The Seven Great Sects

The Heavenly Origin Realm is a vast and mystical realm consisting of five large continents, each with its own unique characteristics and cultivation practices. These continents are known as the Eastern Continent, Western Continent, Northern Continent, Southern Continent, and Central Continent. The entire situation of the five continents can be summaries as such: 

In the Eastern Continent, the scars of an ancient conflict had rendered the landscape desolate, with depleted Spiritual Qi and a lingering sense of historical strife permeating the atmosphere. Here, the harsh environment bred resilience, and the pursuit of strength took on an almost legendary significance, as individuals sought to overcome the adversities of this unforgiving land.

To the Southern Continent, the oppressive rule of the Demon Clan's shrouded the region in a palpable aura of malevolence. It was a realm cloaked in darkness and terror, where spiritual animals had ascended to the status of true immortals, their otherworldly splendor radiating an eerie, unearthly beauty. This was a place where the line between the mortal and the supernatural blurred, and courage was tested against the darkest of adversaries.

In the Northern Continent, an eternal winter held dominion, draping the terrain in unrelenting, pristine white. This harsh, yet enchanting realm bore witness to the relentless forces of nature, with freezing winds sculpting the rugged landscape. Those who called this frozen expanse home had honed their survival skills to withstand nature's fiercest onslaughts, mastering the art of living in harmony with the relentless elements.

In the Western Continent, mystical beings hold dominion over the continent as overlords. These beings possess extraordinary powers and command great influence over the land. They are revered and respected by the inhabitants of the Western Continent, who live under their rule.

At the heart of the Heavenly Origin Realm, the Central Continent, where the Xue Empire is situated. Here located, the Seven Great Sects reigned supreme, their power unmatched. Beneath the expansive sky and amidst breathtaking landscapes, the Seven Great Sects ruled with an authority that was unrivaled, their power casting a formidable shadow over the land.

While nestled within the luxurious carriage, Zhou Yuan's mind wandered through the intricate web of information he had gathered about this realm. 

The rhythmic sound of hooves striking the well-maintained roads served as a constant, both a physical and metaphorical marker of his ongoing travels.

The Xue Empire, Zhou Yuan's birthplace, stood under the jurisdiction of one of the Seven Great Sects, namely the Luminous Dawn Sect, the sect that Zhou Yuan's fiancée, Ling Jia, had become a part of. The Xue Empire was just one of the Hundreds of Empires and Dynasties under the rule of the Luminous Dawn Sect. 

As Zhou Yuan exited the territory of the Zhou Clan and approached the Capital of the Xue Empire, a sense of anticipation filled the air.

His heart fluttered with a mixture of excitement and apprehension, knowing that his journey was about to reach a crucial turning point.

***

Luminous Dawn Sect, Serene Moonlight Peak.

In the shadow of Serene Moonlight Peak, a girl of merely sixteen stood poised before the hallowed entrance to Elder Qingwei's Immortal Abode.

The grandeur of the mountain enveloped her, a living testament to the profound cultivation of the Luminous Dawn Sect.

She wore a robe of crimson, intricately embroidered with shimmering golden motifs, its fabric flowing like a river of silk in the caressing embrace of the breeze. Her name was Ling Jia, daughter of the Ling Clan in the Xue Empire and Elder Qingwei's personal disciple.

"Ling Jia, you broke through the Spirit Foundation Realm?" Elder Qingwei stared at her from the entrance of her abode. A tinge of astonishment flashed across her face, but it was quickly replaced by excitement. "I knew you had extraordinary talent. You're even more impressive than most of your peers in the entire sect!"

Ling Jia bowed deeply and said, "Disciple is grateful for the master's guidance."

"It was nothing. You have done well." Elder Qingwei waved her hand.

"Thank you, Master." Ling Jia lowered her head.

Elder Qingwei nodded, "What else? You didn't come here just for this, right?"

"Disciple seeks the master's assistance in dissolving the engagement arranged by my father."

"Your father's arrangement for you?" Elder Qingwei said. "That's a problem..."

"Can't the elders of the sect speak with the other party?"

"No, that not the problem. Long ago, the Seven Great Sects swore an oath to not allow any experts at the above the Soul Origin Realm to interfere in the mortal world," Elder Qingwei said. "Not to mention our sect doesn't allow its disciples to use it name wantonly. Therefore, the matter should be handled by yourself..." hinted Elder Qingwei.

"Disciple understands," Ling Jia nodded, her bright red eyes shining.

"This disciple will take her leave," said Ling Jia, turning and walking away.

"Sigh.... What a pity!" Elder Qingwei shook her head as she looked at the departing Ling Jia. If not because of Zhou Yuan's current predicament, he and her disciple would make a good couple.

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