Thousands of miles away, within the ethereal halls of the Jade Lotus Palace Sect, a sense of triumph hung in the air.
Xia Qingwu, her heart brimming with elation, emerged from the trial grounds. The grueling test of her skills and determination had finally yielded its reward: she was now a Core Disciple of the Jade Lotus Palace!
A radiant smile lit up her face as she was greeted by her senior sister, Liu Xue. "Congratulations, Junior Sister!" exclaimed Liu Xue, her voice ringing with genuine joy. "You did wonderfully in the trials. We all knew you had the potential, but you truly outshone yourself today."
Xia Qingwu's cheeks flushed with a hint of pride. "Thank you, Senior Sister," she replied, her voice warm. "I couldn't have done it without your guidance and support."
The two sisters strolled hand-in-hand through the bustling streets of the inner palace, their laughter echoing amidst the vibrant stalls laden with treasures.
As a reward for her advancement, Xia Qingwu received a hefty stipend, a spacious chamber within the Core Disciple quarters, and most importantly, the privilege to select a cultivation technique and a martial technique from the Jade Lotus Palace's vast repository – the Jade Scripture Pavilion.
Their first stop, fueled by a shared sense of giddy excitement, was the Pavilion of Exquisite Threads.
As a newly minted Core Disciple, Xia Qingwu was entitled to a brand-new set of robes befitting her status. Rows upon rows of shimmering silks in every conceivable color awaited their appraisal.
Liu Xue spent a considerable amount of time draping Xia Qingwu in various gowns, each one more exquisite than the last. Finally, they settled on a dress crafted from moonlit silver silk, shimmering with an otherworldly elegance.
With their shopping spree complete, they embarked on a more serious mission – the selection of the cultivation and martial techniques.
The Jade Scripture Pavilion, nestled within the heart of the Jade Lotus Palace, was a revered place, its walls lined with countless scrolls containing ancient knowledge passed down through generations.
Xia Qingwu, her brow furrowed in concentration, scanned the meticulously classified scrolls.
Her focus, thanks to Wang Li's prior instructions, was on techniques suitable for her metal-attributed spiritual roots. Finally, her eyes landed on two scrolls that resonated with her spirit.
The first was the "Heavenly Star Breathing Technique," a rare and coveted art.
Legend spoke of its ability to refine one's spiritual energy with unparalleled intensity, making it ideal for offensive and defensive maneuvers.
The second, a martial technique titled "Seven Star Sword Art," was a fearsome swordsmanship style known for its swiftness and lethality.
These techniques, with their emphasis on precision and control, perfectly complemented Xia Qingwu's already formidable fighting style.
After obtaining copies of the scrolls, Xia Qingwu and Liu Xue walked out of the pavilion, excitement bubbling within them. Their cultivation journeys had just taken a significant leap forward.
As they strolled through the pristine gardens, a female disciple came to approach them and informed them, "Senior Sister Xia, Senior Sister Liu, we came to inform you about the information you wanted. A disciple from the fallen Stone Mountain Sect is attempting the sect's recruitment trials!"
This news piqued the curiosity of both Xia Qingwu and Liu Xue.
Ever since receiving a communication talisman from Wang Li, they had been on the lookout for any survivors from the destroyed sect.
The talisman, imbued with Wang Li's spiritual essence, contained a clear message: "If you encounter a former disciple of the Stone Mountain Sect who witnessed the sect's destruction, initiate contact and send me a communication talisman immediately."
"We have to see this," declared Liu Xue, her eyes sparkling with purpose. "Maybe this new arrival holds some answers about what truly transpired at the Stone Mountain Sect."
Without hesitation, the two Core Disciples made their way towards the recruitment arena.
There, under the watchful eyes of several Jade Lotus Palace instructors, stood a young woman, nerves etched on her face. Her name was Mao Caiwei, a former disciple of the Stone Mountain Sect.
As Mao Caiwei showcased her skills, demonstrating proficiency in both cultivation and combat, Xia Qingwu and Liu Xue exchanged a knowing glance.
They could sense a flicker of determination within Mao Caiwei, a yearning for a new beginning after the devastation of her old sect.
The moment the trial concluded, Xia Qingwu and Liu Xue approached Mao Caiwei, their smiles warm and welcoming.
"Congratulations on your successful trial, Mao Caiwei," Xia Qingwu said, extending a hand in greeting. "We're both Core Disciples of the Jade Lotus Palace, and we wanted to introduce ourselves to you."
Mao Caiwei, initially taken aback by the sudden attention from two core disciples, returned the handshake with a hint of trepidation.
