The flying beasts advanced for several hours, gliding through the skies with wings that sliced through the clouds.

The wind was no longer hot like on the mountain but cold, roaring constantly in the ears of all the young ones. Yet none of them minded it at the moment.

Each was immersed in their own thoughts, in anticipation of what lay ahead.

When the clouds began to part, the scenery below changed. The plains were left behind, replaced by deep valleys and forests that rose toward the skies.

Gigantic trees sprouted from the earth like enormous pillars. Between the mountains crowded with those immense trees, pavilions with green rooftops appeared, connected by long suspended bridges and stairways that coiled along the slopes like a massive serpent.

It was there that Kyrian, Yanyu, and the other youths saw the Verdant Sword Sect for the first time.

The place seemed to have been built, but much of it was in fact molded into nature. The constructions blended with the natural landscape, as if the mountains and trees had been carved to shelter each temple or structure.

With every beat of the birds' wings, the view expanded, revealing other structures hidden by leaves and vegetation.

It looked like a world built in the midst of greenery.

But before they could admire it too much, something changed.

As soon as they reached a certain distance from the sect, Kyrian felt the pressure in the air shift.

The wind that now struck his skin was not just ordinary wind. It was sharp, cutting, as if countless invisible blades hung suspended everywhere.

The pores of all contracted, their skin shivered, and even the Qi of some reacted. Many held their breath for an instant, their bodies struggling to adapt.

Kyrian merely narrowed his eyes while hearing some youths behind him muttering.

"What is this…? How can the air feel like it's cutting us?" one of them said, raising a hand to his arm as if hurt, though he wasn't.

Another nearby then answered in a tense voice.

"This is the sect's defensive formation. They say it covers the entire territory. It's called the Great Cutting Leaf Formation."

"Yes!! I heard about it, the formation is active all the time, helping those within it to better comprehend the path of the sword and the sect's cultivation technique."

"Not only that, it is also an extremely powerful defensive formation," a more informed youth completed.

The words spread like whispers among all the youths.

Kyrian inhaled deeply. The air felt like a blade entering his lungs, but instead of making him unwell or weakening him, Kyrian felt more awake. As if every part of his body forced itself to stay alert.

He immediately realized how the environment itself already functioned as a test of constant improvement. Just by breathing, a disciple was already training.

The beasts soon began to lose altitude. The descent brought the scenery closer quickly. Now it was possible to clearly see the sect's disciples scattered at the foot of the mountain.

There were hundreds, no, thousands. Most are still as young as them. Nearly all carried swords, some simple iron, others refined and ornamented.

The metallic sound of blades clashing echoed throughout the valley. Circular arenas were spread among several pavilions, and in each of them, youths dueled fiercely.

There was sweat, there were shouts, there was pain, and even blood. Yet many advanced even while wounded.

The mountain's base was noisy, yet alive.

The beasts then landed one by one in a large open courtyard. The leaves present almost everywhere were swept up by the wind the flying beasts' wings brought.

Mei Ran then rose upon the head of her mount, standing in front of everyone, her figure even more imposing now that they were within the sect's territory.

Her voice echoed clearly.

"You have arrived at the sect. From this moment on, this is your home."

"Today, you will be taken to your temporary quarters. Rest. Tomorrow, before sunrise, all of you must be here again."

Her words were direct, leaving no room for doubt. Many simply nodded at once, while others were already looking around, amazed or even apprehensive.

Kyrian descended silently from the beast. His eyes wandered over the environment. Sect disciples had already stopped their training to observe the newcomers.

Kyrian noticed their gazes, curiosity, indifference, and arrogance. These would be, from that day forward, his fellow sect members. At least that was what everyone there thought.

After dismounting from the flying beasts, other disciples appeared, dressed in robes of a darker green than the common disciples.

These were the inner disciples, placed there to guide the new ones.

On the way, Kyrian and Yanyu observed every detail. They passed arenas where swords constantly clashed.

There were sparks cutting the air amidst leaves. Many youths moved in synchrony, many at such speed that Yanyu had to focus her eyes just to see them.

Kyrian noticed that practically all of them, even the weakest, displayed some arrogance and determination. There was no space for laziness.

'So this is the true functioning of a sect…?' Kyrian thought, with a faint smile on his face.

Hearing about it was one thing, but seeing it was truly different. Kyrian noticed the techniques of the various youths. And his interest grew immensely.

The atmosphere present throughout the sect was entirely different from the places he had been before. It was similar to when he entered the barracks or the royal order. But here, it was the atmosphere of those who lived in constant confrontation and competition.

Yanyu followed beside Kyrian for a while. Luz walked boldly a little ahead of them, almost reaching the inner disciple.

But soon they were stopped by a smiling disciple.

"The women will stay in another courtyard, come with me."

Yanyu and the other young women of the large group nodded.

Yanyu exchanged a look with Kyrian and waved, then disappeared into the corridors. The little fox followed Yanyu, still keeping an eye on the Ash Fruits Yanyu had gained. Only turning one last time to Kyrian with ears perked.

Soon after, Kyrian and four other youths were guided to a simple courtyard. There were five rooms there, side by side. The disciple who accompanied them then pointed with little patience.

"You will stay here for now. Do not get involved in trouble."

After finishing, he turned, left, and went away without saying anything more.

Kyrian pushed the door of one of the rooms. Inside, three youths who had arrived a little earlier were already there.

None of them said anything. Their gazes fell upon Kyrian but soon turned away. Kyrian noticed a strange nervousness in the air. And it seemed to start the moment he stepped through the door.

Kyrian found it odd.

"Why are you tense? Is there some monster here?" Kyrian asked with slight disdain, finding the situation amusing.

The silence was only broken when the door opened again. The last youth entered with firm steps, an upright posture, and a lofty gaze.

Kyrian recognized him immediately. It was the crown prince of the country he came from. The same one who had invited him to his banquet.

The prince, upon seeing Kyrian in the room, was immediately surprised but composed himself in an instant, smiling as he saw him.

"Who would have thought… it turns out we'll share the same roof for today," the prince said.

"Indeed." Kyrian replied curtly, returning the greeting.

After that, with the prince in the room, the tension that had been present broke.

The three, nervous before, slowly relaxed. Kyrian discovered they had been like that because they assumed Kyrian surely looked like an arrogant young master. And he had entered the room with an expression that could kill everyone.

Also because he had been in first place in the first test, so they expected him to be arrogant like the others.

But all relaxed with the prince's charismatic presence, which drew them into conversation.

With him leading the talk, soon the room was filled with voices, stifled laughter, and small exchanges of experiences about the test at Red Mountain. Also about what they thought the next test would be.

Kyrian remained silent most of the time, listening more than speaking. But he observed everything.

He noticed how the prince's presence changed everything, how he had a natural talent for dealing with people.

Time passed quickly, and then night fell. One by one, all lay down on their simple mattresses.

The distant noise from the mountain's base continued until late hours, the sound of swords. And the constant whistle of the cutting wind that never ceased.

Kyrian closed his eyes, his body not relaxing as quickly as always. The air in that place made them stay awake and alert every second. Everyone's body would have to get used to it.

But Kyrian was happy. He had finally arrived at the sect. Here all that would matter was his talent and his strength.

Soon he would have the spirit stones he so desperately needed, and his cultivation would once again grow extremely fast.

"Tomorrow…" Kyrian murmured before falling asleep.

When he opened his eyes again, darkness still reigned, but on the horizon, a faint sign of light already appeared.

It was already time to wake up, the life in the Verdant Sword Sect had begun.

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