The day arrived for the official announcement of the tournament. The main hall of the Azure Sky Sect was filled with excitement and anticipation. Core and outer disciples gathered, their whispers and murmurs creating a low hum of curiosity. The elders stood at the front of the hall, a sense of gravitas surrounding them. Elder Han, Elder Feng, Elder Be-ara, and the older elder with the commanding presence, Elder Jin, were all present.
Elder Han stepped forward, raising a hand to signal for silence. The hall gradually quieted down, and all eyes turned towards the elders.
"Disciples of the Azure Sky Sect," Elder Han began, his voice clear and resonant, "today we stand on the threshold of a significant moment in our sect's history. The upcoming tournament is not just a test of strength and skill, but an opportunity to showcase the talent and potential that lies within each of you. This event will feature a men's and a women's bracket, with the winners of each facing off to determine the ultimate champion. Moreover, elders and main disciples from other sects will be present, making this tournament a stage for us to demonstrate the might of the Azure Sky Sect."
The disciples murmured among themselves, the excitement palpable in the air.
"But before we embark on this journey," Elder Han continued, "I am pleased to announce that the Secret Realm Training Facility will now be open to all disciples, both core and outer. This facility is a hidden sanctuary, designed to elevate your training to new heights and prepare you for the challenges ahead."
Elder Han paused, allowing the weight of his words to sink in. The hall fell silent, every disciple hanging on his next word.
"The Secret Realm," Elder Han explained, "is a mystical and awe-inspiring place, accessible only through a special portal within our sect grounds. This realm is divided into several distinct regions, each offering unique training environments and opportunities to hone your skills."
He gestured to a large, detailed map that materialized beside him, displaying the various regions of the Secret Realm.
Elder Han's Detailed Description
Flowery Meadows:"These lush, green fields are ideal for practicing wind qi techniques and agility training. The gentle breezes and serene environment will help you meditate and refine your qi control."
Rocky Cliffs:"Towering cliffs and rugged terrain dominate this area, perfect for endurance and resilience training. The strong gusts and occasional storms will challenge your physical and mental fortitude."
Mystic Forest:"This dense forest, filled with ancient trees and hidden paths, is excellent for stealth training and enhancing your sensory perception. Navigate through the thick foliage and avoid hidden dangers to improve your reflexes and awareness.
"Fiery Deserts:"The scorching sands and blazing heat of this vast desert are suited for those trained in fire element techniques and building resistance to extreme conditions. The challenging mirages and sandstorms will test your mental fortitude.
"Crystal Cove:"An underground labyrinth of glowing crystals and shimmering pools. The caves amplify spiritual energy, making them perfect for meditation and qi cultivation. The reflective surfaces and narrow passages will help you train your precision and focus.
"Serene Lakes:"These tranquil lakes are ideal for practicing water element techniques and improving fluidity in movements. The calm waters can also be used for purification and healing after intense training sessions.
"Thunder Peaks:"High mountain peaks frequently struck by lightning provide the perfect setting for training in lightning element techniques and enhancing speed and reaction time. The unpredictable weather and dangerous terrain will push you to your limits.
"Frozen Tundra:"An icy wasteland with snow-covered landscapes and biting cold winds. This region is ideal for practicing ice element techniques and building resilience against the cold. The harsh conditions teach perseverance and strategic thinking.
"Special FeaturesTime Dilation Zones:"Certain areas within the Secret Realm have time dilation effects, allowing you to train for extended periods while only a short time passes in the outside world. This is invaluable for intensive training and rapid skill improvement.
"Training Dummies and Sparring Areas: "Scattered throughout the realm are various training dummies and designated sparring areas equipped with enchantments that simulate real combat, providing practical experience and honing your battle techniques.
"Meditation Chambers: "Hidden in secluded spots, these chambers are imbued with spiritual energy, creating a perfect environment for deep meditation and qi cultivation.
"Resource Nodes: "The realm contains numerous resource nodes, such as spirit herbs, rare minerals, and qi-rich water sources. Collect these resources to aid in your cultivation and alchemy."
Elder Han's eyes swept across the room, meeting the gaze of each disciple. "The Secret Realm is a marvel of natural beauty and mystical power, designed to provide you with a comprehensive and challenging training experience. Each region offers unique opportunities for growth, pushing you to your limits and helping you achieve new heights in your cultivation journey. Use this opportunity wisely. Train hard, improve your techniques, and prepare for the tournament. Show the world the strength and talent of the Azure Sky Sect."
