Chapter 15: Entrance Ceremony
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The next day, in an area of the sect, a group of disciples was gathered, waiting for the sect master to arrive.
Today was the admission ceremony for those who had successfully passed the trial.
Everyone in the crowd was eagerly anticipating the start.
After all, they were about to be officially welcomed into the Phoenix Sect, one of the best sects in the Long Empire.
The admission rate each year in the sect was so low that if someone managed to enter successfully, it was certain they would have a bright future.
Even if one didn't achieve great results, just being able to enter the sect was considered a significant achievement because it meant you were a notch above the rest.
Ethan, standing in the middle of this group of people, couldn't help but compare them to a group of frenzied fans who were happy to have gotten tickets to their favorite stars' concerts.
Of course, this didn't apply to everyone.
There were some, like him, who maintained their composure, but as for the rest of the group, they continued to chatter excitedly.
After waiting for another quarter of an hour, the crowd finally quieted down.
A small group of people, young and old, walked slowly towards the stage.
Once on the stage, they lined up, leaving the center empty, which was filled by another person who came up last.
Ethan, seeing who it was, couldn't help but say,
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"It's the woman from that night."
He had recognized her immediately, and how could he not, since the woman had left a deep impression on him that time.
He didn't expect the famous master of the Phoenix Sect to be her.
'I actually met the sect master, and what's more, I was invited to join directly by her,'
he thought, surprised and at the same time a little proud of having attracted the attention of such a being.
Feng Huang, now finally in front of the new disciples, looked at them for a moment.
Her gaze paused for a moment on Ethan, but then moved on.
In the end, seeing that everyone seemed to be there and had finally calmed down, she spoke:
"Good morning, everyone.
I am Feng Huang, the current master of the Phoenix Sect.
Today, the elders of the sect and I are gathered here to welcome you to the sect.
Each of you is here today not by chance or luck, but because you possess the potential and determination to walk the path of greatness," she said, addressing the crowd.
"Our sect is built on the pillars of wisdom, perseverance, and unity.
For centuries, the Phoenix Sect has flourished, rising from the ashes of adversity to soar to new heights.
This resilience is not just a characteristic of our symbol, but a quality that each of us must embody.
In the coming years, you will face numerous challenges.
The path of cultivation is arduous and full of obstacles, but it is also incredibly rewarding.
You will encounter trials that will test your determination, your Dao heart, and your ability to work together as a united group.
Today is only the beginning of your journey.
Every step you take will bring you closer to realizing your true potential.
As you progress, always strive to learn and grow, not only as cultivators but also as individuals," she said, pausing to see if everyone had understood.
Seeing the passionate gazes of some disciples and the looks of others trying not to cry, she internally complimented herself for her eloquence and then continued.
"This year, several of you have stood out in the three exams, and I hope that those who haven't had the chance yet will have the opportunity to do so in the near future.
Each of you will now receive a robe indicating that you are members of our sect, and along with the robe, you will be given the sect's rulebook and the number of your lodgings, where you will reside from now on," she said, and with a final line, concluded her entrance speech, leaving the elders of the sect to take care of the rest.
The disciples all lined up and gradually received the materials they were given. Ethan didn't know if it was fate or just a coincidence, but once again he was the last in line.
In no time, everyone had finished collecting their things and dispersed to find their lodgings.
Ethan had just learned that the sect was divided into three areas, starting from the outermost area, which was where the sect's outer disciples and workers lived.
Then there was the inner area of the sect, where the core disciples resided, as well as the elders and the sect master.
Ethan wasn't surprised by this arrangement.
He was sure it was designed to encourage the outer disciples to work harder and the inner ones to maintain their positions.
As they say, a little healthy competition never hurts.
At this moment, Ethan was in the outer area of the sect and was standing in front of the doors of a small building.
"So, this is my lodging?" he asked himself, moving closer to knock on the door.
Inside, he heard some footsteps, and after a moment, the building's door opened, revealing the figure of a tall boy who looked at who had knocked.
The boy was thin, very thin, and tall.
'What the hell did his parents feed him to make him grow so much?' he wondered as he looked at him.
Ethan was 179 cm tall, which was a bit above average, but in front of this boy, he couldn't help but feel a bit smaller.
The boy, noticing who was outside the door, examined him, and seeing the robe in his hand, opened his eyes as if he had realized something.
"Oh, you must be the newcomer, right?" he asked.
"Yes, I'm Ethan, nice to meet you," Ethan said.
"Ethan, what a strange name. Well, nice to meet you. I'm Da Shu."
'Da Shu? And he has the nerve to say I have a strange name, tch, young people these days,' thought Ethan, shaking his head internally.
"Come on in, I'll show you around," Da Shu said, entering, followed by Ethan.
And so, his life as a disciple finally began.
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FRANK_LEE_JUNIOR:
Well, I'd say it's time to ramp up the plot.
The initial introduction is over, so it's time to get into the heart of the novel.
I hope you've enjoyed the novel so far.
As always, don't hold anything back and let it all out in the comments section.