Supreme Legacy, War Of the Gods

The sect trials had ended, and the central plaza of Falling Sky Valley was filled with the chatter of hopeful disciples. Many were overwhelmed with excitement at being accepted into prestigious sects, their futures as cultivators seemingly secured.

Mo Xiu stood at the edge of the plaza, his expression calm and unreadable. Beside him, Chen Wu radiated excitement, his face alight with joy as he clasped Mo Xiu's shoulder.

"Brother Xiu, can you believe it? We made it into the Azure Sky Sect!" Chen Wu exclaimed, barely able to contain his excitement.

Mo Xiu nodded with a faint smile. "This is only the first step, Chen Wu. Don't let your guard down."

Chen Wu chuckled. "You're always so serious. Can't you enjoy the moment, even just a little?"

Before Mo Xiu could respond, a soft yet commanding voice interrupted their conversation.

"You don't seem like the type to celebrate victories."

Mo Xiu turned to find a silver-haired woman standing behind him. It was Yu Qingling, the mysterious candidate who had drawn attention during the trials. Up close, her emerald-green eyes seemed to pierce through him, as though she were searching for answers to questions she had yet to ask.

"I could say the same about you," Mo Xiu replied evenly, his tone measured.

Yu Qingling tilted her head slightly, studying him. "You're different from the others. We've met before, haven't we?"

Mo Xiu feigned ignorance. "Have we? I don't recall."

Her gaze narrowed, her expression thoughtful. "In the forest, near the Spirit Flower. You helped me escape the spirit beast."

Mo Xiu shrugged lightly. "I help when I can. It's nothing worth remembering."

Yu Qingling didn't look convinced but chose not to press further. "I'm Yu Qingling," she said, offering a slight nod. "I suppose I'll see you at the Azure Sky Sect."

"Mo Xiu," he replied simply, his expression unreadable.

As she walked away, Mo Xiu couldn't help but feel that she was more perceptive than she let on.

Journey to Azure Sky Sect

The next morning, the new disciples of the Azure Sky Sect gathered at the edge of the valley. The sect elders had arranged for flying beasts to transport them to the sect, which was situated high in the Cloudmist Mountains.

Mo Xiu and Chen Wu boarded a massive winged serpent with shimmering scales. The beast's leathery wings flapped rhythmically as it soared into the sky, carrying them above the lush green forests and winding rivers below.

"Brother Xiu, look at this view! It's like something out of a dream," Chen Wu exclaimed, leaning over the edge of the serpent's saddle.

"It is," Mo Xiu admitted, though his attention was elsewhere.

From another serpent, Yu Qingling glanced in his direction. Her silver hair gleamed in the sunlight, and her expression was contemplative. Mo Xiu avoided her gaze, unwilling to draw unnecessary attention.

Arrival at the Azure Sky Sect

The Azure Sky Sect was a breathtaking sight. Built into the side of a mountain, its grand halls and towers seemed to rise from the clouds themselves. Training grounds, meditation pavilions, and lush gardens were interconnected by winding stone pathways that overlooked the vast expanse of the sky.

Elder Lan, a stern woman with sharp features and an authoritative presence, greeted the new disciples at the main courtyard.

"Welcome to the Azure Sky Sect," she announced, her voice carrying effortlessly across the crowd. "You have proven yourselves worthy of joining us, but do not mistake this for the end of your trials. Your journey as cultivators begins now. The path ahead will be fraught with challenges, and only those who persevere will achieve greatness."

The new disciples were divided into smaller groups and assigned dormitories. Mo Xiu and Chen Wu found themselves sharing a room with a few others, including Zhang Hao, a fiery-tempered youth who had demonstrated remarkable skill with flame techniques during the trials.

Settling In

That evening, the dormitory was abuzz with activity. The new disciples unpacked their belongings and exchanged stories about their experiences. Chen Wu and Zhang Hao quickly became friends, their shared enthusiasm for cultivation creating a lively atmosphere.

Mo Xiu, however, remained quiet. He spent the evening organizing his belongings and reviewing the sect's rules and training schedules. His powers were still sealed, and he couldn't afford to draw attention to himself until he had a clear plan.

As the moon rose high in the sky, casting a silver glow over the dormitory, there was a knock at the door.

"Come in," Mo Xiu said without looking up.

The door creaked open, revealing Yu Qingling.

"Miss Yu," Mo Xiu said, standing to greet her. "What brings you here?"

She stepped inside, closing the door behind her. "I wanted to talk to you in private."

Mo Xiu gestured for her to sit. "What's on your mind?"

Yu Qingling hesitated for a moment, her emerald eyes searching his. "You're not like the others."

"In what way?"

"You're calm, almost unnaturally so. During the trials, you displayed skill that doesn't match your supposed background. Who are you, really?"

Mo Xiu smiled faintly. "Just a man trying to find his way, like everyone else."

Her gaze didn't waver. "You're hiding something."

Mo Xiu's expression remained neutral. "Everyone has secrets, Miss Yu. Even you."

Her eyes widened briefly before she masked her surprise. "Perhaps. But I'll be watching you, Mo Xiu."

With that, she left, leaving Mo Xiu alone with his thoughts.

Training Begins

The next morning, the new disciples gathered at the main training hall. They were introduced to their instructors and given their first tasks.

Mo Xiu quickly noticed the rigid hierarchy within the sect. Senior disciples often looked down on the newcomers, and favoritism was evident among the instructors. Despite this, Mo Xiu remained composed, focusing on observing and learning.

Although he couldn't cultivate like the others due to his sealed powers, his profound understanding of cultivation techniques allowed him to guide Chen Wu and Zhang Hao subtly. Both made rapid progress, earning them admiration—and envy—from their peers.

A Growing Bond

Meanwhile, Yu Qingling found herself increasingly drawn to Mo Xiu. His enigmatic aura and unshakable calm intrigued her, even as her instincts warned her to be cautious.

One afternoon, she approached him during a break in training.

"Mo Xiu," she said, her tone softer than before.

"Yes, Miss Yu?"

She hesitated, then smiled faintly. "Call me Qingling."

Mo Xiu raised an eyebrow but complied. "Very well, Qingling. What can I do for you?"

"Let's spar," she said, a playful challenge in her eyes.

Mo Xiu studied her for a moment before nodding. "As you wish."

Their sparring match drew a crowd. Despite holding back significantly, Mo Xiu's skill and precision left the spectators in awe. By the end, both were slightly out of breath but smiling.

"You're better than I expected," Qingling admitted, her eyes shining with admiration.

"You're not bad yourself," Mo Xiu replied, his tone light.

From that day on, their interactions became more frequent, and a bond began to form, though neither fully understood the nature of it.