The hall erupted in excited chatter as the disciples discussed their plans and aspirations for the Secret Realm. Vaughn felt a surge of determination. With the new training opportunities ahead, he was more motivated than ever to push his limits and emerge as the champion in the tournament.
The hall buzzed with renewed energy as the disciples exchanged excited glances.
Elder Feng continued, "The tournament will be divided into two brackets: one for men and one for women. Each bracket will consist of one-on-one fights, where you will face your fellow disciples in combat. The winners of each bracket will then face off against one another in a final match to determine the overall champion."
Elder Be-ara added, " Remember This tournament is not just about competition within our sect. We will be inviting elders and main disciples from other sects to witness our talent and strength. This is a chance for you to demonstrate the prowess of the Azure Sky Sect on a broader stage. We expect nothing less than your best."
Elder Jin stepped forward, his deep voice resonating through the hall. "Furthermore, to prepare for this tournament, we will be opening the sect's secret realm individual training facility to all disciples. This facility offers unique resources and environments to enhance your training. Use this opportunity wisely to refine your skills and increase your strength."
A wave of excitement swept through the crowd, and the disciples began discussing the announcement with their peers. The prospect of training in the secret realm and competing in the tournament sparked a fervor among them.
Elder Han raised his hand once more, quieting the crowd. "Remember, this tournament is more than just a competition. It is a chance to elevate yourselves and honor the legacy of the Azure Sky Sect. Train hard, stay focused, and give it your all."
With the announcement concluded, the disciples dispersed, their minds buzzing with the possibilities and challenges that lay ahead. Vaughn, Kai, and Jino gathered together, their faces alight with determination.
"We need to make the most of this training facility," Vaughn said. "If we're going to stand out in the tournament, we have to push ourselves harder than ever before."
Kai nodded. "Agreed. This is our chance to prove ourselves. Let's not waste it."
Jino grinned, his enthusiasm infectious. "I'm ready. Let's show everyone what we're made of."
The three friends began planning their training schedules, focusing on their individual strengths and areas for improvement. The secret realm training facility was a place of mystery and potential, offering unique environments and resources that could significantly enhance their abilities.
Before entering the secret realm training facility, Vaughn had spent countless hours in the sect's library hall, searching for ways to enhance his combat abilities. During one of his visits, he stumbled upon a worn and dusty manual titled "Gale Technique," indicating its age and rarity of use. Intrigued by the potential of mastering an element as elusive and versatile as wind, Vaughn decided to delve into its secrets.
Vaughn began by thoroughly studying the manual, which described the principles and techniques necessary to harness wind qi. The first sections emphasized the importance of understanding the nature of wind—its fluidity, its ability to be both gentle and destructive, and its omnipresence. Vaughn learned that wind qi required a delicate balance of control and freedom, much like the wind itself.
The initial exercises focused on meditation and breath control. Vaughn practiced these techniques diligently, sitting cross-legged in the quiet corners of the library hall, feeling the subtle currents of air around him. He learned to synchronize his breathing with the natural flow of the wind, gradually becoming more attuned to its presence. "Good, this can be useful," Vaughn remarked with an upbeat manner, before grabbing the book and exiting the library.
With the breathing techniques basically down, Vaughn continued his training inside the Alchemist Hall. The hall was adorned with banners representing different elements, creating a vibrant and mystical atmosphere. The entrance was a grand stone gate with golden hues. As he entered, Vaughn saw many students walking back and forth amidst the smoke of brewing herbs.
Surprised by the wonder and mystique of the place, Vaughn made his way to the receptionist. The receptionist greeted him warmly, "Welcome to the Alchemist Hall. Are you here to gain medicine for your training, ointment for wounds, or perhaps to take on tasks during the training facilities' opening? Completing tasks given by the instructors can earn you money, monster cores for purchases outside the sect, or contribution points, which can be exchanged for access to the treasure trove of the sect."
"Oh, I never knew there was so much here. I wish I had come sooner, but I've mostly been focused on training," Vaughn replied. "For now, I'm just here to gain some cultivation pills."
The receptionist smiled and responded, "What kind of cultivation pills are you looking for? We have low-grade, mid-grade, and high-grade pills. But before I recommend any, please touch this orb." She retrieved a crystal orb from under the desk and placed it on a pedestal.
