Chapter 9: Choosing the Path
The day after the ceremony, a sense of anticipation hung in the air. The newly promoted warriors, now officially recognized as part of the village's defense force, were to be led to the clan's book collection vault by Elder Omar. Each of them would choose suitable cultivation techniques and secret arts to guide their training and development.
Ali woke early, his mind still abuzz from the previous day's events. He had proved his strength and potential, but now came the crucial task of selecting the techniques that would shape his future. Hamza gave him a reassuring nod as they prepared to leave.
The group of young warriors gathered in the village square, excitement and nervous energy evident on their faces. Elder Omar, known as White Beard due to his long, flowing white beard, awaited them with a calm, inscrutable expression. His eyes, however, sparkled with a depth of wisdom and understanding.
"Follow me," Omar instructed, his voice a deep, resonant tone that commanded respect.
The youngsters followed him through the village, past the bustling marketplace and the open fields where horses grazed, to a secluded area at the foot of a small hill. There, nestled among ancient trees, stood the entrance to the book collection vault—a sturdy wooden door set into the hillside, flanked by stone lanterns.
Omar produced a key from within his robes and unlocked the door, revealing a dimly lit tunnel that descended into the earth. The warriors followed him down the narrow passage, the air growing cooler as they went deeper. At the end of the tunnel, they emerged into a vast chamber illuminated by soft, glowing orbs suspended from the ceiling.
Books and scrolls lined the walls, organized meticulously on wooden shelves. The air was thick with the scent of parchment and ink, a testament to the knowledge and wisdom stored within this vault.
Omar turned to address the group. "You have all proven yourselves as warriors," he began. "Now, you must choose the techniques and secret arts that will guide your cultivation. Remember, the path you choose today will shape your future."
The young warriors dispersed, eagerly exploring the shelves. Ali moved with purpose, scanning the titles and examining the scrolls. He knew that the right choice could make all the difference in his cultivation journey.
Among the numerous techniques and secret arts, several caught his eye:
Flame Dragon Fist: A powerful offensive technique that harnessed the fiery essence of qi to unleash devastating attacks.
Stone Skin Art: A defensive technique that fortified the body, making it as hard as stone and impervious to most physical attacks.
Wind Steps: A movement technique that enhanced speed and agility, allowing the user to move as swiftly and silently as the wind.
As Ali continued his search, he came across a small, dusty chamber at the back of the vault. Intrigued, he stepped inside. The room contained only a few shelves, but the titles here were different—more obscure and mysterious.
One particular scroll caught his attention. It was an ancient, weathered scroll titled Chrono-Mastery: The Art of Space and Time Control. Ali picked it up, his curiosity piqued. As he unrolled the scroll, he saw intricate diagrams and complex incantations, along with a warning in bold, red script: Only those who meet the requirements of the heavens may cultivate this art.
Ali's heart raced as he read through the scroll. The requirements were indeed daunting—one needed an extraordinary affinity with the essence of time and space, an innate understanding of cosmic forces, and a body tempered by both spiritual and physical cultivation.
Despite the difficulty, Ali felt a strange resonance with the scroll. It was as if it called out to him, whispering secrets that only he could understand. He made his decision and carefully rolled the scroll back up.
Returning to the main chamber, Ali found the section dedicated to body cultivation techniques. He selected the first tome of Dragon Vein Cultivation Technique. This technique was common among the warriors of the body formation realm, known for its ability to enhance physical strength and resilience. It was a solid choice that would complement his current level and help him build a strong foundation.
As the young warriors made their selections, Elder Omar observed them with a discerning eye. When Ali approached with his chosen techniques, Omar's gaze lingered on the ancient scroll of Chrono-Mastery.
"An interesting choice," Omar remarked, his tone neutral. "The Art of Space and Time Control is not one that many would dare to attempt."
Ali met the elder's gaze steadily. "I feel a connection to it," he explained. "I believe I can cultivate it."
Omar nodded slowly. "Very well. It seems your path is already revealing itself. Cultivate diligently and remember, the journey ahead will not be easy."
With their selections made, the young warriors left the vault, their hearts filled with determination and resolve. Ali felt a renewed sense of purpose. He now had the tools and knowledge to begin his true cultivation journey, and he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
As they returned to the village, the sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the fields and the grazing horses. Ali clutched the ancient scroll tightly, his mind already racing with thoughts of the future. He knew that his journey was just beginning, but with the guidance of his grandfather and the wisdom of the scriptures, he was confident that he could overcome any obstacle in his path.