The spiritual carriage glided through the clouds, drawn by 4 spirit beasts that were a mix of horse and rhinoceros, leaving a trail of golden energy in the morning sky. Lux Noctis, a six year old with an unusual talent, stared out the window with wide open eyes. In the three-day journey from Flame's Crest, the scenery had changed from human settlements to mighty mountains that seemed to touch the sky.
"We're almost there, Lux," said Elder Feng, who was sitting across from him. The Core Forging layer 8 cultivator smiled gently, understanding the awe in the child's eyes. "The Flame's Peak mountains, the heart of the Burning Sky Sect."
Lux nodded, but his mind was busy analyzing everything he saw. With his inherited measurement ability, he could feel the coefficient of reality around him change from 0.99920 in the city to 0.99960 as they approached the mountains. The spiritual fire energy was so dense that it almost felt like breathing in a calm ocean of fire.
"A suitable place for you, little worm," Mobius commented in his mind. "Pure fire energy with high stability. Suitable for cultivation, but risky for those who are not used to it."
"Do all the cultivators here use the fire element?" Lux asked Elder Feng.
"Not all, but the majority. The Burning Sky Sect does specialize in fire, but we have cultivators with other elements as well. Especially those who have multiple pillars."
The spiritual carriage began to slow down, hovering towards the main gate guarded by two giant phoenix statues made of ruby stone. The coefficient of the statues was 0.99975 almost perfect in stability.
AT THE BURNING SKY SECT HEADQUARTERS
As the carriage stopped, Lux was greeted by a sight that left him in awe. Nine mountain peaks formed a giant ring, each with unique characteristics. Some peaks had flames burning like eternal fires, while others emitted spiritual smoke that sparkled in the sunlight.
The architecture combined the sturdiness of red granite with the elegance of gold. Energy bridges connected the mountain peaks, where cultivators crossed with graceful movements. Spiritual gardens were filled with plants that radiated fire energy - flowers with ember petals, trees with leaves like red crystals, and grass that sparkled like liquid gold.
"Direct Disciple Lux Noctis, I am Elder Markus, and I will take you to the Hall of Eternal Flame," said a cultivator in a red-black robe who was waiting on the landing platform.
Elder Feng nodded at Lux. "I have to report to the external relations division first. Elder Markus will take you to meet the Sect Master."
The journey through the sect complex made Lux even more amazed. He passed
The Flame Scroll Library a circular building with a coefficient of 0.99970, containing scrolls of ancient knowledge
The Alchemy Pavilion where alchemists worked, with a strong aroma of spiritual herbs
The Formation Garden a formation practice area with complex energy patterns
The Combat Arena where cultivators practiced, with strong energy barriers
Everyone they passed noticed Lux with curiosity. News of the "star child" becoming a Direct Disciple had already spread.
The Hall of Eternal Flame was the most magnificent building Lux had ever seen. Red marble pillars supported a 50-meter-high ceiling, adorned with phoenix carvings that seemed to come alive. At the end of the hall, on a throne of Phoenix Gold, sat a man whose aura made the whole room feel warm yet dignified.
Sect Master Klahan.
His fiery red hair was loosely tied with a gold band, falling to his back. His dark red eyes had pupils that were like burning embers, radiating wisdom and power. With a height of 185 cm and an elegant athletic posture, he looked like a monarch descended from legend.
His coefficient was 0.99995 the highest Lux had ever measured.
"Lux Noctis," Klahan's voice was deep and authoritative, echoing throughout the hall. "Welcome to the Burning Sky Sect."
Lux bowed respectfully, feeling an energy subtly examining him. He tried to calm himself, remembering Mobius' advice not to resist the energy examination.
"Thank you for the welcome, Sect Master," Lux replied in a calm voice that was surprising for a child his age.
Klahan smiled, and the room felt brighter. "Your star heritage leaves a unique mark. But here, you will be safe. The Burning Sky Sect has protected talented children for generations."