Vaughn placed his hand on the orb, and his qi was slowly absorbed into it. The orb shifted from a transparent color to a yellowish hue.
"Oh, I see. You're at the two-star stage of the Foundation Stage," the receptionist noted.
Curious, Vaughn asked, "I know I should probably know this, but what's a two-star stage?"
The receptionist, slightly surprised, explained, "The star stages within each cultivation stage represent your progress. Before the Foundation Stage, you were in the Qi Collecting Stage. Once you collect enough qi, you advance to the Foundation Stage, where you build your body's capacity to hold more qi and strengthen it for techniques. Each stage has up to nine star levels. It becomes harder and requires more qi and time as you advance."
She continued, "The yellow color represents the Foundation Stage. If you were in the Qi Collecting Stage, it would be an orange hue. The highest cultivation stage we've seen is the Soul Building Stage, which our sect leader is close to achieving."
"Thank you for the detailed explanation," Vaughn said, now understanding the cultivation stages better.
The receptionist, introducing herself as Talia of house Grim, recommended, "For now, I suggest low-class cultivation pills. They help you meditate and gather qi faster, and cleanse your body as well. Each low-class pill costs five low-class monster cores."
Hearing this, Vaughn was thankful he had kept the giant ape's monster core. He pulled out the green core and placed it on the desk. "How much would I get for turning this in?"
Talia was surprised, "Where did you get this? This could get you 100 low-class cultivation pills!"
Thrilled by the news, Vaughn felt more prepared than ever to continue his training and make the most of the upcoming secret realm training facility.
Two weeks had passed, and during that time, Vaughn, Kai, and Jino had been diligently preparing for the day. The anticipation and excitement built up among them as they awaited the opening of the secret realm training facility. They met at the main hall with the rest of the core and outer disciples, ready for the challenge ahead.
As all the disciples gathered, Elder Han stood before them, exuding an air of authority and wisdom. He announced the opening of the secret realm training facility with a stern but encouraging tone.
"As we stated before, you have three months within the secret realm to build on your studies, increase your cultivation, and train in your martial arts. Do not let this time flow past without putting in your best effort because once the realm closes, you will not get a chance like this until next year. Use this time wisely," Elder Han advised. "Don't forget that the next month will be the tournament. This opportunity will make or break you. Push your limits. That is the best advice I can give you."
With these words, the gravity of the situation sunk in for the disciples. This was their chance to prove themselves and prepare for the upcoming tournament.
As the disciples left the main hall, they reached the corridor leading to the secret realm portals. The corridor was lined with many portal rooms, each leading to a different destination. The doors, each adorned with a unique color, represented various parts of the secret realm where the disciples would train.
"Portals lead to different parts of the secret realm where you will be doing your training. You must choose the best option for your training. You are your teacher now. We will not give advice on this," Elder Han explained. "Though this is just your starting point, you may venture into the secret realm as much as you want in these three months. It is up to you how you train and when you train. You can waste your time if you want, take a break if you want, but just know that will not lead you to victory in the tournament nor in the cultivation world. Every day is an opportunity, and this is your opportunity now. We elders wish you the best of luck."
Elder Han continued, "Another rule that was not mentioned before: you shall not spar with the other disciples during this training exercise. This is individual training and is in your best interest due to the tournament being a month after this training facility opens. It is best to keep some of your skills hidden from your opponents, even your friends. This is about seclusion training. You choose a spot and seclude yourself, training to your utmost."
He then described the sparring dolls available within the secret realm. "We have different tools inside the secret realm, such as sparring dolls. These sparring dolls will help you keep from interacting with the rest of the disciples, both outer and core. They are set at different levels in your cultivation stages, starting at level one and going up to level nine. Each level represents a star, with one star being the lowest and nine stars being the highest, equivalent to the peak of that cultivation stage. These dolls can mimic the techniques of the Azure sect, helping you improve your skills. They come in various forms—staff fighters, swordsmen, practitioners of nunchucks, hand-to-hand combat, even incantations. Be prepared for a challenge."
With the explanations over, Elder Han concluded, "It is now officially time to enter the Secret Realm. May fortune be in your favor. And remember, best of luck, disciples."
As Elder Han finished speaking, the disciples began to move towards the portals, each with their own goals and strategies in mind. Vaughn, Kai, and Jino exchanged determined looks, ready to embark on this critical phase of their training. The secret realm awaited them, filled with challenges, opportunities, and the potential to elevate their cultivation to new heights.