The training grounds of Azure Cloud Sect were unusually quiet that afternoon. Tianyu and the disciples had taken a much-needed rest, stretching, laughing softly, and recovering from the strenuous cultivation sessions of the past weeks.
Lingxuan, however, had quietly withdrawn to a secluded area atop a high plateau, hidden from view. He had decided to cultivate in silence, preparing to break through into a realm he had long sought: Heavenly Immortal. The air around him shimmered faintly as he focused inward, drawing upon every ounce of Qi, every experience, and every bit of spiritual energy he had accumulated over the years.
Hours passed. The sunlight shifted across the courtyard, and the disciples began to notice a subtle, unsettling vibration beneath their feet. At first, they thought it was the natural tremor of distant mountains, but soon the shaking grew stronger, more erratic, as if the earth itself was reacting to some immense force.
Tianyu frowned, immediately alert. "Something isn't right," he murmured. "The vibrations… they're not natural. We should check on Lingxuan."
The disciples exchanged worried glances. The aura of Lingxuan was usually calm, but now there was a foreboding energy they could sense even from a distance. Without hesitation, they rushed toward the secluded plateau where Lingxuan had gone.
As they approached, a breathtaking sight unfolded. Lingxuan's body was surrounded by an intense golden-white radiance, so bright it nearly obscured his figure. Waves of energy pulsed outward, shaking the plateau, causing the grass, rocks, and nearby trees to quiver violently. Qi from his cultivation spiraled into the sky like a golden tempest, illuminating the horizon and leaving a visible trail of power stretching toward the clouds.
The disciples froze in awe and terror. "Master Lingxuan… is he…?" one whispered, voice trembling.
Tianyu's eyes widened, a mix of disbelief and respect shining in his gaze. "He's breaking through… he's ascending…"
The energy emanating from Lingxuan was unlike anything they had ever witnessed. It radiated not only immense strength but also the presence of someone who had surpassed all known limits of mortal cultivation. Birds scattered from the trees, and even distant villagers paused in confusion, shielding their eyes from the brilliant aura.
In the surrounding towns and villages, the sky seemed to pulse with golden light. Wordless awe and disbelief spread as people recognized the unmistakable sign of a cultivator entering Heavenly Immortal—a realm so rare that fewer than eighty people in the world had ever achieved it. Conversations ceased, and countless eyes turned upward, hearts racing.
The disciples, still below, bowed instinctively, overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of power before them. Tianyu's usually calm voice carried a mix of respect and pride. "Lingxuan… he has truly ascended. Heavenly Immortal… he is among the very few in the world."
Lingxuan's eyes opened slowly, glowing with celestial brilliance. His aura had transformed completely; the Immortal energy flowed seamlessly with his Void and Spirit Severing foundations, forming a presence that was simultaneously awe-inspiring and incomprehensible.
Even the disciples, though strong themselves, felt a weight in the air that made their hearts pound—a mixture of fear, admiration, and deep respect. Lingxuan had entered a realm far beyond ordinary comprehension. He was no longer merely their master or a powerful cultivator. He had become a Heavenly Immortal, a figure whose very existence would be remembered for generations.
From that moment onward, the world had changed. Azure Cloud Sect was no longer just a prominent sect of discipline and kindness—it now housed one of the rarest cultivators alive, a Heavenly Immortal whose presence alone could shape the fate of nations and the balance of power across the world.
The disciples remained rooted in place, gazing upward at the brilliant, ascending aura, silently acknowledging that their lives, their sect, and their world had just taken a monumental step into the extraordinary.
The aftermath of Lingxuan's breakthrough into Heavenly Immortal left the training grounds of Azure Cloud Sect bathed in a faint golden glow, the residual energy lingering like a silent testament to his incredible power. Lingxuan lowered his hands slowly, feeling the energy coursing through every fiber of his being.
He flexed a single finger, testing the limits of his strength. With a casual motion, he pressed it against a massive stone boulder lying in the courtyard—a boulder weighing over 5,000 kilograms. The rock shattered instantly, pieces scattering in all directions. Lingxuan's golden eyes sparkled with satisfaction.
"This… this is the result of years of effort," he murmured, pride swelling in his chest. "All the training, all the struggle… it hasn't disappointed me."
Beside him, Tianyu radiated a calm yet overwhelming aura, the mark of his recent breakthrough into Immortal Ascension. The energy from his cultivation wrapped around him like a protective mantle, powerful yet controlled. The two of them now represented a terrifying combination of strength, wisdom, and authority within the sect.
