The Hehuan Sect Was Squeezed Dry for Ten Thousand Years, but It Became a Sacred Ground?

Chapter 4: A Fortuitous Opportunity From Your Master!

The Demon-Locking Prison, constructed a century ago, was situated in the rear mountain of the Azure Lotus Sect.

Over a hundred years of continuous repair and expansion had transformed it into a grand and imposing structure.

Various rare beasts and ferocious monsters were confined within, and only the sect leader held the authority to enter.

At this moment, hundreds of disciples gathered far from the prison’s entrance, eagerly waiting.

Despite the long wait, not a single trace of impatience appeared on their faces.

They all understood that the sect leader was currently in seclusion, striving to break into the Nascent Soul stage.

If she succeeded, the Azure Lotus Sect would stand a chance to ascend into the ranks of the Great Xia’s Twelve Sects!

Becoming one of the Twelve Sects would bring immense prestige, making disciples feel unparalleled pride in their sect.

Suddenly, a thunderous rumble echoed as the massive gate of the Demon-Locking Prison began to tremble and slowly recede to one side.

Hearing the sound, the disciples straightened their posture, holding their breath as they fixed their gaze on the entrance.

With a composed and elegant stride, Liu Ruyan emerged from within.

Her refined aura became increasingly palpable with each step, influencing the celestial phenomena above.

A sky that had been clear and sunny now bloomed with radiant clouds stretching as far as the eye could see.

Behind her, a colossal *phantom, towering a hundred feet high, materialized.

This ethereal figure bore an uncanny resemblance to Liu Ruyan herself, except for its indistinct facial features, which still exuded peerless grace.

It was as if this phantom, an embodiment of her soul, could pluck the stars with a mere gesture.

[*something (as a ghost) that seems to be there but is not real.]

Even though no oppressive force emanated from the apparition, the disciples, staring at the mountain-like projection, felt their legs weaken and their breaths falter.

“Manifestation of the Soul! It’s the hallmark of a Nascent Soul cultivator! The Sect Master has succeeded!”

One disciple’s exclamation shattered the silence, igniting a tidal wave of excitement.

Joy and fervor swept through the crowd.

The Sect Master, the sect’s strongest pillar, had reached a new peak of power!

Her rapid success, accomplished within mere hours of seclusion, astounded everyone, underscoring her unparalleled talent.

The disciples looked at her with reverence, feeling as though her abilities were beyond mortal comprehension.

Liu Ruyan curled her lips into a faint smile.

In hiding one’s strength lay the luxury of long-established sects.

The Azure Lotus Sect, under her leadership for barely over a century, required aggressive advancement to seize opportunities.

Survival meant first ensuring sustenance, and for a fledgling sect, progress took precedence over concealment.

Her thoughts coalesced as the celestial phenomena and soul projection dissipated.

The gates of the Demon-Locking Prison slowly sealed themselves once more at her gesture.

Liu Ruyan scanned the crowd, her gaze eventually landing on a white-robed woman standing at the forefront.

The woman carried a sword on her back and radiated an aura as sharp and pure as snow on a lone peak.

However, a black ribbon covering her eyes marred her otherwise flawless appearance.

“Ah Ling,” Liu Ruyan called softly, her crimson lips parting slightly, “follow me.”

The white-robed woman stepped forward, her tone respectful as she bowed deeply.

“Yes, Master.”

Without further delay, the two transformed into streaks of light, vanishing from view.

Back at the Sect Leader’s Hall, Liu Ruyan ascended to the main seat, her commanding presence filling the room.

Her expression softened as she regarded the kneeling woman before her.

“Rise,” she instructed gently.

“Yes, Master.” The white-robed woman stood as directed.

Liu Ruyan’s expression showed a trace of satisfaction.

This disciple, Nangong Ling, was someone she had accepted as a personal student two decades prior.

Nangong Ling was the second direct disciple she had taken under her wing after Ning Chen.

Despite her congenital blindness, Nangong Ling had achieved late Foundation Establishment stage cultivation in an incredibly short time, becoming the leader among the sect’s younger disciples.

“As of today,” Liu Ruyan began, her tone calm but her words impactful, “I have reached the Nascent Soul stage.

Our sect has now fulfilled one of the critical requirements for promotion.”

She paused for a moment before continuing, “Next year, the once-in-twenty-years Great Xia Sect Tournament will take place.

If the Azure Lotus Sect performs exceptionally, we might replace the weakest of the Twelve Sects—the Xuanyue Sect.”

“Ah Ling, do you have the confidence to stand out?”

Nangong Ling hesitated, her response measured.

“Disciple will do my utmost.”

Though she remained stoic, guilt gnawed at her heart.

Her master’s brilliance seemed unparalleled, transcending the limits of cultivation in just over a century.

In comparison, her own progress felt sorely inadequate.

As a sword cultivator, fearlessness should define her path. Yet Nangong Ling was no fool.

The difficulty of advancing increased exponentially with each stage.

Even if she reached the peak of Foundation Establishment, surpassing into the Core Formation stage within a year was impossible.

The disciples of the Twelve Sects often reached Core Formation at her age. Competing against them would be insurmountable.

Liu Ruyan frowned slightly, her mind conflicted.

She understood the disparity between her fledgling sect and the established Twelve Sects.

Was she truly willing to wait another twenty years for such a pivotal opportunity?

Her ambition for the Azure Lotus Sect to rise swiftly fueled her resolve.

Perhaps only an extraordinary fortuitous encounter could alter Nangong Ling’s fate.

Liu Ruyan made her decision.

Producing the Sect Leader’s Token, she gazed at Nangong Ling with an unprecedented seriousness.

“Ah Ling,” she declared, her words solemn, “your master can bestow upon you a chance at fortune.”