In the early morning, light mist floated over MDP. Palaces on the mountain loomed faintly through the haze, while colorful birds hopped among the branches, letting out crisp and melodious calls, creating a scene of a true celestial mountain.
Suddenly, in the eastern sky, two figures stepped on golden clouds, flying through the air and descending outside the gates of Mystic Dawn Pavallion. As the golden glow dissipated, two people appeared, and faintly, a yellow light seemed to disappear into the sleeve of one of them.
"Master-Uncle, seriously? Wouldn't it be much easier if we just flew directly to the mountaintop? Are we really going to walk all the way up?" Outside the arched gate, a young girl dressed in a tight light-green outfit with small animal-skin shoes on her feet looked up at the summit and said.
The girl's figure was extremely slender and curvy, her eyes like clear autumn waters sparkling with a sly liveliness. Her delicate and beautiful face carried a hint of mischief.
This girl was none other than the one whom Kaelen had accidentally encountered bathing in the Cold Pool two nights before.
"Selene, both Mystic Dawn Pavallion Sect and our Ithryan Order belong to the Three Great Sects. If we were to just fly up the mountain directly, it would be disrespectful to Mystic Dawn Pavallion," the middle-aged Priest behind her, who exuded an air of immortality, said calmly.
"Hmph, so what if it's disrespectful? What's so great about Mystic Dawn Pavallion anyway?" the girl pouted and said indifferently.
"Selene, Mystic Dawn Pavallion is, after all, a major sect with thousands of years of heritage, far beyond ordinary sects. Although you are an outstanding figure among the younger generation of Ithryan Order, in Mystic Dawn Pavallion,there are many your age with strength equal to or even greater than yours," the middle-aged Priest said blandly.
"Oh? Then I really want to see what they're capable of, to earn such praise from you!" The girl's beautiful eyes widened and her willow brows arched as she strode toward the mountain gate.
The middle-aged Priest watched her back and chuckled, murmuring to himself, "Letting this little girl stir things up a bit is fine, a good way to observe the strength of Mystic Dawn Pavallion's new generation. With me watching over her, she won't suffer any losses."
It was clear he knew this young junior was proud and stubborn. His words had subtly used a bit of reverse psychology.
Moreover, this girl was a heavenly genius in Ithryan Order, never one to admit defeat. His remarks had precisely ignited her competitive spirit.
The Ithryan Order, Mystic Dawn Pavallion, and Silvercrest Immortal Sect were the Three Great Sects. Although they shared a common heritage and long history, there was fierce competition among them.
Each sect coveted the title of "First Great Sect." However, their cultivation arts differed in focus and expertise, and none could dominate the others completely, resulting in a three-way stalemate.
"Stop there! This is Mystic Dawn Pavallion. State your names!" Two young disciples on patrol walked down the mountain path and barred the green-clad girl's way.
The girl's black gem-like eyes turned mischievous as she smiled and said, "Disciple Selene of The Ithryan Order, together with my Master-Uncle William, has come to visit Mystic Dawn Pavallion to discuss the centennial event!"
After a slight pause, she suddenly grinned mischievously and added, "I've heard Mystic Dawn Pavallion's Elemental arts are quite marvelous. I'd like to learn a thing or two from you seniors."
At first, the two young disciples were still polite, but upon hearing her latter words, their expressions darkened.
Before they could respond, Selene suddenly parted her hands and shouted softly, "Palm Thunder!" As her tender voice rang out, a Glyphs flashed between her palms, and two muffled thunderclaps exploded.
Caught off guard, the two young disciples grunted and were blasted backward, falling heavily onto the mountain path.
"Hehe, sorry about that, seniors!" Selene giggled and apologized sweetly before continuing forward. As she passed by the two, she muttered, "Mystic Dawn Pavallion disciples aren't all that impressive, huh?"
Clearly, she was deliberately provoking them. The two young disciples, lying on the ground, flushed red with shame and anger.
However, they were suffering from the thunderforce rampaging in their bodies, leaving them paralyzed and unable to get up for the moment.
"Selene of The Ithryan Order, challenges the senior brothers of MDP to display their Elemental arts!" her crisp voice echoed across the mountain, accompanied by several thunderclaps. In response, several figures flew up into the air.
Elder Cedric stood before Kaelen and said, "You failed to complete your assigned sect Daily chores. According to the rules, you should be punished. However, considering that your master has passed away and you're the last of your lineage, from now on, you are exempt from sect chores. Focus on your cultivation."
Elder Cedric waved his hand, his expression carrying a trace of pity. Perhaps in a hundred years, the ancient body-tempering lineage Kaelen belonged to would completely die out.
Cedric's heart felt heavy. MDP was divided into nine branches, and soon there might only be eight left. In his eyes, Kaelen lineage had no hope of continuing. Unless a miracle happened, Kaelen would follow his master into obscurity.
"Yes, Master-Uncle," Kaelen said with a blank expression. He saluted and was about to leave the pavilion.
Suddenly, a commotion erupted outside. Footsteps quickly retreated, as if many disciples were rushing away.
"Hmm?" Kaelen found it strange. Wasn't this the usual time when disciples came to the pavilion to receive chores? Why were they suddenly dispersing?
At that moment, Elder Cedric ears twitched, and his expression became a bit strange. "Hmm! It seems something quite interesting is happening outside—something we haven't seen in many years. Let's go take a look!"
He tidied his robes and strode outside.
Kaelen, full of curiosity, quickly followed him.
Outside the MDP, a large crowd of young disciples in white robes had already gathered. They all looked down the mountain path, their faces full of shock and anger.
There, sauntering up the mountain path, was a green-clad girl with a playful smile on her lips.