While the world seemed to be in uproar, the higher echelons of the Cloudstride Sect watched Great Jin like a hawk and maintained a state of heightened alert on Cloudhill. They understood that other factions were curious at most, but were unlikely to cause any major unrest. Even their great adversary, the Wingborne Sect, wouldn’t be able to stab them in the back at this critical juncture, as it was restrained by the other sects in the Dong Continent. It was only Great Jin that they had to remain wary of.
Yet after almost half a month, the only moves Great Jin made were to publicly reject all demands in the statements from the Cloudstride Sect, and to send back a scathing reply, with no other actions taken.
Only then did the Cloudstride Sect fully ascertain that Great Jin had likely chosen not to wage war. Of course, the defense of Cloudhill never wavered.
Then, a piece of news started to circulate among the higher ranks of the Cloudstride Sect: a consensus had been reached within the sect to ordain Wu Yuan as a Heavens Heir, with a ceremony soon to follow.
….
At the Cloud Martial Hall, in Wu Yuan’s private courtyard.
Wu Yuan cultivated at a steady pace, and his injuries were mostly healed. The blood-red mist he gained from killing a Grandmaster far surpassed what he had obtained from any other expert. This meant that he no longer had to worry about running out of blood-red mist in the short term.
“Hall Master, Sect Elder Huan, I wasn’t expecting you to visit.” Wu Yuan was slightly startled when he heard they had come to his residence. He often interacted with Sect Elder Huan. But when it came to the Finance Hall’s hall master, Yan Hong, Wu Yuan had only crossed paths with him on two occasions.
He was an elderly man with hair as white as snow. From what Wu Yuan knew, he was the oldest of the five hall masters, a peer to the two hierarchs, and the most just and strict.
However, what stood out the most in Wu Yuan’s memory of Yan Hong were the ten Soul Condensing Pills he had gifted him. It was these ten Soul Condensing Pills that had helped Wu Yuan unlock his upper dantian lobe, catalyzing his surge in strength.
“Sit down, there’s no need to be so stiff and formal,” Yan Hong chuckled as he looked at Wu Yuan.
Wu Yuan nodded, inwardly rather grateful to Hall Master Yan.
“Wu Yuan, over the past few days, the sect has been preparing for a possible invasion from the Great Jin Empire, so we haven’t had the time to speak to you,” Sect Elder Huan began with an apologetic smile.
“I understand,” Wu Yuan nodded.
Although he spent all his time in closed-door cultivation and did not attend classes in the martial academy, both Fang Jiushan and Wu Longhe would occasionally visit him. Thus, he was roughly aware of the sect’s movements, including the Cloud Martial Hall’s disciples receiving instructions to prepare for battle. He also had a vague idea of the rumors and news circulating beyond the mountain. Hence while cultivating, he had remained partially vigilant and prepared himself for any changes.
“However, you can be a thief for a thousand days, but you can’t guard against a thief for a thousand days.” [1]
“The turbulence caused by Grandmaster Shadow Blade is gradually subsiding, so it’s time for us to address certain matters,” Sect Elder Huan said, “Hall Master, if you will?”
Wu Yuan turned to look at Yan Hong.
“Wu Yuan, do you still remember the promise made to you over two years ago when Gao Yu brought you into the sect?” Yan Hong asked, chuckling heartily.
“Promise?” Wu Yuan’s pupils constricted. Could the rumors be true?
“It seems you’ve heard the news,” Yan Hong chuckled. “Sect Elder Huan and I are here to officially inform you that the sect elders assembly has unanimously decided to designate you as a Heavens Heir with the agreement of the two hierarchs.”
Wu Yuan was honestly shocked.
Heavens Heir? He was unaware of what the term signified when he first joined the sect, but he soon learned that the top ten disciples of the Cloud Martial Hall were known as Cloud Heirs, a long-standing tradition. Yet the title of Heavens Heir represented the highest honor among the younger generation of disciples, conferred only upon the truly gifted. Not even Xu Hui had been awarded this honor. In the Cloudstride Sect, the last person to be granted the title of Heavens Heir was Xia Heng, over 30 years ago.
“I haven’t even been in the sect for three years,” Wu Yuan shook his head. The title was bestowed based on talent and loyalty.
“Age does not define ambition,” Yan Hong laughed. “With your talent, you were already qualified for the title from the moment you joined the sect. But over the years, your brilliance has shaken the world. Your name is recorded in the intelligence of nearly all powers across the world, and everyone believes that you will become a Land Ranker in the future.”
Wu Yuan nodded slightly. This was the truth.
