The following morning dawned with a faint mist hanging over Celestial Peak, lending an otherworldly glow to the sect's ancient stones. Wei Jin stirred, blinking up at the carved beams of his modest quarters, which were tucked away in a quiet corner of the grounds. His encounter with Yan Rui the day before lingered in his thoughts, and he could still feel a residual warmth where her strange energy had intertwined with his own.
He sat up slowly, stretching, and extended his hand, letting a faint shimmer of Purification Qi gather in his palm. To his surprise, the energy responded more fluidly than before, swirling into a concentrated sphere of light.
"Huh," he murmured, watching the Qi pulse gently in his hand. It felt sharper somehow, more precise—like a blade honed to a razor's edge. Yan Rui's "gift" had clearly done something, though the extent of it remained a mystery.
As he dressed and prepared his tools, a small thrill of excitement bubbled up within him. Today, he felt like he wasn't just going through the motions; he was on a mission. The sect held secrets, and now he had the power—and perhaps even the permission—to seek them out.
With his broom in hand, Wei Jin made his way toward the main courtyard. A few disciples were already training, their movements precise and graceful as they practiced forms with practiced ease. Wei Jin watched them for a moment, a slight pang of envy tugging at him. Cultivation had always seemed grand and glorious, but he'd never expected his own path to be wrapped in mystery.
"Ah, Wei Jin," a familiar voice called from behind him.
He turned to see Elder Lan approaching, his hands clasped behind his back, eyes sharp yet serene as always. The elder gave him a nod, glancing at the broom in his hand.
"I trust you're settling into your duties," Elder Lan said, his gaze unwavering.
"Yes, Elder," Wei Jin replied, bowing slightly. "The courtyard was left spotless yesterday."
Elder Lan's lips twitched into a faint smile. "So I noticed. You've done well. It seems your Purification Dao has some surprising effects."
Wei Jin felt a hint of pride. "Thank you, Elder. I'm… beginning to understand its potential."
Elder Lan nodded approvingly. "Good. As long as you remember that potential comes with responsibility. The energy you wield is rare, and it has a purpose beyond mere cleaning."
Wei Jin hesitated, sensing a weight behind Elder Lan's words. "Is there something specific you'd like me to do?"
The elder's gaze sharpened, and he gestured toward a narrow path leading away from the main courtyard, winding up toward a higher point on the mountain.
"Follow that path," Elder Lan instructed. "It leads to the Hall of Echoing Springs, an old meditation area that's fallen into disuse. It's said to be a place of great spiritual energy, but something has tainted it. I suspect it may benefit from your talents."
Wei Jin felt a thrill of excitement mixed with a tinge of nervousness. This wasn't just sweeping dust—this was an assignment that hinted at real power, real mystery.
"I understand, Elder," he said, bowing deeply. "I'll do my best."
Elder Lan inclined his head, a hint of approval in his gaze. "Be cautious. The Hall has been neglected for years, and whatever lingers there may not welcome your presence."
With that, the elder turned and walked away, leaving Wei Jin alone with his thoughts and the faintly ominous task ahead.
As he walked up the winding path, Wei Jin's thoughts raced. The Hall of Echoing Springs sounded like something out of an ancient legend, a place that had once thrummed with energy but had since been abandoned. And now, whatever corruption lay within it was his responsibility to confront.
The path grew steeper, the air cooler as he ascended, surrounded by dense foliage and towering pines. Shadows flickered between the trees, and he could hear the faint trickling of water somewhere nearby. The sounds were comforting, grounding him as he climbed.
Finally, he reached a small clearing, and there, nestled among the trees, stood the Hall of Echoing Springs.
The structure was ancient, its stone walls covered in creeping vines and moss, giving it an almost otherworldly appearance. Ornate carvings adorned the walls, depicting scenes of meditating monks and flowing streams, their faces serene and their postures graceful. A small spring bubbled up near the entrance, the water clear and cold as it trickled into a pool at the base of the hall.
But Wei Jin could sense it immediately—the dark energy lingering in the air, clinging to the stone like an invisible miasma. His Purification Qi stirred in response, almost instinctively, as though recognizing the corruption for what it was.
