New disciple
In the heart of Fenghuang's bustling streets, nestled along a narrow, cobbled lane, stood the Moonlit Pavilion—a renowned restaurant famous for its delicate dumplings and exotic dishes. The air inside was thick with the aroma of sizzling meats and savory spices. Crimson lanterns bathed the interior in a warm, inviting glow, casting shadows that danced across the walls adorned with intricate wooden screens and ancient paintings depicting mythical beasts and heroic cultivators.
Among the restaurant staff bustled Xu Jie, a sturdy 16-year-old boy standing at 5'8", diligently clearing tables and assisting the waitstaff. Though not a one-in-a-million genius, Xu Jie had managed to advance to the late stage of the Spirit Gathering Realm—a testament to his dedication and innate talent. Such achievement before the age of twenty was uncommon, but Xu Jie's relentless determination had driven him to excel.
Though humble, Xu Jie viewed his job as a stepping stone. Almost every coin earned was meticulously set aside for his journey to the Azure Draconic Sect.
Several months ago, Xu Jie had garnered praise from passing disciples of the Azure Draconic Sect during a local competition. They encouraged him to join their ranks during the upcoming selection of disciples in seven months, assuring him that a mention of Disciple Han Ling's recommendation would secure him a spot. Xu Jie eagerly anticipated joining the sect, renowned for its mastery of water and ice techniques—skills in which he excelled. Yet, with the selection mere weeks away, he hesitated to burden his struggling family for financial aid. His younger brother was too young to contribute, leaving Xu Jie to redouble his efforts at the restaurant to fulfill his dream.
One bustling evening, amid the clatter of dishes and laughter of patrons, the head chef summoned Xu Jie. "Xu Jie, deliver these four plates of dumplings and the sweet and sour lotus root to the table at the end of the hall."
Xu Jie nodded, deftly balancing the trays laden with steaming delicacies, and navigated through the lively dining area. Approaching the designated table, he noted its occupants: a young boy, no older than thirteen, and a muscular, imposing woman. Both wore ornate golden masks and distinctive hats that concealed their identities, exuding an air of mystery and authority. The woman's sea-green eyes, glimpsed through her mask, hinted at a depth of experience that sent a shiver down Xu Jie's spine.
"Your order," Xu Jie announced respectfully, placing the dishes on the table. He bowed courteously, slowly withdrawing, but he stopped as he caught fragments of their conversation.
"I left something vital at the Oceanic Sect," the young boy murmured, barely audible above the restaurant's clamor.
Xu Jie's steps faltered. Oceanic Sect? A sect on the ocean? The mere thought bewildered him. Only the most formidable cultivators dared venture into the treacherous waters of the ocean, and even then, few remained there for long. The notion of a sect thriving in such a perilous domain seemed implausible.
He continued to carry out his duties, but Xu Jie couldn't shake the encounter from his thoughts. Compelled by intrigue, Xu Jie returned to the table with the intention of learning more. To his dismay, the enigmatic duo had departed silently, leaving behind a generous payment for their meal, accompanied by additional coins as a tip. Xu Jie pocketed the money, his mind awash with unanswered questions. Who were they? And what secrets did this Oceanic Sect hold?
—
The sun was setting behind the Moonlit Pavilion, casting long, eerie shadows across the street. I stood a few Yards from the entrance, feeling a slight chill in the evening air. Yutian Wei stood beside me, his head lowered. His usually bright eyes were downcast, and I could see the tension in his shoulders.
"I can't believe I forgot my music player at the sect," he muttered, barely audible.
I sighed. He must have lost it when he dropped his bag in his excitement at seeing Drakeon for the first time. I recalled that moment—the way his eyes had widened, the bag slipping from his grasp, and the small device clattering to the ground unnoticed in the chaos.
The device, small enough to fit in one hand, was shaped like a box and crafted from gold and titanium. Resembling an old Earth radio but far more advanced, it contained every piece of music ever created on Earth.
The system in my head scoffed. 'I warned you about introducing him to Earth's music,' it said, its tone dripping with 'I-told-you-so' smugness.
I mentally rolled my eyes. 'Enough,' I thought.
"I have a spare" I said, pulling a second music player from my inventory and handing it to Yutian.
Relief washed over his face like a wave, his lips curling into a grateful smile. It was rare to see him so vulnerable. I then turned my attention back to the system, scolding it silently. 'Yutian relies on music for everything—sleeping, cultivating, fishing. It helps him calm his mind and distract him from painful memories, keeping that smile on his face. Remember he's only a child, you know.'
For once, the system went quiet. Then, in a voice so soft I almost didn't catch it, it apologized. I was stunned. It was the first time the system had ever shown a hint of remorse.
My thoughts drifted back to when I first introduced Yutian to Earth's music. He had been plagued by nightmares, reliving his parents' deaths night after night. In desperation, I played him "Mockingbird" by Fenekot, hoping it would soothe his troubled soul. When he asked about the music, I told him it was a rare, ancient melody with unknown origins, a treasure possessed only by our sect. Of course, I had lied.
Just then, the door of the Moonlit Pavilion burst open. A boy came rushing out, his eyes wide and frantic as he scanned the area. Spotting us, his face lit up with relief. He sprinted toward us, skidding to a halt in front of me. With a deep bow, he clasped his fists and shouted, "Please, let me join your sect!"
