Supreme Master: Cultivation Starts After Recruiting SSS-Grade Talent-Chapter 56 - Grand Assembly

All three now looked directly at Lan Yue.

Though she stood still, there was an aura about her that hadn’t faded, a soft, silvery light that flickered at her back like moonlight through clouds.

Sect Leader Yong stepped forward and gave a respectful nod. "Congratulations, Daoist. That tribulation was not one often seen. Your strength is evident."

Tower Master Lewei offered a kind smile. "A beautiful breakthrough, and at such a young age, too."

Sect Leader Luan chuckled, his voice deep and approving. "The first tribulation sets the tone for the path ahead. If this is how you begin, I can’t wait to see what heights you’ll reach. Clearly, you’re no ordinary genius."

Though Lan Yue didn’t recognize any of their faces, she returned their respectful gestures with a calm nod.

"Thank you for your kind words," she said softly.

After that, she didn’t speak much, but her presence was like a still lake, quiet yet deep. Even among leaders of respective sects, she didn’t appear overwhelmed.

If anything, she seemed untouchable, like a distant moonlight one could see but never reach.

"Fellow Daoist Lan Yue," said Sect Leader Yong of Thunder Manor, his tone pleasant but curious, "Seeing you’re acquainted with Sect master Su, will you be attending the upcoming Evergreen Grand Assembly?"

Lan Yue tilted her head slightly. "Grand Assembly?"

The words clearly didn’t mean anything to her. A flicker of confusion passed through her eyes.

For a moment, an awkward silence hovered in the air. Several cultivators glanced at each other, unsure how to respond.

But Su Jie quickly stepped forward, his voice steady and smooth. "Daoist Lan Yue is currently a guest of my Red Lotus Sect. She won’t be participating."

At that, a few elders let out soft sighs of disappointment.

"That’s unfortunate," someone murmured behind Sect Leader Luan. "With a talent like her, our side would’ve had a real contender."

Another elder nodded in agreement. "Just her presence might’ve changed the tide."

Lan Yue arched an eyebrow, mildly interested. "So... what is this Grand Assembly?"

Her innocent question caught several elders off guard. There was a noticeable pause before Tower Master Lewei spoke.

"You’re... not from Evergreen City?" she asked gently. "I recall Sect Master Su mentioned you were a guest."

Lan Yue shook her head. "No, I’m not from here."

"Then, if I may ask..." Sect Leader Luan said carefully, "Which sect do you belong to, Fellow Daoist?"

Su Jie perked up slightly at the question. Come to think of it, he hadn’t asked her that either. With everything that had happened, it had slipped his mind.

Lan Yue answered plainly, "Taishan Sect. It’s located in the northern regions."

The moment she said the name, the surrounding cultivators exchanged uncertain glances.

"Taishan...?" Sect Leader Yong repeated slowly, brows furrowing. "Forgive me, but I don’t believe I’ve heard of that sect before."

"Neither have I," said Tower Master Lewei, her curiosity deepening. "To raise a Nascent Soul cultivator so young... that must be a powerful sect."

Their eyes drifted to Su Jie, silently questioning if he had more insight. But he could only shrug and shake his head with a helpless smile. "We only met recently."

"Perhaps it’s one of those hidden sects," Sect Leader Luan suggested thoughtfully. "Some lineages keep to themselves. They don’t like to mix with the greater cultivation world."

"Likely a grand one," Sect Leader Yong added with a nod.

Lan Yue gave a faint, almost wry smile. "Grand might be... a little generous."

She didn’t say more. There was no need to explain that her sect was no different from ruins. They had no elders, no legacy techniques, and only four members now in addition to Su Roulan.

Tower Master Lewei gave a soft cough, gently steering the conversation back on track. "As for the Evergreen Grand Assembly... It’s a tradition here in the city. Held once every five years, it’s a friendly gathering of the major sects and clans. Disciples get a chance to spar, share techniques, and show how far they’ve progressed."

She smiled kindly, the faint scent of medicinal herbs lingering around her robes.

"It’s not just about competition," Sect Leader Yong added, stroking the thin streaks of white in his beard. "The event also helps keep balance among the sects. When all powers gather, we see who’s rising, and who’s fallen behind."

Sect Leader Luan, who had remained quiet for a time, exchanged a glance with the others before stepping forward., "Well, that’s how it’s already been. However, this year’s Grand Assembly will be... a little different."

