised his head, looking at the five elders high in the sky, those godlike beings at Greater Completion of the Soul Foundation Realm; then he turned to look behind him, at the eager, admiring gazes of the Cloud-Leveling Hall disciples.
The purple-gold token at his chest seemed to pulse along with his heartbeat, reminding him that at this moment, he had to make a choice.
Utter silence fell over the square. Countless eyes fixed intently on Qin Yu, waiting for his response.
Qin Yu drew a deep breath. His voice was not loud, but it carried an incomparably resolute strength as it echoed between heaven and earth:
"Thank you, elders, for your gracious invitations."
He cupped his hands and bowed, his expression solemn and his tone ringing with resolve.
"I, your disciple Qin Yu, value loyalty and affection above all. Everything I have gained today, whether my cultivation or my glory, is thanks to Cloud-Leveling Hall's nurturing and the support of the brothers and friends beside me. Without them, there would be no Qin Yu."
A slight stir passed through the crowd, and the disciples held their breath.
Qin Yu's gaze was as firm as a mountain. He slowly lifted his head and looked toward the elders of the five great sects:
"If I entered a sect alone, even with the prospect of a great Dao ahead, my heart would find no peace. If one day I could join together with the three companions who have faced life and death beside me, I would not hesitate. I would follow you unto death!"
As he spoke, his gaze swept over Yang Zheng, Zhao Xinyu, and Nangong Heyao in the crowd. Their gazes trembled, their blood surged, and their eyes grew faintly red at that moment.
At these words, the entire square erupted once more!
"What? He actually dared to set such a condition in public!"
"These are invitations from the five great sects! He actually... actually dared to ask to bring others along!"
"Madness, utter madness!"
Yet tears filled the eyes of the Cloud-Leveling Hall disciples as they shouted together, "Senior Brother Qin!"
At that moment, what filled the square was not merely shock, but a heart-rending surge of emotion.
The elders of the five great sects, meanwhile, wore varying expressions:
The White Cloud Sect elder frowned slightly, a trace of surprise flashing through his eyes;
Elder Golden Bell of Thousand Autumns Hall laughed heartily, the sound of bells reverberating, seemingly intrigued;
Luofu Hall's law-enforcement elder wore a profound gaze, as though weighing the gains and losses;
Elder Water Origin of the Tide Capital Sect's eyes flickered thoughtfully;
And Elder Blazing Flame of Juntian Hall fixed his fiery gaze firmly on Qin Yu, half surprised and half appreciative.
High in the heavens, the five elders at Greater Completion of the Soul Foundation Realm radiated presences as vast as the sea, their expressions varied. As Qin Yu's words fell, the entire square became deathly silent. Even the wind seemed to vanish as everyone held their breath, awaiting their response.
The White Cloud Sect elder spoke first, his voice gentle yet shaking the nine heavens:
"What a loyal and honorable young man."
His gaze settled deeply on Qin Yu, a rare look of appreciation rising in his eyes.
"Your words accord precisely with our White Cloud Sect's principles-those who cultivate the Dao must hold all living beings in their hearts and never abandon their fellow travelers. Qin Yu, you are worthy of the title of outer sect champion."
At these words, countless Cloud-Leveling Hall disciples were invigorated, a hot tide surging through their hearts.
Elder Golden Bell of Thousand Autumns Hall clasped his hands behind his back. The phantom of an ancient bell trembled gently, giving off a deep hum. He did not immediately state his position, but said quietly:
"Loyalty and affection are certainly commendable, but among the disciples of Thousand Autumns Hall, the individual's Dao heart and will matter most... this matter requires further consideration."
His eyes never left Qin Yu, yet they faintly revealed hesitation and deliberation.
Luofu Hall's law-enforcement elder spoke coldly, his voice carrying unquestionable authority:
"Qin Yu, your talent is unparalleled. If you enter Luofu Hall, I can make an exception and grant you an inner sect position. But-"
He paused, his gaze sweeping over Yang Zheng, Zhao Xinyu, and Nangong Heyao, his tone sharp:
"You may bring one person at most! Luofu Hall tolerates no dead weight. Without great talent, no one should dream of riding your coattails."
