The Spirit Eagle flapped its colossal wings once more as it descended from the sky, casting an enormous shadow over the lush valleys below. The clouds parted, revealing a sight that left everyone breathless.
There it stood—the Seven Valley Sect.
Carved into seven interwoven mountain valleys, each glowing with a different elemental essence, the sect was a true wonder of the cultivation world. Towering pagodas floated atop spiritual platforms. Vast waterfalls of elemental energy—ice, fire, wind, lightning, wood, metal, and water—cascaded down the cliffs, each feeding into a spiritual lake within its respective valley.
The disciples on the eagle's back couldn't help but gasp.
"So this is the Seven Valley Sect…"
"It's more like a sacred realm than a sect!"
Jin Hao, wide-eyed, whispered to Su Yang, "Each valley represents one of the Seven Elemental Paths the sect cultivates… I've only ever read about this in books."
Su Yang's gaze sharpened as his eyes scanned the majestic valleys below. He could feel the dense concentration of spiritual energy in the air. Even without meditating, he felt his meridians subtly vibrating, responding to the sheer purity of the environment.
Suddenly, a bell chime echoed across the entire mountain range.
DONG—DONG—DONG!
Three clear strikes.
From each of the seven valleys, disciples and elders in robes marked by their elemental specialties emerged. The Fire Valley members wore crimson robes embroidered with blazing patterns, while the Ice Valley's members were clad in flowing silver-blue, their presence cold and elegant.
A massive stone platform in the center of the seven valleys began to glow, and the Spirit Eagle slowly descended toward it.
As it landed with a soft quake, Elder Mo stepped forward, his voice echoing through the valley like rolling thunder.
> "You all have passed the Sect Exchange Trial. Welcome… to the Seven Valley Sect!"
Thunderous applause erupted from the disciples waiting below.
Floating down from another platform, a stately old man with a long silver beard and glowing jade eyes appeared. His aura was calm, deep—like a still ocean—but Su Yang instantly felt the depth of pressure behind that calm.
> "That man…" Jin Hao whispered. "He's… the Grand Elder of the Sect, Zhuge Lan."
Zhuge Lan's eyes swept over the crowd with serene authority.
> "You have endured the three trials. You have shown your strength, your will, and your potential. Among you are the future pillars of our sect—and possibly the continent itself."
Then, he raised a hand, and golden light spread across the sky like a screen. Names appeared one by one, ranked based on performance in the trial.
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🔸 Top 10 Disciples of the Exchange Trial:
1. Su Yang – Passed all Seven Heavens illusions, dual victory,
2. Sun Xiyan – Outstanding battle technique, high pressure endurance.
3. Lin Xue – Passed all illusions with deep soul comprehension.
4. Jin Hao – Strong foundation and creative battle style.
5. Mei Ling (Ice Serpent Valley)
6. Zhao Feng (Heaven's Hammer Sect)
7. Tang Rou (Thunder Wind Sect)
8. Lei Heng (Sky Cloud Sect)
9. Bai Ning (Emerald Wood Sect)
10. Yu Shen (Blue Water Hall)
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Murmurs exploded across the crowd.
"Su Yang is ranked first?!"
"Didn't he just join? Who is he really?"
Sun Xiyan narrowed his eyes from afar, his jaw tightening. His elder behind him didn't speak but his gaze lingered on Su Yang with a calculating glint.
Jin Hao patted Su Yang's shoulder excitedly. "You're first! This will shake the entire sect. It's like placing your foot directly at the summit!"
Su Yang, however, stayed calm.
> "This only paints a bigger target on my back," he thought.
Zhuge Lan continued.
> "Rewards will be given to the top five. Su Yang, Sun Xiyan, Lin Xue, Jin Hao, Mei Ling—step forward."
They stepped onto a raised platform as a jade-robed elder held up five boxes, each radiating spiritual energy.
Each contained a Token to chose Cultivation Manual, a Mid-Tier Spirit Weapon, and 50000 gold coins as immediate compensation.
(Spirit stones would only be granted to core disciples in higher realms—Su Yang noted this.)
The rewards were presented one by one, and Su Yang felt the weight of attention settle fully on him.
> "This is only the beginning," he murmured to himself.
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As the ceremony concluded, the Grand Elder made one final announcement:
> "All disciples who passed will now be assigned to their elemental valley based on your strongest affinity. You will be trained according to your elemental path. In one month, there will be an Internal Ranking Duel to decide outer sect positions. Prepare yourselves."
With that, the crowd began to disperse.
Su Yang, Jin Hao, and Lin Xue gathered at the edge of the plaza.
Jin Hao grinned. "So? We made it! Time to explore the sect, get stronger, and figure out how not to get assassinated by jealous seniors."
Su Yang smiled faintly. "Yes. But first, I need to see where I belong..."
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