Taking a deep breath, he approached the hall, broom in hand, and stepped inside.
The interior was dimly lit, the air thick with the scent of damp stone and something sour, something that made his skin prickle. The hall was empty, its floor covered in a thin layer of dust, save for faint, dark stains scattered across the ground like ink splatters.
He knelt down, reaching out with his hand. The moment his fingers brushed one of the stains, he felt a jolt—a pulse of dark energy that surged through him before dissipating in a faint wisp of smoke.
"Just as I thought," he muttered, gripping his broom tightly.
Concentrating, he let his Purification Qi flow through his hands and into the broom. The bristles began to glow with a soft, silvery light, and he swept it over the stain. The dark energy recoiled, sizzling as the broom passed over it, and the stain vanished, leaving the stone pristine.
Encouraged, Wei Jin continued, moving from stain to stain, letting his Purification Qi cleanse each spot. It was exhausting work, each sweep draining his energy little by little, but he could feel the hall's atmosphere growing lighter, the oppressive weight in the air lifting as he worked.
Halfway through, he paused, wiping a bead of sweat from his forehead. The hall was nearly clear, the stains fading under the purifying power of his Qi. But as he reached the far side of the room, he noticed something unusual—a larger, more concentrated stain, almost like a shadow burned into the stone.
The moment he approached, a chill ran down his spine. This stain was different, darker, more potent, as though it held a consciousness of its own. His Purification Qi stirred, instinctively recoiling, yet he felt a strange pull, an urge to confront whatever lay within.
He took a deep breath, steadying himself, and raised his broom.
"Here goes nothing," he muttered, channeling as much Qi as he could muster into the bristles.
As the broom made contact with the stain, a wave of energy surged through the hall, shaking the walls and sending a gust of cold wind swirling around him. The stain pulsed, resisting his Qi, but he pressed on, gritting his teeth as he forced the purifying energy deeper.
The darkness recoiled, swirling and twisting like a living thing, and he could feel it fighting back, pushing against him with a force that nearly knocked him off his feet. But he held his ground, pouring every ounce of strength into the broom, his Qi blazing brighter as it clashed with the dark energy.
Finally, with a shuddering hiss, the darkness shattered, dissolving into wisps of smoke that faded into the air. Wei Jin staggered, catching himself against the wall as the last of the dark energy vanished.
The hall was silent, the air clear and fresh, as though a weight had been lifted. Wei Jin took a deep breath, feeling the purity of the space around him, and a faint smile tugged at his lips.
"Well," he said softly, "I think that's enough for one day."
***
The walk back from the Hall of Echoing Springs felt lighter, as if the weight of the dark energy he'd cleansed had lifted not just from the hall but from him as well. Wei Jin took his time, savoring the cool air and the soft rustle of leaves overhead. He could feel his Purification Qi resonating inside him, buzzing faintly in his chest like a warm ember.
It felt… good. Empowering, even. For the first time since arriving at Celestial Peak, he felt that his abilities held real meaning, real potential.
As he neared the main courtyard, the sounds of sparring and quiet conversation filled the air. Disciples practiced their forms in synchronized rows, their movements graceful and precise, while a few others meditated near the edges of the garden, seemingly lost in their own worlds.
Wei Jin was content to slip past them quietly, but a familiar voice halted him in his tracks.
"Janitor!" Xiao Mei's voice rang out, clear and commanding.
Wei Jin suppressed a sigh, turning to face her. Xiao Mei stood a short distance away, her expression a mixture of curiosity and irritation, arms crossed as she tapped her foot impatiently.
"Did you really just take it upon yourself to wander around the sect?" she asked, arching a brow. "And with that broom, of all things?"
Wei Jin shrugged, keeping his expression neutral. "Elder Lan gave me a task, and I completed it. If you're worried about me taking liberties, you're welcome to ask him yourself."
Xiao Mei's eyes narrowed slightly, but there was a spark of intrigue behind her irritation. "The Hall of Echoing Springs hasn't been used in years. It's not exactly standard for a janitor to be sent there, much less to… what, purify it?"
He nodded, feeling a hint of pride as he replied, "There was dark energy lingering there. Elder Lan thought my Purification Dao might help cleanse it."
