The ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE SYSTEM
Chapter 98: The Sect’s Choice

Chapter 98: The Sect’s Choice

A hush fell over the floating palace as Chen Yu and his companions stepped across the radiant bridge of light, emerging from the aftermath of the Astral Beast Gauntlet. Golden mist drifted from the shattered islands behind them, mingling with starlight that poured from the heavens like molten silver.

Thousands of disciples crowded the floating platforms surrounding the palace, their hushed whispers filling the air with awe and speculation. Holographic illusions replayed the final moments of Chen Yu’s team’s battle with the starlight titan, each move projected in shimmering detail for all to see.

Within the great floating hall at the heart of the Celestial Sky Sect, elders sat on thrones of jade, crystal, and obsidian, suspended above a circular dais of white marble. At the dais’s center, the victorious team stood—bloodied, breathing heavily, but unbowed. Their eyes gleamed with the confidence of those who had earned their place.

The first to rise was Elder Longwu of the Solar Flame Pavilion. Flames wreathed his massive frame, crackling and flaring with every word he spoke. "Ascenders, your unity and might have shaken this sect to its foundations. Never in centuries has a team from three races—human, demon, and beast—worked so seamlessly in the Astral Gauntlet."

Elder Xuehua of the Frozen Cloud Sect floated from her throne, descending gracefully like a snowflake. Frost blossomed where her feet touched the marble, forming intricate patterns. "You are all exceptional," she said, her voice soft but sharp as winter winds. "You are worth any price. I extend the hand of the Frozen Cloud Sect: join us, and the power of the north will be yours."

Elder Mingtian’s thunderous laughter rolled through the hall like a storm. "Hah! Ice and caution will never bring out their potential!" Lightning snapped across his golden armor as he slammed his fist against the air, the shockwave sending a tremor through the hall. "Thunder God Hall will forge you into legends."

Other elders followed: Elder Shi of the Violet Mist Hall offered them rare alchemical secrets; Elder Yuan of the Celestial Beast Sect promised unrestrained access to ancient beast arts; Elder Lian of the Starfall Palace dangled the knowledge of astral pathways and celestial navigation.

As the offers poured in, the atmosphere grew feverish. Sect elders who usually kept their poise were now competing openly, voices overlapping in a chaotic chorus of promises and bribes. Some offered mountains of spirit stones, others pledged rare artifacts or sacred manuals sealed for millennia.

Chen Yu listened quietly, his expression unreadable. Around him, his companions exchanged glances—some intrigued, others wary. Hui smirked, clearly enjoying the spectacle, while Roman’s eyes narrowed at each new offer. Gu Chaewon remained stoic, though her aura betrayed flickers of tension. Vornark’s tail swayed with restless curiosity, and Ling Ling watched the elders with eyes like empty night.

Azrael, arms crossed and face hidden in shadows, radiated silent threat—each elder’s eyes flicking to him before quickly looking away.

A Voice of Reason

Suddenly, the air split with the clear chime of a bell, its pure tone ringing across the hall and silencing every voice. An elder none of them had noticed before rose from a throne carved of living crystal. His robe shimmered like moonlit water, and his face was serene as a lake at dawn. His aura was neither fiery nor icy but deep and unfathomable.

Elder Shen, Guardian of the Celestial Sky Sect’s inner council, spoke with quiet authority. "Enough," he said, his voice soft but carrying the weight of the stars. "We stand at a crossroads not just for these ascenders, but for the future of our sect."

The air itself stilled as Elder Shen stepped forward, his gaze sweeping across the other elders and then settling on Chen Yu. "You have proven yourselves beyond any question. But strength alone cannot earn trust in the upper realm. So I ask you: what do you seek?"

Chen Yu met the elder’s gaze squarely. "A place where we can grow stronger together. Where unity is prized over division. Where purpose outweighs tradition."

The elder nodded slowly, eyes dark pools reflecting the swirling sky. "And should such a place not exist?"

"Then," Chen Yu replied, voice firm as forged steel, "we will build it ourselves."

Tension Among the Elders

A ripple of disbelief swept through the elders. Mingtian’s face turned dark with fury. "Arrogant child! You think to shape the upper realm to your whims?"

