Chapter 63: Senior Sister

Within the Divine Firmament Hall, Xu Lingfeng and the other five elders sat cross-legged in a row. Seated below them were the Task Hall elder, and several other elders unfamiliar to Shen Qingyun. The Grand Elder, Chang Kong, stood before them with his hands clasped behind his back, his expression solemn as he gazed at Shen Qingyun. It was not only he; the elders standing behind him also wore grave expressions.

Shen Qingyun approached and offered a slight bow. “Disciple Shen Qingyun pays respect to Teacher and all the elders.”

Chang Kong nodded and spoke, “Shen Qingyun, are you prepared to become my personal disciple?”

Shen Qingyun first nodded, then shook his head.

Seeing this, Chang Kong’s brow furrowed imperceptibly as he transmitted his voice directly to Shen Qingyun, “You have all the explanations you seek. For now, cooperate with me and complete the investiture ceremony. Whatever you wish to discuss, wait until the other elders have left.”

Shen Qingyun raised an eyebrow—was this an indirect admission? Noticing Shen Qingyun’s silence, Chang Kong spoke again, “Shen Qingyun, I ask you once more—are you ready to become a true disciple?”

Shen Qingyun glanced at Chang Kong, meeting the elder’s insistent look, and the corners of his mouth lifted as he nodded. “This disciple is ready.”

Shen Qingyun’s acquiescence allowed Chang Kong to breathe a heavy sigh of relief. Today’s ceremony was centered on him; had he refused to cooperate, it would have been impossible to conclude it smoothly.

Chang Kong continued with the ritual, declaring in a solemn tone, “To be a true disciple is not only to enjoy its privileges, but also to lead your peers forward, to serve as an example to your fellow disciples, to guide them and nurture their cultivation. Are you prepared to shoulder these responsibilities?”

The solemn atmosphere of the Divine Firmament Hall took Shen Qingyun’s thoughts back a thousand years, to the year when, filled with ambition, he had competed through many trials and finally claimed the title of true disciple. Now, the same scene unfolded before his eyes, making him cast aside all other identities and take himself, if only for a moment, as a disciple of Cangyun Sect.

“I am ready in all respects, and will not betray the trust the sect has placed in me!” Shen Qingyun replied solemnly.

His earnestness took Chang Kong by surprise, but his willingness to cooperate put his worries to rest. The ceremony proceeded smoothly. Chang Kong brought forth a square jade token the size of a palm. After Shen Qingyun dripped a drop of blood onto it, the token was cast into the air. It transformed into a golden radiance that flew out of the Divine Firmament Hall, hovering above the assembled disciples outside, radiating brilliant light. Within the golden glow, the words appeared: “True Disciple: Shen Qingyun!”

Chang Kong’s voice echoed from within the hall: “From this day forth, Shen Qingyun is a true disciple of Cangyun Sect!”

Outside, the many disciples bowed together, their voices rising in unison with thunderous momentum: “We congratulate Senior Brother Shen on ascending to new heights!”

The sound carried into the great hall, and even the ever-stern Chang Kong allowed a small smile to surface.

Shen Qingyun could feel it too; within the resounding chorus was a marvelous intent, as if the karmic force of the world itself, carrying infinite power. Only someone like Shen Qingyun, an Emperor standing above all beings, could sense such a force, absorb it, and make it his own.

As he absorbed the power of countless disciples’ prayers, Shen Qingyun’s aura became mysterious and unfathomable. Even Chang Kong, closest to him, perceived this subtle transformation—an imperceptible pressure emanated from Shen Qingyun, a pressure that felt potentially lethal.

Yet the collective prayers of Cangyun’s disciples were ultimately limited; the change came quickly and faded just as fast. After a few breaths, Shen Qingyun returned to normal.

Behind Chang Kong, Xu Lingfeng and the other five elders looked at Shen Qingyun in amazement. For a brief moment, they had the illusion that Shen Qingyun had vanished into thin air.

The jade token once again transformed into golden light, flying back into the hall and landing in Chang Kong’s hand. He handed it to Shen Qingyun. “This is your identification token. Henceforth in Cangyun Sect, this token represents your identity. It is of utmost importance.”

Shen Qingyun accepted the token and replied, “Yes, Teacher.”

The elders seated below rose first and approached Shen Qingyun, each offering him their salutations—a gesture of unprecedented warmth.

Chang Kong watched all this without a word, as though this were perfectly natural. After these elders had finished their greetings and departed, it was Xu Lingfeng and the remaining four elders’ turn. Xu Lingfeng stepped forward first. “Qingyun, my Bamboo Peak is proud to have you.”

Then came congratulations from Xie Yuan of Pill Hall, the Array Peak master, and Yan Gu’s Huo Qing. Finally, it was Bai Yiran’s turn. To be honest, seeing her again, Shen Qingyun still felt a bit awkward. The first time they met, she had mistaken him for the protector of the Qiao sisters. Upon learning his true identity, her reaction must have been quite something.

Now, as he looked at her, he saw her expression was also somewhat peculiar. She stepped before him but said nothing.

Was she waiting for him to speak first?

Well, no matter. If he had to speak, so be it.

Shen Qingyun cupped his fists. “Disciple greets Elder Bai!”

Bai Yiran said nothing. Instead, it was Chang Kong who spoke, and his first words made Shen Qingyun’s expression freeze.

“You should address her as Senior Sister,” Chang Kong said.

Stunned, Shen Qingyun turned to Bai Yiran, who nodded at him in confirmation.

His expression grew even more bemused. Qiao Xinran and Qiao Xinyu were Bai Yiran’s disciples, and Bai Yiran was, in name, his senior sister. Which meant his relationship with the Qiao sisters…

It seemed things were getting a bit complicated!