Xiao Mei snorted, though she didn't quite manage to hide her surprise. "Dark energy? And you just… swept it away?"
"Yes, actually." Wei Jin gave her a faint, confident smile. "Turns out this broom is more than it seems."
She gave him a hard look, her gaze flicking from him to the broom, and then back. "Interesting. Don't let it get to your head, though. We're all here to serve the sect. Just because you're drawing attention doesn't mean you're more important than the others."
Wei Jin merely inclined his head. "I understand, Disciple Xiao Mei."
With a faint huff, she turned and walked away, her robes swirling around her as she strode toward a small group of disciples gathered near one of the statues. Wei Jin watched her go, a slight smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. He didn't need her approval, but there was something satisfying about seeing her ruffled.
He resumed his work, moving quietly through the courtyard, but he could feel eyes on him—disciples casting curious glances as he passed, murmuring to one another as they observed the "janitor" whose abilities had somehow earned Elder Lan's attention.
As evening approached, Wei Jin finished his tasks for the day and made his way back to his quarters. He was exhausted, but a pleasant warmth lingered in his chest, a sense of accomplishment that eased the day's weariness. He settled onto his mat, closing his eyes and letting his Purification Qi flow through his body, feeling it pulse and settle, spreading like ripples through his meridians.
The day's events replayed in his mind, each memory bright and sharp—the dark energy he'd cleansed, the weight of the Hall's oppressive air, the strange sensation of Yan Rui's power mingling with his own. And he couldn't shake Elder Lan's words from his mind: The energy you wield is rare, and it has a purpose beyond mere cleaning.
Purpose. The word echoed in his thoughts, filling him with a quiet determination.
The next morning, Wei Jin awoke before dawn, the sky still dark and stars faintly visible above the peaks. He grabbed his broom, slipping out of his quarters and making his way toward a more secluded part of the sect grounds. If his powers truly had purpose, he needed to understand them—test their limits, see what else he could do.
He found a quiet spot near the edge of the forest, where the trees formed a natural boundary, shielding him from view. Taking a deep breath, he centered himself, feeling the familiar warmth of his Purification Qi gathering in his chest.
"Let's see what you can do," he murmured, focusing on the energy within him.
He extended his hand, channeling the Qi into his palm. The energy gathered, forming a faint, silvery light that pulsed softly. Carefully, he let it flow down his arm, into his fingertips, and finally into the bristles of the broom. The broom glowed faintly, a soft halo of light surrounding it, and he felt the energy resonate, humming in his hand.
He gave a cautious sweep, watching as the Qi spread across the ground, leaving a faint, shimmering trail in its wake. It wasn't just a physical cleaning—it was a cleansing of the air, the earth, everything the Qi touched. The very atmosphere seemed to brighten, the shadows lifting as his energy purged any lingering impurities.
Satisfied, he straightened, letting the Qi dissipate, and turned to leave—only to find Elder Lan watching him from the edge of the clearing, his expression unreadable.
"Practicing alone, are we?" the elder asked, his voice calm yet carrying an unmistakable weight.
Wei Jin stiffened, bowing deeply. "Elder Lan. I didn't mean to—"
Elder Lan raised a hand, silencing him. "There's no need for excuses, Wei Jin. In fact, I encourage your curiosity. It's rare to see such diligence in someone with your… role."
Wei Jin's cheeks warmed, though he kept his head bowed. "Thank you, Elder."
The elder regarded him thoughtfully for a moment, then nodded. "Come with me. There's something I'd like you to see."
Without another word, he turned, beckoning for Wei Jin to follow. Intrigued, Wei Jin fell into step behind him, trying to keep his curiosity in check. Elder Lan led him down a narrow path, winding through the forest, until they reached a small, secluded clearing.
At the center stood a large, ancient tree, its bark gnarled and twisted, its roots sprawling across the ground like the arms of some sleeping giant. The air around the tree was thick with energy, a tangible presence that made Wei Jin's skin prickle.
"This tree has stood here for centuries," Elder Lan explained, his gaze distant. "It's said to be a sacred site, a place where the spirit of Celestial Peak resides. But in recent years, it's become… tainted. Dark energies have settled here, feeding on the tree's vitality."