Elder Xuehua’s eyes narrowed, a smile playing on her lips. "Or perhaps... it is time for change."

Arguments erupted, the hall shaking with heated words and unleashed auras. Some elders floated high, robes billowing, as lightning, ice, flame, and shadow clashed in miniature storms above the dais.

Disciples watching from the platforms gasped, some shielding their eyes, others staring wide-eyed at the display of power.

Meanwhile, Elder Shen raised a single hand. Waves of soothing blue light washed over the hall, quelling the chaotic energies. "Peace," he intoned. "They have earned the right to choose. But if we cannot come to consensus, the heavens themselves must decide."

He turned to the sky above, where starlight twisted and condensed into a radiant symbol—a sigil of celestial authority. "We shall invoke the Constellation Pact," he declared, voice echoing like the toll of a divine bell. "The heavens will reveal which path is true."

The Constellation Pact

A hush fell as the symbol pulsed with silver light. From every star visible in the sky, beams of starlight converged upon Chen Yu and his companions. The beams wove together into a cocoon of brilliance, bathing the team in shifting constellations.

Visions flooded each of their minds: memories of their trials, glimpses of future battles, hints of destinies they could not yet comprehend. The starlight read their hearts, weighed their intentions, and measured the purity of their unity.

Outside the cocoon, the elders held their breath. Some eyes flickered with hope, others with fear.

When the light finally faded, the cocoon burst into a storm of silver petals that drifted down like snow. The symbol of the Constellation Pact glowed above the team, then shifted into a new sigil—one never before seen in the sect’s ancient records.

The elders stared in stunned silence.

Elder Shen’s voice trembled with awe. "The heavens themselves have acknowledged your bond. You are not meant to join any existing sect... you are to forge your own."

A New Sect is Born

Whispers rose like a rising tide among the watching disciples, swelling into roars of excitement. Never before had ascenders been granted such a decree.

Chen Yu exhaled slowly, feeling the last of the starlight fade from his mind. He turned to his team. "Looks like the choice was made for us."

Hui laughed, eyes glinting like rubies. "Then let’s build a sect that shakes the heavens."

Roman smiled faintly, resting his sword on his shoulder. "A sanctuary of strength, unity, and purpose."

Gu Chaewon’s eyes glowed with holy determination. "A place where none will be left behind."

Vornark let out a low growl of agreement, fur bristling with excitement. Ling Ling’s lips curved into a rare, thin smile. Azrael’s aura pulsed with dark, quiet approval. Nyzelia flicked her hair behind her ear, eyes shining with ambition.

Elder Shen lifted his hands high, voice ringing out. "By decree of the Constellation Pact, the Celestial Sky Sect recognizes the formation of a new sect—founded by Chen Yu and his allies, bound not by blood, but by purpose."

Lightning split the sky. Thunder rolled across the floating palace. The starlit sigil burned itself into the very heavens above, marking the birth of a new force in the upper realm.

Sect Politics and Shifting Alliances

As the roar of the crowd died down, Elder Mingtian’s face was pale with shock. Elder Xuehua watched with an unreadable expression, her frosty aura dimming like moonlight behind clouds. Elder Longwu’s flames flickered with grudging respect.

Already, whispers of alliances and deals rippled through the watching sect disciples. Some envied the newcomers; others admired them. A few, cloaked figures hidden among the onlookers, watched with dark intent, planning how best to manipulate or destroy this rising power.

Far in the shadows of the floating palace, agents of rival sects and hidden factions took note of the new sect’s name being whispered like a prophecy: The Constellation Vanguard.

A Night of Reflection

Later that night, as the team gathered in their new floating sanctum granted by Elder Shen, Chen Yu stood on the balcony overlooking endless skies. Stars drifted lazily overhead, brighter than any he had ever seen.

Hui appeared beside him, eyes softer than usual. "You really think we can do this?" she asked quietly.

Chen Yu turned to her, his eyes dark pools of determination. "Not alone. But together? We will."

Below them, the floating platforms of the Celestial Sky Sect glowed like drifting lanterns. From every corner of the palace, eyes turned toward their sanctum—some with awe, some with envy, and some with seething hatred.

But Chen Yu’s gaze never wavered. "This is just the beginning."