After the competition ended, Devor slumped back into his seat, his body drained of all energy. A week of analyzing intense battles had worn him down, both mentally and physically.

  Six hours of meditation every twelve hours might be enough for most cultivators, but the constant focus had left Devor feeling like he'd just run a marathon without a single break. Sleep—something he could usually forgo for days—was now a luxury he desperately craved.

  As the deafening roar of the crowd faded into distant murmurs, Devor’s eyelids grew heavy, offering him a brief moment of relief. His body, once tense with strain, began to relax—until—

  "Why is the Sect Master here all of a sudden?" Yulin’s sharp, startled voice cut through the air, snapping Devor back to full alertness.

  "The Sect Master?" Devor repeated, his voice thick with confusion. He blinked, trying to clear his vision. He'd never seen the Azure Sky Sect Master in person before, and certainly hadn’t expected to witness such an event now.

  Following Yulin's gaze, Devor’s eyes locked onto the figure floating high above the arena, his presence commanding the attention of everyone below.

  The Sect Master was the epitome of grace and power. His light blue hair sparkled like liquid crystal under the sun, flowing freely behind him with an almost ethereal quality. His piercing blue eyes seemed to see through everything, a gaze so intense it could freeze even the most seasoned cultivators in their tracks. Draped in a light blue Taoist robe, intricately embroidered with a white dragon so lifelike it almost seemed ready to spring to life, his aura exuded an unmistakable sense of divinity.

  "So captivating," Devor murmured to himself, utterly mesmerized. He had encountered cultivators of incredible beauty before, including Yulin, whose striking presence turned heads wherever she went. But the Sect Master was different—his presence wasn’t just striking; it was unforgettable.

  The Sect Master’s deep, commanding voice rang out across the arena, instantly silencing the murmurs of the massive crowd.

  "The annual competition has concluded," he announced. "Your efforts have been extraordinary. You've all exceeded our expectations. Your futures are full of promise."

  The top three competitors stood at the edge of the field, bowing deeply, their faces solemn with respect. Their reverence for the Sect Master was clear.

  "Relax," the Sect Master continued, his voice steady and reassuring. "There are no signs of war. We’ve enjoyed two decades of peace, and our relations with the other great sects remain strong."

  The crowd erupted in cheers, the sound sweeping through the arena like a tidal wave. While the Sect Master’s words didn’t guarantee safety beyond the sect’s walls, they brought a sense of relief. For now, at least, there were no signs of major conflict.

  Devor surveyed the students around him, their faces alight with joy. Yet, despite the celebratory atmosphere, a knot of unease tightened in his chest. Peace, he knew, was a delicate thing. All it took was one spark to ignite chaos.

  The Sect Master raised his hand, and the arena fell into instant silence. Every student’s gaze was fixed on him, their attention unwavering.

  "We, the ten great sects—including Azure Sky Sect—have come together to host an inter-sect competition," he announced. His calm voice carried a subtle, knowing smile. "The rewards are unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Treasures beyond your wildest dreams await those who succeed."

  A ripple of excitement swept through the crowd. Even Yulin, usually so composed, couldn’t hide her growing restlessness. Her breathing quickened, and she leaned forward slightly, caught up in the tension of the moment.

  Devor’s heart raced. Ten sects? The prizes for such a competition would be priceless, no doubt. But the sheer scale of it was overwhelming. The odds of even being chosen, let alone winning, seemed nearly impossible for someone like him.

  "This competition will be called the Heavenly Troop Tournament," the Sect Master continued, his voice unwavering. "Its goal is to teach you how to survive in the wilderness, build teamwork, and refine every aspect of your cultivation. It will forge unbreakable bonds between comrades."

  The arena hummed with a mix of excitement and nervous energy. Devor swallowed hard, his palms slick with sweat. An inter-sect competition meant facing the top talents from nine other sects. It wasn’t just about skill—it was about survival.

  "Each sect will send one team," the Sect Master continued, his tone measured and firm. "The competition will be divided into three categories: Golden Core, Core Formation, and Foundation Building and below."

  A murmur of excitement rippled through the students, but Devor’s stomach tightened. Competing against Foundation Building cultivators? For someone still stuck in the Qi Refining Realm, the gap in strength felt like a wall he’d never scale.

  This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

  "Each team will have ten members," the Sect Master went on, his voice steady. "The roles will be varied: one Team Captain, three Fighters, one Alchemy Master, one Forging Master, one Array Master, one Medical Master, one Scout, and one Spiritual Farmer."

  Devor’s breath caught in his throat. A Spiritual Farmer? His heart skipped a beat. He’d never imagined his role would be included in such a high-stakes competition.

  "Do you see that, Devor?" Yulin nudged him, her eyes alight with excitement. "This is your chance. They’ve included a Spiritual Farmer for a reason."

  Devor opened his mouth to respond, but no words came out. His mind was a whirl of questions and doubts. How could he possibly stand among fighters, alchemists, and forgers in such a fierce competition?

  The Sect Master’s final words rang in his ears, underscoring the weight of the moment.

  "This isn’t just a test of strength," the Sect Master said, his voice carrying authority. "It’s a test of unity and adaptability. Every role is crucial to the team’s survival. Choose your paths wisely."

