The morning sun cast long shadows across Azure Sky Pavilion's main courtyard as Li Wuchen made his way toward the administrative offices, summoned by Grand Elder Tianqi for what had been described as "formalization of his new status within the sect hierarchy." The crystallized battlefield from the previous day's confrontation remained visible beyond the walls—a permanent reminder of how completely their world had changed in the span of a few hours.
"Interesting how quickly institutional thinking reasserts itself," Wuji observed as they approached the ornate doors of the administrative complex. "They've witnessed power that transcends their understanding, yet their first impulse is to categorize it within familiar frameworks."
"It's human nature," Wuchen replied silently. "People need structure and hierarchy to make sense of change. The alternative is acknowledging that their entire worldview may be inadequate."
The administrative offices buzzed with activity as clerks and junior officials prepared documents that would formally recognize Wuchen's transformation from servant to... something for which their existing categories had no precedent. He could overhear fragments of discussion as he passed:
"—unprecedented situation requires unprecedented solutions—"
"—position equivalent to Elder status but without traditional cultivation requirements—"
"—authority commensurate with demonstrated capabilities—"
Grand Elder Tianqi waited in his private study, surrounded by ancient texts and formal scrolls that represented centuries of accumulated bureaucratic wisdom. His expression combined satisfaction with obvious uncertainty as he contemplated the documents spread across his desk.
"Li Wuchen," he said, rising to offer the respectful greeting that had become standard since the previous day's revelations. "Please, sit. We have much to discuss regarding your position within our organizational structure."
The conversation that followed was both fascinating and absurd in equal measure. Grand Elder Tianqi had spent the night consulting historical precedents for integrating individuals of extraordinary power into established sect hierarchies, but the Supreme Demon Blade's unique nature defied every category he had discovered.
"Traditional progression through outer disciple, inner disciple, and elder ranks assumes cultivation advancement through recognized stages," he explained, gesturing toward charts that mapped conventional spiritual development. "But your abilities operate according to entirely different principles."
"Which creates problems for formal recognition," Wuchen observed.
"Precisely. How do we assign rank to someone whose power exceeds our most senior elders but whose 'cultivation' follows no known paradigm?" Grand Elder Tianqi's frustration with bureaucratic limitations was evident. "The Martial Alliance requires clear hierarchical classifications for all sect members, but none of their categories adequately describe your situation."
"Perhaps the solution lies in creating new categories rather than forcing us into inadequate existing ones," Wuji suggested.
"What if we approach this differently?" Wuchen proposed. "Instead of trying to fit my situation into existing ranks, why not establish a new classification that acknowledges the unique nature of my abilities?"
The suggestion prompted Grand Elder Tianqi to lean back in his chair, his expression shifting from frustration to thoughtful consideration. "A new rank entirely? That would require approval from the Martial Alliance and potentially set precedents that other sects might find... concerning."
"Other sects will have to adapt to new realities whether they find them concerning or not," Wuchen replied with the quiet confidence that had become characteristic since his awakening. "The emergence of power that transcends conventional cultivation is not an isolated event—it's the beginning of a fundamental shift in how spiritual development operates."
The conversation was interrupted by the arrival of a junior administrator carrying a stack of communication talismans, his face pale with excitement and anxiety.
"Honored Grand Elder," the young man gasped, bowing deeply despite his obvious urgency. "Urgent messages from multiple sources. The Martial Alliance investigation team has been... expanded... and will arrive within hours rather than days."
"Expanded how?" Grand Elder Tianqi demanded.
"From three investigators to fifteen, including two Soul Transformation cultivators and a specialist in supernatural phenomena analysis." The administrator's voice cracked slightly as he delivered the news. "And sir... there are also advance scouts from the Celestial Mountain Sect, the Iron Fist Brotherhood, and at least four other major powers requesting permission to 'observe the situation.'"
The implications hit everyone present simultaneously. What had begun as a routine investigation into unusual spiritual phenomena had escalated into a gathering of regional powers that suggested far more serious attention than anyone had anticipated.
"They move quickly when legends prove to be reality," Wuji observed. "And their interest will not be limited to academic curiosity."
"Sir," the administrator continued hesitantly, "there's also a message from someone claiming to represent... the Orthodox Alliance High Council. They request immediate audience with 'the wielder of the Supreme Demon Blade' regarding matters of 'supreme importance to realm security.'"
Grand Elder Tianqi's face went pale. The Orthodox Alliance High Council represented the collective authority of every major righteous sect in the known world—an organization that typically concerned itself only with threats to civilization itself.
"How did word reach them so quickly?" he asked, though the question was rhetorical.
"Spiritual phenomena of yesterday's magnitude can be detected by formation networks spanning thousands of li," Wuchen replied. "Every major sect with sophisticated monitoring capabilities knew something unprecedented had occurred within hours of the battle's conclusion."
The sobering reality that their local crisis had instantly become a matter of international concern prompted a flurry of activity as Grand Elder Tianqi began issuing rapid orders for enhanced security, guest accommodations, and protocol preparations for hosting representatives from the martial world's most powerful organizations.
"Li Wuchen," he said when the immediate chaos had been organized, "I'm afraid the question of your formal rank has become academic. Whatever title we assign you, these visitors will judge your status based on demonstrated capabilities rather than bureaucratic classifications."
"Then perhaps we should focus on substance rather than ceremony," Wuchen suggested. "What do these representatives actually want, and how do we ensure their visits serve Azure Sky Pavilion's interests rather than their own?"
The question sparked a strategic discussion that continued for the next two hours, covering everything from defensive positioning to negotiation tactics. It became clear that Azure Sky Pavilion was about to become the focal point for political maneuvering that could reshape the balance of power throughout the region.
"The isolation of anonymity is ending," Wuji observed as they prepared to face representatives from forces that had shaped martial world politics for centuries. "From this point forward, every action we take will be scrutinized by powers that view us as either invaluable allies or existential threats."
"Are you ready for that level of attention?" Grand Elder Tianqi asked, recognizing the profound changes that political prominence would bring to Wuchen's existence.
"Ready or not, it's coming," Wuchen replied, watching through the window as the first investigation teams appeared on the mountain paths leading to Azure Sky Pavilion. "The only choice we have is whether to meet it from a position of strength or allow ourselves to be overwhelmed by forces beyond our control."
As formal documents were hastily prepared to establish Wuchen's new status as "Senior Guardian of Azure Sky Pavilion—Special Authority for Supernatural Threats," the sound of approaching airships could be heard echoing across the mountain valleys. The age of anonymity was ending, and the age of legend was about to begin in earnest.