Arriving at the Celestial Sword Sect's towering gates, Lei Chen felt both awe and apprehension. The sect was massive, its buildings carved from the mountains themselves, each structure humming with spiritual energy. The gates alone were adorned with intricate sword carvings, each one representing a legendary warrior from the sect's past.
He wasn't alone. Dozens of cultivators from across the continent had gathered, hoping to be accepted. The atmosphere was tense, filled with the weight of ambition and competition.
As soon as he stepped inside, Lei Chen was greeted by a group of inner disciples, their eyes scanning him with a mixture of curiosity and condescension. Leading them was Master Jiang, a sword instructor known for his strict methods and ruthless discipline.
"New recruits," Master Jiang said, his voice cold and detached, "let me make one thing clear. Only the strongest survive here. If you're looking for a peaceful place to grow, you're in the wrong sect."
The recruits murmured amongst themselves, but Lei Chen remained silent, his eyes focused on Master Jiang.
"You," Master Jiang said, pointing at Lei Chen, "step forward."
Without hesitation, Lei Chen complied.
"You're not a swordsman, are you?" Master Jiang asked, his eyes narrowing. "What makes you think you belong in the Celestial Sword Sect?"
Lei Chen didn't flinch. "Strength is strength, regardless of the weapon. I may not wield a sword, but I'll prove myself."
Master Jiang's lips twisted into a smirk. "Very well. Let's see if your actions match your words."
He tossed Lei Chen a wooden training sword, the weight of it unfamiliar in Lei Chen's hands. "You have one minute to land a strike on me," Master Jiang said, drawing his own blade.
The duel began, and Lei Chen immediately realized how outmatched he was. Master Jiang's movements were fluid, his sword an extension of his body. Each strike came with deadly precision, forcing Lei Chen to rely on the War God's techniques to enhance his agility and strength.
For the first thirty seconds, Lei Chen struggled to even keep up. But then, something shifted. Drawing on his innate power, Lei Chen stopped fighting with the sword as if it were foreign to him. Instead, he infused it with his qi, using it as an extension of his own strength.
He struck out, and though it was a glancing blow, the tip of his wooden sword touched Master Jiang's arm.
The inner disciples gasped in shock. It wasn't a victory, but it was enough to make Master Jiang pause.
"Interesting," Master Jiang said, lowering his weapon. "Very well, you've earned a place here. But be warned, strength is fleeting. You'll need more than luck to survive in this sect."