  Devor clenched his fists, a new sense of determination growing within him. He had spent years perfecting his skills as a Spiritual Farmer, always feeling like his role was overlooked in the broader world of cultivation.

  But now, the Sect had given him a chance to prove that even a Spiritual Farmer could make a difference in something truly extraordinary.

  For the first time, Devor didn’t feel like just an observer of the cultivation world. He felt like he was finally part of it, ready to play his part in its vast, ever-turning wheel.

  The students stood still, their minds racing as they absorbed the details of the announcement. The idea of assembling teams with such diverse roles showed that this competition wasn’t just about raw strength—it was a test of strategy, coordination, and adaptability. Each team would need to rely on the unique skills of its members to overcome challenges and fill in any gaps.

  The Sect Master’s commanding voice cut through the buzz, drawing the students’ focus once more. "We’ve chosen three captains for each division," he declared, his tone firm but energizing. "These captains will select their teams. However," he added, his gaze sweeping across the crowd, "if you believe you’re more suited for a spot, you may challenge their choices. If you win, you take their place."

  A ripple of excitement spread through the arena. Confidence lit up the faces of several students. The chance to prove themselves and claim a spot on one of the teams was suddenly within their reach.

  "Each participant in this tournament will receive a reward of considerable value," the Sect Master concluded, his calm, authoritative voice carrying a sense of finality. "Even those who don’t place will receive resources vital to their cultivation journey."

  Cheers erupted, the sound of applause and shouts echoing throughout the arena. Excitement filled the air as every student’s mind raced with possibilities.

  Devor exhaled softly, his expression thoughtful. As confident as he was in his abilities as a Spiritual Farmer, he knew his cultivation level put him at a disadvantage compared to his peers. He could excel in his role, but he was keenly aware that this competition would ultimately test combat skills. His contribution might sharpen the team’s edge, but it wouldn’t be enough to secure victory on its own.

  Beside him, Yulin shifted restlessly, though for a different reason. A hint of regret passed over her face as she murmured, "If I’d stayed in the Foundation Building Realm just a little longer, I’d have had a stronger chance of being picked for the Foundation Building Team."

  Devor glanced at her, confused. "You’re regretting breaking through to Core Formation?"

  Yulin didn’t answer, her eyes locked on the stage.

  "The first captain of the Golden Core Division," the Sect Master announced, "is Yinan."

  The murmurs in the crowd grew louder as a figure descended smoothly from the sky. Yinan landed lightly on the stage, his movements fluid and commanding. He bowed deeply to the Sect Master before turning to face the students.

  "I am Yinan, one of the Core Disciples of the Azure Sky Sect," he announced, his voice firm yet respectful. His dark blue robe shimmered with intricate golden embroidery, radiating a quiet but undeniable authority. "I am at Stage-6 Nascent Soul. I’m honored to stand here, and I’m deeply grateful to the Sect Master, the Hall Masters, and the Elders for entrusting me with this responsibility."

  Devor furrowed his brows, leaning closer to Yulin. "Nascent Soul? Core Disciple? What does all that mean?" he whispered, his curiosity piqued.

  Yulin’s lips curved into a faint smile, her admiration for Yinan clear. "Nascent Soul is a stage above Golden Core," she explained quietly. "And Core Disciples are the cream of the crop. They’re handpicked by the Sect’s leaders to be their personal students. Becoming a Core Disciple isn’t just about cultivation—it’s about potential, character, and the ability to grow into one of the Sect’s pillars."

  Devor’s eyes widened. Suddenly, Yinan’s status as a Core Disciple felt much more significant.

  "Yinan wasn’t all that remarkable at first," Yulin said, her voice calm but assured. "But everything changed once he became a Core Disciple. With one of the Hall Masters personally guiding him, his cultivation and strength soared, far surpassing the typical cultivator at his stage."

  Devor frowned, processing her words. "So, the Sect leaders have complete control over selecting the Core Disciples?"

  Yulin nodded, her gaze distant as she thought about it. "The process is very thorough. The Sect leaders are said to have the ability to sense hidden potential in students—potential that no one else might see. They believe that with the right guidance, even the most ordinary student can achieve greatness."

  Her eyes flicked briefly toward Devor before she continued, "There’s a saying attributed to the Sect Master: 'If out of thirty students, only one excels, then the teacher is unworthy of teaching the other twenty-nine.'"

  Devor blinked, taken aback by the statement. The words hit him deeply, reminding him of his past life on Earth. How many teachers truly had the skill to help struggling students succeed? Too often, he had seen teachers boast about a single star pupil while the rest fell through the cracks.

  He couldn’t help but admire the philosophy of the Azure Sky Sect. Their focus on uncovering and nurturing hidden potential felt profound, like an unwavering commitment to helping every student grow.

  "That’s what makes this sect so different," Devor murmured, his thoughts swirling.

  Yulin glanced at him, a knowing smile tugging at her lips. "It’s more than different. It’s why so many people want to join the Azure Sky Sect. The path may be tough, but those who persevere are transformed into something extraordinary."

  Devor nodded, his chest tight with a mix of awe and determination. For the first time, he felt like he was beginning to understand the true essence of the sect—and the weight of the responsibility that came with being a part of it.