The towering gates of the Phoenix Sect came into view as the sun rose, casting golden light on the intricate carvings of flames and soaring birds. Aarik had never seen anything so grand. The sect was nestled in the heart of the Mistveil Mountains, its spires reaching toward the heavens.
"Welcome to your new home," Kaelen said as they passed through the gates.
Inside, the sect buzzed with activity. Disciples sparred in open courtyards, their techniques precise and deadly. Others meditated near flowing streams, their auras radiating calm power. Aarik couldn't help but feel out of place, his village clothes and patched pack a stark contrast to their refined robes and confident demeanors.
Kaelen led him to a grand hall, where a middle-aged man with fiery red hair sat on a throne-like chair. His aura was suffocating, the air around him shimmering with heat.
"This is Master Valen, the Sect Leader," Kaelen whispered.
Master Valen's piercing gaze bore into Aarik. "You bear the mark of the Eternal Flame," he said, his voice deep and commanding. "Do you know what this means?"
Aarik shook his head, too overwhelmed to speak.
"It means you carry a power that can rival even the heavens," Valen continued. "But power without discipline is a disaster waiting to happen. From today, you are no longer a farmer. You are a disciple of the Phoenix Sect."
The ceremony was brief but solemn. Aarik received a simple sect robe and a wooden token engraved with his name. Kaelen guided him to a small, shared room in the outer disciple quarters.
Exhausted but determined, Aarik sat on the straw mat that served as his bed. The road ahead would be long and arduous, but for the first time, he felt a glimmer of hope.
As he closed his eyes, he whispered to himself, "I'll prove I'm worthy of this power."