The Faces of This Chapter:
Yena: Protagonist; Divine | Calm, composed, and observant.
Miao Miao: Yena's Best Friend | a flower spirit; Medicinal Healer | Lively, outspoken, and fiercely loyal.
Jin Yue: Disciple of Zhang Haoran | Confident, intelligent, and protective.
Shu Lin: Third Senior disciple | Steady, composed, and quietly observant.
Qing Yi: Young disciple | a spirit | Proud, powerful, and unraveling.
Zhang Haoran: The Headmaster of the Flying Dragon Sect | Wise, observant, and composed.
Yu Chen: Second Senior disciple | Steady, composed, and clever.
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Scene: The Main Hall
The Main Hall of the sect was vast—spacious and solemn. There was little furniture, but the walls were adorned with paintings and elegant calligraphy scrolls. Opposite the entrance stood a raised platform, simple yet dignified, where incense sticks burned steadily beside offerings of fruits and flowers. It resembled a modest shrine, carrying the quiet air of reverence.
When Yena and Miao Miao entered, Yena's gaze drifted to the painting displayed above the altar.
In a low, barely audible voice, Yena whispered, "Mother…"
Miao Miao, equally bewildered, frowned. "Why… Why is Lord Sian Yi's portrait here?"
The two turned to see Sect Master Zhang Haoran already present, Jin Yue standing silently behind him. They bowed respectfully in greeting.
Zhang Haoran's eyes lingered on the portrait of Sian Yi. His voice was calm, yet carried quiet weight."Lord Sian Yi is not as the world believes her to be. The tales inscribed in books… much of them are embellished, altered, or simply forgotten."
He began walking toward the shrine, the others following behind."We of Tianlong owe her more than words can express."
As they approached the altar, Zhang Haoran's expression softened with quiet reverence."During her reign, peace and balance prevailed. No one sought to dominate another—be they spirit, Mystical, or elemental. To her, all life held equal value… even the humblest spirit beast."
As they approached the raised worship area, Zhang Haoran's gaze softened with quiet reverence. "During her reign, peace and balance prevailed. None sought to dominate another—whether they were spirits, Mysticals, or elementals. To her, all life was equal… even the humblest spirit beast." He paused. "It is said the Great Dragon of our legends served her faithfully for many years—and may still dwell within the Divine World."
They stopped before the incense altar. Zhang Haoran gestured for them to step forward."You three—pay your respects to the Lord of Yuan—the Divine Lord Sian Yi."
One by one, they stepped forward to light incense.
When Yena's turn came, she knelt without hesitation, bowing her head low. As she lit the incense, a whisper escaped her lips:"Mother… this is the first time I offer my respects to you. I hope… you're not angry."
A single tear threatened to escape, but she swiftly wiped it away, her expression composed once more.
Zhang Haoran observed quietly. "Very well. Now, take your seats. The other Masters will arrive shortly."
The three nodded, finding their seats near the front.
After a while, Shu Lin and several other disciples entered the hall.
Jin Yue, ever meticulous, retrieved a small mirror from within his robe, adjusting his hair with practiced ease.
Miao Miao observed him with exasperation. "Tch… Always fussing over yourself…"
Jin Yue leaned closer, whispering with a teasing smile, "Don't look at me like that, little Miao Miao. My looks are my secret weapon."
Miao Miao shook her head in disbelief.
Across the hall, Qing Yi was also present. When her eyes met Yena's, she offered a respectful bow. Yena returned the gesture with a faint, composed smile.
Soon after, the other four Masters of the sect arrived. Their presence filled the room with authority and calm, and all rose to their feet in respect.
Yena and her friends bowed as well. Their unfamiliar expressions didn't go unnoticed.
Shu Lin leaned in, quietly explaining, "The one in blue is Master Lan Ruoxue—our foremost healer, though her combat skills are unmatched. She teaches those whose spirit weapons are considered rare here."
He gestured subtly to the others.
"On her left is Master Hua Jing—the highest cultivation level in the sect, seventy-nine.""The man in black is Master Chen Yunhai—responsible for sect operations and protection spells. He instructs those with hammer-type spirit weapons."
"Lastly, the one with the book tied to his waist is Master Mo Yichen. He handles sect administration."
Yena offered a quiet thanks.
Shu Lin added softly, "Master Mo Yichen and Lan Ruoxue just returned after registering the sect for the upcoming tournament. As for Master Chen Yunhai and Master Hua Jing, they visited Huliya to ensure the sect remains in good standing with the region's authority."
Miao Miao muttered, "Ohh… You sure are helpful…"
Shu Lin chuckled softly. "I'm glad I could help… and…" his gaze softened, "I wanted to thank you. For taking care of Qing Yi."
But then her eyes narrowed playfully. "Tch… why do you always run around doing things for her?"
Shu Lin's gaze drifted briefly to Yena, who sat composed, her attention on the gathering Masters."She's my direct junior," he replied calmly. "I bear responsibility for her. That's all."But his eyes lingered on Yena for a moment longer.
