Chapter Seventeen: The Grand Ceremony of Enlightenment Begins
After washing up, the two of them headed straight for the First Mountain, where the Grand Comprehension Ceremony was to be held.
On the southern shore stood several peaks, among which the First Mountain was the most majestic and imposing; it was the usual site for grand festivals. Along the way, they saw many disciples hurrying towards the event, their faces filled with excitement and anticipation.
Among them were those who had already succeeded in forming their foundation, running to witness the spectacle, as well as menial disciples who had yet to do so, poised to seize this chance and leap into the ranks of the outer sect. There were also a few prodigies like Zhao Xiaobai, who had joined the outer sect ahead of time but had not yet formed their foundation, seeking instead that elusive perfection.
Comprehension, in essence, was the act of perceiving and understanding; its object could be a person, a thing, a flower, or a blade of grass. All things under heaven could serve as a medium for comprehension. In addition to relying on one’s own fortune, one also needed a touch of external aid—the breath of the Heavenly Way.
The reason the ceremony was held on the First Mountain of the southern shore was because it stood at the very heart of the sect’s formations, closest to the Heavenly Way. Every year on this day, the breath of the Heavenly Way would descend. Disciples who sought comprehension at this time, accompanied by the descent of the Heavenly Way, would find their chances of success greatly increased.
Already, many disciples had arrived, laughing and chatting, discussing the grand event.
“This year’s Grand Comprehension Ceremony will surely be intriguing.”
“Indeed, several outer sect prodigies have been holding back their strength, waiting for this day to break through.”
“The breath of the Heavenly Way descends upon our sect only once a year. Each descent brings forth several prodigies who enter the inner sect directly, drawing countless gazes. Even inner sect disciples secretly keep watch on this event.”
“That’s not all. I’ve heard that even Senior Sister Yao, a direct disciple, will make an appearance today!”
“Senior Sister Yao? She’s one of the sect’s most powerful figures!”
“By the way, do you remember Wang Ran from the outer sect? I heard Elder Liu has given him a final ultimatum—if he fails to form his foundation this time, he’ll be stripped of his outer sect status!”
“I heard the same. Wang Ran is a prodigy too, and I think he’s from the same hometown as Senior Brother Ye from the inner sect. It’s a pity—though he cultivates quickly, his comprehension and fortune are poor, and he’s never managed to form his foundation.”
“Haha, so not all prodigies are perfect—some are crippled.”
“Do you think he’ll make it today?”
“At best, he might form a one-star or two-star foundation.”
“A one-star or two-star foundation is passable; mine is only two stars. But he’s said to be a once-in-a-century genius, so if he only gets two stars, it’d be embarrassing and the talk of the sect.”
“Haha, that’s what happens when your comprehension is poor.”
As they discussed Wang Ran, disdain colored their expressions. Most of them were of average talent; seeing a prodigy struggle brought them a secret satisfaction, as if it confirmed their own sense of superiority.
There was little difference between the sect’s north and south shores; the south was slightly larger and housed more disciples, while the north was favored by elders. However, disciples specially favored by elders could also live on the north shore, whether as their private pupils or as their children.
At that moment, a brilliant rainbow swept across the northern shore, its radiance flickering. Within a few breaths, the wind subsided, revealing a figure—Beiming Lie, an inner sect prodigy.
He stood atop a giant sword, rushing forth with an air of aloofness, his gaze indifferent as he swept his eyes below, as if he cared nothing for those gathered.
“That’s Beiming Lie, the inner sect prodigy! I hear his flying sword is worth a thousand spiritual gems and can carry him through the air.”
“Indeed, a true prodigy. He’s said to rival Senior Brother Ye Cang in the inner sect.”
“Such dazzling talent is rare.”
As the disciples exclaimed, a sword light flashed across the distant sky—not with overwhelming force, but with a concentrated sword aura so powerful it seemed to pierce the heavens.
Upon the giant sword, clouds churned, revealing a figure standing with hands clasped behind his back. The wind danced with his violet-gold robe and black hair; his face bore a gentle smile, serene and confident. His warm gaze and affable presence made him shine like the sun, eclipsing all others.
Every movement seemed favored by heaven and earth; his eyes were as deep as the stars, and his flawless, handsome features made him appear even more extraordinary. His arrival instantly dimmed Beiming Lie’s presence.
He was the sect’s fastest cultivator to form a foundation, bearer of a millennium saintly body, and the unrivaled candidate for next year’s selection of direct disciples—Ye Cang!
