After a grueling two-day journey, the Azure Sky Sect's Immortal Boat finally reached its destination: Vinix City. Surrounded by vast, rolling meadows of vibrant green, the city rose like a fortress from a storybook, its towering walls a testament to both artistry and unyielding strength. Each stone seemed purposefully placed, radiating a silent pride born of centuries of endurance.

  Devor stood at the edge of the deck, his gaze fixed on the breathtaking sight. Beyond the city, a fleet of other Immortal Boats hovered in precise formation, their distinctive designs reflecting the traditions and identities of their respective sects. The scene was nothing short of magnificent, a testament to the power and ambition converging in this single, fateful gathering. To Devor, it felt as though Vinix City had become the heart of the cultivator world, the stage where legends would take their first steps.

  The city itself loomed ahead, regal and defiant, an unshakable stronghold amid the endless grasslands. Its sheer presence was almost palpable, a stark contrast to the tranquil meadows stretching in every direction. For Devor, it seemed more than just a settlement—it was a beacon, a place that demanded greatness from those who dared to enter.

  A sudden trumpet blast broke through the quiet, sharp and ceremonial. Its clarion call echoed across the plains, heralding the arrival of the Azure Sky Sect. The Immortal Boat slowed gracefully, coming to a halt before the city’s monumental gates. Above it, the sect's azure banner danced proudly in the wind, a shimmering emblem of their might and prestige.

  The Sect Master descended first, leading a solemn procession of Elders and disciples. Clad in flowing dark blue robes, their movements were precise, almost choreographed, exuding a quiet authority that turned heads even among the crowd of elites. Each step was deliberate, each gesture a statement of the Azure Sky Sect’s strength and discipline.

  The city gates swung open, revealing three middle-aged men who walked forward with a quiet authority. Their movements carried the weight of wisdom and strength, their hands clasped behind their backs as they approached the arriving group. They greeted the Sect Master with a respectful salute, which was returned with equal dignity—a silent exchange of power and mutual recognition.

  After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the group was invited into Vinix City.

  Devor followed the procession, his steps slowing as he took in the stunning beauty of the city. The streets were paved with smooth, gleaming bricks that seemed to hum with an undercurrent of spiritual energy. On either side, buildings carved from natural stone rose gracefully, their designs a masterful blend of function and art. Each structure had an ancient grandeur, as though the city itself had been shaped by cultivators who’d spent lifetimes perfecting their craft.

  Up ahead, Devor spotted a group of young cultivators in the deep blue robes of the Azure Sky Sect. They stood in flawless formation, waiting to greet their leaders and peers. Their faces were a mix of pride and discipline, their postures straight and unwavering.

  As the group made its way deeper into the bustling heart of the city, whispers began to stir among the disciples. The competition was drawing near, and the tension in the air was almost palpable, like static before a storm.

  Caught between excitement and nerves, Devor glanced at Yulin, who walked beside him. Her gaze was steady and focused, her expression calm, but there was a hint of something more in her eyes, something deeper.

  “Why are there already Azure Sky Sect disciples here?” he asked quietly, his voice tinged with curiosity.

  Yulin paused before answering, her voice steady but thoughtful. “I’m not sure,” she said, her brows furrowing slightly. “But I’ve heard rumors. Over the past two decades of peace between the sects, the Azure Sky Sect has been sending some of its most gifted disciples for... special training.”

  Devor absorbed her words, his mind racing to piece together the meaning. “So, was this city built with the cooperation of the ten sects?” he asked, remembering that the upcoming competition involved all of them.

  Yulin gave a small but knowing nod. “That seems likely. A neutral ground for the sects, a place for both collaboration... and competition.”

  As they reached the city gates, the waiting disciples dropped to one knee in perfect unison, their heads bowed in respect to the Sect Master. He gave a subtle nod in return, his presence calm but commanding. After a brief moment, he instructed the disciples to lead the newcomers to their quarters.

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  The leaders of the Azure Sky Sect—the Sect Master, Hall Master, and Elders—veered off to the right, accompanied by the three distinguished men who had greeted them. Meanwhile, the disciples guided the rest of the group to the left, toward their temporary accommodations.

  As they walked through the city’s winding streets, Devor couldn’t help but notice the disciples leading them. Each one seemed to carry a distinct aura, so unique it almost felt like a presence you could touch.

  The disciple at the front burned with the intensity of wildfire, his energy fierce and unpredictable, radiating an almost uncontrollable power. Another moved with the calm precision of a river, serene yet with a quiet strength that reminded Devor of a coiled serpent, poised to strike at any moment.