At these words, a trace of complexity passed through the eyes of Yang Zheng and the other two, but they continued staring intently at Qin Yu, awaiting his choice.
Elder Water Origin of the Tide Capital Sect stood silently, the curtain of water behind him slowly flowing. His gaze was as deep as the sea, as though he were secretly working through possibilities, yet he gave no indication of his position.
Finally, Elder Blazing Flame of Juntian Hall burst into hearty laughter, his fiery voice shaking the Spiritual Qi throughout the square into turmoil:
"Interesting, interesting! Boy, being able to say such words in public has already made Juntian Hall see you in a new light!"
He raised a hand, and flames blazed fiercely in his palm, as though they would burn the void to nothing.
"In that case-Juntian Hall wants only one person! Whoever wishes to come with me may join Juntian Hall immediately!"
His fiery gaze swept over Qin Yu and the other three, his tone incomparably domineering:
"The four of you may decide among yourselves."
Towering waves of uproar swept through the square once again.
"The White Cloud Sect approves! Thousand Autumns Hall hesitates! Luofu Hall permits only one companion! And Juntian Hall has actually offered to take someone outright!"
"This... this is a spectacle the Great Yan Continent hasn't seen in a hundred years!"
The Cloud-Leveling Hall disciples held their breath in rapt attention, their blood boiling, their eyes fixed firmly on Qin Yu.
The square was silent. Everyone awaited Qin Yu's final decision.
Qin Yu slowly raised his head, his gaze resolute, his voice clear yet heavy:
"I, your disciple Qin Yu, respectfully thank you elders for your favor. My mind is made up-I wish to join the White Cloud Sect!"
At these words, the entire square erupted once again. Countless cultivators' pupils contracted. Although the Cloud-Leveling Hall disciples felt a faint sense of loss, incomparable pride and honor surged within them as well.
Having spoken, Qin Yu turned to look at Yang Zheng, Zhao Xinyu, and Nangong Heyao. His eyes held a firelike ardor as well as the depth of brotherly affection. Just as he was about to speak, Nangong Heyao stepped forward first.
He stood tall with his hands behind his back, reluctance showing in his eyes, though they remained resolute. He cupped his hands in a deep salute and said respectfully:
"Senior Brother Qin, thank you for your kindness. These days fighting by your side have benefited me greatly. Whether your battle experience or your meticulous thinking, calmness, and decisiveness, I will remember it all."
Nangong Heyao paused briefly and looked toward Qin Yu. An ardent light shone in his eyes, yet a trace of sorrow veiled it:
"But I, Nangong Heyao, was born unwilling to depend on others, and I am even less willing to make you worry about me. Choosing the White Cloud Sect is the best path for you. As for me... I choose to set out on another path alone."
He turned, his back like a mountain, yet tinged with loneliness.
"I wish to join Juntian Hall. It is a place filled with sharp edges and slaughter; perhaps that is the Dao Path best suited to me. Senior Brother Qin, Junior Brother Yang, Junior Sister Zhao-when each of us stands at the summit, let us reunite, drink our fill together, and laugh freely beneath the heavens!"
Every word of this speech rang like thunder, yet pressed so heavily on Qin Yu's chest that he could scarcely breathe. He wanted to ask him to stay, but saw the unshakable resolve in Nangong Heyao's eyes.
Their eyes met. After a moment of silence, an ache swept through Qin Yu's heart. He nodded slowly, his voice low yet ringing with strength:
"Good! When we meet again, wherever it may be, we will drink and sing together!"
Yang Zheng's and Zhao Xinyu's eyes grew wet. Zhao Xinyu bit her lip slightly, ultimately saying nothing, tears glimmering in her eyes. Yang Zheng clenched his fists hard and forced a smile. "Senior Brother Nangong, if you carve out a place for yourself in Juntian Hall, we will surely cheer for you!"
