Once he arrived, the Heart Clone released all the disciples and their families from the spatial fold in his palm, gently depositing them at the massive wide-open gate of the Abode of the Sky.
Twenty beautiful puppets—elegant, lifelike female figures crafted from shimmering essence—immediately stepped forward, bowing gracefully as they began guiding the newcomers inside.
The disciples and their families stood stunned for a long moment, still processing the shift to this impossible place.
They had been in a garden one second, and now they were here—surrounded by towering marble gates, floating crystal lanterns, and air so rich with essence that every breath felt like drinking pure vitality.
The puppets wasted no time, leading each family group toward their assigned living quarters with polite, efficient grace.
Vera and her parents were among the first to enter their room.
The moment they stepped inside, their jaws dropped.
The "room" was larger than their entire house back home—high ceilings, wide windows overlooking floating gardens, a private courtyard with blooming spirit flowers, luxurious furniture that seemed to adjust to their preferences, and walls that glowed softly with warm light.
Vera's mother covered her mouth in disbelief.
"This… this is just one room?"
Xinxuan's family, used to the grand accommodations provided by the Xing Nation leader, was less shocked by the sheer size but completely floored by the level of luxury—every detail was flawless, elegant, and alive with subtle essence.
The other disciples and families reacted the same way—wide eyes, hushed whispers, and stunned silence as they realized this single room alone surpassed anything they had ever seen.
After settling everyone in, the puppets spoke in soft, harmonious voices.
"If you need any information, simply ask us. You are free to roam the fortress as you wish. From tomorrow, the disciples will begin training with Master. Until then, rest, explore, and make yourselves at home."
The disciples felt a surge of excitement at the mention of tomorrow's training—finally, real cultivation under a powerful master.
Their families shared the joy, proud and hopeful for their loved ones.
Some parents quietly hoped that Master might one day extend a little guidance to them as well, even if only the basics.
The disciples and their families began asking questions—about the fortress, the rules, the daily life—and the puppets answered everything patiently and clearly.
Then, under the puppets' gentle guidance, they started to explore.
They walked through vast training grounds with gravity vyuhas and elemental pools, strolled across floating gardens where spirit flowers released calming fragrances, and passed incomprehensible wonders—living star maps on ceilings, corridors that shifted to fit their mood, and fountains that flowed upward into misty pools.
With every breath they took, they felt refreshed—ten times more invigorating than normal air, yet never overwhelming, as though the essence was perfectly tuned to their bodies.
Their minds stayed calm, clear, at ease, free from stress or fatigue.
They didn't even realize they were in space—the fortress was filled with powerful vyuhas that perfectly replicated Earth's environment: blue sky overhead, gentle wind, warm sunlight, even flowing water generated from collected universe traces of the water element.
Ankit's comprehension of water had reached peak level—only a breath away from perfection—so even in the vacuum of space, the fortress could summon and sustain rivers, lakes, and humidity with effortless precision.
The puppets also gave clear warnings as they guided the groups.
"There are four places you must never enter: the very top of the fortress, the basement, outside the main gate, and the special room near the training ground. Do not go near them. Master has forbidden it."
They offered no further explanation—only a firm, respectful command.
They also pointed out the kitchen hall—a vast, open space large enough for thousands, filled with dozens of puppets that make any food imaginable, hot and fresh at any hour.
The disciples and their families nodded seriously, already feeling the weight of living under a master whose rules were absolute.
As they continued exploring, whispers of awe and quiet laughter filled the halls.
This was no longer just a fortress.
It was their new home—a place of wonders, cultivation, and a future none of them had ever dared to dream of.
And tomorrow, the real training would begin.