Han Qingyu emerged first from the portal with a calm demeanor, her spear-like sharp eyes scanned the courtyard before they fell on Shen Yuan and softened visibly. “It’s been a while, Brother Yuan. Were you as busy as before?” she greeted warmly and asked.
Shen Yuan chuckled, gesturing to the glowing cherry tree behind him. “I’ve had my hands full, as always. It’s good to see you out and well, Qingyu.”
Before any further words could be exchanged, Wan Ling emerged from the portal.
The moment her foot touched the ground, the air around her shifted drastically. A thunderous pulse of radiant energy erupted from her body, spreading outward in concentric waves.
The surge was so overwhelming that the courtyard trembled, and the air grew thick with an almost divine pressure.
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The very foundations of the Radiant Lotus Sacred Sect resonated in response, the sect’s defensive and spiritual formations activating in tandem.
A luminous golden lotus projection materialized above Wan Ling, radiating a holy light that bathed the entire courtyard.
Shen Yuan’s eyes narrowed as he felt the overwhelming force. “This… Wan Ling’s bloodline is resonating with the sect?”
[Yuan’er, this isn’t just a normal resonance. Her bloodline is resonating with the very foundation of the sect. It might be due to its high tier, but it seems like your sect is quite eager to welcome her. See all those flashlights.]
Yue Lan said in an almost amused tone.
The entire sect stirred. Disciples across all seven peaks halted their training as the powerful resonance washed over them. Many turned their heads toward the Radiant Heart Peak, overwhelmed by the divine energy.
…
At Radiant Heart Peak, the Sect Leader rose from her meditation, her expression gentle and focused. “Something with such a level of resonance with the sect’s foundation… we need to find out what it is.”
Without hesitation, she turned to her attendants. “Summon the elders. We’re heading to the core of this phenomenon.”
Already gathered at the peak, Shen Yuxin, Huo Rong, Bing Rong, and Yun Xian exchanged glances. Shen Yuxin nodded knowingly. “Looks like Shen Yuan took extra special care of Wan Ling. I don’t remember her having any special physique or bloodline the last time I checked.”
Huo Rong giggled, “He might not want her to be left behind, so he has been helping her.”
Bing Rong nodded along and said with a gentle smile, “True, he can go to any lengths for the sake of his family after all.”
…
Back in the courtyard, Wan Ling stood at the center of the radiant storm. Her eyes were shut tightly, her hands clenched as she struggled to control the overwhelming surge of her bloodline’s resonance.
The golden lotus projection above her spun slowly, emitting waves of radiant energy that intertwined with the sect’s formations, strengthening them momentarily before dispersing.
Han Qingyu stepped closer to Wan Ling, her concern evident. “Ling’er, focus on your bloodline. Try to reel it in.”
Wan Ling’s eyes snapped open, glowing faintly with golden light. She nodded, her expression resolute.
Closing her eyes again, she began to channel the wild energy inward, condensing it into her core.
The resonance gradually diminished, the golden lotus projection fading into a soft, radiant glow that surrounded her like an aura.
Just as the energy stabilized, two groups of figures descended into the courtyard, one led by the Sect Leader herself and another consisting of Shen Yuxin, Huo Rong, Bing Rong, and Yun Xian, their expressions filled with curiosity.
The Sect Leader’s gaze swept over the scene, lingering on Wan Ling before turning to Shen Yuan. “Yuan’er,” she said calmly, “it seems since your arrival there hasn’t been a dull moment in our sect.”
Shen Yuan nodded his head, a smirk forming on his lips. “I suppose I’m just that exceptional. Extraordinary companions gather around me on their own.”
The Sect Leader chuckled at his words before focusing her gaze back on Wan Ling. She stepped forward and addressed her directly.
“Wan Ling, your bloodline awakening is extraordinary. The resonance with the sect’s foundation signifies a rare connection. This level of power is not common, even among Heaven-Tier bloodlines. Tell me, how did this come to be?”
Wan Ling bowed deeply, her voice calm despite the lingering traces of divine energy. “Sect Leader, this was the result of my recent adventure with Brother Yuan outside the sect. We encountered an old legacy where I inherited this Radiant Flame Bloodline. And the integration seemed to have been increased further during my recent seclusion.”
The Sect Leader nodded, her expression softening slightly. “You’ve done well. With this awakening, you will become a cornerstone of our sect’s future.”
Shen Yuxin stepped closer, a proud smile on her face. “Ling’er, you’ve surpassed all expectations. You can now directly be promoted to a Core Disciple solely due to your bloodline.”
Huo Rong glanced at Bing Rong, softly whispering, “Aren’t you glad you got such a good disciple?”
Bing Rong helplessly shook her head, stealing a glance at the smiling Shen Yuan, she whispered back, “What disciple? She will be our sister before we know it.”
While Yun Xian, hearing that the bloodline was only at the Heavenly Grade, only nodded her head in approval.
Shen Yuan observed the scene silently, his smirk softening into a genuine smile. His thoughts were interrupted by Yue Lan’s amused voice.
[It seems Wan Ling will be quite busy from now on.]
Shen Yuan softly nodded his head, ‘That’s good. She can learn the core techniques of the sect, and together with the cultivation technique that I gave her, she will be without a rival in the Eastern Desolate Region.’
[Of course, except you.]
‘You can’t count me with the worldly geniuses. I surpassed all the geniuses on the day of my awakening. All they can do is watch me break all conventional laws and reach a level even their ancestors had never dreamed about.’ His smirk widened as, for the first time, he showed his bone-deep pride in his talent.
Mei Hua’s gentle voice echoed in the courtyard as she addressed Shen Yuxin, “Senior Yuxin, as the strongest and most experienced elder in our sect, I entrust Wan Ling’s training to you. We juniors would only waste her potential if we trained her. No one else is more suited to guide her.”
Shen Yuxin nodded her head gracefully. “No need to worry, Xiao Hua. I will train her well even if you hadn’t said anything. After all, she is family to me as well.”
The gathered Core Elders murmured their agreement, their expressions ranging from approval to awe at her potential.
One of the Core Elders, a stern-faced woman with silver streaks in her hair, added, “With Senior Yuxin guiding her, Wan Ling’s growth will undoubtedly become a beacon for the sect.”
Huo Rong and Bing Rong exchanged knowing smiles, clearly proud of Wan Ling’s accomplishments and confident in Shen Yuxin’s ability to train her.
Yun Xian, ever composed, simply nodded her agreement, her eyes briefly meeting Shen Yuan’s with a glimmer of approval.
The Sect Leader gestured for the other elders to disperse. “Very well. We’ve seen enough today. Let us leave Wan Ling in Senior Yuxin’s capable hands. This awakening is a fortuitous event, and the sect will benefit greatly from it.”