Chapter 3: Azure cloud sect (2)

Xiao Yicai, recognizing the threat, quickly moved to shield Greyson ,Xiaofan and Jingyu. His expression was a mix of urgency and calm, he cultivation flaring as he prepared to see what is wrong with their sect guardian beast . "Stay behind me!" .

The qilin landed gracefully in front of them, its majestic form casting a shadow over the ground. Xiao Yicai cupped his hands and bowed slightly in respect.

"Master Spirit Guardian, these are the future disciples the Sect Master ordered me to bring," Xiao Yicai said. The qilin, a revered guardian of the Azure Cloud Sect, was known for its wisdom and power.The qilin's gaze, intense and unblinking, fell upon Zhang Xiao Fan.

The weight of its stare made Xiao Fan's legs tremble, and Greyson felt his own heart pound faster. Despite the rising tension, he managed to calm himself.Remembering the plot from the series, Greyson reassured himself that the qilin was not a threat.

Just as he recalled from the show, the qilin took a thorough look at Xiao Fan before turning and departing.The three of them sank onto the bridge, their legs giving out from the intensity of the moment. Xiao Fan, visibly shaken, was particularly unsettled by the qilin's intense gaze.

Jingyu, noting his friend's distress, tried to offer some comfort. Greyson, meanwhile, felt a mix of fear and excitement churning within him.Xiao Yicai smiled reassuringly and said,

"It's the Guardian Spirit of the Azure Cloud Sect, the Water Qilin."He added,

"So don't be too scared. The qilin is a symbol of protection and guidance. Its attention is a sign of the sect's recognition of your potential."

Greyson, hearing Xiao Yicai's reassuring words, couldn't help but sneer inwardly.

'That's all nonsense. The Qilin's interest isn't about potential; it's more likely because it sensed the dark energy of the pearl which is with Xiao Fan.'

'Potential, my ass,'he thought, shaking his head slightly as he watched the scene unfold.

'You can fool those brats not me, who knows the plot'After the qilin's departure, Xiao Yicai led them to the main hall of the Azure Cloud Sect.

The hall was grand and imposing, with high ceilings and intricate carvings that spoke of the sect's long history and prestige.At the end of the hall, on a raised platform, sat seven figures in ceremonial attire. At the center was the Sect Leader of the Azure Cloud Sect, exuding an aura of authority and power. The Sect Leader's presence was commanding, and the other six figures flanked him, each with their own distinct air of influence and importance.

Six people representing six peaks.Same as in the plot Jingyu was taken Dragon Head Peak and Xiaofan into Bamboo peak.

Now it's comes his turn.Greyson, feeling the weight of the moment, stepped forward as Xiao Yicai nudged him. With a mix of nervousness and respect, he knelt before the assembled leaders and clasped his hands in a formal gesture.

"Disciple Greyson Greets, esteemed sect leader and honored elders," Greyson shouted, his voice steadyGreyson kept his head bowed as he listened to the exchange between the Sect Leader and the elders. The weight of their gazes was almost palpable, and he could feel the intensity of their scrutiny.

Despite his nerves, he forced himself to remain calm, determined to prove his worth.Xiao Yicai's voice was steady as he continued,

"Sect Leader, elders, I have observed this child, and his aptitude is extraordinary. With proper guidance, he could become a valuable asset to our sect."

The Sect Leader, Daoxuan Zhenren, nodded thoughtfully. His eyes, filled with wisdom accumulated over decades, lingered over Greyson.

"Potential, indeed," he murmured, his tone carrying a hint of intrigue. "But potential alone is not enough. It must be nurtured and refined."The hall fell silent as Daoxuan Zhenren deliberated.

The elders, each a powerful figure in their own right, exchanged glances but remained quiet, waiting for the Sect Leader's decision.Finally, Daoxuan Zhenren spoke, his voice carrying the authority of his position.

"I suggest we allow this child to join Bamboo Peak. While it may not be as prominent as some of our other peaks, it is a place where one can grow without undue pressure. There, his potential can be cultivated properly."Tian Buyi, the leader of Bamboo Peak, had been observing Greyson with a discerning eye.

As the Sect Leader's words sank in, he slowly rose to his feet. His expression was a mix of seriousness and happiness. "If that is the Sect Leader's wish," Tian Buyi began, his voice deep and resonant, "then Bamboo Peak will accept this child."

His happiness at the prospect of gaining a promising disciple was quickly overshadowed by the sharp words of Cang Song, the leader of Dragon Head Peak.Cang Song's tone was firm as he spoke up.

"Sect Master, this child clearly has great potential. Wouldn't it be a waste for him to be sent to Big Bamboo Peak? With the right guidance, he could achieve much more under the tutelage of Dragon Head Peak."Tian Buyi's face darkened with anger at the implication that his peak was somehow inferior.

He stood tall, his voice booming with indignation. "Cang Song, how dare you question my peak's ability to nurture talent? Do you think your Dragon Head Peak is the only one capable of producing exceptional disciples?"

Cang Song met Tian Buyi's glare with an arrogant smirk. "Talented disciples should be taught by the best, Tian Buyi. It would be a disservice to this child if he isn't given the proper training, and Dragon Head Peak is where he would receive it."Tian Buyi's temper flared as he reached for his sword, his anger evident in his eyes.

"Well, well, Cang Song. Are you trying to pick a fight with me? If it's a duel you want, I'm more than ready to oblige!"The tension in the hall escalated as Tian Buyi unsheathed his sword, the blade gleaming in cold light. Cang Song, unfazed, prepared to draw his own weapon, his posture equally defiant.

"Enough!" The Sect Leader's voice cut through the rising conflict like a sharp blade. Daoxuan Zhenren waved his hand, his expression stern as he intervened.

"This is my decision. Greyson will be assigned to Big Bamboo Peak, and that is final."Both Tian Buyi and Cang Song froze. The authority of the Sect Leader's voice brought an abrupt end to their quarrel.

Tian Buyi sheathed his sword, though his anger still simmered beneath the surface. Cang Song, too, withdrew, though not without a final, disapproving glance at Greyson.

Daoxuan Zhenren's gaze swept across the hall, making it clear that the matter had been settled. "There will be no further discussion on this. Greyson will receive his training at Big Bamboo Peak. I trust that under Tian Buyi's guidance, he will reach his full potential."

Greyson stood there, trying to process everything that had just happened. The argument between Tian Buyi and Cang Song left him with a mix of emotions—doubt, confusion, and even a hint of disbelief.'Is my potential really that great?' Greyson wondered, his mind racing.

'Why are they fighting for me? Am I really that amazing? Why didn't I realize it before? Are their eyes blind, or did something about me change when I became a child?'As the discussion concluded, Greyson knew it was his turn to speak.

He took a deep breath, doing his best to keep his voice steady despite the whirlwind of thoughts and emotions swirling inside him. "Thank you, Sect Leader , and honored elders. I will do my utmost to live up to the expectations of the sect."

The hall, which had been filled with tension moments ago, now fell into calm silence. Tian Buyi, who had been seething with anger, seemed to regain his composure. He looked at Greyson with a mixture of expectation and responsibility. "Come, disciple. We have much work to do."

Daoxuan Zhenren offered a slight nod, a rare smile playing on his lips. "Very well, Disciple Greyson. From this day forth, you are a disciple of the Azure Cloud Sect."With that decision made, Greyson was officially assigned to Big Bamboo Peak.