The disciples below were equally awe-inspiring. Over the past months, under Lingxuan and Tianyu's guidance and their own determination, they had broken through into Void Transformation, their presence now exuding raw, disciplined energy. Each disciple radiated a controlled but potent aura, a testament to their dedication and the unparalleled training they had undergone.
Tianyu's voice carried across the courtyard, calm but filled with pride. "Look at them, Lingxuan. They've surpassed expectations. Not only are they strong, but they've mastered control and discipline, just as we hoped."
Lingxuan nodded, his gaze sweeping across the forty disciples. "Yes. Each of them… is extraordinary. They've grown beyond the ordinary limitations of Spirit Severing. With this strength, they can now truly protect the sect, its people, and themselves."
The combined power of Lingxuan, Tianyu, and their disciples had an immediate impact on Azure Cloud Sect's reputation. News of the breakthrough spread rapidly across the continent: a Heavenly Immortal cultivator, an Immortal Ascension disciple, and a cadre of Void Transformation disciples all within one sect. The achievement was unprecedented, and it placed Azure Cloud Sect firmly among the top ten strongest sects in the world.
Merchants, travelers, and neighboring cultivators spoke in awe of the sect's rise. "The Azure Cloud Sect… with a Heavenly Immortal now among them?" one whispered. "No wonder they've become so influential."
Even distant sects began to take notice. A combination of strategic influence, the sheer strength of their disciples, and the morality and unity of the sect made Azure Cloud Sect a force impossible to ignore. Their presence alone reshaped the balance of power, and alliances began to shift quietly in response.
Lingxuan felt a rare sense of fulfillment. The sect had grown stronger, not just through his power, but through the collective efforts of Tianyu and the disciples. Their unity, discipline, and cultivation achievements had turned a once-respected sect into one of the most formidable forces alive.
He glanced at Tianyu, whose expression mirrored his own sense of pride. "Together," Lingxuan said softly, "we've brought the sect to new heights. But this… this is only the beginning. With such strength, we must ensure that Azure Cloud Sect continues to grow, protect, and lead."
Tianyu nodded. "The sect now holds immense influence, but power must always be tempered with wisdom. We must guide them carefully, so they do not stray. They have reached Void Transformation, but the path ahead—Heavenly Immortal and beyond—is still perilous."
Lingxuan's gaze shifted to the disciples, their auras bright, their expressions determined. Each one had grown beyond ordinary limits, and together, they formed a foundation strong enough to rival most sects in the world.
For the first time in a long while, Lingxuan felt true satisfaction—not from personal cultivation alone, but from witnessing the combined strength and unity of a sect he had nurtured. The golden aura of Heavenly Immortal shimmered around him, a symbol of not only power, but responsibility, leadership, and pride.
Azure Cloud Sect was no longer just a place of learning and training—it had become a beacon of strength, morality, and influence, poised to leave a lasting mark on the world.
The courtyard of Azure Cloud Sect was alive with activity, yet a hush fell over the disciples as Lingxuan called them to gather. His aura, now shimmering with Heavenly Immortal energy, radiated authority and calm dominance.
"Today," Lingxuan began, his golden eyes scanning the assembled disciples, "I will choose four of you—talented and dedicated cultivators—to serve directly under me. They will train with me closely, assist in important missions, and carry the responsibilities of leadership within the sect."
A ripple of surprise passed through the disciples. Whispers spread instantly. Four chosen disciples? Directly under Master Lingxuan? Such a position was beyond ordinary recognition—it was a privilege, a responsibility, and a sign of exceptional potential.
Tianyu stood beside him, arms crossed, watching quietly. He knew Lingxuan's decision would not only reward talent but also inspire the entire sect.
Lingxuan's gaze settled on the first disciple, a young man with sharp features, calm composure, and an aura that hinted at both cunning and strength. "You, Han Jae-min, step forward."
Jae-min's eyes widened, but he bowed deeply. His heart raced with pride and determination.
Next, Lingxuan's eyes moved to another disciple, tall and broad-shouldered, radiating raw strength and confidence. "You, Kang Hyun-woo, come forth."
Hyun-woo's expression showed shock, but he swiftly complied, realizing the weight of the honor.
Lingxuan's gaze then fell upon a quieter, intelligent-looking disciple with calculating eyes. "You, Lee Min-ho, are chosen."