  "Each one is so different," Devor thought, his mind racing. "These must be the elite—the best the Azure Sky Sect has to offer."

  They continued on until they reached a grand building that seemed to ooze luxury from every corner. Inside, everything gleamed with opulence, and the air hummed with energy. Disciples from all sects filled the spacious hall, their colorful Taoist robes creating a brilliant tapestry of reds, yellows, purples, whites, greens, and browns—each color representing the unique philosophy and identity of their sect.

  A senior disciple, stationed in Vinix City, stepped forward. His posture was both firm and welcoming, his voice carrying a weight of authority as he addressed the new arrivals from the Azure Sky Sect.

  "Feel free to interact with disciples from other sects," he said. "This competition isn't just about rivalry. It's a rare chance to broaden your horizons. Every sect has its strengths, and learning from each other will make you stronger."

  Devor stood among the crowd, observing the lively interactions. Beside him, Yulin seemed full of excitement, her eyes scanning the different groups, taking in the possibilities. This was her moment—an opportunity to forge alliances and make connections that could shape her future. Devor, on the other hand, wasn’t as thrilled. He had little interest in small talk or competing with strangers.

  The Azure Sky Sect had brought a hundred disciples to Vinix City, just like the other sects. Each participant was allowed to bring a single companion, creating a lively mix of competitors and supporters. The atmosphere was cheerful, but underneath it all, a subtle tension lingered. Friendly smiles often hid calculating eyes, as every disciple sized up the others, quietly evaluating their potential and strength.

  Suddenly, Devor felt a firm tug on his arm.

  “Come on, Devor! We need to mingle,” Yulin said, her voice full of determination.

  Before he could even protest, she had already taken the lead, her grip unyielding as she pulled him toward a group of Blazing Fire Sect disciples deep in conversation. Their fiery red robes and intense auras gave off a bold, almost intimidating energy.

  Yulin greeted them with a graceful bow, her tone smooth and polite as she introduced herself. "Greetings. I’m Yulin Yue from the Azure Sky Sect. It’s a pleasure to meet you."

  Devor followed her lead, bowing quickly. "I’m Devor Li, also from the Azure Sky Sect," he said, his voice quieter and more uncertain.

  The Blazing Fire Sect disciples nodded in acknowledgment, their expressions friendly but reserved. Yulin smoothly steered the conversation toward cultivation techniques, expertly guiding the group into a discussion about spiritual energy manipulation. Before long, the topic deepened, shifting into more complex theories on combat applications and energy control.

  Devor listened closely, though his interest quickly shifted to confusion. The conversation had veered into territory far beyond his grasp, filled with complex details about balancing fire-elemental techniques with qi circulation patterns. He nodded along, pretending to understand, but inside, he felt lost.

  Time slipped by unnoticed. An hour into the conversation, Yulin and one of the female Blazing Fire Sect disciples exchanged communication jades—small, glowing objects that pulsed with a faint, mystical energy.

  Curious, Devor leaned toward Yulin and whispered, "Sister Yulin, what’s that?"

  Yulin turned to him, her expression a mix of disbelief and amusement. "Are you serious, Devor? It’s a communication jade. Cultivators use them to stay in touch over long distances."

  Devor’s face flushed. How had he missed something so basic? "I... I didn’t know. I’ve just never needed one," he admitted, scratching the back of his head sheepishly.

  Yulin sighed softly but gave him an encouraging smile. "You really should start paying more attention, Devor. A communication jade is essential if you want to make connections in the sect—or anywhere, really."

  One of the Blazing Fire Sect disciples chuckled. "It’s rare to meet someone from the Azure Sky Sect who doesn’t have one," he said with a light laugh, though his tone was friendly, not mocking.

  Devor smiled awkwardly, his embarrassment deepening. "Guess I still have a lot to learn," he said, trying to laugh it off.

  The female disciple who had exchanged communication jades with Yulin stepped forward, offering him a warm smile. "Don’t worry about it," she said kindly. "Cultivation isn’t just about techniques or tools—it’s about growing and adapting. You’ll catch up soon enough."

  Her reassuring words eased some of Devor’s discomfort, and he nodded gratefully.

  As the group began to disperse, Yulin let out a quiet sigh and glanced at Devor. "You’re lucky they were understanding. Not everyone in the cultivation world is so forgiving."

  Devor nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I’ll make sure to do better," he said, his voice carrying a note of resolve.