The Sect of the Rising Sun was a place of discipline and rigor, a haven for those who sought to elevate their cultivation to new heights. I was led to a small, sparsely furnished room, where I would stay during the admission tournament. The stone walls were cold, but the space was clean and quiet—a perfect place for contemplation and preparation.
I spent the evening meditating, focusing on my breathing and the flow of qi within me. The journey to the sect had been arduous, but it had also strengthened my resolve. I knew that the tournament would be a true test of my abilities, and I was determined to succeed.
"Remember, Tyr," I whispered to myself, "patience and focus are key."
The next morning, I woke before dawn. The sect was already bustling with activity as disciples prepared for the day's events. The air was filled with a sense of anticipation, a collective energy that seemed to resonate with my own excitement and nervousness.
I made my way to the main courtyard, where the other hopefuls had gathered. There were many of us, each eager to prove their worth. The sect elders stood on a raised platform, their presence commanding and serene.
The First Round: Endurance
The head elder, a man with a long white beard and piercing eyes, stepped forward to address us. "Welcome to the Sect of the Rising Sun. Today, you will face trials designed to test your strength, skill, and character. Only the best will be chosen to join our ranks."
The first round was a test of endurance—a race up the mountain that bordered the valley. The path was steep and treacherous, lined with loose rocks and sharp inclines. The first ten to reach the summit would advance to the next round.
As soon as the signal was given, we all surged forward. I focused on my breathing, drawing in qi to strengthen my legs and lungs. The path was rough, with loose rocks and sudden drops. Some competitors stumbled; others pushed ahead with sheer willpower. I found a rhythm, my steps steady and sure, and began to overtake those who had started strong but were now faltering.
The peak came into view, and I pushed harder, my legs burning with the effort. I reached the top, among the first ten, and paused to catch my breath. The view from the peak was breathtaking, but there was no time to admire it. The next trial awaited.
The second round tested our combat skills. We were paired off and pitted against each other in the arena. My opponent was a wiry young man with quick reflexes and fierce determination. We bowed to each other, and the fight began.
He attacked first, his movements swift and precise. I deflected his blows, feeling the qi flow through me, enhancing my strength and speed. As he pressed his attack, I saw an opening and struck, channeling qi into my palm. The impact sent him sprawling, and I quickly followed up, pinning him to the ground.
The elder overseeing the match nodded approvingly. "Well done. Next round."
The Third Round: Strategy
The final trial was a test of strategy. We were given a puzzle—a complex formation of qi that needed to be deciphered and manipulated. I sat cross-legged, focusing on the intricate patterns. It was a test not just of knowledge but also of understanding the flow and nature of qi.
I visualized the patterns, feeling the energy shift and change. Slowly, I began to unravel the formation, aligning the qi with my own. It was a delicate process, requiring intense concentration. Finally, the formation clicked into place, and I felt a surge of energy as the puzzle was solved.
As the sun set, the final group of successful candidates stood before the sect elders. The atmosphere was electric, a mixture of relief and anticipation. The head elder stepped forward once again.
"You have all proven yourselves worthy," he said, his voice carrying over the crowd. "But there is one final challenge. Tomorrow, you will face a series of duels. The winners will be granted entry into the Sect of the Rising Sun. Prepare yourselves well."
The announcement sent a ripple of excitement and anxiety through the crowd. The final challenge would be the ultimate test of our abilities, and I knew that only the best would succeed. I returned to my room, my mind racing with thoughts of the upcoming duels.
A Night of Reflection
That night, I sat by the window, gazing out at the stars. The journey had been long and challenging, but it had also been a journey of growth and self-discovery. I thought of Master Li, of the village of Qiyun, and of the people who had helped me along the way. Their support and belief in me gave me strength.
"I will not let them down," I vowed. "I will prove myself worthy."
I spent the night meditating, focusing on my breathing and the flow of qi within me. I practiced the forms and techniques I had learned, visualizing the upcoming duels and preparing myself for the challenges ahead.
The next morning, the atmosphere in the sect was charged with tension. The courtyard was filled with hopefuls, each one ready to give their all in the final challenge. The elders stood on the platform, their presence commanding and serene.
The duels began, each one a fierce contest of skill and strategy. I watched as my fellow hopefuls battled, learning from their techniques and preparing myself for my own duel. When my name was finally called, I stepped into the arena, my heart pounding with anticipation.
My opponent was a tall, muscular man with a determined look in his eyes. We bowed to each other, and the duel began. He attacked with a series of powerful strikes, each one aimed with precision and intent. I deflected his blows, feeling the qi flow through me, enhancing my strength and speed.
As the duel progressed, I saw an opening and struck, channeling qi into my palm. The impact sent him staggering, and I quickly followed up, pressing my advantage. But just as victory seemed within reach, my opponent rallied, launching a counterattack that took me by surprise.
The crowd gasped as we exchanged blows, each one more intense than the last. The energy in the arena was electric, the outcome of the duel hanging in the balance.
Just as I was about to deliver the final blow, a sudden surge of qi from my opponent caught me off guard. The impact sent me sprawling, and the crowd erupted in a mixture of cheers and gasps. I lay on the ground, my mind racing as I struggled to regain my footing.
I looked up at my opponent to see they suddenly became 2 feet taller and nearly doubled in muscle. It kind of reminded me of a popular show back in my world, except his hair didn't turn blonde.
Suddenly, my opponent shouted, "Fist of the heavenly giant!"
he launched at me like a bullet, the size and weight of a bus
the only thing I managed to gargle through broken teeth and blood was
"FUC-gurggug"
I smacked against the floor, bloodied in the fetal position. It seemed appropriate considering I looked like an aborted fetus right now compared to him.
Just as I was about to become unconscious, I felt a surge of qi flow into me and my opponent was deflating rapidly with a look of utter shock and confusion
With the sudden surge of energy, I stood up with my teeth reforming and jaw going back into place. I looked at my opponent and spoke.
"round 2 asshole"