He descended from his throne, his steps elegant yet full of power. "As a Direct Disciple, you have privileges but also great responsibilities. Your basic education will begin tomorrow."
As Klahan spoke, an old elder entered the hall. His silver hair was neatly arranged, his white beard was precisely trimmed, and his sharp blue eyes radiated intelligence. His posture was upright despite his advanced age, and his coefficient was 0.99985 higher than Elder Feng's.
"Lux, this is Elder Liam," Klahan introduced. "He will be your mentor and protector."
Elder Liam nodded at Lux, his eyes assessing him carefully. "I've heard a lot about you, young man. Your unusual talent requires special guidance."
"Elder Liam is one of the most experienced elders in the sect," Klahan explained. "He is an expert in strategy, defense, and has an encyclopedic knowledge of cultivation."
Lux bowed again. "I hope to learn a lot from Elder Liam."
"A good choice," Mobius whispered. "His coefficient is stable and his energy is pure. He can be trusted."
Elder Liam approached Lux. "Your first year will be filled with basic education. Cultivation theory, the pillar system, resources, and skill arts. Only after that will you begin intensive cultivation."
For the next hour, Klahan and Liam explained the basic structure of the sect and what was expected of Lux as a Direct Disciple.
"You will live in the Direct Disciple Pavilion," Klahan said. "There are four other Direct Disciples. They are older than you, but you must learn with them."
Liam added, "Education starts at 6 a.m. every day. We will start with cultivation history and basic theory. Practical training will follow after you understand the foundations."
Lux paid attention to every detail, his engineer's brain from his previous life already starting to analyze the information. This structured education system reminded him of a university in his previous life.
"There is one thing you must understand, Lux," Klahan said seriously. "Your status as a 'star child' attracts attention. Some may be jealous, some may be afraid, and some may want to take advantage of you. Elder Liam will protect you, but you must also learn to protect yourself."
After the meeting, Elder Liam took Lux to his new residence. They walked through the energy bridges that connected the mountain peaks.
"The Direct Disciple Pavilion is on the Peak of Rising Flame," Liam explained as they walked. "Its location is isolated for privacy and security."
As they walked, Lux saw cultivators of various levels from Outer Disciples doing physical tasks to Elders floating gracefully.
"The hierarchy in the sect is strict," Liam said, noticing Lux's interest. "From Outer Disciple to Sect Master. As a Direct Disciple, you are at the same level as a Core Member in terms of status."
They arrived at an elegant pavilion built on the edge of a cliff. This building made of spiritual wood and ruby stone had a coefficient of 0.99965 very stable and energy rich.
"This is your room," Liam said, opening the door to a spacious room. "There is a meditation area, a small library, and a practice room. Meals will be provided in the shared dining room."
Lux looked around. His room was more luxurious than he had imagined. A bed made of spiritual wood, a study table with energy writing equipment, and a meditation cushion made of phoenix silk.
"Tomorrow morning, I will pick you up for your first lesson," Liam said before leaving. "Get some rest. A long journey awaits you, young man."
Alone in his new room, Lux sat on the meditation cushion and looked at the moon through the window.
"An impressive place," he thought. "But also dangerous. A high coefficient means powerful cultivators. And the internal politics... that will be a challenge."
"You learn quickly, worm," Mobius said. "The energy here is good for our training. But be careful of surveillance."
Lux nodded in his mind. "I can feel the surveillance formations around the pavilion. The coefficient is 0.99950."
"They are protecting their investment. A star child is a valuable asset."
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. Lux opened it and found a young servant carrying dinner.
"Direct Disciple Lux," the servant said respectfully. "Your dinner."
After the servant left, Lux noticed something strange. Under the plate, there was a small piece of paper.
"Welcome, Star Child. Beware of the one with golden hair. A friend"
Lux immediately crushed the paper. The message was clear someone welcomed him, but there was also a warning. "The one with golden hair"? That must refer to one of the other Direct Disciples.
That night, Lux slept with mixed feelings of enthusiasm for learning, worry about internal politics, and determination to find his missing friends.
His new world had begun.