Ling Mei approached with a smile on her face. “You’re improving rapidly, if you continue like this you might even surpass me.” She remarked teasingly.
Wan Ling paused, wiping a bead of sweat from her forehead. “I’ve been training hard for this competition. It might be fierce, but I want to earn my place fairly.”
Ling Mei nodded. “I have no doubt you’ll succeed. Shen Yuan didn’t train you for nothing after all..”
Wan Ling looked around the training grounds, where groups of disciples sparred and exchanged pointers. “Do you think Shen Yuan will participate?”
Ling Mei’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “He’s in seclusion, isn’t he? I think he will come out of his seclusion before the sect starts its competition.”
…
The day of the competition soon arrived, and the atmosphere boiled with anticipation. The Grand Arena at another part of the Outer Sect was filled with spectators and participants alike.
Elder Lan Xi stood atop a raised platform, addressing the gathered disciples.
“Today, we gather to witness the skill and adaptability of our outer sect disciples,” she announced. “The ten who stood till the end will earn the honor of representing our sect in the Mystique Realm.”
The competition was structured in multiple stages, each designed to test different aspects of a cultivator’s abilities. The first stage focused on the strength of a cultivator, pitting disciples against each other in one-on-one combat.
Wan Ling’s first match was against a disciple who was known for her agility and swift sword techniques.
As the duel began, Wan Ling remained calm, remembering the training she had with Shen Yuann, she utilized her own refined sword skills.
She anticipated her opponent’s moves, countering with precision and force. In the end, with a decisive strike, she knocked her opponent out of the ring.
Ling Mei fought with another Inner Sect disciple, she showcased her mastery of Qi manipulation and strategy from her long years of cultivation.
Facing an opponent with a powerful offense, she used feint attacks and clever tactics to outmaneuver and defeat her.
As the competition progressed, the challenges grew more complex. The second stage tested strategic thinking and teamwork.
Disciples were grouped randomly and given tasks that required cooperation and quick decision-making.
Wan Ling and Ling Mei found themselves on the same team, working seamlessly together to overcome the obstacles presented.
“Aren’t we quite lucky to be on the same team here?” Ling Mei playfully said while solving a puzzle.
“Hehe, it might be fate.” Wan Ling softly giggled and continued solving the puzzle as well.
Throughout the competition, whispers circulated about Shen Yuan’s absence.
“Do you think he’ll show up?” one disciple asked.
“I heard he’s still in seclusion,” another replied. “But with his achievements, the elders might give him a spot anyway.”
At the end of the competition, Elder Lan Xi addressed the assembly once more. “The results are out after a discussion between the elders. The following disciples have earned their places for the Mystique Realm expedition: Wan Ling, Ling Mei, Li Yan, Feng Xia, Mei Lin, Zhao Lian, Chen Yue, Liu Ruo, Gao Xiu, and Shen Yuan.”
A murmur rippled through the crowd.
“But Shen Yuan didn’t participate,” someone whispered.
Elder Lan Xi raised a hand to quiet the audience. “Shen Yuan is currently in seclusion. He has already proved himself during the trial of the Ancestral Pagoda and later at the pagodas of the training ground, the sect has decided to grant him a place among the participating disciples.”
Some disciples were still not convinced, and Lan Xi also saw this as she added, “But the disciples can take his place as well.”
All the disciples looked at her in excitement, thinking they might have a chance after all. But the next words Lan Xi spoke crushed whatever little hope they had gathered.
“Whoever can beat his records in the training ground can take his place.”
“…”
The disciples got silent as they accepted their fate.
Wan Ling sighed in relief and felt her anticipation building. “I’m glad he’ll be joining us,” she said to Ling Mei.
Ling Mei smiled. “Him joining our group means, we will get much stronger, our team might even be invincible inside the Mystique Realm.”
…
As the selected disciples made their preparations for the journey ahead, the sect buzzed with discussions of the competition’s highlights and the special place that Shen Yuan got without participating.
In his private courtyard, Shen Yuan remained deep in meditation, unaware of the outside world’s events. His focus was solely on refining his mastery of the weapon intents.
Yue Lan’s voice gently interrupted his thoughts. [The competition has concluded. You’ve been granted a place in the expedition.]
He opened his eyes slowly. “I see. I must say the elders made a wise decision. Otherwise, I would be quite disappointed in them.”
[Will you emerge from seclusion now?]
He shook his head. “Not yet. I feel like I can master the second level of these Intents as well. The Mystique Realm is not going anywhere, but my inspiration might be lost. I will leave after finishing my cultivation.”
[Very well. Just don’t miss the opening.]
“I won’t,” he chuckled softly and assured her.
…
Mei Hua, along with a few elders, discussed the results of the competition and the upcoming expedition to the Mystique Realm.
“Shen Yuan hasn’t emerged from his seclusion yet,” one elder remarked. “Should we wait for him before sending the disciples?”
Mei Hua smiled softly, her gaze calm but thoughtful. “Shen Yuan will come out of his seclusion when he’s ready, we can’t rush him for this. He won’t miss an opportunity like the Mystique Realm, but we can’t delay the entire expedition for one disciple.”
Lan Xi, standing beside Mei Hua, added, “Indeed. The realm can open up anytime now, and we cannot afford to hold back. Let the others go ahead. Shen Yuan can join them later when he is ready. One of the guardian elders can stay behind and escort him when he exits seclusion.”
Mei Hua nodded in agreement. “Yes, Elder Xiang Mei will remain behind. When Shen Yuan emerges, she will bring him to the Mystique Realm. The others will depart as planned.”
“Yes, Sect Leader!” All the elders bowed and accepted her commands.
“Ugh, you guys are always so rigid.” Mei Hua shook her head
…
As the day of departure approached, the selected disciples gathered at the sect’s main gate, ready to depart from the sect.
Elder Lan Xi and other elders provided final instructions and well wishes.
Wan Ling looked around the group, noticing that Shen Yuan was still missing. “I hope he makes it in time,” she murmured.
Ling Mei placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “He will. Shen Yuan isn’t one to miss fun events from what I have observed.”
Elder Lan Xi addressed the group. “Shen Yuan is still in seclusion. He will join up with your disciples when he emerges. Until then, proceed with confidence and uphold the values of our sect. And do not fear others as you also have Sect elders together with you for the journey.”
Wan Ling, Ling Mei, and the other disciples nodded their heads, their eyes filled with determination. And with that, all of them departed from the sect, ready to face the challenges ahead.
…
“Ugh, I will be late.”