The Sect Leader's steady voice carried through the hall, silencing the low hum of conversation.
"Qing Yi," Zhang Haoran called. "Step forward."
All eyes turned as Qing Yi obeyed, stopping in front of Yena and Miao Miao. She lowered herself into a deep, respectful bow.
"I apologise for what happened in the arena," she said softly but sincerely. "I lost control… I endangered everyone. You both…" her eyes lingered briefly on Yena's bandaged arm, "risked yourselves to protect me… and the sect members. I… owe you both my life."
Yena and Miao Miao exchanged a glance.
Yena's voice was calm and steady. "It's alright."
Miao Miao nodded, her sharpness softened for once. "I'm glad you're alright now…"
Qing Yi bowed once more, low and respectful. Yena and Miao Miao returned the gesture with quiet sincerity.
Zhang Haoran stepped forward, his presence commanding yet composed. "Let us proceed," he announced. "Today, we welcome new members into the Flying Dragon Sect."
The atmosphere shifted. The disciples straightened their backs as the Sect Induction Ritual began.
Yena's gaze lingered on the portrait of Sian Yi at the far end. Her heart stirred with quiet resolve.["This is just the first step now…"] she thought, stepping forward alongside Jin Yue and Miao Miao as their names were called.
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After the ceremony concluded, the disciples dispersed to attend to their duties and training. The once solemn hall gradually filled with quiet chatter and the soft sound of footsteps fading into the distance.
Yu Chen approached Yena, Miao Miao, and Jin Yue, his expression calm, his tone measured. "It's time you three understand how things work around here," he said, turning to lead them out of the hall.
The others followed, their footsteps echoing faintly across the stone floor.
As they walked along the stone path that wound through the sect grounds, Yu Chen continued, his voice steady with quiet authority, "The Flying Dragon Sect follows strict discipline. Respect for your Masters and Seniors is non-negotiable."
He gestured subtly to the rows of halls and practice courts stretching beyond them.
"Our disciples are divided by seniority," Yu Chen explained. "First Senior Disciples, Second Seniors, Third Seniors, and Juniors. It isn't decided by favoritism—it depends on your cultivation level… and the years you've dedicated to this sect."
He paused before adding, "The Third Senior Disciples are tasked with guiding the Juniors. They help train them properly and oversee their progress."
Miao Miao tilted her head curiously. "Like Shu Lin and… Qing Yi?"
Yu Chen gave a slight nod. "Exactly. Shu Lin is a Third Senior Disciple. Qing Yi was placed under his care temporarily… though, as you've seen, her situation is rather unique." His tone carried quiet weight. "Shen Lei and I are Second Senior Disciples. As for the First Seniors… they are few in number. Their cultivation levels exceed fifty-five."
He paused before continuing, "Second Seniors have cultivation levels above fifty, and Third Seniors above forty. That's the foundation of our hierarchy."
Then, turning toward Jin Yue, he produced a jade token from his sleeve, carved with intricate patterns. "Master instructed me to give you this," he said, offering it to Jin Yue. "The token of a Third Senior Disciple. You've walked under his guidance for years—you've earned it."
Jin Yue accepted the token with both hands, bowing deeply. "Thank you, Senior."
Yu Chen's attention shifted to Yena and Miao Miao. "As for you two… you'll be given tokens of Juniors. Don't be discouraged. It isn't a question of your ability—both of you have proven yourselves. But rules are rules. Everyone starts from the foundation."
The two bowed respectfully.
"We are honored to become part of the Flying Dragon Sect," Yena said steadily.
Yu Chen gave a faint smile. "Welcome to the Flying Dragon Sect."
Miao Miao nodded, then tilted her head slightly. "Oh right… since we're Juniors, will someone from the Third Senior Disciples be assigned to guide us?"
Yu Chen nodded. "Naturally. Every junior is assigned to a direct senior. They will oversee your progress and guide you properly."
His gaze swept the courtyard, landing on a familiar figure passing by. "Ah, perfect timing."
Shu Lin approached, sensing Yu Chen's attention.
"Senior, do you need me for something?" Shu Lin asked calmly.
Yu Chen placed a hand on Shu Lin's shoulder with easy familiarity. "Not need—responsibility." A teasing glint entered his eyes. "Congratulations, Shu Lin. You've gained new juniors."
"Senior… I already have one junior under my care," Shu Lin replied evenly. "Shouldn't someone else be assigned to them?"
Shu Lin's gaze drifted momentarily to Yena, unreadable. "But—"
"No buts," Yu Chen cut in smoothly. "You won't be alone in this. Jin Yue is now also a Third Senior Disciple. The two of you will divide the juniors."
Before anyone could protest, Yu Chen folded his arms, amusement playing at his lips. "You all look so hesitant."
His eyes lingered on Jin Yue and Shu Lin. "The choice is yours. Whom will you take as your direct junior?"
The air between them shifted—silent, heavy with unspoken things lingering beneath their gazes.
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