“Senior Brother Ye? Even he’s here?”
“Senior Brother Ye’s talent is the greatest in a thousand years!”
“Beiming Lie pales in comparison to Senior Brother Ye.”
“Of course—he’s the most likely to become a direct disciple.”
The disciples discussed in awe, surprised that this year’s ceremony had attracted so much attention.
On his sword in the sky, Beiming Lie glanced sidelong at Ye Cang, his expression heavy. With a cold snort, he landed atop the mountain and closed his eyes to rest.
Ye Cang ignored him, sitting on a high platform and discreetly surveying the scene. His purpose in coming was Wang Ran.
The last time, he had sent an enforcer to kill Wang Ran, but the assassin had vanished without a trace, likely failing. This time, he was here to see if Wang Ran was alive or dead.
Meanwhile, Beiming Lie, though apparently resting, secretly scanned the crowd.
“I heard from my brother that last night, in front of the Red Bamboo Grove, he was wounded by an outer sect disciple who also stole the formation-breaking talisman I gave him. There’s a trace of my aura on that talisman. If that person dares to appear today, I’ll make sure he learns who can be provoked and who cannot!”
With a fierce gaze, Beiming Lie, too, searched for Wang Ran.
As their thoughts diverged, a rain of lotus swords suddenly fell from the sky. The crowd looked up to see a white ribbon streaking through the heavens, which, as it approached, transformed into the silhouette of a stunning young woman.
Her white robe billowed, crimson ribbon fluttering—it was Yao Jianjia, the sect’s most beautiful woman and one of its two direct disciples.
Her arrival stirred the crowd, drawing the attention even of Ye Cang and Beiming Lie.
“Heavens, is that Senior Sister Yao, the sect’s top female direct disciple?”
“She’s so beautiful, she could topple kingdoms.”
“And she walks on air—she’s at the Golden Core stage!”
“The perfect goddess in everyone’s heart.”
After appearing, Yao Jianjia did not linger in the sky, but descended lightly to the ground, her white boots barely touching earth as she stood unmoving. No one dared come within five paces of her; the strength of her aura inspired awe, and the crowd only dared to admire her from afar.
As time passed, the number of disciples on the mountaintop plaza grew, with many prodigies entering, as well as outstanding menial and outer sect disciples.
Zhao Xiaobai arrived holding a small white fan, his scholarly air radiating as he walked, shaking his head, the very picture of a refined young scholar.
“Huh? Isn’t that Zhao Xiaobai, the eccentric?”
“I’ve heard he’s the reincarnation of a killing star.”
“Better stay away from him.”
Many nearby whispered among themselves, quickly making way for Zhao Xiaobai.
Zhao Xiaobai smiled faintly, strolling over to Beiming Lie. He glanced at the spot beside him and said cheerfully, “This place seems nice, would you mind if I sit here?”
Beiming Lie studied him, startled by the intense killing intent. Especially his eyes—ordinary at first glance, but upon closer inspection, filled with concentrated fighting spirit.
Seeing no reply, Zhao Xiaobai sat down without waiting for permission.
As the ceremony drew closer, anticipation built among the crowd.
Zhao Xiaobai looked at the sky and wondered, “Strange, why haven’t Brother Wang and the little junior sister arrived? Did they oversleep?”
Just as he murmured, a commotion erupted at the entrance.
“Let’s welcome the handsomest Brother Wang!”
“Brother Wang is the best! Invincible!”
“Brother Wang is the best! Invincible!”
“Make way up front, Brother Wang is coming!”
Not far away, Wang Ran walked in wearing a blue and white robe, smiling with hands clasped behind his back, strolling casually. Behind him, his little junior sister held two bunches of flowers, bouncing and cheering him on, occasionally tossing handfuls of petals into the air.
The disciples stared wide-eyed, utterly stunned by the spectacle.
The little junior sister, like a cheerleader, danced with her flower bunches, energetically shouting the slogans Wang Ran had taught her.
“The sect’s number one handsome Brother Wang is here to comprehend the way! Fellow sect members, please show your support—double-tap 666, send small gifts, spiritual gems as you wish, it’s the thought that counts! Come, join Brother Wang’s fan club now—membership is offered at a sixty percent discount!”
Her sweet, pure voice left everyone dumbfounded, all struck by Wang Ran’s entrance, complete with fans, background music, and special effects!