Cloudhill sprawled out in all its majestic glory. The Cloud Martial Hall, the headquarters of the five halls, and the sect grand hall towered on the mountain. Countless martial artists and their kin called this mountain home. But the most sacred place of the sect, without a shred of doubt, was the Cloud Hall.
It stood at the very summit of Cloudhill, founded by Grandmaster Yun Shan. It was from here that the sect had developed and flourished for three centuries.
Within the Cloud Hall, Huan Zidong knelt as he presented his report with utmost respect.
“Hierarch, this is all the information we have on Wu Yuan at present.”
Accompanying him was Zhao Baifan, whose head was also lowered, yet her eyes were filled with excitement. That was because she was meeting the person she most revered and admired all her life.
“Sixteen years old, and he’s already reached the Rigid Yet Supple stage?” A soft, feminine voice exclaimed in both surprise and delight. “You may rise.”
“Thank you.” Huan Zidong and Zhao Baifan straightened up, their eyes taking in the vast and resplendent hall.
At the far end, perched atop nine steps, rested a grand jade platform. Seated on the platform was a woman who appeared to be in her 50s or 60s, adorned in crimson robes. Many wrinkles lined her face, but they could not hide the extraordinary beauty of her younger days.
At first glance, she appeared to be a noblewoman, someone who had no knowledge of martial arts. However, Huan Zi Dong and Zhao Baifan knew that this seemingly ordinary elderly woman was none other than the pillar of the Cloudstride Sect: Grandmaster Bu Yu. With a single sword, she had dominated the Jiang Continent for 30 years!
“Zidong,” the elderly woman spoke softly, “I consent to Wu Yuan leaving the mountain. He has the strength to protect himself, and it is time for him to venture out.”
“But Hierarch, is it not too soon? Many forces are keeping an eye on him. Huan Zidong was still worried, but before Grandmaster Bu Yu, he was just a junior.
“A young eagle will eventually yearn to challenge the storms beyond,” the elderly woman in flowing red robes replied with a smile. “In my twenties, I embarked on my own journey across the world before assuming leadership of the sect.”
“Xu Hui, who has been wandering the Jiang Continent with his sword for over a year, currently stands among the top 200 in the Human Rankings.”
“One does not become a Grandmaster through training alone. Its not merely about power or martial skills. A Grandmaster must possess a resolute heart. Without facing trials and tribulations, one can only attain the status of a first-grade martial artist at best, not a true Grandmaster,” the old woman in red robes stated plainly.
A first-grade martial artist? Not a Grandmaster? Huan Zidong listened thoughtfully.
“Time waits for no one. Neither I nor your father can continue to postpone matters for much longer,” the elderly woman confessed. “Ever since Xia Heng fell in battle, no one from the sects past two generations has shown the potential to become a Grandmaster. The next contenders in line are Xu Hui and Wu Yuan. They must mature swiftly. Otherwise, the 300-year legacy of the Cloudstride Sect will crumble in our hands.”
The elderly woman shook her head. “Tie up any loose ends and spread the word Wu Yuan will be in seclusion in this hall for two months.”
“Understood,” Huan Zidong acknowledged.
….
“The hierarch agreed?” Wu Yuan was pleasantly surprised when he met Zhao Baifan, who had come to convey the outcome of his request.
“Yes,” Zhao Baifan nodded. “Sect Elder Huan and I met with The Rain Hierarch. The Sect Elder was initially hesitant, but ultimately, the hierarch chose to grant you her permission.”
Wu Yuan inclined his head slightly. The Rain Hierarch turned out to be a rather understanding individual. Perhaps she believed that letting go was the right way to nurture talent.
“But Sect Elder Huan has explicitly instructed that you must never reveal your identity while out there,” Zhao Baifan said solemnly. “I understand your desire to visit your home after descending from the mountain. As soon as you depart from your residence, the sect will declare that you are under the personal tutelage of The Rain Hierarch, undergoing secluded training. Do you understand?”
Once again, Wu Yuan nodded in affirmation. This was a feint to lower the vigilance of the various factions and powers.
Although Wu Yuan wasn’t too concerned, he conceded that the arrangements made by the Cloudstride Sect were rather sensible.
Heavy snow blanketed the land, and a biting wind whipped through the air.
