Chapter 3: The Cultivation Conundrum
Liè Renwǒ walked through the backyard, searching for a secluded spot to cultivate. He had been feeling restless since his awakening, eager to understand the changes that had taken place within him.
As he sat down on a rocky outcropping, he closed his eyes and focused on his cultivation. He could feel the energy coursing through his veins, but it was different now. He was no longer at the Qi tier; he had moved on to the Foundation Establishment tier.
But what puzzled him was the memory of his Transcendent Will tier. He had seen himself defeating Fēi Lóng with that incredible power, but now it seemed to be gone. He couldn't understand why his cultivation had jumped so drastically, only to return to a lower level.
"Master Wáng!" Liè Renwǒ called out, deciding to seek his foster father's counsel.
Wáng appeared beside him, a look of concern on his face. "What's wrong, Liè Renwǒ? You look troubled."
Liè Renwǒ took a deep breath, explaining his situation. "I don't understand what's happening, Master Wáng. During the tournament, I reached the Transcendent Will tier, but now I'm back at the Foundation Establishment tier. What's going on?"
Wáng's expression turned thoughtful. "I think it's time we talked about your past, Liè Renwǒ. And about the offer from Sect Leader Zhao."
Liè Renwǒ's eyes widened. "You know about that?"
Wáng nodded. "I do. And I think it's something you should consider seriously. But first, let's talk about your cultivation. I have a feeling that there's more to your story than we initially thought."
Liè Renwǒ leaned forward, eager to learn more about himself and his mysterious past. He knew that his journey was far from over.
Wáng's eyes seemed to hold a deep wisdom as he began to explain the mysteries of Liè Renwǒ's cultivation. "You see, Liè Renwǒ, your body has a unique ability to absorb and process spiritual energy. This is what allowed you to reach the Transcendent Will tier during the tournament."
Liè Renwǒ's eyes widened in amazement. "But why did I return to the Foundation Establishment tier?" he asked.
Wáng's expression turned serious. "That, I'm not entirely sure. But I think it's related to your... potential. You have a great destiny ahead of you, Liè Renwǒ."
Liè Renwǒ's heart swelled with excitement. He had always felt like there was something missing, something he was meant to achieve.
Wáng's voice brought him back to reality. "Now, let's talk about the offer from Sect Leader Zhao. I think it's time for you to join the Moonlit Sect and begin your true training."
Liè Renwǒ's face lit up with excitement. "Really? I can go?"
Wáng nodded. "Yes, you can. But remember, Liè Renwǒ, the path of cultivation is not an easy one. You will face many challenges and dangers along the way."
Liè Renwǒ's determination hardened. "I'm ready, Master Wáng. I won't let you down."
The next day, Wáng took Liè Renwǒ to the Moonlit Sect, a sprawling complex of buildings and training grounds nestled in the heart of a mystical forest.
As they stood before the sect's gates, Wáng's eyes misted with tears. "Take good care of yourself, Liè Renwǒ. You can come visit me every year."
Liè Renwǒ's heart ached at the thought of being separated from his foster father. "Every year is too long, Master Wáng," he said, his voice trembling.
Wáng's expression turned stern. "Don't worry, Liè Renwǒ. This is what you were born for. Hold on tight, and never look back."
Sect Leader Zhao appeared, his eyes gleaming with interest. "Ah, Liè Renwǒ, I see you're ready to begin your journey. Come, let us start your training."
As Liè Renwǒ followed Zhao, he felt a sense of excitement and trepidation. He was about to embark on a journey that would change his life forever.
The crowd of young cultivators gathered before the sect's gates, all eager to join the Moonlit Sect. But only twenty would be chosen, and the test to become a member was notorious for its difficulty.
Liè Renwǒ steeled himself, his determination burning brighter than ever. He was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, and he would stop at nothing to become the strongest cultivator in the land...