As they continued forward, the skies gradually grew busier until a vast city finally revealed itself ahead, floating between layers of clouds like a gate between worlds. What stood before them was Golden Leaf City, the only passage through which forces from the lower regions could step toward the middle and even glimpse the upper realms during the tournament cycle.

Every fifty years, envoys from higher regions descended upon this place, not out of courtesy but for selection, searching for talents worth taking away. The top three sects would earn the right to advance further, while the rest would remain below, watching the chosen ascend beyond their reach.

The moment their ship appeared within the city’s perimeter, the guards stationed along the outer formations froze in place, their expressions turning from routine vigilance to outright shock. The sheer size of the vessel alone was enough to draw attention, but what truly unsettled them was the name etched across its body—Celestial Origin Supreme Sect.

It was unfamiliar, yet carried a weight that felt almost offensive, as if claiming a position far beyond what any local force should dare to declare. Confusion spread instantly among the guards, mixed with unease, as none of them could recall such a sect ever existing within the lower regions.

Before the situation could escalate, a figure surged upward from within the city, his presence erupting with the unmistakable aura of the Nascent Soul realm. He approached swiftly yet without hostility, stopping at a respectful distance as he cupped his hands in greeting.

"Fellow Daoist, please follow me to the designated docking area," he said calmly, his tone polite yet measured, clearly masking his own curiosity.

Lin Xiao Tian rose from his seat, returning the gesture with equal composure, his expression relaxed as if such reception was only natural. "As you say, fellow Daoist, please lead the way."

The man nodded slightly before turning and flying toward the southern section of the city, guiding them across its vast expanse. As the ship moved through the airspace, countless gazes followed it from below, the streets gradually filling with murmurs and speculation.

The vessel was too refined, too imposing, and the name it bore too grand, clashing against the complete lack of recognition among the crowd. Some whispered of hidden forces, others of ancient sects returning, while a few simply watched in silence, unwilling to voice thoughts they could not confirm.

Lin Xiao Tian stood at the front, his hands clasped behind his back as a faint smirk appeared at the corner of his lips. Let them think, the more uncertain they are, the deeper the impression settles.

As the dock slowly came into view, several other massive ships were already stationed there, each belonging to one of the major sects of the region. Their leaders stood gathered at the front, their gazes lifting almost in unison as the frost-blue vessel descended.

As the ship slowly descended onto the dock, its massive frame casting a long shadow over the surroundings, the moment it stabilized the tension behind Lin Xiao Tian finally snapped. One after another, the disciples collapsed where they stood, dropping like ragdolls onto the deck, completely drained from maintaining the formation for so long.

Some lay flat on their backs staring at the sky, others didn’t even bother adjusting their posture, their limbs sprawled out without care as if even moving was too much effort. Lin Xiao Tian stood up from his seat and glanced around casually, his gaze briefly sweeping across the nearby ships before returning.

Compared to theirs, the surrounding vessels felt almost childish, both in scale and refinement, lacking even the faintest presence of true grandeur. From afar, the other sects had already begun observing them carefully, their expressions carrying a mix of caution, curiosity, and restrained hostility.

Lin Xiao Tian tilted his head slightly, glancing toward the horizon where the sun had already begun to sink, painting the sky in dim gold and fading crimson. He then turned back, his eyes landing on the exhausted disciples scattered across the deck like defeated soldiers.

He let out a soft sigh before speaking in a calm tone. "You have all worked hard this time, so I will reward each of you with ten thousand spirit stones to use as you wish."

His fingers brushed lightly against his storage pouch, his thoughts flowing naturally without the slightest disturbance.

I am merely safeguarding the rest for them; they are still too inexperienced and far too easy to mislead when it comes to resources.

Hearing his words, the disciples slowly stirred back to life, their exhaustion momentarily forgotten as they forced themselves upright one by one. Miao-Miao was the first to regain enough strength to speak, her eyes lighting up slightly despite the fatigue.

"Sect Master, then you will treat us to a proper meal tomorrow," she said directly, her tone carrying just enough boldness to test the boundary.

Lin Xiao Tian glanced at her briefly before nodding without hesitation, as if it was the most natural thing in the world. "Of course, since all of you have worked so diligently, a meal is only appropriate."

With that, he waved his hand lightly. "Go inside and rest, recover your strength properly, tomorrow we will move again."

The moment they entered the ship, their expressions changed instantly as they were met with an interior far beyond expectation. The space within was vast and refined, with elegant corridors stretching outward and individual rooms arranged with precision, each one radiating comfort and luxury.

The ship was clearly far larger inside than it appeared from the outside, its internal space layered with formations that expanded its capacity far beyond normal limits. Lin Xiao Tian glanced around briefly, a faint smirk forming at the corner of his lips.

Even if every ship in this region were gathered together, their total value would still fall short of even a fragment of this one.

Without lingering further, he entered his room, stepping into a space equally refined before dropping directly onto the soft bed without hesitation. The moment his body touched the surface, his consciousness faded instantly, slipping into deep sleep without resistance.

Inside the ship, silence gradually settled as the disciples retreated into their rooms, exhaustion finally overtaking them as calm replaced chaos.

Outside, however, the situation was entirely different.

The arrival of the unknown sect had already stirred waves across the dock, whispers spreading rapidly between disciples and elders alike. The name, the ship, and the sheer presence of the group had left an impression far too strong to ignore, and by the time night fully descended, the entire city had begun speaking of only one thing.