Wu Yuan packed up his belongings, taking with him only one jade vial, two sabers, and some gold and silver notes. For now, he did not employ Transfiguration, descending from the mountain in the dead of the night. Following the official route, he returned to the Wu Mansion located in Cloudhill City in under two hours.
The clopping of horse hooves echoed in the stillness.
“The young master has returned!” The two third-rate Adepts stationed at the gate couldn’t hide their joy upon recognizing Wu Yuan.
“Quickly convey the news to the Lady.”
The typically quiet Wu Mansion suddenly transformed into a hive of activity, and before long, a sizable group emerged with a well-dressed woman in the center. It was Wanqin.
“Mother.” Wu Yuan knelt and bowed respectfully.
“Rise, rise, my good boy,” Wanqin exclaimed, a mix of astonishment and delight lighting up her face as she lent a helping hand to Wu Yuan, her gentle touch grazing his cheek.
“You’ve gotten thinner, yet stronger,” Wu Yuan said, a wide grin spreading across his face as he stood tall.
Compared to two years ago, Wanqin appeared much healthier now, carrying herself with the poise of a lady of importance. At first glance, one would assume she was in her early 30s.
This was a great source of satisfaction for Wu Yuan. He had never requested anything from the sect, but they had gone above and beyond to make all the necessary arrangements. They had even arranged for a renowned physician to treat Wanqin and oversee her well-being, providing her with precious natural treasures to consume daily, which fortified her body. While it wouldn’t transform her into a martial artist, it did have the benefit of preserving her health, enhancing her physique, and extending her lifespan.
“Big brother!” A beautiful young girl dressed in academy disciple uniform bounced out, throwing her arms around Wu Yuan.
“Little Yi,” Wu Yuan beamed in response.
The girl was none other than his younger sister, Wu Yijun. Compared to just over a year ago, the ten-year-old Wu Yijun had grown noticeably taller. After an evaluation by the sect, it was confirmed that she possessed a decent level of martial talent. Currently, she was undergoing training at the East City Martial Academy in Cloudhill Province, which was widely recognized as the most esteemed elementary martial academy within the Cloudstride Sect.
The children of Grandmasters and clan elders were enrolled in this academy for training, yet Wu Yijun’s status within the academy was top-tier even among them. After all, unless one was a grandchild of a sect elder or child of a protectorate, Wu Yijun’s status was superior.
The major clans in Cloudhill Province all knew that Wu Yuan had only two immediate family members, both of whom were greatly valued by the sect.
“Lady, it would be unseemly for the young master and young miss to remain in the snow. Shall we retire inside?” suggested the housekeeper.
“Yes, let us proceed indoors,” echoed the crowd. The entourage quickly made their way into the mansion.
On this day, the entire Wu clan bustled with activity, as if carrying out preparations for a grand festival. It was nearly as momentous as paying homage to the Martial King.
Deep into the night, within a chamber in the Wu Clan’s residence.
“Chieftain,” Wu Yuan greeted with a smile.
“Wu Yuan,” Wu Qiming sighed, “Ive told you before, you should be the chieftain, and I can just serve as a clan elder.”
“I don’t have the time to handle the clan’s affairs,” Wu Yuan shook his head.
“I can handle them for you,” Wu Qiming proposed, “The title is what truly matters.”
“If Chieftain is going to be handling the affairs, then you should be the chieftain,” Wu Yuan stated with a smile, “With a proper title comes proper respect. The various factions in Cloudhill Province will only accord you respect if you hold the title of chieftain.”
Wu Qiming shook his head, unable to say anything more.
“I’ll be relying on you for the mansions internal matters,” Wu Yuan said with a grateful smile.
“It’s nothing. The sect has made all the arrangements; we are merely lending a helping hand,” Wu Qiming replied with a sigh. “In fact, we are the ones who are benefiting from your reputation.”
Wu Yuan responded with a faint smile.
“Wu Yuan, how do you perceive the situation with the main clan?” Wu Qiming couldn’t help but ask.
“It doesn’t matter,” Wu Yuan answered indifferently, “Wu Mao is ambitious. As a second-rate Adept and a custodian of the sect, he has his own decisions and perspectives.”
“But no matter what the future holds after I leave, it shall be you, Wu Qiming, to assume the title of first chieftain of the Cloudhill Wu Clan,” Wu Yuan confided softly.
“The first chieftain?” Wu Qiming’s breath caught.