The chapter opens with the scene where the last one ended—Shaurya sitting alone in a quiet corner, a gloomy shadow over his face. His inner thoughts echoed in silence until a familiar voice broke through.
"Leader Shaurya, are you alright?" came the concerned tone of the City Lord.
Shaurya glanced up, startled, and immediately composed himself. With a quick shift in expression, he stood up, brushed off his robe, and walked toward the City Lord with a casual smile. "Yeah, yeah, City Lord. I'm completely fine. Just thinking about some sect matters."
The City Lord nodded, but his expression was serious. "Well, Leader Shaurya, I have something to ask you."
Raising an eyebrow, Shaurya replied, "Yes, City Lord? What is it? Feel free to ask."
After a short pause, the City Lord, with a hint of nervousness, said, "I wish to recommend someone to your sect."
Shaurya's face shifted to confusion. "Recommend who?"
Looking slightly embarrassed, the City Lord replied, "My daughter."
The words dropped like a thunderbolt. Shaurya froze. Nearby, Wang Tian and Luo Chen, who were standing idly, widened their eyes in disbelief. Muo Qian and Su Quan, not far off, glanced at each other.
"Looks like something important is going on," Muo Qian said, her gaze fixed ahead.
Su Quan nodded. "Yes, should we go check it out?"
Muo Qian gave a single nod and walked toward the group, with Su Quan following her.
Meanwhile, the City Lord continued, "I want my daughter to join your sect. I hope you'll accept this request."
Shaurya's face remained blank and unreadable. The City Lord misread it and thought to himself, Looks like Leader Shaurya doesn't like the idea...
But before his thoughts could deepen, Shaurya suddenly burst out with a grin, rushing forward and hugging the City Lord tightly.
"City Lord! City Lord! I don't have the words to express this joy. You don't know—you've solved a major worry of mine!"
Everyone around stood stunned—Muo Qian, Su Quan, Wang Tian, Luo Chen... even the City Lord.
Realizing his sudden burst of emotion, Shaurya cleared his throat and stepped back, coughing awkwardly. "Sorry, City Lord. I got a little too excited."
The City Lord blinked, confused. "I don't understand, Leader Shaurya. Why are you so happy about this?"
Shaurya thought to himself for a moment and replied, "Well, City Lord, I was trying to complete a personal mission. I needed to recruit 100 disciples to fulfill my first goal, my first hundred disciples. I already got Su Quan... and now your daughter makes it 100!"
Without wasting a second, he pulled out a disciple recruitment form from his robe and handed it to the City Lord. "Please have your daughter fill this. Quickly!"
The City Lord chuckled and said, "There's no need to wait. She's already here."
"Daughter, come out."
From behind a curtain, a young girl emerged. She appeared around 18 years old, dressed in a flowing red robe. Her snowy white hair shimmered under the sunlight, and her silver eyes sparkled like twin moons. Her skin glowed like polished diamond, capturing everyone's attention as she walked gracefully forward.
She bowed gently. "Xu Ran greets Master."
Shaurya handed her the form, which she filled out without hesitation.
System Notification:
> Congratulations, Host! Mission Completed: Recruit 100/100 Disciples.
Shaurya clenched his fists to stop himself from leaping in joy. Internally, he was bursting with excitement.
System Update:
> Sect Level Up: Level 1 → Level 2 New Features Unlocked: Lottery of Luck
Rewards:
1. 10x Spin Wheel
2. Flying Spiritual Ship
3. Major Cultivation Level Up
4. Sect Guardian Formation (Protects from cultivators up to Golden Vein Stage)
5. 100 Dharma Points
Shaurya's heart raced. These are insane rewards! I finally did it!
He exhaled and composed himself. Now only one thing remains... the competition. But I trust my disciples. They'll win.
The City Lord smiled. "Thank you, Leader Shaurya, for accepting my daughter."
Shaurya replied with calm dignity, "I'm always happy to accept disciples—regardless of their cultivation level or family background. What I value most... is character."
The City Lord was visibly impressed by those words. His respect for Shaurya grew even deeper.
After parting ways, Shaurya handed Xu Ran her sect uniform and a few cultivation techniques to help her progress.
"She's already at Qi Refiner Level 2," he noted inwardly. As expected from a City Lord's daughter.
---
As night fell, Shaurya sat outside, gazing up at the stars. Tomorrow is the competition... A big opportunity to spread my sect's name. We must win.
---
Next Morning
Shaurya stood proudly in front of his five disciples: Wang Tian, Muo Qian, Luo Chen, Su Quan, and Xu Ran.
"Let's go and win this competition!" he declared.
All five shouted in unison, "Yes, Sect Master!"
---
The venue was grand—twice the size of two cricket stadiums. The energy buzzing in the air was electric. The arena was surrounded by pavilions decorated with spiritual emblems and flags.
Back at the Sanatan Flame Sect's, Elder Wu stood before a hall of gathered disciples.
"The competition is about to begin," he announced. With a swipe of his spiritual ring, he summoned a virtual projector that displayed the stadium's live broadcast.
The disciples leaned in, eyes full of anticipation.
Then, on screen, Shaurya appeared.
He walked in style, dressed in a white robe, wearing stylish black sunglasses. Behind him followed his five disciples—each walking with discipline and pride.
Excitement erupted.
"They have arrived! It's Master Shaurya!"
In the crowd, Xiao Rui pointed. "Hey, look! There are two new faces with Master."
Another disciple whispered, "They must be new recruits."
Elder Wu chuckled. "Sect Master told me if he got the chance, he would recruit disciples here. Looks like he did."
Meanwhile, Shaurya tried to keep his cool swagger, but inwardly, his nerves were kicking in. So many people... this stadium is massive... this is the first time I've stepped into something like this.
But he didn't show it. He kept walking with confidence.
A voice boomed across the stadium.
"Gentleladies and gentlemen—or whatever you are—prepare yourselves! The grand 50 Disciples Competition... BEGINS!"
---
To be continued...