Qi Tian suppressed the turmoil in his heart and the countless thoughts racing through his mind. Along with the other disciples, he faced Qinglu Mountain across the valley beyond the hall doors and bowed deeply.
Once the ceremony was complete, Elder Lü's voice rang out again, breaking the silence within the hall.
"All right. With this, the rite of paying respects to the founders is complete. Until you are assigned your duties and placed under the various halls, you are free to look around and familiarize yourselves with the sect."
He turned toward Pei Yi, who stood nearby.
"Take them around for a while."
"Yes."
Pei Yi cupped his fists and accepted the order, then led the two hundred and sixty-two new disciples out of the Founding Ancestors' Hall in an orderly stream.
Beyond the hall doors, the sea of clouds stretched endlessly beneath the strengthening morning light.