Nangong Heyao turned away, his back lonely yet incomparably resolute. The instant he stepped forward, it seemed that a fork in destiny had opened between him and Qin Yu.
The wind howled across the square, as though playing a sorrowful farewell to those days when the brothers had stood shoulder to shoulder.
In the end-Qin Yu, with Yang Zheng and Zhao Xinyu, prepared to set out for the White Cloud Sect; Nangong Heyao chose to walk alone toward the firelike Juntian Hall.
In the square before Cloud-Leveling Hall's mountain gates, bells and drums rang in unison, and auspicious light shone in countless rays. Tens of thousands of disciples gathered, their robes snapping in the wind as they stood in orderly ranks, their imposing presence as weighty as mountains. The hall master and the elders sat upon the jade steps, their gazes complex and solemn. Today was not merely a farewell, but the moment Cloud-Leveling Hall truly stepped onto the Great Yan Continent's highest stage.
Qin Yu, Yang Zheng, Zhao Xinyu, and Nangong Heyao stood shoulder to shoulder, all wearing the purple-gold battle robes bestowed by Cloud-Leveling Hall, sect tokens hanging at their waists, their backs straight and their gazes blazing.
The hall master slowly stepped forward and straightened their collars himself, his voice steady and weighty:
"The four of you are Cloud-Leveling Hall's pride. Going to other sects is not abandonment, but the spreading of Cloud-Leveling Hall's light across Great Yan. Remember, wherever you may be, Cloud-Leveling Hall will always be your home."
The grand elder also sighed, his gaze resting on Qin Yu as he said quietly:
"Qin Yu, never forget your roots, and never forget your heart. Your footsteps will determine Cloud-Leveling Hall's future."
At that moment, tens of thousands of disciples shouted in unison, their voices shaking the heavens:
"We respectfully bid farewell to our senior brothers! We respectfully bid farewell to our senior sister! Glory to Cloud-Leveling Hall!"
Their cries rolled like the tide, each wave higher than the last, surging straight into the nine heavens and shaking the sea of clouds into turmoil.
Emotion surged through Yang Zheng's heart. Tears filled his eyes, but he grinned and shouted to the disciples behind him:
"Brothers, wait until I forge an invincible sword edge at the White Cloud Sect! Then I'll come back and drink with you for three days and three nights!"
Tears glistened in Zhao Xinyu's eyes, yet she still smiled and nodded, speaking softly to the fellow female disciples beside her:
"I will make sure Cloud-Leveling Hall's name is respected in the White Cloud Sect too!"
Nangong Heyao's gaze burned fiercely, his voice like iron. "Junior brothers, rest assured. Even when I reach Juntian Hall, I, Nangong Heyao, will never disgrace Cloud-Leveling Hall's name! One day, I will reunite at the summit with Qin Yu, Yang Zheng, and Junior Sister Zhao!"
Finally, Qin Yu bowed deeply, his words ringing with conviction:
"I, your disciple Qin Yu, will remember Cloud-Leveling Hall's great kindness! I dare not forget it for as long as I live! When I return, I will raise Cloud-Leveling Hall's name to even greater heights!"
As his words fell, the heavens rumbled, and the spirit vessels of the five great sects stretched across the void. The White Cloud Sect's spirit vessel was like a city in the sky, paved with white jade, clouds and mist rising from it amid countless rays of rosy light; Juntian Hall's spirit vessel blazed with towering flames, like a scorching sun burning across the heavens.
Under countless watching eyes, Qin Yu, Yang Zheng, and Zhao Xinyu boarded the White Cloud Sect's spirit vessel, while Nangong Heyao stepped onto Juntian Hall's blazing spirit vessel.
The spirit vessels roared and soared into the heavens. The sea of clouds churned amid myriad rays of colored light. All the disciples of Cloud-Leveling Hall knelt and bowed together, their voices like mountains roaring and seas thundering:
"Disciples of Cloud-Leveling Hall-return in triumph!"
Their cries transformed this farewell into an epic etched into the Great Yan Continent.