Chapter 3 Luo Shui Sect

• " This youth harbors an anomaly," the Elder in White Robes murmured, standing astride the flowing stream in the void as his gaze intently scanned Tan Xuan. In truth, even without the wager with Zuo Tongxuan, he had intended to bring Tan Xuan back. Unlike others who dismissed the youth upon discovering his lack of cultivation, he held firm in the belief that anyone capable of ascending without a shred of spiritual power must possess extraordinary attributes. For it was common knowledge that even with the Ascension Platform's aid, any cultivator below the Sixth Layer of True Spirit would be reduced to pulp within the ascension channel's crushing pressure—yet Tan Xuan had defied this law.
• Unaware of the elder's scrutiny, Tan Xuan remained enraptured by the primeval forest sprawling beneath them. Prehistoric beasts thundered through the undergrowth; sporadically, cultivators clashed with these leviathans, and in the distance, the silhouettes of colossal cities emerged. After approximately three hours of flight, the entourage abruptly halted, the aqueous pathway beneath them dissipating into mist. Tan Xuan's awe deepened as nine celestial peaks pierced the clouds before him, their midsections swathed in gossamer mist. Cranes spanning several zhang frolicked among the peaks, diving into cloud banks in playful pursuit.
• Beneath the nine peaks, a vast lake hosted cascading waterfalls that thundered into the depths, their spray forming iridescent rainbows. At the lake's heart, a complex of palaces glimmered—their jade balustrades and interlocking eaves housing flitting figures. Even the outlying lesser peaks bore the marks of ancient architecture, creating a landscape that seemed torn from the pages of a celestial scroll. "All disperse except for him," the Elder instructed, gesturing to Tan Xuan. A chorus of "Yes, Elder" followed, accompanied by envious glances from the departing cultivators. "That wretch! We thought him weaker than a mortal, yet the elder favors him..." muttered one, while another scoffed, "What merit could he possibly hold?"
• Unperturbed by their whispers, the Elder summoned a stream to carry Tan Xuan toward one of the central peaks. "Why single me out?" Tan Xuan wondered, a flicker of apprehension rising. Had his identity as an "outsider" been discovered? Yet reason prevailed: he had maintained perfect composure, and the ancient corpse—undoubtedly more powerful than this elder—would surely have ensured his secrecy.
• As they landed, a graceful maiden of eighteen emerged. "Master, you have returned!" she greeted. "Yue'er, this is my new disciple. Arrange quarters for him," the Elder instructed, turning to Tan Xuan, "What is your name, youth?" Bowing deeply, Tan Xuan replied, "Tan Xuan pays respects to Master and Senior Sister." With a nod, the Elder added, "I must attend to urgent matters. Seek your senior sister for guidance." He dissolved into a torrent of water and vanished.
• "Follow me, Junior Brother Tan Xuan," Li Yue'er said, eyeing him with curiosity. As the elder's sole disciple until now, she was eager to discern what had piqued his interest. Navigating the palatial complex—largely unoccupied save for the elder, Li Yue'er, and attendants—Tan Xuan selected a residence near the waterfall. En route, maids whispered, "Who is that walking with Miss?"
• Inquiring about his master's name, Tan Xuan learned, "Our master is Xu Zhen, one of the Luo Shui Sect's Nine Elders," Li Yue'er replied, pride lacing her tone. This news elated Tan Xuan, who understood the advantages of such a prestigious patron in this unfamiliar realm.
• In the main hall of Yuanyuan Peak, the sect's central edifice, a Mystic Light Mirror hovered, reflecting Tan Xuan and Li Yue'er's every move. Below stood Xu Zhen and the Sect Patriarch. "Patriarch, what mysteries lie within this youth?" Xu Zhen queried. The patriarch's eyes suddenly shimmered, water ripples fanning from their corners as his irises clarified.
• Mid-stride, Tan Xuan frowned at a fleeting sensation. "Is aught amiss, Junior Brother?" Li Yue'er asked. "Naught of import," he replied, the sensation dissipating as swiftly as it came. In the hall, the patriarch marveled, "A peerless physique and formidable bloodline—you have indeed found a gem, Elder Xu." Though unable to divine deeper secrets, he noted Tan Xuan's golden-hued bones and overwhelming vitality. Assured of the youth's purity of origin, the patriarch decreed, "As your disciple and a prodigy fit to be the sect's future pillar, admit him to the Inheritance Hall upon his commencement of cultivation."
• Grateful for this boon, Xu Zhen departed, leaving Tan Xuan to explore his new abode. Li Yue'er presented him with a copy of The Xuanyuan World before taking her leave, leaving the youth to absorb the magnitude of his new reality.