The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across Green Leaf Village as the day came to a close. The villagers gathered around the central fire pit, speaking in hushed tones about the events of the day. Word had spread quickly about Li Feng's encounter with the bandits, and the air was thick with curiosity and unease. Li Feng sat quietly near the edge of the circle, his mind racing with questions.
Old Man Liu had said something about learning the truth, but what did he mean? And why did he have that look in his eyes, as if he knew something important about Li Feng's past? Before he could dwell too long on these thoughts, a new figure entered the clearing—a tall man in simple but elegant robes, his long white hair flowing down his back. His presence commanded attention, and the crowd fell silent as he approached.
"It's Elder Shen!" someone whispered. "What is he doing here?"
Elder Shen was a revered figure in the region, a powerful cultivator from the Azure Sky Sect, a sect known for its strict discipline and mastery of spiritual techniques. His visits to the village were rare, usually reserved for official matters or recruitment of potential disciples. Li Feng's heart pounded in his chest. Why was Elder Shen here now?
Elder Shen walked with a slow, deliberate grace, his eyes scanning the crowd until they settled on Li Feng. A faint smile crossed his lips as he approached. "You must be Li Feng," he said, his voice calm and measured, yet carrying an authority that made the boy sit up straight. "I've heard quite the tale about your bravery today."
Li Feng stood, bowing respectfully. "Elder Shen," he greeted, trying to keep his voice steady despite the nerves fluttering in his stomach. "I only did what anyone else would have done."
"Modest, too," Elder Shen chuckled softly. "But not everyone could have fought off five armed men with nothing but a branch and lived to tell the tale. There's more to you than meets the eye, young man."
Li Feng felt a blush rise to his cheeks. "I don't understand. I just... I don't know what came over me. It was like... something inside me took over."
Elder Shen nodded knowingly. "Sometimes, the spirit awakens in the most unexpected moments. Tell me, have you ever felt something like this before?"
Li Feng hesitated, then shook his head. "No, Elder. Today was the first time."
Elder Shen glanced at the pendant around Li Feng's neck, his eyes narrowing as if recognizing something. "May I see your pendant?" he asked, his tone polite but firm.
Li Feng unclasped the pendant and handed it to Elder Shen, who studied it closely. His brows furrowed, and he traced a finger over the intricate runes etched into the metal. "Interesting," he murmured. "Very interesting indeed."
He returned the pendant to Li Feng and turned to address the gathered villagers. "I have come to this village for a reason," he began, his voice carrying easily across the clearing. "The Azure Sky Sect is looking for new disciples—those with the potential to cultivate and achieve greatness. It seems fate has brought me here at just the right moment."
The crowd murmured in excitement. Being chosen to join a sect was a rare honor, a chance for a life beyond the fields and forests. Many of the younger villagers looked eager, their eyes shining with hope.
"Li Feng," Elder Shen continued, turning back to him, "I would like to extend an invitation for you to join the Azure Sky Sect as a disciple."
Li Feng's heart leapt. An invitation to join a cultivation sect? This was beyond anything he had ever imagined! He looked around at the villagers, many of whom were nodding with encouragement. But there were also looks of concern—joining a sect meant leaving the village, perhaps forever.
Old Man Liu stepped forward, his face serious. "Elder Shen, forgive me, but Li Feng is still very young. Are you certain he's ready for such a path?"
Elder Shen nodded. "I understand your concern, Old Liu. But I see great potential in this boy, a spark that could become a blazing flame if nurtured properly. The life of a cultivator is not easy—it requires discipline, dedication, and sacrifice. But with the right guidance, I believe Li Feng could achieve greatness."
Li Feng's mind was spinning. This was everything he had ever dreamed of—a chance to leave the village, to learn more about his mysterious past, and to discover his true potential. But was he ready for such a drastic change?
He took a deep breath and looked at Elder Shen. "I… I accept," he said, his voice steady. "I want to learn. I want to become stronger, to understand this power inside me."
A smile spread across Elder Shen's face. "Good," he said. "Then it is settled. You will come with me to the Azure Sky Sect."
The villagers erupted into murmurs and whispers. Some were excited for Li Feng, while others seemed worried about what lay ahead for the young orphan. Old Man Liu stepped forward again, placing a hand on Li Feng's shoulder. "The road ahead will not be easy, boy," he said quietly. "But remember where you came from, and you'll never lose your way."
Li Feng nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety. He looked around at the familiar faces of the villagers, realizing that this might be the last time he saw them for a long while. "Thank you," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "Thank you all."
Elder Shen turned and began to walk away, motioning for Li Feng to follow. As they left the village, Li Feng took one last look back, the people and places he had known all his life fading into the distance. Ahead lay the unknown—a path of challenges, mysteries, and untold possibilities.
As they traveled, Elder Shen began to explain the basics of cultivation. "The path you have chosen is not an easy one, Li Feng," he said. "Cultivation is the art of harnessing the energy of the heavens and the earth, refining it within oneself to achieve greater power and spiritual enlightenment. It requires not only strength of body but also strength of mind and spirit."
Li Feng listened intently, absorbing every word. "How do I begin?" he asked eagerly. "How do I cultivate?"
Elder Shen smiled at his enthusiasm. "Patience, young one. First, you must learn to sense the energy around you—the Qi that flows through all things. Only then can you begin to draw it into yourself and refine it."
They traveled for several days, moving through forests, over rivers, and up steep mountain paths. Along the way, Elder Shen continued to teach Li Feng about the fundamentals of cultivation—the importance of meditation, the practice of breathing techniques, and the different levels of cultivation that lay ahead.
Finally, they reached the Azure Sky Sect, perched high on a mountain peak. The sect was a sprawling complex of temples, training grounds, and meditation halls, surrounded by towering walls that seemed to blend into the mountain itself. The sight took Li Feng's breath away.
"This is the Azure Sky Sect," Elder Shen said, his voice filled with pride. "Your new home, and the place where your journey truly begins."
Li Feng looked up at the massive gates, feeling a surge of determination. This was it—the beginning of a new life, a new adventure. Whatever lay ahead, he knew he was ready to face it head-on.
As the gates opened and they stepped inside, Li Feng couldn't help but feel a mix of fear and excitement. The path to cultivation was long and filled with challenges, but he was ready to face them. He had to be. For himself, for the villagers who believed in him, and for the mystery of his own existence that still lingered unanswered.