The massive gates of the Azure Lotus Sect loomed before Li Yan, ancient and gigantic. The softly glowing runes along their length radiated a sense of tremendous power. Fog clung to the gate, giving it a mystical air, as if the gate was one to another realm. His very first step into the unknown waited on the opposite side.
The woman who was guiding him and had identified herself as Luo Qing touched a rune at the middle of the gate. The air was filled with a hum as the large doors groaned open slowly, allowing vision into the inner sanctum of the sect.
Li Yan's eyes opened wide. Before him lay a sea of high pagodas, jade training grounds, and winding streams. The air was heavy with the scent of incense and blooming lotus flowers, mixed with the acrid sting of mountain air, and a feeling of peace and austerity. Blue-robed disciples moved with determination, some training in the courtyards in the martial arts, others meditating along the winding rivers that ran through the sect.
"This is the external sect," Luo Qing explained, leading them through the gate. "New disciples train here until they're ready to move on to the inner sect. Only those at the Spirit Condensation Realm or above can move further."
Li Yan listened intently, absorbing everything. He was still trying to determine his own cultivation level after the enigmatic transformation, but one thing was certain: he needed to regain his strength as soon as possible.
The two men beside Luo Qing glared at one another before one of them, a young man with broad shoulders and a spear, shouted, "If you don't remember, then how did you slay that spirit beast?"
Li Yan paused. He did not wish to reveal the anomaly in him and simply said, "Instinct."
The second disciple, a gaunt young man with sharp features, laughed. "Instinct? No common mortal man can strike with such force."
Luo Qing raised his hand. "Enough. Let the elders decide what should be done to him."
They walked towards the central sect hall, along a number of training grounds. Disciples trained in groups, fists and weapons charged with Qi. Li Yan watched them with great interest, seeing the various techniques employed. His hands hurt to be part of them, to experiment with his new techniques, but he remained silent.
The grand hall towered above a white jade staircase, its pillars soaring upwards with the ancient script inscribed into them. Li Yan climbed and the pressure overwhelmed him—a suppressed force that pummeled his very soul. His knuckles clenched and his lungs froze, unmoved.
They were greeted at the door by a council of elders. Theirs were keen eyes, their presence imposing, in flowing blue robes. The chief, a giant of a man with silver hair, regarded Li Yan intensely.
"Luo Qing," said the elder. "You bring a stranger."
"Yes, Elder Jian. We discovered him in the Mistwood Forest. He possesses an odd strength."
Elder Jian's eyes didn't even blink. "Is that so?" He called out to Li Yan. "Come here. Let me see."
Li Yan breathed deeply. He couldn't refuse. He glanced around and spotted a gigantic stone plate for practicing strength. He didn't hesitate and walked over to it, placed his hand on it, and invoked the energy within him.
A golden, warm light burst from his form, rippling through the air. The slab shook before splitting down the center, opening with a blinding crash.
Silence filled the hall.
The elders looked at each other, impassive faces. Elder Jian stroked his beard. "Interesting. That was not cleansed Qi. What power did you tap?"
Li Yan shook his head. "I don't know."
Older Jian looked at him for a long time before nodding. "Good. You may join the sect as an outer disciple. Just don't forget this—if you ever become dangerous, we won't hesitate to kill you."
Li Yan bowed. "I understand."
Luo Qing smiled weakly. "Welcome to the Azure Lotus Sect."
Although he had made his first move, Li Yan was well aware that his path was only beginning. His responses were out there, and with them, the path to true power.
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After the beginning, Li Yan was led to the outer disciple quarters, a simple wooden pavilion above a peaceful pond. His quarters were small but neat, with a simple bed, a meditation mat, and a single candle flickering in the corner.
Luo Qing presented him with a rolled-up robe, the azure robe of the sect. "You are a disciple of the Azure Lotus Sect now. Cultivate diligently, and you will be able to become one of the inner disciples."
Li Yan smiled. He turned and departed, shouting, "Where do I begin?"
She halted, then swept her arm across the practice fields. "Morning sunrise drills. Rest for now. You will require your strength."
The door behind her closed, and Li Yan was alone. He sat on the meditation pad, crossing legs, and closed his eyes, going inside. The strange power within him coiled, savage and untamed. Wherever Qi flowed like an organized train, this flowed like a free life, keen to be unfettered.
He focused, trying to direct it, but the instant he tried to manage it, it backlashed. A burst of golden energy leapt from his hand and burned the wooden floor.
Li Yan exhaled sharply. This ability was dangerous—unstable. In order to live in this sect, he needed to be able to harness it.
As dawn broke, he emerged into the courtyard, where a number of dozens of his disciples were already assembled for their morning training. He watched them practicing in neat synchrony, their Qi leaving shimmering auras in their wake.
One of the old men, a gruffly-looking individual with a long staff, noticed him and approached. "New recruit?"
Li Yan nodded. The old man beckoned him closer. "Let's see what you can do."
A hindrance. Li Yan took a deep breath and stepped onto the sparring field. His journey in the sect began, along with the suffering that would mold his destiny.