The Grand Sect

As the carriage descended from the sky, Xing Wuye found himself staring at the grand scene before him. The conference grounds stretched out over miles, filled with towering pagodas, bustling crowds, and vibrant stalls selling wares from all corners of the cultivation world. Even for someone as reserved as Wuye, the sight was enough to spark a flicker of awe.

When the carriage touched down, a group of disciples wearing robes emblazoned with twin symbols—representing their dual cultivation path—greeted Li Jiang and Liu Yanmei with respectful bows. A young disciple among them stepped forward, her eyes wide with admiration.

"Holy Saint and Saintess!" she exclaimed. "Welcome back. The sect has eagerly awaited your return!"

Li Jiang nodded in acknowledgment, and as the disciples exchanged whispers, Liu Yanmei gestured for Wuye to step forward. She smiled, her expression kind but thoughtful, as she addressed him in the presence of her peers.

"Xing Wuye," she said, "this conference offers many things, not only competition but learning as well. I would be honored if you joined our Dual Blessed Land, or at the very least watched the events from our section in the stands."

Wuye clasped his hands respectfully. "I'd be honored, Senior Sister."

The gathered disciples exchanged curious glances, whispering amongst themselves. To be invited by both the Holy Saint and Saintess was no small matter, and they scrutinized Wuye with keen interest, wondering what he had done to earn such favor.

Liu Yanmei called over a young female disciple with an air of quiet confidence. Her robe was deep jade green, and she wore a delicate pin shaped like twin vines in her hair. "This is Yu Lian," Liu Yanmei introduced. "Yu Lian, please show Xing Wuye around the grounds and assist him with any questions he may have."

Yu Lian inclined her head with a polite smile. "It would be my pleasure."

As Li Jiang and Liu Yanmei exchanged a final nod with Wuye, they rose into the air, their forms vanishing as they flew off towards the grand pagodas in the distance.

Yu Lian gestured to Wuye, her smile kind but professional. "Shall we? The conference grounds are vast, and there's much to see."

As they began walking, Wuye took in the surroundings, noting the meticulous arrangement of stalls, each one selling cultivation treasures, rare herbs, pills, and weapons. The air buzzed with excitement as cultivators of all levels haggled, traded, and admired the array of goods on display.

"We have stalls here from every sect and wandering cultivator clan that could attend," Yu Lian explained. "From pills that can heal the gravest wounds to artifacts crafted by masters, you'll find almost anything here."

As they strolled past a display selling intricately carved amulets, Wuye's gaze shifted to the massive buildings scattered across the grounds. Each one seemed to house an entire sect, their distinct banners proudly displayed on each structure.

"Those buildings," he asked, nodding towards them. "Do they house individual sects?"

Yu Lian nodded, her eyes bright. "Yes. Each sect has their own quarters for this event. But the true heart of the conference lies over there."

She pointed to the center of the grounds, where three towering pagodas stood, each reaching high into the sky. Between the pagodas sat a colossal coliseum-like structure, its stone walls adorned with ancient carvings and symbols of power.

"The coliseum is where the competition will take place," Yu Lian continued. "And the three pagodas are where the three most powerful sects of our region are based during the conference."

"Your Dual Blessed Land resides in the left pagoda?" Wuye asked, eyes narrowing thoughtfully.

She nodded. "Yes, that's correct. As one of the most influential sects, we are granted one of the pagodas. The sect leader himself will be in attendance."

Wuye regarded her, contemplating the power that these individuals wielded. If their sect was one of the strongest, then their leader must far exceed the capabilities of his former sect master.

Curiosity pushed him to ask, "Your leader… what realm has he achieved?"

Yu Lian's eyes gleamed with pride. "Our Great master is at the early stage of Soul Severing."

Wuye's heart skipped a beat. He tried to keep his face neutral, but internally, he was stunned. Soul Severing—he had never even heard of such a realm. It was beyond the levels he had known, and far beyond Core Formation. Wuye asked, "Is it above Core Formation."

Sensing his awe, Yu Lian chuckled. "No, it's not directly above Core Formation. After Core Formation comes Nascent Soul, and only after that does one reach the Soul Severing stage."

The realization hit Wuye like a punch to the gut. For all his achievements, he was barely touching the edge of what lay beyond. He forced a smile, hiding the turmoil within. "The more you know," he murmured, feeling a pang of humility. He had once considered himself on the path to greatness, yet compared to the vast scale of power in the world, he was still a frog in a well.

Yu Lian continued leading him through the grounds, pointing out various stalls and significant buildings. She explained that the conference wasn't only for sect members, but also attracted wandering Daoists who sought knowledge and rare opportunities to compete. "In fact," she added, "the last Pill Refining competition was won by a wandering Daoist. Sect affiliations don't guarantee victory here."

Wuye nodded, appreciating the openness of the conference. It was a reminder that strength and skill could arise from anywhere, regardless of one's background or affiliations.

Eventually, they arrived at a smaller set of buildings near the left pagoda. Yu Lian turned to Wuye, gesturing towards the quarters with a welcoming smile. "These are accommodations prepared for guests of the Dual Blessed Land. You're welcome to rest here during your stay."

Wuye gave a slight bow. "Thank you, Sister Yu Lian."

She inclined her head. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask. The competitions will begin tomorrow morning, and I'll come to guide you to the stands if you'd like."

As Yu Lian departed, Wuye stood for a moment, gazing after her before turning back to the quiet guest quarters. He closed the door behind him and let out a breath, feeling the weight of the day settle over him. The towering realms, the looming coliseum, and the power of the sects—it all served as a stark reminder of the vast journey he still had ahead of him.

Seated by the small table in his quarters, he let his mind drift back to the conversation with Yu Lian. His knowledge of cultivation realms was limited, he realized now. He'd climbed the ladder as far as he could on his own, but without guidance, the gap between him and the truly powerful cultivators would only grow wider. He clenched his fist, determined to push forward, regardless of the obstacles.

"Early Soul Severing…" he muttered to himself, feeling a strange exhilaration at the thought. The path to such a realm was unfathomable to him now, but it was there, waiting.

The weight of his ambitions settled onto his shoulders, but he welcomed it. The world was vast, filled with ancient mysteries and formidable cultivators. It was time for him to push his limits and expand his understanding beyond what he'd thought possible.

As he sat down on the bed, his mind lingered on the coliseum. Tomorrow, the competitions would begin, and he would bear witness to skills and techniques he had never dreamed of. A faint smirk tugged at the corners of his mouth as he sat there, there was one undeniable truth he was with daoism and martial arts.