Wei Jin felt a familiar stir in his chest, his Purification Qi responding to the corruption in the air. He glanced at Elder Lan, sensing the elder's unspoken question.
"You want me to cleanse it?" he asked, his voice quiet.
Elder Lan nodded. "If you're willing. I've seen what your abilities can do, and I believe you may be able to restore this site to its original purity."
Wei Jin took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the task settle over him. This was more than a test—it was a responsibility, a chance to prove his worth in a way he hadn't anticipated.
Stepping forward, he extended his hand, letting his Purification Qi flow through him, gathering in his palm until it pulsed with a soft, silvery light. Carefully, he touched the tree's bark, feeling the dark energy recoil, hissing as his Qi spread across its surface.
The corruption resisted, pressing against him like a wave, but he held his ground, pouring more energy into the tree, letting his Qi seep into its roots, its branches, every fiber of its being. The air grew thick, charged with tension as his Qi clashed with the dark energy, a silent battle unfolding beneath the surface.
Finally, with a shuddering sigh, the darkness gave way, dissipating in a faint wisp of smoke that rose from the tree's bark. Wei Jin staggered back, panting as the last traces of corruption faded, leaving the tree bathed in a soft, golden glow.
Elder Lan nodded approvingly, his gaze thoughtful. "Well done, Wei Jin. You've proven yourself capable of more than mere cleaning."
Wei Jin bowed, feeling a surge of pride mixed with exhaustion. "Thank you, Elder."
The elder's expression softened, and for a moment, he looked almost… proud. "Continue on this path, and you may find your abilities leading you to places others cannot go."
With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Wei Jin alone in the clearing, the faint glow of the tree illuminating the darkness around him.
***
After Elder Lan departed, Wei Jin remained in the clearing, letting the silence settle over him. The weight of what he'd done clung to him, both humbling and exhilarating. He'd purified an ancient tree, a site considered sacred by the sect, and he'd done it with his own hands, through abilities that had once seemed insignificant.
He traced his fingers over the broom handle, feeling the smooth wood against his skin. Just a simple tool, yet here, in this strange world of Qi and cultivation, it had become something more—a conduit for his power, a symbol of his path.
Perhaps my Dao isn't as small as I thought, he mused, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
As he made his way back to the main grounds, Wei Jin's thoughts drifted to Elder Lan's words: Places others cannot go. What had the elder meant by that? And why had he chosen Wei Jin for this task?
He arrived back in the main courtyard, his mind buzzing with questions, only to find a small group of disciples gathered near the entrance. They turned as he approached, a few of them whispering to each other, casting him curious and wary glances.
Wei Jin paused, feeling a prickle of discomfort. He wasn't used to attention, and certainly not this kind of attention. But he forced himself to keep walking, giving the disciples a polite nod as he passed.
One of them—a tall, lanky boy with sharp eyes and a faint smirk—stepped forward, blocking his path.
"So, you're the janitor everyone's talking about," he said, his tone dripping with amusement. "The one with the 'Purification Dao.'"
Wei Jin met his gaze calmly. "That's right."
The boy snorted, crossing his arms. "Do you really think some cleaning technique is going to make you a cultivator? I've never heard of anyone reaching enlightenment with a broom."
A few of the other disciples chuckled, nodding in agreement. Wei Jin felt a flicker of irritation but kept his expression neutral.
"I don't expect you to understand," he replied quietly. "But I have my own path, just as you have yours."
The boy's smirk faltered, his eyes narrowing. "Watch yourself, janitor. Just because the elders are indulging you doesn't mean you're above your station."
Wei Jin held his gaze, refusing to back down. He could feel his Purification Qi humming faintly in his chest, steady and reassuring, and he let it ground him.
After a tense moment, the boy huffed and turned away, gesturing for his friends to follow. Wei Jin watched them go, feeling a mixture of relief and frustration. It was clear that not everyone would welcome him here, and he'd have to prove himself if he wanted to be more than just a "janitor" in their eyes.
The days that followed settled into a rhythm. Wei Jin continued his duties around the sect, moving from courtyard to courtyard, garden to garden, cleansing and purifying as he went. His Purification Qi grew stronger with each task, his control sharpening until he could sense impurities from a distance, like a faint, sour note in the air.
