Far from Cangwu City, deep within a certain region of the Cangwu mountain range.
The Sword Cloud Manor rose from the mountain peaks like a celestial palace, its white stone walls gleaming against the backdrop of azure sky.
Towering pagodas pierced through drifting clouds, and cascading waterfalls fed into terraced gardens that seemed to float in mid-air.
As their flying sword descended toward the outer courtyards, Shi Jing couldn't help but feel impressed despite himself.
The sheer scale of the complex dwarfed even the Ming estate—this was truly the seat of a major cultivation power.
"Magnificent, isn't it?" Chen Lian said, noting his expression.
"The Sword Cloud Manor has stood for over thousands of years."
Their sword touched down on a platform of polished jade, where several groups of young disciples were gathered.
The moment Chen Lian's feet touched the ground, every head turned in their direction.
"Senior Brother Zhou, look," one disciple whispered, not quite quietly enough.
"Elder Chen brought someone with him."
"Who is that kid?" another muttered. "He doesn't look older than thirteen or fourteen."
A tall youth with sharp features and an air of superiority stepped forward from the largest group.
His robes bore the silver trim of an outer disciple, and his cultivation aura marked him as Ninth Stage Body Tempering.
"Elder Chen," the youth bowed respectfully, but his eyes remained fixed on Shi Jing with obvious curiosity.
"This junior Zhou Kang greets you. Might I ask who this young friend is?"
Chen Lian smiled thinly.
"This is Shi Jing, a new recruit to our manor. He is highly recommended by esteemed Ming Feng."
"Highly recommended?" Zhou Kang's eyebrows rose.
"Strange, I don't recall hearing about any recruitment examinations recently. And for Elder Chen to personally escort him..."
The implication hung in the air. Either this unknown youth had extraordinary backing, or is someone of outstanding talent.
"Perhaps," Zhou Kang continued with a practiced smile, "This junior could help assess our new brother's capabilities? After all, we wouldn't want him to be placed inappropriately."
Here it comes, Shi Jing thought, recognizing the classic setup.
A senior disciple wanting to establish dominance over the newcomer.
Other disciples began gathering around, sensing entertainment.
Some looked eager for a show, others seemed genuinely curious about the mystery recruit.
"Brother Zhou is wise," another disciple chimed in. "We should ensure our new junior can keep up with manor standards."
Chen Lian's expression remained neutral, but Shi Jing caught the slight glint in his eyes.
The elder was clearly not opposed to this arrangement.
Just then, a second figure approached—another outer elder with iron-gray hair and stern features.
"Elder Wang," Chen Lian greeted with a smile.
"Chen Lian," Elder Wang replied, his gaze sweeping over the gathered disciples before settling on Shi Jing.
Elder Wang and Chen Lian were both similar in status, despite the former being at the Early-Stage of Wandering Sea.
"I see you've brought another fresh blood. Though he seems rather... young."
"Age is just a number, Elder Wang. Talent matters more," Chen Lian replied mysteriously.
Zhou Kang seized the opening.
"Exactly my point, Elder Chen. Perhaps we could have a friendly spar? Nothing serious, just enough to gauge his foundation."
The crowd of disciples buzzed with interest.
Several more outer disciples had joined the group, even some inner disciple stopped by to watch the show.
Shi Jing noted their cultivation levels ranging from Sixth body tempering, up to Qi-Refinement.
The age of these disciples are varied, clearly, some had been in the manor longer than others, hence the diverse cultivation.
Elder Wang stroked his beard thoughtfully. "A reasonable suggestion. Competition breeds excellence, after all."
So they're not going to intervene, Shi Jing realized, shaking his head in helplessness.
Even without going out of his way to find trouble, trouble find its way to him.
"What do you say, Junior Jing?" Zhou Kang's smile had an edge to it now.
"A simple exchange of pointers between fellow disciples?"
Shi Jing looked around at the expectant faces.
More importantly, he could feel the calculating gazes of both elders.
They wanted to see what he is capable of.
"Senior Brother Kang is too kind," Shi Jing replied calmly, his voice carrying easily across the platform.
"This junior would be honored to receive guidance."
A murmur of approval rippled through the crowd. At least the newcomer had proper manners and wasn't a coward.
Zhou Kang's smile widened. "Excellent! Don't worry, I'll be gentle."
As the two youths faced each other, Elder Wang leaned closer to Chen Lian.
"Interesting… He doesn't seem to have much inner qi fluctuations."
"Appearances can be deceiving," Chen Lian replied quietly, his eyes fixed on Shi Jing with anticipation.
Zhou Kang drew his sword with a flourish, the steel ringing as it cleared the scabbard. "Ready, Junior Brother?"
Shi Jing's hand moved to his own sword hilt, but he paused.
Around them, disciples had formed a circle, their faces eager with anticipation.
"Actually," Zhou Kang said, his voice carrying a hint of mockery, "perhaps swords are unnecessary. After all, you're just here to learn, right?"
The implication was clear—Zhou Kang was confident enough to face this unknown recruit barehanded.
Several disciples chuckled at the obvious slight.
A few looked uncomfortable with the display of arrogance, but none spoke up.
So that's how it is, Shi Jing thought, releasing his sword hilt.
"As Senior Brother wishes," he replied evenly.
Zhou Kang's inner Qi flared, his Ninth Stage Body Tempering strength pressing down on the platform.
Several younger disciples took involuntary steps back, giving him some space.
"Don't hold back now," Zhou Kang said, cracking his knuckles. "Show me what makes you so special that Elder Chen would personally—"
His words cut off as he leaped forward, his fist aimed directly at Shi Jing's chest.
The attack was fast—faster than most Body Tempering cultivators could follow.
Zhou Kang's movement technique was clearly refined, his form perfect.
Unfortunately, he faced Shi Jing.
With his peak Qi-Refinement cultivation as well as the Peak-Mastery of his sword art, isn't this simply asking for a beating?
No, asking for a beating was saying it lightly.
This Zhou Kang must be courting death!