Chapter 40: Arrival of the Elders and Grand Elders

What made this place particularly special was that it was open to Outer Court, Inner Court, and Core Disciples alike, although access was generally permitted only on special occasions.

As a result, whenever an important event took place, disciples from all three courts would gather here, filling the grounds with excitement and anticipation.

Not far from the Azure Battle Grounds was another venue known as the Azure Death Grounds.

Unlike the former, which hosted various competitions and ordinary duels, this place was reserved exclusively for life-and-death duels, where the participants fought with their lives on the line.

The Azure Battle Grounds was enormous, resembling a colosseum in some ways, though its overall design was distinctly different. Its magnificent architecture and imposing structure made it a breathtaking sight.

Rather than being built on ordinary land, the entire arena occupied a mountain peak, with vast stands and an expansive central arena carved into the landscape.

From a distance, the entire peak seemed to have been transformed into a colossal venue dedicated to battles and competitions.

By now, the Azure Battle Grounds was packed with spectators and participants alike. Almost all the Outer Court disciples had already taken their places in the audience, leaving only those who would participate in the selection behind.

Excited chatter filled the stands as everyone eagerly awaited the beginning of the event.

Quite a few Inner Court disciples had also arrived to witness the selection of the new Inner Court disciples. Of course, only those who had enough free time and weren’t occupied with their own cultivation or other responsibilities could attend.

Unlike the Outer Court disciples, who had gathered in large numbers, the Inner Court disciples had more duties to attend to.

As for the Core Disciples, only a handful could be seen among the audience. Most of them couldn’t be bothered with a competition meant for Outer Court disciples.

Their interests usually lay in more challenging events, such as battles between Inner Court disciples or life-and-death duels. Besides, being Core Disciples came with far greater responsibilities, leaving them with little time to waste on events they considered ordinary.

"Look! It’s Elder Selena!"

"Wow! She’s actually here! She looks so beautiful!"

"I want to become her personal disciple!"

The moment her name was mentioned, countless gazes turned toward a woman dressed in an elegant yellow dress.

Her long silver hair flowed gracefully behind her, complementing her stunning features and graceful bearing. Her beauty was on the same level as Xialyn’s, captivating the attention of nearly everyone who laid eyes on her.

Although she wasn’t a Grand Elder, Selena Strom was famous throughout the sect for both her formidable strength and her charm. She was also the elder sister of Victor Strom, a name familiar to many disciples.

Under the admiring gazes of the crowd, Selena made her way toward the elevated seats reserved for the Elders and settled into one of them. Three seats beside hers remained empty, awaiting the arrival of the other Elders.

"Look! Elder Rowan is here as well!"

"Damn! If only I could become his disciple! I’d have a chance to become a great sword cultivator!"

Another figure had appeared, immediately drawing the attention of the aspiring sword cultivators among the audience.

He was a middle-aged-looking man dressed in the blue robes of an Elder. His face was calm, with sharp, well-defined features that gave him a dignified appearance.

However, what truly distinguished him was his overwhelming aura, which was noticeably more imposing than Selena’s.

Elder Rowan was renowned for his exceptional swordsmanship and profound mastery of the sword. Although he wasn’t the greatest sword cultivator in the sect, he was still an exceptionally powerful and highly respected figure.

Countless disciples who dreamed of walking the path of the sword hoped to receive his guidance one day.

After taking his seat beside Selena, Rowan closed his eyes, seemingly indifferent to the excitement surrounding his arrival.

"Look! Elders Kenji and Shin are here!"

Everyone turned toward the two newcomers, their expressions revealing a mixture of curiosity and respect.

Elder Kenji and Elder Shin were twin brothers whose appearances were remarkably similar. Both had aged considerably, their long white beards and moustaches reflecting the passage of time.

Dressed in the blue robes of Elders, they carried themselves with the composure of seasoned powerhouses.

Among the Elders, they were considered the strongest after the Grand Elders. Their strength and experience had earned them immense respect throughout the Azure Sky Sect, and their arrival further heightened the anticipation surrounding the selection.

With all the Elders finally present, the atmosphere across the Azure Battle Grounds grew even more lively.

Soon, a man stepped onto the arena. He surveyed the enormous gathering before him, his gaze sweeping across the packed stands and the assembled participants.

Taking a deep breath, he infused his voice with Spirit Energy, ensuring that every word he spoke would reach even the most distant corners of the Azure Battle Grounds.

"Everyone, welcome to the Azure Sky Sect’s Inner Court selection!"

The man standing in the arena was an Assistant Elder, dressed in the familiar blue robes of the sect’s Elders. However, unlike the others, a yellow band was wrapped around his arm, marking his position as an Assistant Elder.

His name was Elder Leo, a well-known figure within the Azure Sky Sect who frequently hosted important events and competitions.

Thanks to his experience, he knew exactly how to capture the audience’s attention and keep the atmosphere lively. He continued, his Spirit Energy-infused voice echoing throughout the enormous arena.

"Now that our respected Elders have arrived, let us welcome two more esteemed figures before we proceed any further with today’s event!"

He paused briefly, allowing the anticipation among the audience to build before announcing loudly,

"Please welcome Grand Elder Aveline and Grand Elder Eleanor!"

The moment those words left Leo’s mouth, countless heads turned toward the sky.

Two graceful figures had appeared above the Azure Battle Grounds, immediately drawing the attention of everyone present.

One of them was dressed in an elegant pink dress, her familiar breathtaking beauty captivating countless gazes. It was none other than Aveline Amoria, who looked as enchanting as ever. Her long hair flowed gently in the breeze, and a soft smile adorned her beautiful face.

However, unlike her usual cheerful expression, there was something noticeably different about her smile today.

Although she was trying to maintain her usual composure, the smile didn’t quite reach her eyes, as her thoughts were still occupied by Someone.

Beside her stood Grand Elder Eleanor Rime, the Leader of the Azure Sky Sect’s Disciplinary Hall.

Unlike Aveline’s gentle and approachable appearance, Eleanor carried an entirely different charm. Her stunning features were accompanied by an expression as cold and indifferent as ever, while her dignified bearing naturally commanded respect.

Even without deliberately releasing her aura, her presence alone was enough to make many disciples and elders feel intimidated.

The two Grand Elders remained in the sky for only a brief moment before their figures suddenly disappeared.

In the next instant, they reappeared before the highest elevated seats overlooking the arena and gracefully took their places.

**

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