The journey from Moonwatch Immortal City to the Palace of the Heavenly Apex was considerable. The magical artifacts used by Houth and the others flew at tremendous speeds. If not for the protective light shield enveloping them, Leo and the others would surely have been blown off by the fierce high-altitude winds.
They made several stops along the way, not because Mist and the others were running low on power—such flights consumed little of their energy. Rather, it was because Leo and the other new disciples were starving. Without Fasting Pills, they had to stop for sustenance. Fortunately, the wilderness was abundant with birds, beasts, and wild fruits. After brief refreshment, they continued their flight.
After more than ten days of this routine, Leo, in his spare moments from cultivation, gazed into the distance. Through the swirling clouds and mist, he could faintly discern a cluster of undulating mountain peaks. The largest among them, an azure mountain, exuded an imposing spiritual aura. The magnificent structures built upon it resembled palaces floating amidst the clouds.
Leo marveled at the sight. Only those on the path of immortality could create such wonders.
"Haha! After over ten days of travel, my mouth feels like a desert. Finally, we're here!" Houth, flying ahead on his sword, shouted loudly and veered towards one of the peaks.
Houth, Mist, Linn, Sam, and the others dispersed, ending their journey together after more than ten days.
The spiritual energy surrounding the Palace of the Heavenly Apex was rich and dense, particularly around the peaks with lavish residences. Probably only those of higher status were qualified to reside there.
Mist led the group to a halt before a bamboo hut, motioning for them to disembark. Above the hut hung a plaque inscribed with the words "Azure Lotus Peak Reception Hall." Inside, a young, kind-faced cultivator in gray robes seemed to be dozing. Roused by the commotion, he opened his eyes and hurried over. "Master Mist, you're back! Are these the newly admitted disciples?"
"Yes. Familiarize them with the surroundings of Azure Lotus Peak, explain the sect rules, and help them choose their dwellings. After they are settled, bring Leo to my cave dwelling." Mist instructed, tossing a black token to the kind-faced cultivator before flying off on his treasure gourd.
"Yes, Master!" The kind-faced cultivator bowed respectfully, seeing Mist off.
"Junior brothers and sisters, my name is Fin. You may address me as Senior Brother Fin. I am now responsible for acquainting you with the rules of the Palace of the Heavenly Apex and the environment of Azure Lotus Peak." Fin announced.
Under Fin's guidance, the cultivators present began to get acquainted. The one with the highest spiritual root aptitude was a handsome, aloof young man named Rollin, an eighth-layer wind-attribute Qi Refining cultivator of considerable strength. He stood apart, seemingly unwilling to mingle with the others.
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The other six were Kael, Bubb, Sunny, Veron, Moira, and Lowe. They formed small groups of two or three. Despite Rollin's aloofness, the two female disciples, Veron and Moira, frequently tried to ingratiate themselves with him. Only Leo stood alone on the sidelines.
"Although our Palace of the Heavenly Apex ranks seventeenth among the major immortal sects, its territories are vast. It possesses thousands of spiritual peaks and valleys. The most renowned is naturally the Heavenly Apex Peak, a towering, precipitous peak that pierces the clouds. Upon Heavenly Apex Peak lies a spiritual lake and countless rare and exotic beasts. The main hall of our sect is located on this peak, personally overseen by our Palace Master, the revered elder Magnus."
"Furthermore, the sect's territories are divided according to the areas overseen by over a dozen Golden Core elders. The area we are in now is Azure Lotus Peak, where the Azure Snake elder resides."
"The Azure Snake elder? Then if we go to Azure Lotus Peak, can we often catch a glimpse of the elder? If the elder takes a liking to us and accepts us as disciples, we'd skyrocket to success! The path to immortality would be smooth sailing from then on!" Kael said with fervent longing. The other disciples also wore hopeful expressions.
"Dream on. I've been here for six years and haven't even caught a glimpse of the Azure Snake elder." Fin sneered.
"Why is that?" several asked, surprised.
Fin explained, "Golden Core elders have lifespans of five to six hundred years. They often go into seclusion for years, even decades at a time. They do not concern themselves with mundane affairs. Day-to-day sect matters are actually handled by the Foundation Establishment uncles and aunts. Only when these Foundation uncles encounter problems they cannot solve do they seek guidance from the Golden Core elders. Besides, access to the main Azure Lotus Peak is strictly forbidden to Qi Refining disciples, unless with permissions."
Through Fin's explanations, the disciples gained a general understanding of the Palace of the Heavenly Apex.
Leo and the others climbed the steep stone steps. The ancient path was deep and secluded, with moss growing in many places after the rain. An ordinary person might easily slip and fall off the cliff, but for cultivators like them, it was merely a matter of time, posing no great danger.
In the distance, the cries of eagles and cranes were incessant. Rounding a switchback on the ancient path, they saw a relatively flat, sprawling mountain trail. Various spirit eagles and cranes were taking off and landing. A few even had cultivators on their backs. These spirit eagles and cranes were mostly low-grade, first-grade spirit birds, with only a rare few at the second grade.
"Are those spirit beasts raised by the senior brothers themselves? Amazing! I wonder when I'll be able to have my own flying spirit beast." Veron said enviously.
"Those spirit beasts, aside from flying, have little combat ability and are suitable for mass breeding. Each area of our sect has a Spirit Beast Hall responsible for raising guardian spirit beasts. However, most of them are this type of spirit bird. Our sect's territory is vast, with scattered peaks and valleys. For Foundation Establishment seniors who can fly on swords, this is nothing, but for us Qi Refining disciples, it can be quite a trek. Therefore, the sect established the Spirit Beast Hall to breed spirit birds and provide them to Qi Refining disciples at a relatively low price. Renting a first-grade spirit bird costs only one low-grade spirit stone. Since it's a bit far, I won't take you there. Later, if you need to go somewhere farther away, renting a spirit bird will be much more convenient and faster."
Standing halfway up the mountain, Fin pointed towards the direction of the Spirit Beast Hall.
"Do you see that small hill northeast of the Spirit Beast Hall? That's the Chores Hall. As new disciples, you will need spirit stones for the pills and spirit artifacts used in your daily cultivation. The sect will not support you for free. It only provides a relatively safe cultivation environment. Everything you need for cultivation, you must earn yourself through work. Unless you can stand out from the tens of thousands of Qi Refining disciples in the Palace of the Heavenly Apex, shine brilliantly in the sect's minor competitions, and be accepted as a disciple by a Foundation Establishment senior. Once you have a backer, you'll have a stable source of spirit stones. Or, if you successfully achieve Foundation Establishment, that's also leaping over the dragon's gate. But the chances of that are too slim. For now, junior brothers and sisters, it's best not to aim too high."
Having said this, Fin chuckled, then slapped his forehead as if suddenly remembering something. "Oh, I almost forgot! I still need to help you choose your dwellings. Quick, follow me!"
With that, Fin activated his Wind Riding Technique and dashed down the ancient, mossy stone steps, his robes fluttering. In an instant, he had covered several meters.
