As dawn broke, the Azure Lotus Sect hummed with the energy of a new day. Disciples gathered at the training grounds, robes billowing in unison as they progressed through disciplined drills.
The rhythmic thud of fists on wooden dummies and the occasional crackle of Qi-infused techniques filled the air.
Li Yan, in his blue robes, joined the recruits. The elder who had spoken to him the night before, Master Shen, was at the front, his face as uncompromising as the mountain peaks that surrounded them.
New disciples, you now start your training in the path of cultivation," Master Shen said, his voice authoritative. "To cultivate is to render both body and mind powerful. Discipline is useless without power, and strength is a burden without wisdom.".
He indicated a line of stone pillars planted in the ground, each at different heights. "The first lesson is balance. These pillars possess spiritual energy, so they cannot be manipulated by Qi. You will climb to the top and remain there in a meditating posture. The longer you can hold on, the firmer your root will be.".
A murmur of excitement passed through the new disciples. Some appeared eager, others nervous. Li Yan was not fazed. His mind went to his aberrant energy—uncontrollable and wild. Perhaps this practice would gain him some mastery.
At Master Shen's signal, the disciples leapt onto the stone pillars. Some stumbled immediately, their balance uncertain. Li Yan jumped up easily, landing on one of the taller pillars. The stone underfoot felt strangely repulsive, as if an unseen force was seeking to push him off.
He shut his eyes and focused on his breathing. The golden power within him began to respond to his command. He sensed it flowing through his arms and legs, churning but powerful. Narrowing his concentration, he felt the pressure against him yield, his equilibrium solidifying.
Hours went by, and one after another, disciples tumbled off their ledges, unable to bear the weight. By noon, there were few left, among them Li Yan.
Master Shen observed him with curiosity. "Impressive. Without any formal training, your stamina is remarkable.".
Li Yan merely nodded, not eager to speak too much. He could sense the scrutiny on him, the curiosity in his fellow disciples' eyes. He was a mystery, and in a sect where strength defined one's rank, secrets could be as much a boon as a danger.
When practice concluded, Master Shen came over. "You will remain behind."
The other disciples left, some complaining to each other. Li Yan came down from his pillar, confronting the elder.
"There is something different about you," Master Shen said, gazing at him intensely. "Your energy… it does not flow like normal Qi."
Li Yan was taken aback and stammered, "I do not know myself."
Master Shen rubbed his beard. "Then you have to learn. Come with me."
He led Li Yan to a private courtyard, in which an old tree stood, its gnarled roots merging with the earth like veins of knowledge. "Strike the tree with your energy."
Li Yan stepped forward, his hand extended. The golden power within him burst out, lashing out like a tempest. The tree trembled, its leaves swirling wildly, but its trunk remained unscathed.
Master Shen's eyes sparkled with interest. "Your ability is innate, wild. It is not Qi, yet it vibrates with spiritual energy. Until you understand its nature, it will be a double-edged sword.".
He turned, motioning Li Yan to come after him. "Come. Your training must follow a different route." That evening, when the heavens had darkened and the lanterns of the sect had flickered to life, Li Yan sat in silent meditation in his quarters.
His audience with Master Shen had left him with more questions than answers. What was this power within him? Why did it react so differently? Unwavering, he turned inward, grasping for the golden power. This time, he did not attempt to command it. He listened, instead. And deep within his mind, a strange voice spoke—a voice not of this world. The actual adventure had only begun.