Lan Yue turned her gaze toward him, calm but attentive.

Luan took a deep breath. "The Mystic Frost Sect has issued an open invitation. Every sect and power in Evergreen City has been called to participate. According to them, it’s a sign of unity. But in truth... they intend to use the Assembly as a show of strength."

He crossed his arms, voice lowering slightly. "Their goal is simple: they want to dominate this region. Not through diplomacy, but by defeating every other sect in open combat. If they win, they’ll claim leadership over the cultivation world here."

When the name "Mystic Frost Sect" was spoken, a subtle change passed over Lan Yue’s face. Her brows drew together, just slightly. She didn’t speak right away.

Instead, her eyes drifted toward Xie Ren.

Noticing the shift, Su Jie and the others followed her gaze with mild curiosity.

Xie Ren returned her look without a word and gave a small nod.

Lan Yue’s lips curved into a faint, knowing smile. She turned her attention back to the others. "It seems we are destined to meet the Mystic Frost Sect again."

Sect Leader Luan blinked. "Destined...? I’m afraid I don’t follow."

"There’s some history," Lan Yue replied. "Let’s just say... there’s unfinished business between us."

They all appeared confused, wondering what her business was with the mystic frost sect.

She paused, then looked toward Su Jie. "Since we’re already here, why not join your Grand Assembly?"

Then, like ripples spreading outward, a wave of reactions followed. The sect leaders and elders visibly relaxed. Smiles broke across faces, and a few nodded in clear approval.

"With you joining, Daoist Lan Yue, this Grand Assembly may finally challenge the Mystic Frost Sect’s arrogance," Tower Master Lewei said with a spark of excitement.

"We’re honored," Sect Leader Yong added sincerely. "Your presence will surely shift the tides."

Lan Yue responded with a polite nod, her expression composed. She neither boasted nor downplayed her strength; there was no need.

Polite chatter followed. A few asked what cultivation path she followed, others offered small compliments on her performance during the tribulation.

As the gathering slowly broke apart, the elders began to leave in small groups, drifting off on clouds and flying swords.

One by one, the visiting cultivators cupped their fists and bid farewell before vanishing into the mist or flying off on their swords.

As their auras faded into the distance, only a few remained on the cliff.

Su Jie turned to Xie Ren, brows furrowed with concern.

"Little friend... I must speak honestly. With your disciple participating, Mystic Frost may not take this kindly. It’s dangerous, she should have refused their invitation."

"Don’t worry," he said lightly. "In the first place, we came here to settle a small matter with the Mystic Frost Sect anyway."

Su Jie’s eyes widened slightly. "You... came for them?"

Xie Ren’s smile didn’t fade. "Mm. Just tying up some karmic strings."

...

It had been several days since the sky-splitting thunder tribulation had shaken the heavens and stirred the city’s foundation. Yet now, Evergreen City was livelier than ever.

The streets bustled with travelers from across the land. Disciples from minor sects, robed elders with long beards, rogue cultivators bearing scars and pride, and sleek envoys representing powerful clans, all poured into the city like a tidal wave.

Some sought recognition. Others searched for insight or inspiration. And, as always, there were those who simply came to profit, selling pills, spirit tools, or even rumors in dark alley corners.

With the Grand Assembly approaching, anticipation buzzed in the air like static before a storm.

As honored guests in the Red Lotus Sect, Xie Ren and his group were each given their own private courtyards within a quiet compound in the sect.

Su Roulan and Lan Yue, both fresh from their breakthrough into the Nascent Soul realm, had locked themselves away in silent meditation.

Within the secluded chambers of their courtyards, ethereal lights occasionally flickered behind closed windows, evidence of qi refinement and soul consolidation in progress.

And as for Xie Ren, he was enjoying life.

At the moment, he lay stretched out on a wide lounge chair in the middle of his sunny courtyard. One hand rested behind his head, the other lazily dangling over the armrest.

A wide-brimmed spirit bamboo hat shaded his face as dappled sunlight filtered through the crimson leaves of the maple trees above.

The breeze was soft, warm, and scented faintly with blooming star jasmine.

On his chest, the little fairy lounged just as comfortably, wearing a similar tiny hat she’d conjured with illusion arts. 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

One leg crossed over the other, her wings twitching occasionally as if basking in sunlight.