The next morning, Yan Fu gathered his first disciples in the main courtyard. Lanterns floated in the air, each imbued with a faint spiritual aura, lighting the courtyard with soft golden light.
"Today," Yan Fu began, "you will witness the next step in the revival of Ji Xia Sect. You will meet the elders—masters of cultivation, strategy, and the ancient arts of the sect. They will train you, guide you, and ensure the survival of our sect."
Li Fei's eyes sparkled. "Elders? How many are we recruiting?"
Yan Fu turned toward the three guardians. "Enough to protect the sect and teach the disciples. Not too many to dilute authority. Each must be exceptional."
Aetherion spoke softly, "They must also be loyal, with hearts as pure as the sect's purpose."
Vorath growled, "And willing to defend the sect with their lives. No betrayers."
At that moment, the system pinged again.
[System Notification]
Elder Candidates Available: 7 individuals. Travel time: variable. Skills: mastery of fire, ice, celestial formations, healing arts, ancient martial techniques, spiritual beast taming, and forbidden magic.
Yan Fu's eyes glimmered. "Perfect. We begin with the first."
A massive portal opened at the center of the courtyard, glowing with alternating silver and gold light.
The first candidate appeared: an elderly man with flowing white robes embroidered with intricate runes. His long beard swayed in the wind. His aura radiated healing energy, almost tangible in the air.
"I am Lianzhi, master of Celestial Healing Arts," he said calmly. "You have summoned me?"
Yan Fu bowed slightly. "Elder Lianzhi, the sect has been reborn. I require your guidance to train the first generation of disciples."
Lianzhi's eyes flickered as he studied the courtyard and the three guardians. "I see… divine beasts already pledge loyalty. Your foundation is stronger than expected. I will serve."
The next candidate appeared: a tall, broad-shouldered man carrying a sword that seemed fused with fire itself. His presence radiated martial dominance.
"I am Huoran," he said, voice like rolling thunder. "My blade has not faltered in centuries. Your enemies will feel it."
Yan Fu nodded. "Elder Huoran, Ji Xia Sect welcomes your strength and guidance."
Over the course of several hours, more elders appeared through the portal:
Shuye, mistress of ice cultivation and formation manipulation.
Qingshui, a young yet formidable strategist, capable of analyzing enemy patterns before they act.
Fengxin, a tamer of spiritual beasts, whose calm demeanor could control even chaotic divine creatures.
Mushen, practitioner of forbidden ancient arts, restrained only by his own wisdom.
Each bowed respectfully. Yan Fu addressed them all:
"Ji Xia Sect must rise from nothing. I ask for your loyalty, your skills, and your wisdom. Together, we will protect this sect, cultivate the disciples, and become a force that shapes the Dongxu World."
One by one, the elders nodded.
"This will be a new era," Li Fei whispered, awe in his voice.
Aetherion's light shimmered faintly. "With these elders, Ji Xia Sect has a chance to become legendary."
Vorath's deep growl echoed softly. "Do not underestimate the enemies you will face. Power alone will not guarantee survival."
Yan Fu raised his hand toward the sky. The golden runes of the Celestial Barrier glowed brighter. Streams of spiritual energy flowed outward, touching the mountain valleys below.
"Let the world know," Yan Fu said, voice calm but firm, "that Ji Xia Sect has returned. And we will rise to glory."
Lightning flashed across the distant peaks as Tianlong's wings stretched wide, a reminder to all that divine guardians watched over this new era.
The disciples and elders stood together in the courtyard, the first spark of the sect's renewed power filling every corner.
Ji Xia Sect had a future.
And nothing in Dongxu World would be able to ignore its rise.