8 The Profound Radiance Sect

Several kilometers away, the ghastly lightning still shone brightly; the streaks of yellow brilliantly developing, enveloping the night sky.

The clap of thunder had awoken another sect that night, causing many to stare in wonder. The gates of the sect held words floating in the air reading, "The Profound Radiance Sect," their golden gates illuminating these words even further.

The structure of the Profound Radiance Sect paled in comparison to the Moral Timere Sect. Even their disciples were a cut above them. In terms of rankings between the top 100 sects, the Profound Radiance Sect was numbered in the top 50, whilst the Moral Timere Sect had barely reached the top 70.

Even surpassing one rank in these leaderboards was already considered a great feat, however, placing in the top 50 versus the top 70, there was a vast universe's distance to cover.

The leaderboards are also known as the Immortal Leaderboards. This board is located in First City to help future disciples become more knowledgeable about the current rankings of the sects.

The Profound Radiance Sect is powerful enough to be in the top 50, which also means they hold a wide range of cultivation resources and information.

Upon seeing this sight, Jeon, the genius of the sect, as well as a direct disciple of the top elder, couldn't help but be intrigued.

He had a slightly muscular build. His skin was glowing in the moonlight and his blonde hair fluttered in the wind.

Watching the light particles fly by his dorm room window, he was easily able to measure the distance it came from. He was only 22, but he was already a stage four Blood Motion cultivator, sitting at level 3. Judging the distance of the light particles was as simple as eating.

A sly smile crept up on his face as he leaned by the windowsill. "Ah, The Moral Timere Sect, how fascinating."

Walking out of his room, he headed over to consult his master, First Elder Agreiga.

"Master Agreiga," Jeon knelt before him. "I am guessing you have seen the light spectacle just a few moments ago."

"Yes, I have." He began stroking his beard, wondering what his little genius was going to do.

"I beseech you to allow me and a group of my selection to investigate this matter. It may be something important to help master advance into the seventh stage, Boundless Mind. We must, by all means, find out what it is."

The elder revealed a wide smile and ruffled his hair. "Not bad. Thinking of this old one first. However, knowing you, there must be something that you would want?"

Looking up at the first elder, Jeon hurriedly replied, "No, no, there is nothing that I would want. You have already given me many opportunities and have helped me advance to my current cultivation. I had wanted to gift you something of greater value to show my gratitude, but nothing in this sect is sufficient. That is why I wanted to explore the region below the event."

With a haughty laugh, the elder looked upon his disciple with glowing eyes. "It seems in the time that we've been together, I've raised you well. Un! I'll grant you this wish!"

"Thank you, Master!" Leaving, Jeon went out to find a group that would be suited to follow him.

Going back to his dorm, he sat down at his desk to begin writing the names that he would recruit.

Spending the entire night, laying out his plans, he had finally finished. Upon completion, the sun had risen, and many people were inquiring about the light spectacle.

"Was it someone undergoing a tribulation?"

"No, that lightning was more powerful than a normal tribulation. Maybe someone offended a powerful being."

"Yes, but if that were the case, what was with the yellow streaks?"

Many theories blew up over this event, causing people to speculate even further. In the center of the sect, most of the disciples were gathered and they were conversing to kill time before the announcements. Every morning, there were announcements that all disciples had to attend unless there was a reason for them not to.

The person giving the announcements was usually the first elder. When he appeared on stage, everyone immediately stopped talking and started paying their respects to him.

"Everyone," he began. "As you all know, there was a destructive lightning bolt that appeared in the distance causing yellow streaks to emerge within the sky. It has come to my attention, that we send out an expedition group to inquire on this matter." Many whispers washed throughout the crowd, but as soon as they started, they all hushed.

"I've received permission from the sect head to have my direct disciple, Jeon, lead the expedition group. Come." He waved his hands to beckon Jeon on the stage. Swiftly, he arrived.

"Now, I've given permission for Jeon to find his own group. If your name is called, please step onto the stage."

Jeon began to list the names. "Leyen… Tuoi… Crusch… and Reila." A total of four names were called. All four of them were at the least fourth stage Blood Motion cultivators.

"Over the next month, these five disciples will find out what the source was and bring glory to our sect!" The disciples in the crowd cheered. "That will be all for announcements. Return to your daily duties!"

The disciples slowly began to disperse, and the group of five started to prepare for their journey. The group was given a letter explaining who they were and what their mission was written by the first elder if any problems arose.

"Then, let's begin!" The five disciples had walked through the golden gates.

…

The Mountains of Arbor

In the hidden "grove" there was a girl and a tree. The girl was talking to the tree. Anyone witnessing this sight would have thought her crazy.

Remembering formalities, she had finally decided to ask the tree, "What's your name?"

Of course, the tree did not respond. Or at least, that's what it seemed. Between Yaila and the tree, the tree was able to transmit its thoughts to her, and the tree was only able to hear her.

"My name? I… I've seem to have forgotten it." After his encounter with a fearsome being, his memories have been in a jumble. "Though, it was most likely a gallant name!" The tree boasted.

"Since you don't have one, then how about I give a name to you?" Her eyes twinkled mischievously.

"Nah, don't need one." Taken aback, she did not expect this answer.

"Why not?"

"Because I'm a tree. I think it's already weird enough of you to even speak to me." Her face flushed, remembering that she was dealing with a tree and not a human."

"Ahem," she cleared her throat awkwardly. "Weird as it may be, it would still be convenient to call you by a name instead of 'tree.'"

"Then I would want someone of high status to give me a name. Besides, what kind of name would you even give me?"

Irritated at his statement, she then responded confidently. "Jay!"

"Jay? What is that supposed to mean? I'm a damn tree, not a bird!"

"Jay is another term for being an idiot or simpleton, which is exactly what you are." Seemingly proud of her answer, Yaila's faced turned smug.

"You…" A booming sound could be heard from outside.

Turning their attention toward the noise, the two grew cautious.

Another boom, this time it was louder.

Yaila moved toward the sound, watching as five people stood, one of them sending array flags out.

Boom!

The scene in front of her distorted, the four behind the array master watched. It looked like they couldn't see her, but she could see them.

She could feel the aura that the array master possessed every time he sent out an array flag. He was at least at stage four, Blood Motion!

Yaila felt her stomach churn, knowing that if they cross over to her side, something bad would happen, but if she crossed to their side, she would most likely get injured, or even die trying to confront them.

"This… What do I do?"