Elder Lan assigned him more challenging areas, places that had been abandoned for years, their stones darkened by years of neglect and tainted energy. Each task tested his limits, but he relished the challenge, feeling his powers expand with every cleansing.
Yet, with each success, he noticed the reactions of those around him shifting. Some disciples watched him with a mixture of curiosity and wariness, while others openly scoffed, dismissing him as a mere cleaner. Xiao Mei, to his mild amusement, seemed torn between grudging respect and irritation, often watching him from a distance, her expression unreadable.
One afternoon, as he was finishing up in the western courtyard, he spotted a familiar figure approaching—a slender, ghostly form with silver hair and a mischievous smile.
"Yan Rui," he greeted, unable to keep the surprise from his voice.
She floated toward him, her ethereal form shimmering faintly in the sunlight. "Hello, little janitor," she said, her voice lilting with amusement. "I've heard you've been busy."
Wei Jin chuckled, leaning on his broom. "You could say that. Elder Lan's been keeping me occupied."
Her eyes sparkled with interest. "And what do you think of your tasks? Do they satisfy you?"
He considered her question, feeling the weight of his broom in his hands. "They're… meaningful. More than I expected, anyway. I didn't think purifying things would feel like this."
Yan Rui tilted her head, studying him with a curious intensity. "Purification is a rare gift, one that most cultivators overlook in their pursuit of power. But true power lies not in destruction but in restoration."
Wei Jin nodded, a sense of clarity settling over him. "Then I'll keep doing what I'm doing. Even if no one else understands it."
She smiled, a faint, wistful expression crossing her face. "Good. But remember, Wei Jin—Celestial Peak holds more secrets than you realize. Some of them… may not be so eager to be cleansed."
A chill ran down his spine, but he forced himself to meet her gaze. "I'll be ready for whatever comes."
Her smile widened, her form beginning to fade. "I hope so, little janitor. For your sake, I hope so."
And with that, she vanished, leaving him alone in the courtyard, the weight of her words lingering in the air.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Wei Jin made his way back to his quarters, his mind racing. Yan Rui's warning echoed in his thoughts, filling him with a strange mixture of excitement and unease.
The next morning, he awoke before dawn, a sense of anticipation thrumming in his veins. He had a feeling that today would be different, that his path was about to take an unexpected turn.
He grabbed his broom and made his way to the main courtyard, only to find Elder Lan waiting for him, his expression grave.
"Wei Jin," the elder greeted, his voice low. "There's something I need you to see."
Wei Jin's heart skipped a beat, and he nodded, falling into step beside the elder as they walked toward the southern edge of the sect grounds.
They arrived at a small, secluded building, its entrance barred by a heavy wooden door adorned with intricate carvings. Elder Lan placed a hand on the door, his expression unreadable.
"This is the Hall of Forgotten Echoes," he explained quietly. "A place that was once used for meditation and reflection, but has since been… compromised."
Wei Jin felt a shiver run down his spine. "Compromised? By what?"
Elder Lan's gaze darkened. "A corrupt energy, one that we've been unable to identify. It's been festering here for years, growing stronger with each passing season. I've tried to cleanse it myself, but it resists my Qi, as though it's… alive."
Wei Jin swallowed, feeling his Purification Qi stirring in response. "And you think I can cleanse it?"
Elder Lan nodded, his expression tense. "Your abilities are unique, Wei Jin. They may be our only hope of restoring this hall to its original purity."
Wei Jin took a deep breath, steeling himself. This was more than just a test—this was a challenge, a chance to prove that his Dao held real power, real purpose.
He stepped forward, placing his hand on the door, feeling the faint pulse of dark energy lurking beyond. It was cold, almost metallic, like the taste of iron on his tongue.
"Be cautious," Elder Lan warned. "The corruption is… unpredictable. It may lash out if you try to purge it."
Wei Jin nodded, gripping his broom tightly as he pushed the door open. The hall was dark, the air thick with a sour, metallic scent that made his stomach churn. Shadows clung to the walls, twisting and writhing like living things, and he could feel the dark energy pressing against him, seething with malice.
