The moment Su Yang stepped out of the quiet special valley he had been assigned to, a refreshing breeze swept through his robes, carrying the scent of pine and ancient soil. The Seven Valley Sect sprawled before him like a grand painting come to life—rolling green hills shaped into cultivation fields, waterfalls cascading into jade-like ponds, and tall peaks that pierced through drifting clouds. The air here was rich with spiritual energy, making each breath feel invigorating.
"Is this what a top-tier sect feels like?" Su Yang whispered to himself, his eyes wide with awe.
He glanced down the marble path leading toward the sect's main campus. Disciples, clothed in different robes depending on their assigned valleys, walked or flew past on spiritual artifacts. Some rode flying swords, others glided on beasts. A group of younger disciples rode on what looked like a floating stone platform, laughing as they zipped past.
But Su Yang didn't rush. He wanted to memorize every corner of this world. After all, he was no longer in some small town or hidden mountain.
He passed a row of stone tablets etched with the history of the sect. Curious, he stopped and read one:
> "Founded 10,000 years ago by the Seven Great Founders, each a master of a unique elemental path, the Seven Valley Sect draws from the harmony of natural elements. With a secret formation beneath the earth, the sect passively absorbs spiritual energy from the ley lines, making this region one of the richest in cultivation resources on the continent…"
Su Yang silently committed the names of the valleys to memory:
Flameheart Valley
Azure Wind Valley
Thunder Jade Valley
Earthen Root Valley
Ice Serpent Valley
Shadow Moon Valley
Verdant Wood Valley
"And I'm in… at this Valley of Harmonious?" he muttered, recalling his unique placement.
The this Valley wasn't one of the original seven. It was a secluded area reserved for 'special cases'—disciples with rare physiques, odd affinities, or unique cultivation paths that didn't conform to traditional sect structures. A place where geniuses and outliers were watched, trained, or, in some cases… hidden.
Just then, Max jumped out of Su Yang's spirit land and onto his shoulder, sniffing the air. His black-and-white fur shimmered in the sun, and a few disciples turned to look—some amazed, some wary.
"Huh… space beast," one disciple whispered.
"That's rare. Is he from one of the Elders' peaks?" another said.
Su Yang ignored them and continued walking toward the central plaza. As he passed by a weapon pavilion, he saw disciples practicing sword arts, spear techniques, and hand-to-hand combat. A few elders observed from stone platforms, correcting stances or releasing bursts of pressure to challenge the students.
A loud voice interrupted the quiet buzz of training.
"Who allowed a new disciple to bring a beast into the inner plaza without permission?" a young man barked. He wore red-trimmed robes with the insignia of Flameheart Valley. His cultivation aura surged—Vein Refinement Realm, Mid stage.
Max growled slightly, but Su Yang patted his head.
"I wasn't aware of such a rule," Su Yang said calmly, "but if there is one, I'll take him out. No need for drama."
The young man looked surprised, then scoffed. "Smart mouth. Good that you're respectful, but next time, make sure you're not disrespecting the sect unintentionally."
An elder seated nearby raised his eyebrow. "The beast is clearly well-behaved. If anything, you should be training instead of picking fights with newcomers."
The red-robed disciple flushed and retreated, but not before throwing Su Yang a glare.
Su Yang didn't react outwardly, but he noted the interaction. "This sect may look peaceful, but pride and competition run strong," he thought.
He continued his walk and arrived at the Element Pavilion, a grand hall where disciples could choose manuals based on their cultivation path and elemental affinity. A large sign read:
> "Access Levels:
Outer Disciples: Basic Manuals
Inner Disciples: Mid-Tier Manuals
Core Disciples: Advanced Techniques
Special Valley Disciples: Custom Paths (Requires Elder Approval)"
Su Yang's finger hovered over a glowing orb that scanned his sect badge.
[Spirit Bloom Valley – Tier: Special Access]
A notification popped up in golden script:
> "Custom Technique Path: Fire – Variant. Eligible for personalized guidance. Visit Elder Hua at the Spirit Bloom Hall for evaluation."
He exited the pavilion and made his way to a tall cliff overseeing the entire sect. From there, he could see all seven valleys. Each had its own elemental field—the Ice Serpent Valley was covered in mist and glacial trees; the Flameheart Valley blazed with scarlet light; the Thunder Jade Valley crackled with lightning-infused rocks.
"I'm standing at the beginning of something great," he whispered.
Suddenly, a loud cry echoed across the peaks.
"Attention! All disciples who passed the Sect Exchange Trial must report to the main square tomorrow morning, and valley assignments will be announced by Sect Master personally!"
Su Yang's eyes narrowed.
Max wagged his tail in anticipation.
"I suppose we'll find out."
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