The morning sun, filtering through thin clouds, cast a gentle glow upon the immortal mountains and ornate pavilions of Dan Cliff, illuminating the fairy-like scenery. Faint, fresh mist enveloped the tiered forests, where structures seemed to hang in the air. A cascade of clear water, like a goddess’s flowing tresses, meandered down from above, bestowing its presence upon all below.
Today was the "minor competition" for the Newcomer Rankings. To showcase and declare the foundational strength of the various sects and factions, every disciple had been meticulously adorned from head to toe, setting out with high spirits.
As they journeyed, the disciples of the Dayyan Sect noticed an increasing number of people around them, all heading in the same direction to converge at the assembly point. The elite disciples couldn't help but cautiously observe their fellow travelers.
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that everyone present was a "rare flower vying for beauty." This time, disciples from over seventy factions had been selected for the "Newcomer Rankings," hailing from the first to the twenty-eighth heaven. A total of two hundred and seventy-eight new disciples, each inevitably bearing the unique cultural imprints of their respective realms and heavens.
Some displayed peculiar bird emblems, exaggerated crowns and headdresses, vibrantly embroidered patterns, and uniquely styled attire. Both men and women exuded confidence and vitality.
The Dayyan Sect, situated in the eleventh heaven, could be considered a renowned sect. In the twenty-eighth heaven, they were perhaps not outstanding but certainly better than many. However, for years, the Dayyan Sect had failed to produce a single astonishing disciple, repeatedly failing to qualify and missing several "Newcomer Rankings." By now, who still remembered such a sect’s existence?
Thus, in terms of reputation, they were inferior to most factions. Furthermore, due to the Dayyan Sect’s leader’s extravagant pursuit of pleasure, the sect had been in decline, appearing impoverished. The disciples’ robes were far less grand and exquisite than those worn by others.
But these were not problems. When it came to all-around strength, from appearance to cultivation, they had not lost this time!
Was Elder Jiu Li proud?
No, but he was self-satisfied.
Just look at the disciples under his tutelage. Take Fu Sheng, for instance. His face, perfectly balanced in its features, was like the exquisite craftsmanship of a deity, possessing only the most top-tier configurations. But he wasn't just good-looking; his pure heart and clear demeanor, the clarity amidst black and white, were even rarer.
Then there was Tan Ya, whose scholarly temperament, like ink infused into prose, complemented her jade-like beauty. Her gentle emotions flowed into her sleeves, diluting the ephemeral nature of life, a truly unparalleled quality.
Ghost Infant’s features, now fully developed, were立体 and handsome. His aura was sharp, like a blade tempered in ice. Even without his arms, it did not detract from his upright posture, long legs, narrow waist, and the robust, powerful build of his muscles.
On the female side, Fang Rui possessed a face as pale and delicate as pear blossoms, with a slender waist like a willow, and a demure demeanor. Zi Ying, with her apricot cheeks and peach-like complexion, was incredibly charming. This pair of senior and junior sisters could be considered the dream lovers that many men aspired to sketch.
These five, following behind Elder Jiu Li, along with a contingent of elite disciples showcasing their splendor, clad in uniform deep blue robes and white crowns, their immortal garments billowing, heads held high, and eyes fixed forward, immediately drew frequent gazes from many.
There were exclamations and conjectures, whispers and discussions, but they were not well-informed about their origins. They guessed it must be a small sect, merely lamenting that this sect had produced such handsome men and beautiful women, truly rivaling the Hehuan Sect, which was renowned for its beauty.
But not long after, another stir and commotion arose from behind. A solitary youth in black robes with red patterns appeared, immediately becoming the focal point of everyone's eager attention, attracting a large following of admirers.
His ink-black hair was tied high with a red rope. He held his head high, his expression blank. His narrow phoenix eyes held arrogant, aloof light brown pupils. His skin was cold white, and his lips, a striking red, were pressed into a thin line. Though stunningly beautiful, he appeared more like a formidable individual who was not to be trifled with.
"It's Yan Tianjiao, ranked seventh!"
"Finally, we get to see him in person. I’ve heard about him from my master and senior brothers; they say he's a young prodigy with astonishing talent, and a strong contender for the championship this time."
"My master said the same. Do you think there's a chance to go up and speak to him…"
"Hush, keep your voice down. Don't go. Absolutely don't provoke him. I've heard his temper is terrible, and he doesn't distinguish between men and women when he gets angry."
"Hey, look over there. That seems to be Lu Ziyin, ranked tenth."
Another group approached. At the front was an elder-like figure, and beside him, a refined youth with fair skin. A gentle smile played on his lips, and his eyes were as soft as water. As he walked, many people surrounded him, showing him considerable deference. Unlike Yan Tianjiao, he did not exude an impatient, gloomy aura. Instead, he seemed to enjoy the enthusiastic discussion.
"So that's Lu Ziyin. He looks so gentle."
"Tsk tsk, I suggest you don't try to provoke this one either. I've heard that he… as long as you're good-looking, regardless of gender, he has a lot of infatuated men and women chasing after him."
As they walked along, they didn't need Liu Jiang Fu Sheng and the others to intentionally identify the tenth-ranked individual; they already recognized him through the casual remarks of those around them.
Someone regrettably muttered, "It feels like they're all figures who can only be admired from afar. Among the top ten, aren't there any with good temperaments and excellent character?"
"Of course, there are. Look over there—"
Following the direction indicated, they saw a youth in white monk robes approaching with the elegance of the morning sun. He was graceful and handsome, bathed in a soft radiance that made him appear pure and ethereal, like the faint tendrils of incense from an immortal mountain, cleansed of impurity, with desires extinguished and no demands.
Cheng Hong, a monk from Mohe Zen Temple, ranked tenth, was as detached from the world as ever. Beside him was Ru Lan, wearing a green dress, looking charming and vivacious. She smiled slightly, dimples appearing on her cheeks, looking around with an inviting gaze. Her earrings seemed like flowing silver, inlaid with pearls…
Seeing Cheng Hong, bathed in a holy light, they subconsciously lowered their voices, as if not daring to offend or even to look directly.
Tan Ya glanced back at Cheng Hong, then calmly shifted her gaze away.
By the time they had all gathered at the appointed time on the vast summit of the Nine Peaks, a tall, ethereal mirror had opened between two steep, sword-like cliffs. The mirror then erupted with brilliant light, its surface rippling like water. The next moment, the leading figures of the Void Mirror Sect emerged from the ethereal mirror.
The sect leader of the Void Mirror Sect was at the front, followed by seven decree holders. They floated in the air. The sect leader's features were grand and stern, with a neatly trimmed short beard. He wore blue robes and a jade belt, his expression unsmiling.
He surveyed the crowd. Wherever his detached yet imposing hawk-like eyes fell, people felt an inexplicable pressure. His deep and steady voice boomed out, "I am the Sect Leader of the Void Mirror Sect, Tai Xuan. I welcome all of you who have answered the call to participate in the Newcomer Rankings hosted by the Void Mirror Sect. The minor competition for the entire twenty-eighth heaven is about to commence."
"We pay respects to the honored Sect Leader of the Void Mirror Sect."
Below, the disciples who had come to compete in the "Newcomer Rankings" clasped their fists and bowed their heads, responding in unison, their voices carrying to the clouds.
"Each disciple selected to participate in the Newcomer Rankings is an outstanding talent among your peers. Some of you may even become pillars of the cultivation world in the future. Your achievements are immeasurable, and I, along with your respective sects, are fortunate to witness the glorious moment of your rise!"