The flying boat pierced through a shimmering spatial rift, and suddenly the world changed.
Endless azure clouds stretched in every direction, dotted with massive floating peaks connected by rainbow bridges. Spiritual energy was so dense it formed visible mist, nourishing flowers that bloomed in mid-air and spirit beasts that soared freely.
This was the Azure Cloud Realm — one of the lower cultivation realms, yet a paradise compared to any mortal star.
The boat descended toward the largest peak: Azure Cloud Main Peak, towering ten thousand zhang, crowned by palaces of white jade and golden tiles.
New disciples pressed against the railings, mouths agape.
Qing Lian clutched Xiao Chen's sleeve. "Chen-ge… it's beautiful. Like a dream."
He nodded, equally stunned, but his gaze quickly sharpened — sensing countless powerful auras sweeping over them like invisible tides.
Elder Han's voice rang out. "Disembark in order. Outer disciples to the left peak, inner to the main."
Most of the twenty-three from Yellow Dust Star, including Li Wei and Qing Lian, headed left toward Outer Peak — a smaller but still majestic mountain.
Xiao Chen alone was led personally by Elder Han toward the Main Peak's grand staircase.
Qing Lian looked back, worry in her eyes.
He smiled reassuringly. "I'll find you soon."
She nodded, clutching the small jade token all outer disciples received.
On Outer Peak, a stern female deacon in azure robes gathered the new outer disciples.
"I am Deaconess Lin. From today, you are the lowest existences in Azure Cloud Sect. Work hard, or be expelled within three years."
Assignments were quick: dormitories, basic cultivation manuals, one low-grade spirit stone per month.
Qing Lian shared a simple stone room with three other girls. One was the county town girl with fire roots, named Zhang Huo'er — loud and confident.
Another was a quiet boy from a distant village, Wang Shuo.
The third was surprisingly familiar: a pretty girl named Liu Feifei, daughter of a wealthy merchant who had bribed her way into better treatment.
Liu Feifei smiled sweetly at Qing Lian. "Sister Qing, your water roots are so pure. We'll be good friends, yes?"
Qing Lian returned a polite smile. "Of course."
But that evening, as Qing Lian cultivated alone on the dormitory balcony, Li Wei appeared with his two lackeys.
"Qing Lian, now that we're in the sect, you should understand — that village trash is inner disciple only because of a freak accident. His chaos root will bring tribulation and death. Stick with me; my uncle is Outer Deacon Li. I can get you better resources."
Qing Lian's voice was cold. "Young Master Li, please respect yourself. My heart follows only one person."
Li Wei's face darkened. "You'll regret refusing me."
He left with a flick of his sleeve.
Meanwhile, on Main Peak.
Elder Han led Xiao Chen to a secluded courtyard with a spiritual spring and ancient pavilion.
"This will be your residence. Tomorrow, the Sect Master and three Peak Masters will test you personally to choose your master."
Xiao Chen bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Elder Han."
After the elder left, Xiao Chen sat by the spring, finally releasing his suppression.
Chaos spiritual energy flooded in like a storm.
In one night, he broke through to early Spirit Vein Condensation — meridians opening wide, body strengthening rapidly.
At dawn, a mischievous voice sounded outside his courtyard.
"Junior Brother Xiao? Are you decent? Senior Sister came to give you a welcome gift!"
A girl in azure inner disciple robes leaped over the wall lightly — sixteen or seventeen, bright eyes, playful smile, carrying a basket of spirit fruits.
She tossed one to him. "Catch! I'm Mu Xiaoxiao, direct disciple of Alchemy Peak Master. Elder Han is my martial uncle — he told me to look after the new chaos genius."
Xiao Chen caught the fruit, surprised. "Thank you, Senior Sister Mu."
She plopped down beside him without ceremony. "Call me Xiaoxiao. So, tell me — how does it feel to make the Spirit Testing Orb almost explode? The whole sect is talking about you!"
He smiled helplessly. "I don't know myself."
She laughed. "Humble! I like it. Come, eat. These fruits help stabilize foundations."
They chatted lightly — her teasing questions easing his tension.
But as she left, she turned serious for a moment.
"Little Junior Brother, your root is heaven-defying. Some elders are excited, but others… fear what they can't control. Be careful who you trust."
Xiao Chen nodded solemnly.
That afternoon, he sneaked down to Outer Peak using a concealment talisman Xiaoxiao had slipped him.
He found Qing Lian practicing basic water techniques in a small training field.
She sensed him immediately and ran over, hugging him tightly.
"I missed you already," she whispered.
He held her close. "Me too."
They sat behind a boulder, hidden from view.
"How is inner disciple life?" she asked.
"Quiet… but good resources."
She told him about Li Wei's harassment.
Xiao Chen's eyes turned cold. "If he touches you, I'll handle it."
She touched his cheek gently. "Don't act rashly. We're new here."
Then, smiling softly, she leaned in.
Their third kiss was slow, lingering — tasting of spirit fruit and longing.
When they parted, she rested her head on his shoulder.
"One day, Chen-ge… we'll stand side by side openly, no matter inner or outer."
He stroked her hair. "We will."
Unseen on a distant tower, Li Wei watched through a far-seeing treasure, face twisted with jealousy.
"So impatient, trash. Let's see how long your luck lasts."
A small storm was brewing in the seemingly peaceful sect.