He took a deep breath, centering himself, and let his Purification Qi flow through him, gathering in his chest before spreading down his arm and into the broom. The bristles began to glow, a soft, silvery light that pushed back the shadows, illuminating the darkened room.
As he swept the broom across the floor, the dark energy recoiled, hissing like a wounded animal. He could feel it resisting, fighting against his Qi with a force that sent a jolt up his arm, but he held his ground, pouring more energy into the broom, letting his Purification Qi burn through the corruption.
The shadows writhed, twisting and contorting as his Qi clashed with them, a silent battle unfolding in the darkness. Sweat trickled down his forehead, his arms trembling with the effort, but he refused to back down, pushing forward until the last traces of darkness dissolved, leaving the hall bathed in a soft, golden glow.
Elder Lan stepped forward, his gaze filled with a mixture of awe and relief. "You did it, Wei Jin."
Wei Jin nodded, panting as he leaned on his broom for support. "It was… harder than I expected."
The elder placed a hand on his shoulder, his expression proud. "You've proven yourself today, Wei Jin. Your Purification Dao is stronger than I anticipated. Perhaps there's more to your path than I thought."
Wei Jin lingered by the ancient tree long after Elder Lan had left, feeling the faint hum of energy that still pulsed within its bark. The tree seemed alive in a way he hadn't noticed before, as though it had woken from a long sleep, and now whispered secrets to the wind.
He placed a hand on the bark, feeling his Purification Qi resonate faintly in response, a quiet echo that seemed to ground him. The cleansing process had taken more out of him than he'd expected, but he felt a strange, almost meditative calm as he stood in the clearing.
This is more than just cleaning, he thought, a quiet certainty settling over him. His abilities weren't simply tools for erasing grime and dust; they were a path, a purpose that felt more profound with each use.
Finally, he turned to leave, retracing his steps down the forest path. By the time he reached the main courtyard, the sun was beginning its descent, casting long shadows over the sect grounds. Disciples were finishing their training for the day, some sparring in the courtyard, others sitting in quiet meditation, the low murmur of conversation filling the air.
As Wei Jin made his way back toward his quarters, he noticed several disciples casting curious glances his way, their expressions ranging from confusion to admiration. He tried to ignore them, but a small group of younger disciples approached him, their eyes wide with awe.
"Are you the janitor who purified the Hall of Echoing Springs?" one of them asked, a boy with short-cropped hair and a look of eager curiosity.
Wei Jin blinked, taken aback. He hadn't expected word to spread so quickly. "I… yes, that was me."
The boy's face lit up, and he glanced back at his friends, who were watching Wei Jin with expressions of reverence. "Wow! They say the hall is glowing, like it's been blessed by the heavens!"
Wei Jin shifted uncomfortably, scratching the back of his neck. "It was just a bit of purification. Nothing too special."
But the disciples didn't seem to hear his modesty. Another young girl, her eyes bright with admiration, stepped forward. "Do you think you could purify my training sword? They say it can help channel energy better if it's free of impurities."
Wei Jin glanced at the plain, somewhat worn training sword in her hands. He could see faint smudges along the blade—nothing serious, but the idea of lending his powers to aid a fellow cultivator was oddly satisfying.
"Sure," he said, reaching out. The girl's face lit up as she handed him the sword, watching with rapt attention as he closed his eyes and let a faint flow of Purification Qi gather in his hand.
The energy seeped into the blade, flowing along its length, and he felt the impurities dissolve, leaving the metal gleaming with a faint, silvery sheen. When he handed it back to her, the girl stared at the sword with awe, running her fingers along the blade.
"Thank you!" she said, bowing deeply. "I'll train hard, I promise!"
Wei Jin smiled, a warm feeling spreading through him as he watched the group of disciples scurry off, chattering excitedly. Perhaps his path wasn't as grand as wielding lightning or mastering martial arts, but he was beginning to see the impact he could have—subtle, but meaningful.
As he continued toward his quarters, he heard a faint, familiar giggle echoing through the air.
"You're quite the popular janitor, aren't you?" Yan Rui's voice chimed, soft and teasing.
Wei Jin glanced around, spotting her ghostly form drifting above the path, her silver hair shimmering in the fading light.