Xia Qingwu, sensing her apprehension, continued. "We heard you were from the Stone Mountain Sect. Perhaps..." she hesitated, "perhaps you witnessed the events that led to the sect's destruction?"
Mao Caiwei's eyes widened in surprise. Xia Qingwu's words confirmed a suspicion that had been gnawing at her ever since the news of the Stone Mountain Sect's downfall.
"Y-yes," she stammered, her voice barely a whisper.
Realizing the gravity of the situation, Xia Qingwu and Liu Xue exchanged another look. This was bigger than them.
With a determined nod, Liu Xue drew a communication talisman, its surface shimmering with an ethereal glow.
Liu Xue channeled her spiritual energy into the talisman, her voice echoing within its magical confines. "Wang Li," she spoke, her voice laced with urgency, "We have found a disciple of the Stone Mountain Sect, one who witnessed its destruction firsthand."
Without further delay, Liu Xue activated the talisman. A burst of light erupted, propelling it skyward like a shooting star. It would carry their message across mountains and rivers, finding its way directly to Wang Li.
With the message sent, they turned their attention to Mao Caiwei, who stood before them, a mixture of confusion and apprehension clouding her features.
Xia Qingwu stepped forward.
"Welcome, Mao Caiwei, to the Jade Lotus Palace sect," she greeted, her voice warm and welcoming. "Now that you've successfully passed the entrance trials, it's time to take advantage of all that this sect has to offer."
Xia Qingwu gestured towards the various buildings scattered around the serene grounds. "The Pavilion of Exquisite Threads offers a vast selection of robes, each reflecting the prestige of our sect. You are entitled to choose a set that suits your style."
Her voice then took on a more practical tone. "The Jade Scripture Pavilion houses countless cultivation techniques, categorized by difficulty and discipline. As a new outer sect disciple, you are permitted to choose one basic technique to aid you on your path."
"Furthermore," Xia Qingwu continued, leading Mao Caiwei towards a different building, "the Alchemy Pavilion dispenses various cultivation resources, including medicinal pellets that can enhance your cultivation speed."
Mao Caiwei listened intently, her initial surprise morphing into a hesitant understanding. This wasn't quite how she expected her first day at the Jade Lotus Palace to unfold. But the sincerity in their eyes, combined with the authority they exuded as Core Disciples, made it difficult to question them.
However, just as Mao Caiwei felt a sense of gratitude begin to bloom, Xia Qingwu made a further suggestion that caused her nerves to jangle once more.
"After you've settled in and familiarized yourself with the facilities," Xia Qingwu said, a faint smile playing on her lips, "would you care to accompany us to a location outside the sect?"
Mao Caiwei's eyes widened. This sudden invitation sent a jolt of unease through her. Here she was, a mere outer sect disciple, being propositioned by two powerful Core Disciples to venture beyond the sect's protective boundaries.
Was this part of some initiation ritual? Or perhaps something more sinister?
Sensing Mao Caiwei's apprehension, Liu Xue stepped forward, her tone soothing. "We understand your hesitation," she assured. "But we want to be upfront with you. We aren't here to harm you or take advantage of you."
"There is a man," Xia Qingwu added, "who is deeply interested in the events surrounding the destruction of the Stone Mountain Sect. He seeks the truth about the so-called 'demon' who was responsible for the sect leader's death and the devastation that followed."
A flicker of recognition played across Mao Caiwei's face. This explained a lot. While the news of the Stone Mountain Sect's downfall had reached the Jade Lotus Palace, the details remained shrouded in mystery.
Now, it seemed, someone was actively trying to uncover the truth.
Relief washed over Mao Caiwei, but a flicker of suspicion lingered. "Why me?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "Why do you want me to speak with this man?"
Xia Qingwu placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Because you, Mao Caiwei, were there," she said gently. "You witnessed the events firsthand. Your testimony is vital in uncovering the truth."
"We aren't forcing you," Liu Xue added, her voice filled with sincerity. "But by sharing your experience, you can help bring closure and perhaps even justice to those who perished in the attack."
Mao Caiwei remained silent for a moment, processing their words.
Looking into Xia Qingwu and Liu Xue's sincere eyes, she took a deep breath. "Alright," she said, her voice gaining strength. "I will tell you everything I know."
Xia Qingwu and Liu Xue exchanged a relieved smile. They had found their witness.
"Let's get you settled in first," Liu Xue offered, gesturing towards the outer sect residence. "We can then bring you to the Xia Family Manor, where you can share your story with this man."
As Mao Caiwei followed them through the pristine halls of the Jade Lotus Palace, a sense of cautious hope blossomed within her. She wasn't sure who this man investigating the attack was, but for the first time since the fateful day, she felt a glimmer of hope for justice.