3 Chapter 3: A Majestic Arrival: The Floating Cloud Ark

"The disciple recruitment ceremony draws to a close, those who have been chosen should ready themselves for the long journey to the Profound Swords Palace," declared the deacon.

The hall reverberated with his voice as he concluded the assessment of talents. The air was filled with anticipation from all those gathered, and the announcement that had just been made promised adventure and excitement for those heading off to the esteemed Profound Swords Palace. As they began their expedition, many of them could not help but marvel in awe at this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Luo Tian's heart raced with a flurry of emotions. Becoming an outer court disciple of the illustrious Profound Swords Palace was a momentous achievement, and although he wasn't endowed with outstanding talent, he will walk the path through sheer will, the will that had earned him this coveted spot.

The euphoria in the hall soon shifted to despair, as those not fortunate enough to secure a place were filled with gloom; their dreams of joining the sect in ruins. On the contrary, the chosen few were brimming with arrogance as they looked down upon the unfortunates with scornful gazes. A palpable divide could be felt between the accepted and the rejected, since cultivators held much greater power than non-cultivators.

The reality was hard to accept: those who had the chance to cultivate were undeniably different from those who lacked the potential. They were able to draw on Qi, advance their cultivation and become powerful beyond what most humans could manage. This made them superior, giving a feeling of pride and assurance. But with this came an underlying unease; while some felt proud of their accomplishments, others couldn't help but feel ashamed for not having the same privilege.

As Luo Tian surveyed the room, his eyes lingering on every detail of a scene that would have otherwise gone unnoticed. His wise, aged soul had experienced more than most of the disciples here ever could in their lifetime. Despite the air of superiority and arrogance draping itself across the courtyard, he couldn't help but feel disdain for those who chose to show off. He held no belief that being chosen as a disciple made them inherently better than those who hadn't been given the same opportunity. Talent alone is not enough to define a person's worth and true strength goes beyond just possessing high-ranking spiritual roots, the vast great desolate is filled with mysteries and opportunities. So long as one is willing to bet their very lives, they will have a chance to become better than the rest, to become an expert. The foolish displayed never seemed so trivial, he thought.

If these Childrens didn't become supreme experts, they would still be no different than those whom they were mocking.

Luo Tian was perceptive about the nuances of life, understanding that everyone had their own strengths and weaknesses. He never mocked or degraded those who hadn't been chosen, recognizing that chances and conditions weren't equal for all.

The sheer maturity and compassion he exuded made him stand out from the rest, providing a much-needed level headedness in these situations.

Together with a few others who embraced a similar view, Luo Tian held on to this mindset towards those who hadn't been given the same opportunity.

…

The hall was silent as the failed applicants slowly shuffled out, their heads bowed in disappointment. Then, Elder Yu Hui's voice shattered the stillness of the room like a sword cutting through fog. His intonation carried a deep sense of pride and anticipation as he spoke.

"You have shown great promise," he began, his words echoing off the walls of the grand hall. "Your talents are recognized, and we eagerly await your presence within our sacred halls. May you continue to cultivate your strengths, shape your destinies, and honor the legacy of the profound sword palace." He paused briefly, surveying the room with a discerning eye before adding softly yet firmly, "The Profound Sword Palace welcomes those who have proven themselves worthy."

The resounding announcement echoed through the grand hall, reverberating through the ancient walls. Moments later, elder Hu Yui's figure vanished like a specter, leaving behind an air of anticipation and excitement among the selected disciples. The moment they had waited for with bated breath had finally arrived - the opportunity to embark on their journey to the Profound Swords Palace, a place of great knowledge and cultivation, beckoned them forward with an irresistible pull.

For Luo Tian, this was more than just a significant moment - it was his turning point in this life. He could feel the weight of responsibility on his shoulders as he prepared to leave the protection of his family behind and embark on this new chapter. Yet, despite knowing the challenges that lay ahead, he faced them with a calm resolve and steely determination. After all, this was the path he had chosen, and with every step forward, he moved closer to achieving his destiny and his goal of creating his infinite harem.

