On a vast grassy plain, a group of children plays with a ball. Suddenly, one of them notices something in the sky. He quickly points at it and calls for the others to look.
High above them, a massive ship sails through the sky as if gliding across water. Its lower hull is forged from metal, while its upper structure is built from wood.
On the ship's deck, many people sit cross-legged. Some chat with one another, while others quietly admire the scenery around them. Among them, Su Lin sits alone in a corner, with Chen Hao beside him, talking without pause. From time to time, Su Lin stops paying attention to him and lifts his gaze toward the azure sky.
As he takes in its boundless beauty, Su Lin cannot help but marvel at its uniqueness.
At this height, the wind continually blows through Su Lin's hair and clothes, just as it does for everyone else on the deck.
While everyone is talking among themselves, a middle-aged man wearing a black-and-white robe steps to the front of the crowd. In one hand, he carries a gourd of wine, while in the other, he holds a bell. A massive sword hangs across his back. However, it resembles a giant broadsword more than an ordinary sword. When Su Lin sees it, he cannot help but wonder. Despite the man's seemingly ordinary build, how could he possibly possess the strength to carry such a colossal weapon?
After scanning the crowd, the middle-aged man rings the bell, instantly drawing everyone's attention as they prepare to listen to what he has to say.
"Listen carefully, all of you. We are about to arrive at the Heaven's Dao Sect. Once we enter the sect, you will be taken to the examination grounds for the selection.
All of you have probably heard from your parents or elders that you must pass every test to become a disciple, right? However, this time the rules have changed.
You only need to pass one test to become a disciple of the Heaven's Dao Sect.
Of course, that doesn't mean the journey ends there. Even after passing a test, you will still have to undergo further examinations to prove that you are truly worthy." Hearing the man's words, a small commotion spreads through the seated crowd.
"Brother Li, did you hear that? If we pass just one test, we'll become disciples of the Heaven's Dao Sect! That's wonderful, isn't it? What do you think, Brother Li?" While Su Lin is still stupefied by the man's words, Chen Hao's voice brings him back to reality. After thinking for a moment, Su Lin replies with a smile.
"That's wonderful news, Brother Chen. But there's one thing I don't understand. Why did the sect change its rules this time?"
"Brother Li, why are you thinking about those things? Just forget them and focus on the selection. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity." In his excitement, Chen Hao speaks a little too loudly to Su Lin. When the people around them hear his words, they laugh at the pair's innocence.
However, someone else also hears their laughter and every word they have spoken.
Inside one of the ship's rooms, an old man sits in a meditative posture. He wears a black-and-white robe, and half of his head is covered with white hair.
Beside the old man, a young woman sits gracefully on a chair, sipping tea. She could only be described as an immortal beauty. Instead of the sect's black-and-white robes, she wears a flowing green dress. When she hears the conversation from outside, a faint smile blooms on her ruby-red lips. She glances at the old man and speaks in a gentle voice.
"Grandfather, those people are really amusing. They don't even know what they're talking about. They're nothing more than a bunch of trash to our Heaven's Dao Sect. And why did you bring me here? Just to listen to their foolish laughter?" Hearing the young girl's arrogant words, the old man does not respond immediately. He simply opens his eyes and looks at her gently, his gaze filled with a grandfather's affection.
"Xiao Yu, don't say such foolish things. However, you're not entirely wrong. Most of those people will eventually be eliminated, and those who remain will still need to be polished before they become worthy disciples of our Heaven's Dao Sect.
"Still... I have taken a slight interest in one of them. There is also another person who has caught my attention." When the old man finishes speaking, the young girl blinks her eyes in surprise and asks in an interested tone.
"Grandfather, who are they?"
"Those two whom everyone is laughing at right now." Hearing her grandfather's words, the young girl wears a puzzled expression. She looks at him in confusion, as though she does not understand a single word he has just said.
Seeing Qin Yuer's blank expression, the old man smiles gently and speaks in a calm, resolute tone.
"Tell me, Xiao Yu. Why do you think our ancestors founded the Heaven's Dao Sect?"
"What kind of question is that, Grandfather?"
"Listen carefully, Xiao Yu. We cultivators are not merely beings who seek power. We possess emotions and morals, and it is those principles that allow us to walk the righteous path.
Our Heaven's Dao Sect is a righteous sect. We stand as a symbol of justice and righteousness. One day, when you have grown strong enough, you will become one of the pillars of our sect, upholding justice, protecting the innocent, and punishing the scoundrels of the demonic path. To achieve that, our sect needs two kinds of people. The first is someone who will do anything for justice without uttering a single complaint or considering his own gain. The young man who spoke so loudly is such a person.
The second is someone who can calmly observe his surroundings, understand the situation, and act in the best interests of the sect. The one who asked the question is that kind of person.
If those two youngsters can pass the selection, they will become excellent seeds for the righteous path."
Hearing the old man's words, the young girl's expression fills with understanding. She nods gently and looks at the old man with newfound comprehension.
"I'll remember your words, Grandfather. When I grow up and become an elder like you, I'll capture every demonic cultivator who brings harm to this world. I'll uphold justice and protect the righteous path."
Hearing those words, the old man smiles warmly. Without saying another word, he slowly closes his eyes once again and returns to his meditation.
After many hours pass, the sun begins to set, painting the sky in brilliant shades of orange. The clouds are dyed the same golden hue as Su Lin gazes into the distance.
Before long, countless mountains covered in lush greenery come into view.
On the tallest peak stands a majestic palace. As Su Lin narrows his eyes, he can make out numerous blurry figures flying through the air. However, that is not the only palace. Surrounding the central peak are many smaller mountains, each crowned with its own palace, though none rival the grandeur of the one atop the highest mountain.
Just as Su Lin is about to admire the breathtaking scenery further, a voice suddenly echoes through his ears.
"Everyone, we have arrived at the Heaven's Dao Sect. Prepare yourselves we are about to land at the sect's grounds."
After some time, the ship gradually descends toward the ground.
Feeling such an unbelievable experience for the first time, Chen Hao turns to Su Lin with an excited smile.
The ship lands safely, and Su Lin follows the others as they disembark.
As soon as his feet touch the ground, he instinctively looks around. He realizes that he is standing at the foot of the towering mountains. Beneath his feet lies an ancient stone plaza, while an aged and majestic aura washes over him, as though it has existed since time immemorial.
When Su Lin raises his head toward the palaces perched atop the mountain peaks, an unwavering determination fills his heart.
While inspecting his surroundings, Su Lin notices another flying ship approaching from the horizon. Seeing this, a realization dawns on him. It seems the Heaven's Dao Sect has gathered candidates from more than just the State of Han.
Before long, a young girl steps out from the very ship they had traveled on. She is none other than Qin Yuer. Beside her stands the old man. The two of them rise into the air and gracefully descend to the front of the crowd.
Before Su Lin can pay much attention to them, a familiar voice reaches his ears. It is a voice he has heard countless times throughout the journey.
"Brother Li, did you see her? I-I think... Heaven is on my side today!" Before Su Lin can ask what Chen Hao means, he follows Chen Hao's line of sight and sees the same young girl from before.
At that moment, he vaguely understands what Chen Hao is trying to say.
Before Su Lin can respond, Qin Yuer's gaze falls upon the two of them. A faint smile appears on her lips as she look slightly in their direction before leaving alongside the old man toward the main palace.
Seeing her smile, Su Lin cannot understand her behavior. He has no idea why she did that.
"Who is she?"