The morning mist parted as the carriage rolled out of the valley. Ahead, peaks rose like emerald pillars into the sky.
The sight struck even Xuan Yuan silent.
Thirty-three towering main peaks, each crowned with palaces that gleamed like jade under the rising sun, surrounded by ninety-nine minor peaks that cascaded outward like waves. Bridges of white stone arched between mountains, waterfalls thundered into clouds below, and flocks of spirit cranes wheeled in the sky. Every breath here carried a faint serenity, a clarity that smoothed the heart.
A single plaque floated above the central peak, characters glowing with spiritual light:
Clear Sky Sect
One of the top 10 sects which stood strong for nearly six thousand years with many famous cultivators emerging from it occasionally.
Yuan whistled low. "Alright, I'll admit… this is impressive. Looks like a painting came to life. If I lived here long enough, maybe even I'd start pretending to be profound."
Aunt Lan shot him a sideways glance, lips twitching. "Pretending is one thing you'll never lack skill in."
He grinned unabashed.
The spirit horses slowed as they approached the wide mountain gates carved into living stone. Outer disciples in blue-green robes lined the entrance, standing in tidy rows. Though none were older than eighteen, their auras were steady, sharp—many were already at Foundation Establishment, with a few still in Qi refining stage.
Yuan muttered under his breath, "Even the gatekeepers look like they've been marinated in cultivation resources."
The guards bowed deeply when Aunt Lan presented a jade token. A moment later, an elderly figure descended from the sky, robes fluttering like clouds.
The man's hair was silver, but his face carried a ruddy vigor. His eyes, sharp yet warm, fell first on Aunt Lan—then softened as they turned to Yuan.
"Xuan Han's son," the man said, voice like flowing water. "I see his features in you."
Aunt Lan inclined her head. "Elder Mo, we trouble you with this visit."
So this was Father's friend. Elder Mo, one of Clear Sky Sect's senior elders. His presence wasn't overwhelming like Father's, yet it carried a natural weight, like standing under a tall tree.
Yuan cupped his fists politely. "Junior greets Elder Mo." Then, because he couldn't resist, he added, "Though I must say… everyone keeps telling me I look like Father. Should I start worrying I'm just a smaller, less handsome copy?"
Aunt Lan's brow twitched. Elder Mo, however, burst out laughing.
"Cheeky! Just like your father was at your age. I see wit runs in the bloodline." He stepped forward, resting a surprisingly gentle hand on Yuan's shoulder. "Don't worry, boy. Your father's trust is not misplaced. While you are here, Clear Sky Sect will be your shelter."
Yuan's grin thinned, something quieter flickering in his eyes. He bowed again, this time with genuine respect. "Thank you, Elder."
Elder Mo gestured. "Come. You've traveled long enough. I'll have you settled near Azure Spirit Peak. It is quiet, far from politics, perfect for study."
As they walked past the gates, Yuan's eyes darted everywhere—disciples sparring on cloud bridges, cultivators flying past on swords, elders meditating under ancient pines. Every step was another reminder: this was one of the South's strongest sects, ranked among the top ten.
And now, somehow, it was supposed to be his home.
"Not bad," Yuan muttered under his breath. "From trash young master to guest disciple of a top ten sect. Maybe exile isn't such a downgrade after all."
Aunt Lan caught his murmur. "Don't get carried away. You're here for a reason, not to play."
"Yes, yes," Yuan said with a lazy wave. "Learn, play—same thing, depending on how you look at it."
Elder Mo only chuckled, clearly unbothered.
They crossed a final bridge, the sound of rushing waterfalls filling the air. Before them rose Azure Spirit Peak, the 33rd peak—lush forests, a clear pond at its base, and a modest courtyard nestled against the slope.
"This will be your residence," Elder Mo said. "Simple, but quiet. Take it as a fresh start. It has been unoccupied since nearly 60 years, and no one visits this place. "
Yuan looked around, eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "Hmm. No nagging elders, no nosy cousins, no competition for tea leaves… I think I'll manage."
Aunt Lan sighed, though her lips curved faintly.
Elder Mo laughed again, shaking his head. Well this little guy got nothing in common with his father other than the wits and looks.
"For now, you will be staying here as guests and no one will bother you. There is still nearly 1 month for opening of secret realm, so just test until then, someone will inform you when it's time."
And just like that, the next stage of Xuan Yuan's journey began—not as a scorned young master of the East, but as a supposed "exile" housed in one of the South's most powerful sects.
He tucked his hands into his sleeves, eyes flickering with quiet amusement. "Alright, Clear Sky Sect. Let's see what you've got."
Ding! Sign-in reward available! Host has signed in at Azure Spirit Peak and received: Azure Sky Immortal Scripture.
Yuan froze. "…Immortal grade? Codex, are you kidding me? Finally, a cultivation scripture—and it's Immortal grade at that?!"
His heart pounded as the information flowed into his mind. Lines of divine script unraveled, describing vast skies splitting open, rivers of qi cascading like storms, and techniques that bent heavens to will.
Even his clan's treasured Heavenly Xuan Water Flow, a Heaven-rank scripture, paled in comparison. This was on a completely different level.
He let out a low whistle. "With this, I can toss the clan's technique straight into the recycle bin. Father would faint if he knew."
Aunt Lan glanced at him, noticing the gleam in his eyes. "What are you plotting now, brat?"
"Nothing at all," Yuan said innocently, slipping his hands back into his sleeves. Inside, though, his grin widened.
No longer just trash. No longer just a guest disciple.
With the Codex at his side, even exile could become the perfect stage.
The Codex pulsed faintly, then a line of golden script flashed before his eyes—
"Warning: Azure Sky Immortal Scripture is bound to its origin. Cultivating it here may awaken… something."
Yuan blinked. "…Awaken what, exactly?"
The Codex fell silent.
And somewhere deep within Azure Spirit Peak, a still, hidden pond rippled—though no wind stirred the air.