CHAPTER 6 — THE ASSEMBLY DESCENDS
The bells of Azure Sky Sect rang —slow, heavy, echoing like the heartbeat of a restless mountain. Every disciple in the sect felt the sound in their bones, a warning wrapped in tradition.
Kael stood among the gathering crowd, the morning wind tugging at his robes as he tried to steady his breathing. His muscles were still sore, but he could not show weakness—not today.
Master Shen Rokan walked ahead of him, hands behind his back, expression unreadable.
"Tread carefully, Kael," Rokan murmured. "The Assembly is not a ceremony. It is an examination disguised as one."
Kael nodded, though his stomach tightened. "I understand."
"You don't," Rokan replied softly, "but you will soon."
A sudden gust swept across the courtyard, carrying with it a faint metallic scent—power, sharp and oppressive. The disciples murmured nervously.
"They're here…"
"Already? I thought we had till noon—"
"Look at the sky—!"
Kael looked up.
Three streaks of light tore across the sky like falling comets—one crimson, one silver, one dark green. They spiraled downward, each trailing the aura of a powerful cultivation technique.
The first landed at the far edge of the courtyard with a blast of heat. The earth cracked, and flames coiled upward like serpents. Disciples shielded their eyes.
Crimson Flame Sect had arrived.
From within the smoke stepped a tall woman, red hair tied in a fierce braid, eyes glowing like live embers. She carried herself like a warrior who had never lost a duel.
Sect Master Lian Hu.
Her gaze swept the Azure disciples with disdain… until it settled on Kael.
Her flame dimmed, replaced by a flicker of surprise.
"So he is the one."
Before Kael could react, a second shockwave shook the ground. The silver streak collided gently with the earth, creating no sound—only a ripple, like water disturbed by a stone.
Silent Cloud Sect.
Their master, Elder Ru Ning, glided forward in soft gray robes, eyes calm yet razor sharp. She moved with an elegance that made Kael's breath catch.
Her gaze passed over everyone, emotionless… then paused on him.
"Hm."
The third light descended violently, slamming into the courtyard with enough force to send dust spiraling upward. Pebbles flew everywhere.
Iron Vein Sect.
Their master Dugu Shen, a massive man built like a mountain, hammered his foot into the ground, testing its strength. His voice boomed.
"So this is Azure Sky's little miracle?"
He snorted. "He looks soft."
Kael felt sweat form instantly at his temple.
Whispers spread like wildfire.
"So it's true…"
"All three sect masters came because of him."
"Azure Sky Sect is finished if he fails."
Kael's fists tightened.
Master Shen Rokan stepped forward, his presence alone silencing everyone. Though he was calm, the air around him shifted—like a sleeping dragon lifting its head.
"Masters of the Four Sects," Rokan said, "welcome to Azure Sky."
The sect masters barely glanced at him before turning their attention back to Kael.
Lian Hu crossed her arms. "We sensed an astral fluctuation few days ago. Strong enough to disturb three sects at once. You expect us to ignore that?"
Rokan's eyes narrowed. "What we expect… is respect."
Iron Vein's master barked a laugh. "Respect? For a boy who hasn't even stepped into the Body Refinement Realm?"
"You will find," Rokan replied, "that his realm does not define him."
Kael felt heat rise in his chest.
Silent Cloud's master stepped forward, expression unreadable. "Bring the boy."
Kael froze.
Taron Blaze, standing at the edge of the courtyard with his group, clenched his fists. A mix of jealousy and worry flashed in his eyes.
Kael stepped forward slowly.
Every gaze pinned him down like arrows. He felt small—like a ghost in a world of giants. But he lifted his head.
"I… I am Kael of Azure Sky Sect."
Crimson Flame's master stepped closer, analyzing him like a rare beast. "Your aura… it isn't ordinary. Untamed. Dangerous."
Iron Vein's master cracked his knuckles. "I say we test him right now."
Silent Cloud's master raised a hand. "No. Not yet. The Assembly will judge him properly."
"The Assembly?" Kael whispered.
Rokan nodded. "A formal trial. All four sects. You will be tested on strength, control, potential… and survival."
Kael felt his breath hitch.
Crimson Flame's master smirked. "If you fail, Azure Sky Sect will answer for it."
Iron Vein's master stepped even closer, towering over Kael. "If you succeed… the academy might cast its eye on you."
Silent Cloud's master leaned in, voice soft. "And if your power is truly what we sensed… then the world may change."
The courtyard fell silent.
Kael's heartbeat thundered in his ears.
This was no longer about training.
No longer about Taron Blaze's bullying.
No longer about learning stances or trying to control tiny sparks of astral energy.
This was about the entire future of Azure Sky Sect.
About the attention of three rival factions.
About stepping into a world of power where a wrong move could get him crushed.
Master Shen Rokan placed a hand on Kael's back.
"Stand tall, boy," he whispered. "Your real trial begins now."
Kael swallowed.
And raised his eyes.
The sect masters stared at him like judges awaiting a verdict.
The Assembly had descended.
And with it…
Kael's first step into the cultivation world's true battlefield.