At this moment, the Fire-Gold Sect was alive with activity; streams of people surged toward a single direction as if all rivers flowed into the sea.That direction led to the place where the sect held its various events and contests—also known as the Sect Plaza.In the center of the plaza now stood, not yesterday’s arena, but a three-meter-high dais, upon which two figures had already appeared.One wore her hair tied back, her immortal bearing ethereal, her features clear and cold like a snow lotus atop an iceberg.The other’s eyes shone like meteors; his bearing handsome and graceful, a warm smile on his face that felt like a spring breeze brushing the cheeks.Above them, the sun hung high, slowly reaching the zenith.Suddenly, a fiery red stream of light shot down from the edge of the sky like an urgent envoy, landing squarely on the dais.When the light faded, Luo Tiangan stepped forth from within, standing firmly atop the platform.At his appearance, a majestic, formidable aura radiated outward, sweeping through the crowd.Facing those below, Luo Tiangan opened his mouth, his voice carrying unassailable authority.“Master-acceptance ceremony, begin now!”No sooner had he spoken than the assembled crowd, led by several who began the cheers, joined in a roaring tide of applause.Luo Tiangan scanned the multitude before him, nodded silently, then turned and solemnly addressed the pair before him.“I, Luo Tiangan, will take you two as my disciples!” His tone was fierce, brooking no dissent.At this crucial moment, Fang Qing and Gu Yuan remained equally solemn and replied in unison.“I, Fang Qing (Gu Yuan), will accept Luo Tiangan as my master!”What followed was the oath segment—endless affirmations of vowing to be dutiful disciples and to be worthy masters in turn.Only after the lengthy vows did Luo Tiangan announce the conclusion of the ceremony.Hearing this formal declaration, Fang Qing and Gu Yuan exchanged a glance that said the same: these vows truly were a mouthful.With that mutual understanding, they parted their gazes and awaited the next proceedings.Once the announcement was complete, Luo Tiangan transformed back into a flame-colored stream of light and shot skyward, leaving the dais.After he departed, Fang Qing and Gu Yuan walked down the steps side by side, one on the left, the other on the right.Before they reached the ground, a male voice called up from the crowd.“I am Li Xing. I have heard of your great reputations and wish to spar briefly—would you consent?”Fang Qing looked down at Li Xing, sword in hand, thinking how quickly the challenge arrived.Gu Yuan gazed at Li Xing, composed, and cupped his ⊛ Nоvеlιght ⊛ (Read the full story) fist.“Brother Li, if you wish, of course.”“Excellent—then let us fight!” Having spoken, Li Xing leapt in an arrow-step to stand on the nearby arena.Gu Yuan leaned close to Fang Qing and murmured, “I will go first,” then lightly stepped onto the platform.Seeing Gu Yuan’s movement, Fang Qing descended the dais and watched their duel.The other disciples, sensing Fang Qing’s aloof aura, dared not approach. Previously she had been a mere newcomer; now she was the sect leader’s disciple, a wholly different status—and far more intimidating.…In a corner of the distant crowd, a lithe youth turned to the elegant young man before him.“Senior Ren, shall I challenge them?”Ren Yongnian smiled as he watched Gu Yuan battling Li Xing and shook his head.“No need.”“But—” the youth began, only to be cut off by Ren Yongnian.“I will approach them personally later.”At Ren Yongnian’s words, the youth immediately fell silent. In his mind, if his senior chose to handle it, there must be reason.…Meanwhile, Gu Yuan, having been further trained by Master Mo, displayed even greater prowess. In just a few moves, he defeated Li Xing, famed for his Flowing Fire Sword technique.Though Li Xing’s role was somewhat staged, the victory still demonstrated true strength. Li Xing’s stunned expression showed it wasn’t mere performance. He had not given his all—but he had not taken it lightly either—yet was still bested in a handful of moves. Despite the element of surprise, it proved that young Gu Yuan indeed possessed formidable talent.After defeating Li Xing, Gu Yuan called out from the arena in a clear voice, “Is there anyone else who wishes to spar? Today I welcome all challengers.”Fang Qing allowed a faint uplift of her lips. So old Gu is still so boastful—this certainly wasn’t part of the original plan. Well, let’s see how strong you really are now.As Gu Yuan’s invitation rang out, several volunteers emerged at once—some genuine contenders, not just plant-in challengers—forcing Gu Yuan into a gauntlet of bouts.…After a fierce series of matches, Gu Yuan emerged undefeated, though his performance had visibly declined. This was only natural: among his challengers were many who truly tested him, not merely planted sparring partners.Seeing Gu Yuan grow fatigued, Fang Qing knew her moment had arrived.With a graceful leap, she appeared on the arena.She swept her gaze across those gathered, drew out Wu Qian, and declared haughtily, “He’s tired. Challenge me instead—I accept every one.”At that moment, Yu Hui—who had come to observe—heard this and immediately produced a Memory-Capture Stone, ready to record Fang Qing and Gu Yuan’s “love story.”Those with the intent to challenge, seeing Gu Yuan’s labored breaths, all agreed to Fang Qing’s proposal. After all, even if they defeated him in his current state, it would carry little meaning.Thus came Gu Yuan’s exit from the arena, making way for Fang Qing’s wheel-of-fate battles. Once off the platform, Gu Yuan felt a weight lifted from him. After all, he trusted Fang Qing’s strength—if she took the field, he needn’t return.Thinking thus, he rested and watched Fang Qing’s crisp, efficient combat form.Then, a feminine voice suddenly sounded at his side.“Brother Gu.”He turned to see Jiang Monian before him. Since she was a familiar face, he responded.“What is it?”Jiang Monian stared directly at him, fists clenched, and asked slowly, “Brother Gu, do you like Sister Fang?” Her voice trembled, as if the question had cost her great effort.Her question stunned Gu Yuan. He had not expected this timid-looking girl, at first meeting, to open with such a question.Seeing him remain speechless, Jiang Monian panicked and hastily added, “If you don’t want to say, that’s fine—I don’t mind.”At those words, Gu Yuan recovered. He looked at Jiang Monian, sorry in his heart, yet without hesitation replied aloud, “Like? I’m not sure. But I do know that I wish to accompany her going forward. If we were to part halfway, I might find it hard to accept.”No sooner had he spoken than Jiang Monian fled in terror, as if encountering her natural enemy.(Recently I’ve felt inexplicably off—I wonder if I’ve caught a cold?)

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