“As a Heavens Heir, your status will surpass that of the sect leader, second only to the two hierarchs,” Sect Elder Huan spoke up. “You will have access to the sect’s vast resources, privileged knowledge, and secrets. Your family and clan will also reap the benefits of this honor. In essence, as a Heavens Heir, you will be groomed as the future master of the sect. You should understand that the sect leader is merely a figurehead,” Sect Elder Huan stated.
Wu Yuan nodded. This was a world dominated by martial artists, where the disparities in power were insurmountable. No amount of clever strategies or tactical brilliance could bridge the gap between an army of millions and a single Land Ranker, let alone a Heavenly Ranker. In order to establish itself, any major power had to possess immense martial strength, with a sect master whose power was unparalleled.
“Wu Yuan, this is the sect’s opinion,” conveyed Yan Hong. “Nevertheless, we will respect your choice. Are you willing to accept the title of Heavens Heir?”
Wu Yuan hesitated. He had been questioning why the two hierarchs hadn’t approached him lately. And now, out of nowhere, the sect had decided to ordain him as a Heavens Heir. Was this the stance the two hierarchs had decided on?
Yan Hong and Sect Elder Huan patiently waited for Wu Yuan to make his decision, both having some insider knowledge of the situation.
“Receiving the sect’s favor is a great honor,” Wu Yuan finally spoke, his voice slow and measured. “I accept the title of Heavens Heir.”
Yan Hong and Sect Elder Huan exchanged glances, relief washing over them.
“Excellent.” Yan Hong nodded with a beaming smile. “In two days, a ceremony will be held for you at the Cloud Hall. The hierarchs themselves, along with the clan elders and protectorates, will be present. Prepare yourself accordingly.”
“Understood,” replied Wu Yuan.
“Alright. Wu Yuan, I must inform the hierarchs of your decision. I’ll take my leave now,” Yan Hong said with a smile. “No need to see me out.” With that, he rose from his seat and departed.
Only Sect Elder Huan and Wu Yuan remained in the martial hall.
“Sect Elder, is there something else?” Wu Yuan asked, his tone cool and composed.
“Wu Yuan.” Sect Elder Huan fixed Wu Yuan with a prolonged stare before slowly responding, “I shouldn’t be the one asking you this question. The hierarchs asked me not to, but I couldn’t resist. These past few years, I’ve given you my all and watched you grow.”
Wu Yuan sighed quietly. Throughout his three years at Cloudhill, he felt a deep gratitude towards Sect Elder Huan, Zhao Baifan, and Sect Elder Mo. These three had offered him unwavering support.
“Sect Elder, feel free to ask,” Wu Yuan stated.
“Good, I trust I haven’t misjudged you. I’ll be blunt then,” Sect Elder Huan zeroed his gaze on Wu Yuan, “Are you Shadow Blade?”
How direct! Wu Yuan felt a sudden impulse to reveal the truth. But his rationality stopped the words from escaping his lips.
After a moment of silence, Wu Yuan softly spoke. “Sect Elder, I can only say that if the sect ever faces a great calamity, Shadow Blade will definitely take action!”
“Hahaha,” Sect Elder Huan burst into laughter, “Very well. Rest assured, I won’t tell anyone about our conversation. I’ll take my leave now.”
“I’ll see you off, Sect Elder.”
Soon, Wu Yuan watched as Huan Zidong disappeared into the night.
“Sect Elder Huan, was this truly an impulsive question?” Wu Yuan murmured to himself.
He gently closed the door.
…
Late at night, in the Cloud Hall.
Rows upon rows of spirit tablets were nestled behind the grand hall, illuminated by lamps and the lingering scent of incense.
“Hierarch, as per your instructions, I spoke with Wu Yuan,” Elder Huan spoke with utmost reverence. “He did not directly express his thoughts, but after a prolonged silence…”
“Tell me.”
“If the sect ever faces a great calamity, Shadow Blade will definitely take action!” Elder Huan’s voice was low, but the emphasis on ‘definitely’ was clear.
Sect Elder Huan continued, “Hierarch, Wu Yuan is most likely…”
“Enough, no need to continue,” The Rain Hierarch stood in the center of the ancestral shrine, cutting off Sect Elder Huan. “Go, prepare for the ceremony in two days.”
Elder Huan let out a deep sigh, bowed, and slowly withdrew.
“Shadow Blade, is this your stance?” The Rain Hierarch stared at the various names before her, deep in thought. After a long while, she lifted the incense and bowed deeply, “Master, Ancestors of our sect. I pray for your divine protection. I pray that Bu Yu made the right choice.”
