Chapter 16: Secrets of the Void Lotus Peak
In a grand yet slightly decrepit courtyard, three figures knelt on soft, worn cushions before two elderly men. Tsering, Yashvi, and Vishal exchanged uncertain glances, their clothes still tattered from the earlier teleportation and their faces etched with exhaustion. The two old men sitting across from them were sharply contrasting in appearance but equally imposing.
Huang Tian, a thin but energetic man with sharp eyes that gleamed with intelligence, stroked his wispy beard as he observed the trio. His long, yellow robes fluttered slightly in the breeze. Beside him was Feng Chun, his broader and more robust counterpart, with deep laugh lines carved into his face and a more laid-back demeanor.
Huang Tian broke the silence, his voice carrying both authority and warmth. "Children, you have come to a place few have ever stepped foot in. This world, this continent, is filled with dangers far beyond your current understanding. Yet, I see great potential in you three a spark that could reignite the glory of the Yellow Spring Pavilion."
Vishal frowned, his sharp eyes narrowing. "You want us to join your pavilion and become your disciples? And in return, you'll help us find our friends?"
Feng Chun chuckled, the sound low and calming. "Yes, boy. It's a fair trade, isn't it? You need protection, guidance, and strength, and we… well, we need young talents like yourselves to restore what has been lost."
Tsering let out a quiet sigh. She glanced at Yashvi, then at Vishal. "If we agree, you must promise not to forbid us from living freely or restrict our search for our friends."
Huang Tian nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Of course. You have my word." Feng Chun echoed his agreement with a nod.
Finally, Tsering turned to her companions. Vishal spoke first, his tone serious. "Fine. I'll join."
Huang Tian's eyes brightened. "Good choice, boy. You possess a Divine Body a gift that few in this world are born with. Under my guidance, you will cultivate this gift to heights unimaginable."
Yashvi hesitated but, after a moment, gave a small nod. "I'll join as well."
Feng Chun's broad grin widened. "Excellent! I will personally oversee your growth, girl. You have a sharp spirit and an unyielding will traits that will serve you well."
Tsering, however, shook her head slightly. "I appreciate your offer, but I already have my own path."
The two elders exchanged glances. "Oh? Do you now?" Huang Tian asked.
Tsering smiled faintly. "My ancestor has already passed down techniques and knowledge to me. I will cultivate on my own terms."
The elders accepted her decision, impressed by her determination. With the arrangements settled, the trio prepared to begin their new lives in the Yellow Spring Pavilion.
The icy winds howled across the barren, snow-covered land. Within a well-insulated hall carved from glistening ice, Sachi, Ubika, and Riddhi sat before an ethereal woman. Bingqing, with her snow-white robes adorned with intricate ice motifs, radiated an otherworldly beauty. Her icy-blue eyes carried a mixture of wisdom and sorrow, and her every movement exuded elegance.
Bingqing's gaze rested on the youngest of the trio, Ubika, who clung to Riddhi's arm like a frightened child. Tears glistened in her eyes. "My brother… how will he survive? He must be so scared."
Riddhi tightened her arm around Ubika protectively. "Don't cry. Your brother is strong he won't give up, and neither should you."
Sachi nodded, her tone calm but firm. "We will find him. We have to believe in him."
Bingqing, observing the interaction, spoke gently. "I understand your pain, little one. But this is the Frozen North a place few can survive without strength. The winds and beasts alone are enough to destroy those who lack cultivation. If you wish to leave, you must first gain power."
Ubika's tear-streaked face lifted toward Bingqing. "But… is there no other way? I need to find my brother!"
The woman's gaze softened. "I do not wish to give you false hope. The Northern Continent is vast, and there's no guarantee your brother is here. He could be anywhere in this world. However…" She leaned forward slightly, her voice steady. "If you stay and become my disciples, I will help you grow stronger and I promise to aid you in your search."
Riddhi and Sachi exchanged glances. Riddhi spoke first. "If that's our best option, then we'll stay."
Sachi nodded in agreement, her tone resolute. "We'll do whatever it takes to survive and find our friends."
Ubika hesitated, then met Bingqing's gaze. "You promise to help me find my brother?"
Bingqing's expression softened further. "I promise. I will take an oath if that will ease your mind."
At last, Ubika nodded, her small voice trembling. "Then… I'll stay."
