The Sect Master summoned them personally.
Standing before him, they could feel the immense pressure of his cultivation.
"You four represent the future of Azure Cloud Sect," he said calmly.
Their resources were increased significantly.
Private caves upgraded.
Access to rare techniques granted.
Even their authority within the sect expanded.
But with that power came expectation.
"The Six Sect Competition approaches," the Sect Master continued. "You will represent us."
The weight of those words settled heavily.
This was no longer about internal rankings.
It was about honor.
And survival.