The next day, Liang Jianwei awoke to the sound of birds chirping and the soft rustle of leaves in the breeze. As he opened his eyes, a kaleidoscope of colours greeted him, the myriad hues dancing on the walls as sunlight streamed in through the window. The familiar aroma of steamed buns permeated the air, filling his nostrils with a comforting scent.
Liang Jianwei arose and washed his face, eager to begin another day of training. As he left his room, he spotted his mother cooking breakfast, her nimble fingers deftly folding the dough.
"Good morning, mother."
"Good morning, Jianwei. Would you like some steamed buns?" She asked, smiling.
Liang Jianwei walked over and inhaled the appetising aroma, his stomach growling in anticipation.
"Yes, please." He said, looking at his mother.
His mother smiled and handed him a steaming bun, its crisp, aromatic texture enveloping his senses. Liang Jianwei bit into the steamed bun, the hot dough filling his mouth with a flavourful burst of savoury goodness.
Today his mother wore a black sleeveless shirt and a red skirt that reached to her knees, exposing her fair skin. On her feet, she wore white canvas shoes, her toes wiggling as she stood, humming a familiar tune.
She had pink braids and big blue eyes that shone with warmth. Her smile radiated joy, lighting up the room, and Liang Jianwei felt lucky to have her in his life.
"Thank you, mother. The steamed buns are delicious." Liang Jianwei said before leaving.
He began his daily practice, but this time he broke through the bottleneck that has been killing him for the past couple of years.
Immediately, Jianwei used his Aqua Mind Resonance and looked around. He could see the movement of the moisture in the air, allowing him to predict his surroundings. With a single thought, Liang Jianwei transformed into mist and dashed around the village, practising his mist technique and controlling his mist essence.
The Cerulean came by and began testing the children, they would test their powers to determine if they can join them.
Liang Jianwei didn't join in, but one Cerulean saw the murder he committed yesterday and came up to him.
"Hey kid, would you like to join the Cerulean?" The man said, smiling.
It was the same guy who watched everything before. He had blond hair and green eyes, and he wore a Cerulean emblem on his chest.
His face was youthful, and he looked to be in his early thirties. But he had this noble aura around him.
"I'd like to talk with my mother first." Liang Jianwei told the man.
The man nodded his head and spoke.
"That's fine. My name is Li Weiyang. I am a lieutenant commander of the Cerulean. And you are Jiang Jianwei, correct? Come find me if you change your mind. And we would be happy to have you join us in the Cerulean. Our members are chosen based on strength and righteousness, so if you join us, your road to the pinnacle would be that much easier. Also, as a Cerulean, you would gain the support and protection of the Cerulean. Think it over, young Jiang Jianwei, but don't take too long. The Cerulean is not known to stay in one place for very long. But rest assured, we will be here for another week." The Cerulean lieutenant said with a gentle smile, the sun bathing him in a radiant light.
Jianwei nodded his head, a new goal emerging in his mind. He wants to join the Cerulean not for the protection, but for knowledge about his soul essence.
His mother said that they were the main force of this world. They should have the knowledge and power to help him grow stronger.
Liang Jianwei made his way home, his footsteps echoing on the cobblestone streets. He approached his mother and informed her about Li Weiyang's offer, her eyes widening, but slowly dimmed.
She walked up to Jianwei and put her hand on his shoulder and looked deep into his eyes.
"Jianwei, this is your future, not mine. If you wish to go, I won't stop you, but I do wish for you to return home and visit me often."
Jianwei embraced his mother, holding her close.
"Of course mother. I'll miss you and come to visit you."
Jiang Jianwei spent the remainder of the day talking and chatting with his mother about life, enjoying her company before he joined the Cerulean.
He learned that there are many factions in this world, ranging from the Cerulean, the Olympic Empire, and the Celestial Empire.
Each faction holds unimaginable power, and each one has a different goal.
The Cerulean seek justice, the Olympic Empire seeks glory, and the Celestial Empire seeks peace.
The Cerulean don't have any territories like the two empires but have bases within the two empires to hunt and kill evil soul masters and rogue soul masters. They also don't interfere with the wars between the two empires.
As the night descended, Liang Jianwei headed to bed, his mind filled with anticipation.
He will join the Cerulean tomorrow and embark on a journey of justice!
The next morning, Liang Jianwei awoke to a cool breeze caressing his face, ruffling his hair. The refreshing scent of dew filled his nostrils, the earthy aroma soothing his senses. The distant chirping of birds accompanied his thoughts as he pondered the day ahead, his eyes shining with determination.
With a swift movement, Liang Jianwei rose from the bed, his eyes alight with excitement. He wasted no time preparing for the day, eager to begin his journey of justice. He quickly finished his preparations and bid farewell to his mother, and made his way to the middle of the village where the Ceruleans were located.
Upon his arrival, Li Weiyang was there waiting for him.
"Good morning, young Jianwei. I see that you have made your choice."
"Yes. I wish to join the Cerulean. And embark on my road to justice." Liang Jianwei said, his voice firm and resolute.
Weiyang smiled and nodded his head, his eyes filled with warmth.
"Haha, you can call me senior Yang from now on, young Liang Jianwei. Welcome to the Cerulean. Here is your Cerulean emblem, and follow me. We will head to our base next week, but first I must introduce you to your fellow comrades. I hope you enjoy your stay here with us." Weiyang said, handing Liang Jianwei a Cerulean emblem, a subtle aura emanating from the crimson red insignia.