The morning sun poured over Ji Xia Sect, glinting off the golden runes of the Celestial Barrier and reflecting in the polished jade of the newly rebuilt halls.
Yan Fu stood at the top of the Celestial Founder Hall, Phoenix Crown Spear in hand. His three guardians—Vorath, Aetherion, and Tianlong—stood silently behind him, each exuding an aura that could intimidate entire sects.
"This is the time," Yan Fu muttered. "Ji Xia Sect cannot rise with only me and Li Fei. It needs talent—disciples who can grow, and elders who can guide."
Li Fei's pink eyes sparkled. "Master, where do we start?"
Yan Fu's gaze swept across the mountains, resting on the distant paths that led to nearby towns and cultivation valleys. "There are hidden geniuses scattered across Dongxu World. Some are born with rare bloodlines. Others possess unique talents. But they need guidance to awaken their true potential. We will bring them here—whether they come willingly or not."
Aetherion's glowing mane fluttered in the wind. "You will need a test to discern potential. Not all with talent can adapt to the sect's environment."
Yan Fu nodded. "Correct. We will begin with a spiritual trial."
At the heart of the courtyard, Yan Fu traced a series of intricate patterns with his staff. Golden runes flared into the air, forming a massive portal, swirling with celestial energy.
"This portal," Yan Fu explained, "can detect spiritual potential in those who pass through it. Only those compatible with Ji Xia Sect's philosophy and cultivation methods will be allowed in. Others will be rejected by the formation automatically."
Li Fei's eyes widened. "Master… that's incredible!"
"Discipline is crucial," Yan Fu replied. "Talent without discipline leads to ruin. We will test both their power and character."
Within hours, the first seekers began arriving. Young cultivators from villages, remote mountains, and abandoned valleys approached the sect, drawn by whispers of a revived sect and the unusual aura emanating from the mountain.
Each one stepped into the golden portal in the courtyard. Energy sparks danced across their bodies as the formation scanned their meridians, spiritual veins, and bloodlines.
One by one, potential disciples were either accepted—their bodies glowing with golden light—or rejected, gently pushed back by the formation with a harmless but firm force.
Among the first wave was a young man with a purple celestial aura, his eyes sharp and calculating. The portal glowed violently as he passed, but then dimmed, allowing him through.
"He has the bloodline of a Thunder Serpent," Yan Fu noted. "But his temperament is calm, disciplined… he will do well."
Aetherion nodded. "Power alone does not define a cultivator. Discipline and intelligence matter just as much."
Vorath's growl rumbled faintly. "I detect danger in one of the others… someone hides malicious intent."
Yan Fu's amber eyes scanned the crowd. Indeed, among the hopefuls was a youth whose aura flickered, trying to suppress it. But even suppressed, it carried cruel intent.
"This one will not be accepted," Yan Fu said calmly. The formation gently pushed the youth back. He struggled, but the sect's magical barrier held him firmly. Finally, he had no choice but to retreat.
Li Fei watched intently. "Master, your tests… are merciless."
Yan Fu turned. "If I let malicious individuals inside, the sect could be destroyed before it even grows. Discipline must come first, power second."
By sunset, dozens of disciples had been successfully recruited. Young men and women, each displaying rare bloodlines or unique abilities:
A girl whose veins glimmered faintly blue, capable of water cultivation techniques.
A boy with the golden aura of a Phoenix bloodline, similar to Li Fei.
Twins who shared a mysterious shadow-type bloodline, able to share spiritual energy between them.
Each was carefully recorded in the Sect Register, their abilities, potential, and character traits noted for training.
By nightfall, Yan Fu sat atop a stone platform, Li Fei beside him. The three guardians rested nearby, watching silently.
"Our first generation of disciples is ready," Yan Fu said quietly. "But they are children compared to the challenges ahead. Soon, we will need elders to guide them… individuals who have lived long, seen the world, and mastered techniques we can't."
Li Fei nodded. "Where do we find them?"
Yan Fu's eyes glowed faintly. "The system will help. But some of the best candidates may not come willingly. We must find those willing to commit their lives to rebuilding a sect from nothing. Only then can Ji Xia Sect rise to its true glory."