Luo Tian was making the last few preparations before his journey––from an unremarkable family to a disciple of the esteemed Profound Swords Palace. As he moved about, his thoughts slowly drifted towards the past; how it had felt to be chosen, and all the hard work in-between. The departure day was fast approaching, and the air buzzed with anticipation from his peers. His heart was overflowing with mixed emotions––his determination fortified by a hint of uncertainty. He was ready to take on this new adventure, to step in a wider world.

…

The sun slowly rose the next day, casting its rays of hope over the disciples. The group, including Luo Tian, Zhang Ying and Li Mei, had come so far since the sect enrollment ceremony, and after a day of preparation, they now stood ready to depart on their pilgrimage to Profound Sword Palace. A gentle breeze came through, caressing the air with tranquility.

Suddenly, Elder Yu Hui and the other deacons appeared before them like apparitions from a dream. Their transient presences hung heavily in the air — an aura of solemnity and grandeur commanded respect and attention from all those present.

As Elder Yu Hui and his entourage of elders stepped into the courtyard, a reverent hush fell over the disciples. As one, they all bent forward in a ninety-degree angle and brought their cupped hands to their chests in a gesture of respect. Though each disciple showed reverence, some displayed slight variations in the depth of their bows, and amongst them stood Luo Tian, who was amongst those that still had a sense of individuality.

Elder Yu Hui's piercing gaze swept across the assembly with discerning eyes, set against the gentle sweep of his beard. His voice boomed around the courtyard as he said, "Well done, well done! This year, the ranks of my Profound Sword Palace are graced with an impressive crop of disciples. Many among you possess remarkable talents." His gaze lingered on the young Zhang Ying for a moment, silently acknowledging her exceptional qualities. Then, he turned his attention to those bearing Earth-Grade spiritual roots, recognizing their achievement with a proud smile on his face. "Your talents will not go unrecognized here at my profound sword palace. I expect great things from all of you in the future."

Standing on the precipice of a strange world, Elder Yu Hui addressed the disciples with a somber voice.

"Before we go, there is something all of you must understand," he said. His gaze traveled across the faces of the group, some from elite cultivation families and others from humble backgrounds.

"This journey will take you to a realm that is unlike anything you've ever known before. It is rife with danger and uncertainty," he continued, his voice rising slightly in intensity. "Where life can be snuffed out in an instant and strength determines your destiny."

The disciples exchanged uneasy glances as they tightened their grips, unsure if their skills and talents would measure up to the trials ahead. A few murmured amongst themselves, but most remained respectfully silent for fear of offending the Elder.

Elder Yu Hui's voice carried the weight of experience and wisdom, resonating deeply within each disciple's heart. His message was simple yet profound—within the world of cultivation, strength was paramount. A hushed sense of anticipation enveloped the gathering, their awareness of the challenges and potential sacrifices that lay ahead shaping their resolve.

"In the face of such uncertainties, all you can do is devote yourselves to the art of cultivation. It is through this path that you can shed the shackles of weakness and carve your own destinies. The journey you undertake is not only about mastering techniques and refining Qi. It is about honing your very beings, and your very essence."

With every word, Elder Yu Hui's influence seemed to sway the air like a wave. His message was more than just about the cultivation of power, but rather, it focused on the development of their inner self. The gravity of the situation sank into each disciple's heart as if Elder Yu Hui had connected them all with an invisible string. An array of emotions surged within them—excitement, resolution, and a hint of doubtfulness.

"Having imparted these insights, we now set forth on our journey to the Profound Sword Palace," Elder Yu Hui stated with conviction. His words echoed in the hallowed room like a church bell resounding throughout the night. In response, faint murmurings rose from among the disciples that showcased their passion and desire for the great world of cultivation.

Amidst the steady droning of conversation, a thunderous voice suddenly toned out. Startled silence filled the room as all eyes followed a beckoning finger pointed skyward. "Look! What is that?" The inquiry reverberated through the crowd, filling their ears with anticipation.

Caught off guard, everyone swiveled in unison to the direction indicated. Even Luo Tian gazed upwards, eager to find out what this mysterious apparition could be.

A gust of wind heralded its approach, and soon a dark figure emerged against the azure horizon. With each passing second, it grew larger and more distinct. As murmurs began to spread like flames throughout the assembled masses, the atmosphere was laden with tension.

A wave of anxiousness ran through the group of disciples as they debated on what could lay ahead of them.

