While the White Eagle monster beast flew high in the sky, Mei noticed five mountains standing close to each other. On top of the tallest mountain was a large establishment, and she could see many people gathered outside it.
Yang Kai smiled when he saw the large establishment. Memories from his youth, when he had been a disciple of the Martial Mountain House, came rushing back to him. He glanced at Mei and said.
"Third Young Lady, the establishment atop that mountain is the High Mountain Point Branch of the Martial Mountain House. Once you pass the opening ceremony, you will join this branch."
Mei smiled and nodded, and Yang Kai continued speaking.
"The people gathered outside the establishment are those who wish to attend the opening ceremony and become disciples of the Martial Mountain House."
After hearing Yang Kai's explanation, Mei nodded her head in understanding.
"Hold tight, Third Young Lady. We will be descending now."
Mei tightly held onto Yang Kai's back while he gently patted the White Eagle monster beast twice.
The White Eagle monster beast released a sharp screech as it soared down from the sky, descending toward the Martial Mountain House.
At the sound of the White Eagle monster beast's screech, the crowd outside the Martial Mountain House froze and gazed skyward.
"WHOOSH!"
A sudden, powerful gust of wind swept in all directions, hurling the people outside the Martial Mountain House away as if they were mere leaves.
With a graceful sweep of its wings, the White Eagle monster beast touched down in front of the Martial Mountain House. Yang Kai held Mei tightly as they both landed softly on the ground.
Yang Kai's head turned at the sound of approaching steps, a smile spreading across his face as he saw who it was.
"Well, well… if it isn't Kai! Long time no see, brother."
Yang Kai threw his head back and burst out in joyful laughter.
"HAHAHA, Ming! I heard about your promotion to Inner Elder and your breakthrough to the Earth Spirit Knight Realm—truly impressive! Keep working hard and the main sect might notice you soon."
Ming chuckled and shook his head. He looked about the same age as Kai, with an ordinary face, sharp eyebrows, brown eyes, a tanned complexion, and a muscular build.
He wore a simple black robe, plain sandals, and the emblem of an Inner Elder of the Martial Mountain House pinned to his chest.
Kai then started introducing Mei to him.
"Ming, I'd like you to meet the Third Young Lady of the Yang family."
Mei offered Ming a charming smile and respectfully cupped her fist.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Elder Ming. My name is Yang Mei."
Ming chuckled and shook his head.
"No need for formalities, Third Young Lady. Kai is my sworn brother. If you ever need help, don't hesitate to come to me."
Mei nodded her head politely.
"Thank you senior Ming."
Ming calmly took two badges from his space ring and passed them to Mei. One badge was black, while the other shimmered with a light blue color.
"You must be here for the opening ceremony, Third Young Lady, am I right?"
Mei responded with a smile and nodded her head again.
Ming took out a scroll from his pocket and scanned through the names. He soon smiled after spotting Mei's name on the list.
"Good, you are registered for the opening ceremony. Put on the blue badge; the ceremony will begin in ten minutes."
"Keep the black badge with you. If you run into trouble in the future, you can use it to contact me. I will teach you how to use it after the opening ceremony."
Mei gave Ming a grateful look and cupped her fist politely.
"Many thanks, Elder Ming."
Ming waved his hand dismissively and said.
"You're welcome, Third Young Lady. It would be wise to begin meditating to calm your mind before the ceremony begins. I hope everything goes well for you."
Mei nodded, bidding farewell to Ming and Kai before turning and walking away.
Ming then glanced at Kai, who was watching Mei's retreating figure with eyes full of worry.
He placed a hand on Kai's shoulder and said warmly.
"Relax, Kai. This is the path your Patriarch and your Third Young Lady have chosen. All we can do now is wish her the best of luck."
Kai gave a heavy sigh before nodding.
A broad smile spread across Ming's face as he said.
"I recently obtained a jar of Three Fruits Spiritual Wine. How about we share a drink? It has been a long time since we last drank together."
Kai burst into laughter, tossing his head back with a nod. Side by side, he and Ming strode toward the Martial Mountain House and stepped inside.
_______
Ten minutes later
Mei sat in a secluded corner before the Martial Mountain House, legs crossed, eyes gently shut, her breath slow and steady.
Mei was deep in meditation when faint footsteps drew near. Slowly, she opened her eyes and met the gaze of a girl her age.
Mei raised her elegant eyebrows at the girl and asked.
"Is something the matter?"
A shy giggle escaped her lips as she replied.
"Sorry if I'm being a bother; it's my first time leaving home, and I'm a little nervous."
"I heard the opening ceremony is dangerous… I'm honestly worried I could end up dead."
Mei gave small smile and nodded her head.
"I see, I am Yang Mei, the Third Young Lady of the Yang family."
The girl gave Mei a charming smile before introducing herself.