Min-ho's breath caught in his throat, but he bowed with utmost respect, aware of the responsibility now placed upon him.
Finally, Lingxuan's eyes landed on a disciple with a calm yet sharp aura, agile and precise in every movement. "And you, Choi Sung-jae, step forward."
Sung-jae's eyes gleamed with excitement and resolve. He knew this selection marked the beginning of a new chapter in his cultivation and his life within the sect.
As the four disciples stepped forward, the rest of the students could hardly contain their astonishment. Each of the chosen had already displayed remarkable talent, but being directly under Lingxuan's guidance elevated them far beyond the rest of the sect. Whispers filled the courtyard:
"Only four… and he chose them himself?""They'll become legends!""Master Lingxuan must see extraordinary potential in them…"
Lingxuan looked at the four chosen, his expression calm but serious. "You have been chosen not for honor alone, but for responsibility. You will represent Azure Cloud Sect in times of crisis, train beyond the ordinary limits, and assist me in guiding the sect into the future. Do not disappoint me—or yourselves."
The four bowed deeply in unison, their hearts burning with pride and determination. Lingxuan's choice had set them on a path that would forever change their lives, and the energy in the courtyard shifted as all disciples realized the future of Azure Cloud Sect would be shaped not only by their Heavenly Immortal Master but by these four rising talents.
Tianyu's voice broke the momentary silence. "The rest of you should take this as inspiration. Strength, diligence, and discipline will earn you recognition. Today, four were chosen, but tomorrow… perhaps more will rise to claim their place."
The courtyard buzzed with renewed energy and determination. The sect's strength, already formidable, now had a clear direction for the future. The path ahead promised even greater cultivation, challenges, and the shaping of legends that would be remembered for generations.
The courtyard of Azure Cloud Sect was filled with a serene energy that day. The forty disciples had gathered to watch as Lingxuan began personally training his four chosen subordinates: Han Jae-min, Kang Hyun-woo, Lee Min-ho, and Choi Sung-jae.
Surprisingly, there was no tension, no whisper of jealousy among the other disciples. On the contrary, a sense of admiration and respect pervaded the air. Everyone recognized that being chosen by Lingxuan was not only a reward for talent but a reflection of dedication, perseverance, and potential.
Tianyu stood quietly beside Lingxuan, observing. Even he could sense the positive energy radiating from the disciples. "They respect him," Tianyu remarked softly. "Not out of fear, but admiration. That's far more valuable than envy."
Lingxuan's gaze shifted to the four disciples, now standing before him with disciplined posture. "You have been chosen to train under me directly," he said, his voice calm but commanding. "Your task is to grow beyond the ordinary limits, master new techniques, and uphold the honor of Azure Cloud Sect. Do not fail yourselves or the sect."
The four bowed in unison, their eyes shining with determination. "We will train diligently, Master Lingxuan. We will not disappoint you!"
As the training began, the other disciples watched closely. The four moved with precision, responding to Lingxuan's instructions, practicing refined techniques, and pushing their cultivation to new heights. There was no hostility from the onlookers; instead, they felt inspired, as though witnessing the pinnacle of dedication and talent.
One disciple whispered to another, "They're amazing… and Master Lingxuan sees something special in them. I hope I can reach that level someday."
Another nodded, admiration clear in his eyes. "I feel proud of them. They are carrying the sect forward, and we're lucky to have them under Master Lingxuan's guidance."
Even as Lingxuan demonstrated advanced techniques—his Heavenly Immortal aura brushing lightly across the courtyard—the disciples did not feel fear. They felt motivation. Each movement, each display of power was a lesson, an inspiration, a reminder of what discipline and cultivation could achieve.
After several hours, Lingxuan paused and looked at the gathered disciples. "Remember this," he said gently but firmly, "being chosen is not about privilege—it's about responsibility. Every one of you has the potential to grow, to rise, and to become strong. Learn from these four, and let their progress guide your own."
The courtyard erupted in respectful applause, not for favoritism, but for excellence, hard work, and the vision of the sect. The disciples bowed to the four chosen and to Lingxuan himself, a mixture of respect and inspiration clear on their faces.
Tianyu smiled faintly. "This… is how a sect grows. Not through envy or rivalry, but through admiration, respect, and shared determination."
Lingxuan nodded, watching the disciples train with renewed vigor. He knew that by fostering inspiration instead of jealousy, he was shaping the future of Azure Cloud Sect—one where strength, unity, and discipline would ensure their dominance for generations to come.