Chapter 16: The Path to Transformation
The golden gates of the Immortal Sect loomed before Xu Tian, their intricate carvings depicting celestial battles, legendary cultivators, and the triumph of the strong over the weak. The light radiating from the gates was warm yet overwhelming, a force that seemed to judge his very soul.
Steeling himself, Xu Tian stepped forward. The moment his foot crossed the threshold, the world shifted. The gates vanished, and he found himself standing in a grand courtyard, surrounded by towering pagodas that shimmered with spiritual energy. The air was thick with the scent of blooming spirit lotuses, their petals glowing faintly under the sunlight.
Dozens of figures moved about the courtyard, their auras formidable. These were cultivators of the Immortal Sect, each radiating power far beyond anything Xu Tian had ever encountered. He felt like a tiny ember in a sea of blazing suns.
"New arrival," a sharp voice called out.
Xu Tian turned to see a tall, imposing figure striding toward him. The man's robes were embroidered with the sect's insignia—a phoenix wreathed in flames—and his eyes burned with a stern intensity.
"I am Elder Han," the man announced. "As the overseer of new disciples, it is my duty to assess your potential and assign you to a division. State your name and background."
"Xu Tian," he replied, bowing respectfully. "I come from a small mountain village."
Elder Han's gaze narrowed as he studied Xu Tian, his spiritual sense brushing over him like a cold wind. The elder's brow furrowed slightly, and a flicker of surprise crossed his face.
"You carry a peculiar aura," Elder Han said. "It is faint, yet... unyielding. Tell me, what method did you use to cultivate? Your qi is unlike any I've encountered."
Xu Tian hesitated. Revealing the existence of the Forbidden Scripture would be dangerous, especially in a place as powerful as the Immortal Sect. He decided to tread carefully.
"I stumbled upon an old technique," Xu Tian said vaguely. "It's incomplete, but it allowed me to ignite my qi."
Elder Han regarded him silently for a moment before nodding. "Very well. You will begin as an Outer Disciple, as is customary for all new entrants. Prove yourself, and you may rise through the ranks."
With a wave of his hand, Elder Han summoned a glowing talisman that hovered before Xu Tian. "This will guide you to your quarters. Report to the Outer Disciple Hall at dawn tomorrow. Your journey begins now."
Xu Tian accepted the talisman, bowing once more. "Thank you, Elder Han."
---
The talisman led him to a modest wooden house at the edge of the sect's sprawling grounds. The room was small but clean, with a simple bed, a desk, and a meditation mat. As he settled in, Xu Tian couldn't help but marvel at how far he had come.
From a despised orphan in a remote village to a disciple of one of the most powerful sects in the realm—his journey was nothing short of miraculous. Yet, he knew this was only the beginning. The path ahead would be fraught with challenges, and he would need to grow stronger to survive.
Sitting cross-legged on the meditation mat, Xu Tian retrieved the Forbidden Scripture. Its runes glowed faintly, pulsating with an eerie rhythm. He had yet to fully grasp its depths, but he could feel its power beckoning him.
"Let's see what secrets you hold," he murmured, opening the scroll.
As he read, his mind was flooded with information. The Forbidden Scripture detailed techniques that defied conventional cultivation, methods that tapped into the very fabric of the Heavenly Dao. One passage in particular caught his attention:
> "To defy the heavens is to rewrite the laws of existence. The path is treacherous, but for those who persevere, true freedom awaits."
Xu Tian's resolve hardened. The Heavenly Dao had deemed him unworthy, had shackled him to a life of mediocrity. But with the Forbidden Scripture, he would carve his own path, no matter the cost.
---
The next morning, Xu Tian arrived at the Outer Disciple Hall, where dozens of other new disciples had gathered. The atmosphere was tense, each person sizing up the competition. Among them, a few stood out—figures whose auras hinted at extraordinary talent.
A young woman with silver hair and piercing blue eyes caught his attention. She stood apart from the others, her gaze cold and unyielding. Whispers identified her as Lan Yue, a prodigy from the Azure Frost Clan. Her reputation as a genius had clearly preceded her.
Nearby, a burly youth with a broad grin and a massive hammer slung over his shoulder greeted others with loud enthusiasm. His name was Zhao Feng, and he exuded an infectious energy that seemed to put everyone at ease.
Xu Tian kept to himself, observing quietly. He had no allies here, and trust would have to be earned carefully.
Elder Han arrived, his presence commanding immediate silence. "Welcome, new disciples. You have passed the initial trials, but the true test begins now. The Immortal Sect rewards strength and merit. Only those who prove their worth will ascend."
He gestured to a towering stone pillar in the center of the hall. "This is the Spirit Resonance Monument. It will measure your potential and assign you a ranking among your peers. Step forward one at a time."
One by one, the disciples approached the monument, placing their hands on its surface. The pillar glowed, displaying their rankings in bright golden characters. Lan Yue's turn came, and the monument flared brilliantly.
"Rank: Heaven-Tier," Elder Han announced, his tone approving. The crowd murmured in awe.
Zhao Feng followed, his ranking just a step below. "Rank: Earth-Tier."
When Xu Tian's turn came, he approached the pillar with measured steps. Placing his hand on the cold stone, he felt a surge of energy rush through him. The monument's glow flickered erratically before stabilizing.
"Rank:... Unclassified," Elder Han said, his voice laced with surprise.
The crowd erupted into whispers. "Unclassified? Is that even possible?"
Xu Tian stepped back, his expression calm despite the uncertainty. He could feel the Forbidden Scripture's influence masking his true potential. Whatever the ranking meant, it was clear his path would be anything but ordinary.
Elder Han's gaze lingered on Xu Tian, a mix of curiosity and caution in his eyes. "Your potential is... unique. Whether that is a blessing or a curse remains to be seen. Prove yourself, and you may yet rise."
As the rankings concluded, Xu Tian felt the weight of countless eyes on him. Some were dismissive, others curious. But he paid them no mind. His journey was his own, and no monument or ranking could define his destiny.
---
That night, as Xu Tian sat beneath the starlit sky, he reflected on the day's events. The road ahead would be perilous, but he welcomed the challenge. For the first time, he felt truly alive.
And as the Forbidden Scripture pulsed faintly in his hands, he knew that his rebellion against the heavens had only just begun.