"Could it be a fearsome beast?" said one, his voice carrying an unmistakable hint of dread. Beside him, another tried to bring some comfort. "Fear not. We have the backing of esteemed deacons and even an inner court elder of the profound sword palace. Even if it's a formidable creature, they can vanquish it or at least drive it away."

Luo Tian felt a smirk tugging at his lips. 'Fools,' he thought as his gaze traveled over the approaching figure. It was obvious fact that no fierce beast lurked in the city, beasts would only be found in desolate area, no areas with mass human activities like cities—the faint outline of man-made structure made that much clear. He watched with intrigue as the shadowy figure gradually approached them, looming before them like a giant from a distant realm.

He remained unconvinced of the escalating speculation on what was approaching. Although the majority of the onlookers were seized with a dumbstruck fear, his exclusive cohort of astute minds still refused to concede that it was a ravenous being.

As seconds dwindled and the seemingly miniscule blot grew ever nearer, their sharp perceptions continued to discount any notion of a hostile menace. Until, as if overnight, everything changed. The object's transformation from a blip on the horizon to an easily discernible figure was marked by hushed whispers morphing into raucous shouts of realization. In unison, the group beheld this presence with newfound understanding—it wasn't a wild animal, but something else entirely.

As they inched closer, the contours of the gargantuan object came into view. The intricate details on its framework left everyone mesmerized. A gasp of astonishment echoed throughout as those who were once hesitant embraced the sight before them. They were transfixed by its colossal grandeur.

A massive wooden boat with billowing sails floated against the blue sky. Drawing back the sun-golden clouds, the lines of its construction gleamed like stars and moons. Carvings that shined as brightly as any constellation ran across the entire length of the boat, rendering it more beautiful than even the most graceful cloud or finest bird. The silklike sails were woven from threads that shone like the Milky Way on a summer night, which was manipulated by celestial artistry into shapes so complex they defied human comprehension. In this stately vessel, crafted with care over the years, lived those who had dedicated themselves to studying each and every weighty word in volumes of profound crafting techniques and memorizing every majestic movement in ancient crafting manuals. The emblem of the Profound Sword Palace proclaimed its origin, and its sails, woven from silken threads of the heavens, billowed gracefully.

The boat materialized in front of Luo Tian, an ethereal blur that seemed to form from the mist. Its presence exuded an aura of transcendence, as if plucked from the pages of legends. Figures dressed in robes that mirrored the shifting hues of the sunset adorned the deck -- a living tableau against the backdrop of heaven. The caress of gentle breeze carried faint whispers of enchanting music and incense smoke as it drew closer. Luo Tian could see glowing symbols etched into the vessel's surface that pulsed with otherworldly light, adding to its enigmatic allure.

Luo Tian's heart quickened in the face of this breathtaking spectacle, his eyes transfixed on the shimmering outline. Rumors of the Profound Sword Palace's grandeur had reached his ears, but nothing had prepared him for this sight. It was as if he had stumbled into a surreal world where everything was possible and anything could happen.

"This is a flying artifact," Luo Tian murmured softly in wonderment, his gaze transfixed upon the grand and majestic sight before him. He had only heard stories of such artifacts prior to this moment, but seeing it fill the sky with its majesty made it all the more awe-inspiring. The other disciples chosen to partake in this journey were equally surprised, many from esteemed cultivation families yet even they had only encountered a description of these vessels through tales and hearsay.

It was then that everyone present realized just how prestigious these airborne artifacts truly were. A shining symbol of status within the world of cultivation, none could deny the magnitude and grandeur of the vessel now decorating the sky atop them. Nothing could match the sheer beauty that lay before their eyes.

Consider the context: the Quilong Kingdom, they were currently in, was an expansive mortal realm that spanned thousands of miles.

The Quilong Kingdom was truly vast, sprawling across thousands of miles like some great beast that had no end in sight. But within the grandness of its boundaries, there was something missing: wonders and marvels that one would expect from such a large land. No magical creatures or dazzling landscapes—nothing to suggest any kind of enchantment other than its sheer size.