Bingqing smiled gently. "Good. From this moment on, you three are my disciples. Together, we will ensure your survival in this harsh land."
At the Eternal Void Lotus Sect, the towering peaks shimmered in the sunlight, their grandeur overshadowing even the bustling streets below. On the Void Lotus Peak, the sect's main peak, Bhoumik found himself standing in the courtyard of a grand hall.
Ling Yue, the sect master, stood before him with her usual commanding presence. Her voice was calm but firm as she began giving instructions.
"Before you can even think about cultivating, you must strengthen your body. You're far too frail to handle the rigors of this world."
Bhoumik frowned slightly but nodded. "What do I need to do?"
She gestured to a set of cleaning tools buckets, brushes, and mops. "Start by cleaning this courtyard. A strong foundation begins with discipline. Once you finish, begin muscle training."
Bhoumik suppressed a groan but obediently picked up the tools. As he scrubbed the stone tiles under the sun's relentless glare, his body protested the exertion. Sweat dripped from his brow, and his arms ached, but he pushed through.
Ling Yue watched from a distance, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Good. If you're going to survive in this world, you'll need more than brute strength. Cultivation is about perseverance."
After hours of cleaning, Bhoumik moved on to the muscle training Ling Yue had prescribed: running laps around the courtyard, carrying buckets of water, and lifting heavy stones. By the end of the day, his body felt like it was on the verge of collapse.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Ling Yue approached him. "You've done well for your first day. Rest now your real training begins tomorrow."
Exhausted but determined, Bhoumik nodded. "Thank you, Master."
Ling Yue's gaze lingered on him for a moment, her thoughts unreadable. "You are full of surprises, boy. Let's see how far you can go."
The morning sun bathed the Eternal Void Lotus Sect in golden light, but Bhoumik's routine remained unchanged. As he swept the courtyard, scrubbed floors, and carried heavy loads, his thoughts drifted to his little sister and friends. It had been a month since he arrived, and the loneliness gnawed at him.
By mid-morning, Bhoumik finished his tasks and approached Ling Yue, who was meditating in the main hall. He hesitated but finally asked, "Master, I've completed today's chores. Is this all I'll ever do? Am I not here to learn cultivation?"
Ling Yue's eyes opened, her cold gaze piercing. For a moment, silence lingered between them, before she said, "Impatient, are we? Or is it regret I see in your expression?"
Bhoumik's jaw tightened. "Perhaps. But I've already accepted you as my master. There's no point dwelling on regrets now."
Ling Yue raised an eyebrow, surprised by his bluntness. "Interesting. I assumed you were the silent type, yet here you are, voicing your dissatisfaction. Very well. Follow me."
Without waiting for a reply, Ling Yue stood and walked out of the hall. Bhoumik trailed behind her as they entered the depths of the Void Lotus Peak.
Ling Yue led Bhoumik through a narrow path flanked by towering cliffs, eventually arriving at a massive stone door. Runes carved into the surface pulsed faintly. With a simple wave of her hand, Ling Yue activated the door, which groaned open, revealing a dimly lit chamber filled with ancient artifacts, scrolls, and treasures.
"This is a place known only to the sect masters of the Eternal Void Lotus Sect," Ling Yue said. "Even the elders are forbidden to step foot here. It houses the legacy of our founder."
Bhoumik glanced around, taking in the grandeur of the chamber. "Why are you showing me this if it's so secretive?"
Ling Yue chuckled. "Because, disciple, you are special. I've been observing you for a month. You possess patience and discipline, traits rare in those your age. But more importantly, there is something about your body I must confirm."
She gestured for him to follow her deeper into the chamber. After weaving through rows of artifacts and relics, they stopped in front of a towering statue. It depicted a man with long hair, clad in an intricate robe adorned with lotus patterns. His features were ethereal, almost otherworldly, and around his neck was a familiar dark lotus pendant.
Bhoumik's breath caught in his throat. The pendant on the statue's neck was identical to his own. He instinctively touched the one he wore under his robe but said nothing.
"This is the founder of the Eternal Void Lotus Sect," Ling Yue explained. "It is said he once ruled the heavens with his power, but he disappeared mysteriously over 100000 years ago."
Ling Yue didn't notice Bhoumik's reaction and handed him a small, dark piece of wood. "Take this and hold it tightly. If I'm correct, it will confirm my suspicions about your body."