"I am honored to meet you, Lady Yang. I am Zhi Ye of the Zhi family."
Yang Mei smiled at Zhi Ye and nodded her head.
Zhi Ye possessed a delightfully cute, almost cherubic round face, her features soft and delicate, radiating a youthful grace that drew the eye. Her large, mesmerizing azure eyes shimmered like the clearest morning skies, perfectly framed by elegantly arched eyebrows that suggested both poise and a hint of playful mischief. Light blue hair cascaded down her back in silky waves, catching the light with an ethereal, almost otherworldly glow. Her finely shaped nose and cherry-like lips added to the harmonious charm of her visage, completing a face that seemed sculpted for gentle admiration. She moved with effortless elegance, her long, slender legs lending a graceful flow to her every step, while the gentle curves of her figure imbued her presence with warmth and softness, making her simultaneously striking and approachable.
Before the two could continue their conversation, a booming voice erupted, reverberating in every direction.
"All participants registered for the opening ceremony must gather immediately, wearing their badges on their chests. No badge means no entry, so anyone without one should leave now."
After hearing the instructions, everyone placed the blue badge on their chest and gathered in front of the Martial Mountain House entrance.
Standing at the Martial Mountain House entrance were three elders: a middle-aged woman and two middle-aged men.
The two male outer elders wore white robes and simple sandals, with their outer elder badges pinned firmly to their chests.
They all had average-looking faces, but one of them stood out with a bald head, sharp eyebrows, piercing brown eyes, and a lean, muscular build.
The other was a short, middle-aged man with wavy black hair, sharp eyebrows, piercing black eyes, pale skin, and a lean, muscular physique.
The middle-aged woman wore a flowing red robe that draped elegantly around her frame, the fabric catching the light with subtle hints of movement as she shifted. Her long black hair fell straight down to the middle of her back, smooth and glossy, framing her face with a gentle contrast. She had an unassuming, average-looking face, yet her large black eyes stood out, deep and expressive, giving her a quiet intensity that hinted at unspoken thoughts. Her figure was modest and ordinary, blending naturally with the surroundings, yet there was an air of calm composure in the way she carried herself.
Strapped securely to her back was a long, gleaming sword, its polished blade hinting at both elegance and deadly precision, moving with her as she walked with quiet confidence.
The short outer elder cast a cold, piercing gaze over those assembled before him and spoke.
"All of you, focus on what I am about to say. I hate repeating myself."
"We will now take you to the site where the opening ceremony will take place."
"Elder Shan will be inspecting your badges. If you have not received one, you must leave immediately. I don't care if your name was registered for the opening ceremony—do I make myself clear?"
A collective sigh of disappointment swept through many those present, and one by one, they started leaving.
Shan snorted in distain upon seeing this.
"Morons… do they honestly believe they can trick us?"
The bold outer elder smiled faintly and gave a casual shrug.
"I couldn't care less about those trash, and neither should you. We have work to do. That said, I am intrigued to see how many of those kids will survive the opening ceremony."
Shan and the short outer elder chuckled upon hearing his words.
He swiftly reached into his space ring, fingers brushing against the cool, polished metal. A faint, resonant hum filled the air, and with a subtle ripple a massive bronze ship appeared from thin air Infront of Mei and the others.
Mei raised her eyebrows in surprise when she saw the ship but she then realized what it was.
'Ah… so this is a flying artifact,' she murmured to herself, her eyes glinting with curiosity. 'I read about it in the Yang Book Pavilion. Such artifacts are exceedingly rare and outrageously expensive—so much so that even the Yang family couldn't hope to get their hands on one. How Fascinating…"
However, Zhi Ye and the others looked in awe at the flying artifact the hull shimmered with a burnished luster, catching the light in molten, fluid-like reflections that danced across its intricately carved sides. Towering masts reached skyward, adorned with ruins that hinted and great craftsmanship skills, while the deck seemed impossibly vast and elegant.
Shan ignored their shock expression and said.
"Listen up. One by one, you will enter the flying artifact. Anyone not wearing a badge will be removed immediately."
"Now step up, one by one."
Mei and the others stepped forward one by one as Shan meticulously examined each badge. When she was satisfied that everyone was wearing the badges, she nodded in approval, signaling to the other elders that the inspection was complete.
When Mei and the others stepped inside the flying artifact, their eyes filled with curiosity and they started looking around.
The three outer elders stepped inside. Ignoring Mei and the others completely and they swiftly began activating the artifact.
"WWWSSHHHH!"
The bronze ship began to levitate, its massive form trembling slightly, and then, without warning, it shot into the sky, vanishing from sight in a blur.
Yang Kai looked up at the sky after the bronze ship disappeared, sipping his wine with Ming, and let out a sigh.
'I wish you the best of luck, Third Young Lady.'
________