The Last Immortal's Blade

chapter 8 The Gates of the Eternal Dao Sect

The first light of dawn painted the sky in hues of gold and crimson, casting a warm glow over the vast valley that stretched before Su Xuan. The rolling hills were blanketed in a sea of mist, their peaks rising like islands in a tranquil ocean. The air was crisp and carried the faint scent of blooming flowers and damp earth, a refreshing contrast to the oppressive darkness of the forest he had just left behind.

In the distance, the Eternal Dao Sect rose like a mountain of stone and jade, its towering gates and intricate pagodas gleaming in the morning light. The sect’s architecture was a marvel to behold, with sweeping roofs adorned with dragon motifs and walls engraved with ancient runes that pulsed faintly with spiritual energy. The entire complex seemed to hum with power, a testament to the countless generations of cultivators who had trained within its walls.

Su Xuan stood at the edge of the valley, his gaze fixed on the sect. Even from this distance, he could feel the immense spiritual energy radiating from it, a palpable force that seemed to beckon him forward. His Nytheris Oculus, though dimmed to avoid drawing attention, allowed him to see the intricate web of energy that surrounded the sect—a protective barrier woven from the combined power of its disciples and elders.

As he began the final leg of his journey, he noticed other travelers on the road. They were young men and women, their faces filled with determination and hope. Some walked alone, their expressions focused and resolute, while others were accompanied by mentors or family members who offered words of encouragement. The road was alive with chatter and the occasional burst of laughter, a stark contrast to the solitude Su Xuan had grown accustomed to.

One group in particular caught his attention. A young man, no older than eighteen, was speaking animatedly to a girl who appeared to be his sister. "This is it, Mei! The Eternal Dao Sect! Can you believe it? We’re finally here!"

The girl, Mei, smiled nervously. "I just hope we make it through the trials. They say only one in a hundred candidates is accepted."

"Don’t worry," the young man said confidently. "We’ve trained for this. We’ll make it together."

Su Xuan observed them silently, his Nytheris Oculus revealing the faint glow of their auras. They were strong, their spiritual energy well-honed, but there was an innocence to them that made him pause. They reminded him of himself, once—before the tragedy that had shaped him into the man he was now.

As he continued walking, a burly man with a broadsword slung across his back bumped into him, nearly knocking him off balance. "Watch where you’re going, kid," the man growled, his voice dripping with disdain.

Su Xuan turned to face him, his expression calm but his Nytheris Oculus flickering faintly. The man’s aura was aggressive, tinged with arrogance and a hunger for power. He was the type who saw others as obstacles to be crushed rather than allies to be respected.

"My apologies," Su Xuan said evenly, though his tone carried an undercurrent of warning.

The man sneered. "You think you’re tough, huh? Just another brat trying to prove himself. Well, let me tell you something—this isn’t a place for weaklings. You’d better turn back now before you get hurt."

Su Xuan’s gaze hardened, but he said nothing. He had no interest in engaging with someone so blinded by their own ego. Instead, he stepped aside and continued walking, leaving the man to glare at his retreating back.

The road grew busier as he approached the gates of the sect. A line of hopeful candidates had already formed, their faces a mix of excitement and nervousness. Su Xuan joined the line, his expression calm and composed. His Nytheris Oculus, though dimmed, still glowed faintly, the runic patterns within his iris a subtle reminder of the power he wielded.

As he waited, he noticed a young woman standing a few paces ahead of him. She was tall and slender, with long black hair tied into a braid that reached her waist. Her robes were simple but well-made, and she carried herself with an air of quiet confidence. She turned slightly, her sharp eyes scanning the crowd, and for a moment, her gaze met Su Xuan’s.

There was something in her eyes—a flicker of recognition, as if she sensed something unusual about him. But she said nothing, and Su Xuan remained impassive, his Nytheris Oculus hidden beneath a veil of calm.

The gates of the Eternal Dao Sect loomed larger with each passing moment, their intricate carvings depicting scenes of legendary battles and ancient heroes. The sheer scale of the structure was awe-inspiring, and even the most confident candidates couldn’t help but feel a sense of reverence as they stood before it.

Finally, a figure emerged from the gates—a tall, imposing man dressed in the robes of a sect elder. His presence commanded immediate respect, and the chatter among the candidates died down as he raised a hand for silence.

"Welcome, aspirants," the elder said, his voice deep and resonant. "You stand before the gates of the Eternal Dao Sect, a place where only the strongest and most determined may enter. The trials you are about to face will push you to your limits. Only those who prove themselves worthy will earn the right to call themselves disciples of the Eternal Dao."

The elder’s gaze swept over the crowd, his eyes sharp and discerning. When his eyes met Su Xuan’s, they lingered for a moment, as if sensing something unusual about him. But he said nothing, and Su Xuan remained impassive, his Nytheris Oculus hidden beneath a veil of calm.