'What the fuck?' I thought, staring at him, bewildered.
—
The sun had set behind the Moonlit Pavilion, casting a serene darkness over the scene. Xu Jie's heart pounded as he bowed his head, dreading rejection. Although he knew little about the sect, their ability to live in ocean waters attested to their formidable strength.
The tall woman before him stood silently, her expression unreadable. The silence stretched on, amplifying Xu Jie's anxiety. He feared the silence signaled refusal. But to his surprise, the woman finally spoke, her voice strong and commanding.
"Very well. You may join us."
Xu Jie looked up, eyes wide with amazement and gratitude. He couldn't believe his luck. He gazed at her with newfound admiration, seeing not just a powerful cultivator but a figure of inspiration. Her poise and authority were awe-inspiring.
They moved to a secluded clearing behind the Moonlit Pavilion, bathed in soft moonlight. The woman introduced herself as Alexandra, an unusual name. She instructed Xu Jie to sit in a lotus position. Yutian Wei, still processing the evening's events, sat nearby, observing with interest.
"Close your eyes," Alexandra commanded gently. "Feel the energy around you, let it flow through your body."
Xu Jie complied, closing his eyes and focusing on his breathing. He sensed faint traces of qi in the air, an almost intangible presence. Alexandra began to chant softly, her voice harmonizing with the natural sounds of the night. The air seemed to vibrate with energy, and Xu Jie felt a warm sensation spreading through his body.
"Imagine roots growing from your body into the earth, grounding you," Alexandra continued. "Feel the energy from the earth rise through these roots, nourishing you, strengthening you."
Xu Jie pictured roots extending from his body into the ground. He felt a surge of energy, a connection to the earth that was both exhilarating and calming. He could feel his qi channels opening, the energy flowing more freely.
Alexandra's presence was a comforting anchor. "Good. Now, draw the energy upwards, through your body. Let it circulate and purify your qi."
Xu Jie focused, visualizing the energy moving through him, cleansing and strengthening his qi. The sensation was overwhelming, but he embraced it, letting the energy flow.
Yutian watched in awe, witnessing Xu Jie's transformation. He had always admired Alexandra's mastery over cultivation, but seeing her guidance firsthand was something else entirely. He felt a renewed sense of purpose, inspired by her wisdom and strength.
After a few minutes, Alexandra's voice broke the silence. "Open your eyes."
Xu Jie slowly opened his eyes, feeling a profound change within him. He had finally reached the peak stage of the Spirit Gathering realm. He looked at Alexandra with gratitude, his eyes reflecting his admiration and inspiration.
"You have potential," Alexandra said, her voice softer now. "Cultivation is a lifelong journey. Stay dedicated, and you will achieve greatness."
Xu Jie nodded, feeling a deep respect for her. As they rose and prepared to leave the clearing, he felt he had found a place where he could truly grow into the cultivator he had always dreamed of being.
—
'That went well,' I thought as we soared through the air. The system agreed, smugly reminding me that it had led me through the process of helping Xu Jie advance to the peak of the Spirit Gathering realm. "You know, you couldn't have done it without me," it remarked, reverting to its usual self-satisfied tone.
Since three people weren't going to comfortably fly on Drakeon, I decided to whip out my latest transportation device. With a dramatic flourish, I unveiled a luxurious red and gold sofa. So comfortable. Yutian looked at me with envy, while Xu Jie clung to Drakeon as if his life depended on it. Convincing him to approach Drakeon had been a Herculean task; getting him to ride the hybrid had been a saga in itself.
We finally reached the edge of the forest where I first arrived in this universe. The sofa descended gently, landing with a soft thud. Xu Jie, who had been squeezing his eyes shut, finally opened them. He quickly rubbed them, his face a mask of fear and disbelief.
"Why are we at the edge of Deathbloom Vale?" he asked, voice quivering.
"So that's what this forest is called," I said, raising an eyebrow.
"Have you never heard of it? It's probably the most dangerous forest on the Eternis continent!" Xu Jie exclaimed, his eyes wide with shock.
I shook my head, and his jaw dropped further.
"Deathbloom Vale is a place where only the bravest or most foolhardy cultivators dare to tread. The forest is a proving ground for those seeking to advance in their cultivation by either killing beasts or simply resisting the forest itself, but it's almost an immediate death sentence as soon as you enter," Xu Jie explained, voice shaky.
'If it's so renowned for being incredibly dangerous, then why were Yutian's parents there? Especially with a two-year-old Yutian? And why didn't I face any beast or resistance when passing through the forest the first time?' I wondered, disappointed.
"I thought it was just a normal forest," I replied to Xu Jie.
"We're not going in, right?" Xu Jie asked, panic creeping into his voice.
"Of course we are," I said. The system (in my head) and Yutian Wei echoed me at the same time.
Yutian quickly grabbed hold of my new disciple's shirt as he tried to make a run for it. But Yutian didn't budge. "Why are you so strong?" Xu Jie gasped in surprise.
With a firm grip, Yutian Wei dragged him slowly into the so-called dangerous forest while Xu Jie yelled for him to let go, his feet dragging along the ground.
The system and I could only laugh as I followed them into Deathbloom Vale. 'This is going to be fun,' the system chuckled in my mind.
//
{The action will commence very soon}