Within its realm, a menagerie of cultivation families lived and toiled together, commanding supernal power. Among these, the royal family—the ruling authority of the Quilong Kingdom—maintained a subtle equilibrium, vigilantly monitoring all activities of the other families. An unuttered truth had been whispered between them since long ago: if all of the cultivation families were to ever unite and turn their gaze toward toppling the royal family's rule, their combined power could easily accomplish it.

However, such prospects for rebellion never came to fruition. The powerful cultivators amongst them were wise in understanding that even if they were victorious in overthrowing the Quilong Kingdom, another far greater force would be waiting behind the throne. The Profound Sword Palace was an entity whose might was unrivaled. It loomed behind the monarchy like a specter from antiquity, its influence stretching throughout all aspects of life.

An uncomfortable truth reigned unspoken—the royal family of the realm operated as a mere marionette to the strings of the Profound Sword Palace. This immemorial sect held control over multiple kingdoms, forming an intricate hierarchy that enabled them to direct affairs without any overt interference. Their secret power enabled the palace to select monarchs at their discretion, while their esteemed disciples—inducted both from the outer and inner courts—held a high authority that overruled even royalty. So profound was this influence, that kings offered homage to these disciples out of respect, knowing full well the might that lurked in the depths of the palace.

"This is a flying artifact, a floating cloud Ark," Luo Tian's ears buzzed with Elder Yu Hui's explanation, his voice resonating with a mixture of gravitas and assurance. He was introducing him and the other disciples to the concept of the flying artifact, an airborne vessel known as the Floating Cloud Ark. This dazzling creation represented the dawn of their new lives as cultivators. Luo Tian's mind raced with visions of this ethereal ark traversing through the heavens - a majestic tool reserved for momentous occasions like the disciple acceptance ceremony in which they had just taken part.

"Time to go," Elder Yu Hui announced, skillfully taking off and landing on the ark, his movements effortless and graceful. The deacons followed suit, mimicking his finesse.

...

The newly selected disciples stumbled forward, their steps weighted with a dizzying mix of apprehension and excitement. They formed a single line, their feet slowly crunching against the wooden walkway as they marched closer to the waiting Ark. With each step, Zhang Ying felt she was getting closer to something greater, the air here felt a hundred times better than anything she could ever imagine. 

At last, they reached the grand deck of the Ark and settled in to await instructions. Now surrounded by other young men and women - some accompanied by their deacons or elders - Zhang Ying felt the anticipation in the air mount until it seemed to be shimmering around them. Curiosity and intrigue swirled through the atmosphere, and combined with the vibrant energy of youth created an electrifying buzz that was almost palpable.

As the disciples stepped onto the giant Ark, they were astounded by its size and beauty. The golden-hued vessel was encrusted with jade and lapis lazuli, their regal colors glowing in the afternoon sun. Its grand appearance commanded reverence, as did Elder Yu Hui who stood before them, his disposition calm yet stoic. He began to explain the significance of this vessel—the ritual occurring here wasn't exclusive. It was part of a larger network, one whose reach extended much further than any of them could imagine.

The truth slowly dawned on them as he went on—their homeland was only a speck in this greater domain that belonged to the Profound Sword Palace. It was a revelation that left them in awe, expanding their horizons and showing how vast this hidden realm truly was.

Elder Yu Hui's patience shone through as he addressed their questions and dispelled confusion. He wielded understanding like a guiding light, illuminating the mysteries of their new reality. The Elder's benevolent demeanor, informed by the discovery of promising talents amongst the disciples, cast a positive tone over the explanations. He seemed unburdened by the minor role of elucidating the ceremony's mechanics, focusing instead on the potential that lay ahead. 

The Elder spoke in a soothing voice, "Settle in and make yourselves at home. Do not hesitate to ask the servant disciples for anything you need." His words of comfort were met with thankful smiles and greetings as the young disciples began to engage in conversations, connecting for the first time.

Elder Yu Hui then signaled to Zhang Ying, who gracefully stood and followed him towards the group of figures gathered around a tall pillar. They made their way through the hall until they reached an intricately carved door that led them into a grand open ceiling hall, the view of the whole deck filled with disciples was visible from here.

...

… 

Author Note: in two to three chapters at most, the atmosphere and complexities of the profound sword palace, one of the capture targets, as well as the system would be revealed. 

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