…
Two days later.
The early spring weather brought a particular charm to Cloudhill. As the dawn light illuminated the Cloud Hall, it appeared even more dazzling and solemn.
At the foot of the Cloud Hall, thousands of disciples from the Cloud Martial Hall, as well as core disciples and inner disciples, stood in rows. On both sides of the azure stone steps leading to the Cloud Hall stood second-rate Adepts who served as custodians. Each individual was clothed in uniform attire of their respective status.
As the time drew close, the boisterous disciples outside the hall gradually fell silent.
Clang! Clang! After nine resonating tolls, all of Cloud Hall fell into complete silence.
Donned in black robes, Sect Leader Lu Feng strode out from the Cloud Hall, overlooking the disciples amassed below. “Our ancestors were virtuous and protected us from all sides. They founded the sect atop Cloudhill more than 300 years ago, establishing the Cloudstride legacy!”
“The Cloud Heirs are the sect’s champions through the generations. However, above the Cloud Heirs, there exists a higher rank, the Heavens Heirs. A Heavens Heir is a champion bestowed upon the Cloudstride Sect by the heavens.” Sect Leader Lu Feng articulated each syllable with gravity.
“Where is Wu Yuan?” His voice, robust and resonant, reverberated across the entire Cloudhill.
A figure in black appeared at the foot of the Cloud Hall amidst the sea of gazes. He responded in a powerful voice, “Disciple Wu Yuan is here.”
“Enter the hall,” Lu Feng commanded solemnly.
Wu Yuan ascended the steps under the watchful eyes of thousands, each step sure and strong, not a trace of fear in his gaze. The Cloud Hall fell into silence once more. Only the sound of Wu Yuan’s footsteps could be heard.
After ascending the stairs, Wu Yuan followed Lu Feng into the Cloud Hall. Sweeping his gaze across the figures on either side, he recognized many familiar faces. Numerous sect elders like Yan Hong, Gu Wang, Zhang Changsheng, and Huan Zidong, as well as division heads and protectorates like Gao Yu, Zhao Baifan, and other high-ranking custodians were present. There were easily more than a hundred people, all first-rate Adepts or stronger.
Earning a place in the Cloud Hall equated to being a key figure within the Cloudstride Sect. However, what caught Wu Yuan’s attention were the two figures at the far end of the grand hall. One was The Rain Hierarch, still clothed exquisitely. The other was a lean middle-aged man, clad in a white robe, bearing an air of unbridled freedom and worldly detachment. He seemed at least twenty years younger than The Rain Hierarch standing next to him.
The Sword Hierarch? Wu Yuan wondered, a flicker of caution darting through his mind.
Through his soul sense, The Sword Hierarch in front of him seemed almost ethereal. Though he stood there, it was as if he existed on a different level from everyone else, harmoniously merged with the world. His gaze remained calm, yet a single glance instilled Wu Yuan with a sense of lethal danger.
On the ‘World Land Rankings’, isn’t The Sword Hierarch ranked ninth in the Jiang Continent, and over 150 in the world? Why does his aura give me the feeling that he’s much stronger than The Rain Hierarch? It could only mean that the Land Rankings were not accurate.
Under the scrutiny of more than a hundred onlookers, Wu Yuan made his way to the center of the grand hall, while Lu Feng positioned himself to the side.
“Wu Yuan.” The Rain Hierarch arrived at the center of the grand hall, peering down at Wu Yuan. With a wave of her hand, the Moontide Sword suspended in mid-air flew into her grasp. Raising one hand, she gently began, “Age seventeen, a native of Li City in the Southdream Province…”
Wu Yuan listened attentively to the narration of his life story.
“Since his induction into the sect, he has been diligent in cultivation and of noble character. Twice he has emerged as the victor of the Cloud Martial Hall’s annual competition, twice he set historical records in the Skystride Pavilion. He stands at the pinnacle of all disciples, surpassing the achievements of countless generations in Cloudstride.”
With a deliberate and measured cadence, the Rain Hierarch solemnly proclaimed, “Today, we make known to the heavens, to the ten generations of ancestors, and the people of the four provinces, that we confer the title of Heavens Heir upon him.”
“Where is Wu Yuan?” The Rain Hierarch’s voice rose.
“Disciple is here,” Wu Yuan responded with cupped hands.
“Will you, Wu Yuan, pledge yourself to uphold the aspirations of our sect’s ancestors, safeguard the people of Cloudstride, and perpetuate the enduring legacy of Cloudstride?” The Rain Hierarch asked.
“Disciple is willing!”
1. means that you can’t be on high alert forever ?