Li Wei's heart swelled with pride as he watched Chen Yu practice the basic sword techniques under his watch. His first disciple was proving to be a quick learner, and that was a good sign. However, despite his newfound confidence, Li Wei still had no idea what he was doing. How do I train someone in martial arts again? He rubbed his temples in frustration. What did I get myself into?
"Don't just swing it like you're chopping vegetables, Chen Yu!" Li Wei shouted, trying his best to sound authoritative. "The sword is an extension of your body! You need precision, control!"
Chen Yu's face turned red as he corrected his posture and began practicing the technique again, his sword movements a bit more refined this time. Li Wei couldn't help but feel a bit smug—maybe his instincts weren't as bad as he thought.
Yu Zhen, who had been standing nearby, observing the training session, finally spoke up. "Sectmaster, you must understand that cultivation isn't just about teaching them techniques. It's about guiding them through the path of spiritual growth, unlocking their potential. A sword is nothing if the body and mind are not in harmony."
Li Wei blinked at him. "Wait, you mean it's not just about swinging the sword around like a madman?"
Yu Zhen sighed. "No, Sectmaster, it is not. You must focus on guiding him through both the martial and spiritual realms. Without balance, even the sharpest sword will dull."
Li Wei scratched his head, looking at Chen Yu who was still struggling with his sword posture. "Right, balance. But... how do we even begin? This place is so weak in spiritual energy. I feel like we're trying to build a palace on sand."
Yu Zhen nodded. "Indeed, the region's spiritual energy is weak, but that does not mean there is no hope. Every great cultivator begins somewhere. Even the most powerful sects had humble beginnings."
Li Wei stared at the desolate landscape surrounding the sect. If the sect is to grow, I need more than just one disciple. His mind began to race with ideas. "What about... recruiting more disciples? Maybe we can get a small army of them to help us build up the sect. And then... what? I don't know. Maybe we can find a way to increase the spiritual energy somehow?"
Yu Zhen's gaze softened. "You think beyond your years, Sectmaster. But remember, building a sect is not only about numbers. Quality is far more important than quantity. You must find those who are truly capable of following your teachings. Only then will your sect grow strong."
Li Wei blinked. "Quality, huh? Alright, fine. I'll focus on finding the best people, but where do I even look for them? This place is barely crawling with martial talent."
Before Yu Zhen could respond, a voice interrupted them. "Sectmaster, there's someone at the gates who claims to have come from the city. They say they wish to join your sect."
Li Wei's eyes widened. Another potential disciple already? "Send them in! I'll see what they're made of."
Moments later, a young man entered the training ground, wearing simple clothing and carrying a small pack on his back. He bowed respectfully upon seeing Li Wei. "Greetings, Sectmaster. I am Zhou Tian, a wanderer from the capital city. I have heard tales of your sect and wish to join. Please, accept me as a disciple."
Li Wei raised an eyebrow, eyeing the newcomer suspiciously. Zhou Tian, huh? Wonder if this guy is really all talk or if he's got some potential.
"Tell me, Zhou Tian," Li Wei said, trying to sound like he knew what he was doing, "why do you want to join the Immortal Dragon Sect? What makes you think you have what it takes?"
Zhou Tian's eyes gleamed with determination. "I have no particular skill, Sectmaster, but I have a burning desire to improve. I want to cultivate to the highest level and help your sect rise. I know I'm not much right now, but I'm willing to put in the work."
Li Wei glanced at Yu Zhen, who seemed to be observing the young man carefully. After a brief pause, Yu Zhen nodded, silently approving of Zhou Tian's sincerity.
"Alright," Li Wei said, nodding thoughtfully. "I'll accept you into the sect. But don't think it's going to be easy. You'll have to train hard, and we'll see if you have the potential to grow. Welcome to the Immortal Dragon Sect."
Zhou Tian bowed deeply. "Thank you, Sectmaster! I won't let you down."
Li Wei gave him a dismissive wave. "Let's see if you can even keep up with the first disciple. If you can beat him in a sparring match, you're in."
Zhou Tian's eyes widened. "A spar? Against him?" He looked over at Chen Yu, who had been practicing nearby. Chen Yu raised an eyebrow, a confident smirk appearing on his face. He had been feeling more and more confident as the days passed, and this challenge would be a good way to prove his progress.
The two young men squared off, swords in hand, as Li Wei and Yu Zhen watched closely. Li Wei leaned forward, excitement building. "Alright, let's see what you're made of!"
The fight was intense, with Zhou Tian quickly showcasing his speed and agility. However, it was clear that Chen Yu's raw talent and training were starting to shine. Despite Zhou Tian's determination, Chen Yu effortlessly dodged his strikes and landed several blows of his own.
After a few more minutes, Chen Yu disarmed Zhou Tian, holding his sword against the young man's neck. "You're not bad," Chen Yu said with a grin, "but you'll need more than that to beat me."
Zhou Tian panted, clearly exhausted but not discouraged. "I'll improve," he vowed, "I won't let this stop me."
Li Wei clapped his hands. "Well, that was interesting! You've got some spirit, Zhou Tian. You're in. But you'll have to catch up to Chen Yu if you want to stand out."
Zhou Tian nodded, determination shining in his eyes. "I won't give up, Sectmaster!"
Yu Zhen, who had been silently observing, spoke up. "Two disciples is a good start, Sectmaster. But remember, your sect will need more than just skill and potential. You must teach them discipline, and you must lead by example."
Li Wei grinned. "No worries, Yu Zhen. We're just getting started. I'll make this sect the greatest one in the region—no one will be able to stand against us."
And with that, the Immortal Dragon Sect began to take its first steps toward greatness. But Li Wei knew that the road ahead would be long, and the challenges would only grow tougher. But with determination, a bit of luck, and his growing roster of disciples, he was ready for whatever came next.