"I suppose so," he replied, chuckling. "Not that I expected it."
Yan Rui floated down beside him, her gaze amused as she studied him. "You're gaining more attention than some of the inner disciples. Word spreads quickly in Celestial Peak, especially when it involves something… unusual."
Wei Jin shrugged. "I'm just doing my job. I didn't ask for the attention."
"True," she said, her tone thoughtful. "But there's something about you, Wei Jin—something that draws people in. Your power isn't flashy, but it's potent. And that's what people respect, even if they don't fully understand it."
He glanced at her, curious. "And what about you? Why are you so interested in me?"
Yan Rui's smile widened, and for a moment, he thought he saw a flicker of something wistful in her gaze. "Let's just say I've been waiting for someone like you for a long time. Celestial Peak has seen many powerful cultivators, but few with your kind of purity. It's… refreshing."
Wei Jin felt a warmth in his chest, though he wasn't sure if it was pride or something else. "Well, if there's anything you want to show me, I'm open to it. After all, I could use some guidance."
Yan Rui's eyes sparkled mischievously. "Be careful what you wish for, janitor. I have plenty of secrets to share—but some may be more dangerous than you realize."
He grinned, feeling a thrill of excitement. "I think I can handle it."
She laughed softly, the sound echoing like a melody through the air. "We'll see."
With a final, playful wink, she faded into mist, leaving him standing alone on the path, her laughter lingering in the air.
The days that followed were filled with a new sense of purpose for Wei Jin. He continued his duties diligently, sweeping the courtyards and tending to the gardens, but he also began exploring the sect grounds more thoroughly, seeking out places where his Purification Qi might be of use.
Each day, he discovered new traces of dark energy—small remnants clinging to statues, hidden stains in the walls, faint shadows lurking in the corners of the lesser-used halls. His powers were growing sharper, more refined, and with each cleansing, he felt his connection to the sect deepen.
But it wasn't long before his newfound reputation attracted the attention of more than just curious disciples.
One afternoon, as he was sweeping the southern courtyard, he noticed a figure approaching him from the other side of the garden. The man was tall and lean, his robes immaculately clean and adorned with silver embroidery that marked him as an elder of the sect. His expression was sharp, his gaze intense as he strode toward Wei Jin with an air of authority.
Wei Jin straightened, bowing respectfully as the elder approached. "Good afternoon, Elder."
The man regarded him with a critical eye, his gaze flicking briefly to the broom in Wei Jin's hand before settling on his face.
"I am Elder Shen," he said, his voice cold and measured. "I've heard rumors about your… abilities. The purification skills you've displayed are impressive, but I wonder if you understand the weight of the responsibility they carry."
Wei Jin felt a prickle of unease under Elder Shen's scrutiny. "I'm aware, Elder. I only wish to serve the sect to the best of my abilities."
Elder Shen's expression remained impassive. "Serving the sect is more than mere obedience. It requires loyalty, dedication, and, above all, an understanding of your place within the hierarchy."
Wei Jin nodded, feeling a flicker of irritation but suppressing it. "I understand, Elder. I know my role."
The elder's gaze lingered on him for a moment longer, as if weighing his words. "See that you do. Power can be a dangerous thing, especially for those who do not wield it with respect. Your abilities may be unusual, but they do not place you above the rest of the disciples."
Wei Jin bowed again, keeping his tone calm. "Of course, Elder. I have no desire to overstep my boundaries."
Elder Shen's eyes narrowed, his expression unreadable. "Good. Then remember that your duty is to the sect, not to yourself. Any actions that deviate from that duty will be met with consequences."
With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Wei Jin standing alone, his mind racing.
The encounter left him with a sense of unease, a feeling that he'd drawn too much attention too quickly. But as he watched Elder Shen's figure disappear into the distance, a quiet determination settled over him. He wasn't here to make waves or challenge the sect's authority, but he couldn't ignore the path that lay before him, the purpose that seemed to call to him with each new discovery.
Taking a deep breath, he returned to his work, his resolve stronger than ever. Whatever lay ahead, he was ready to face it—one sweep at a time.
*Author Note: This is my first true Xianxia novel. Let me know if you like it :)