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After the fight in the alley, Ye Chen knew he couldn't stay idle. The thugs were just small fry, but their boss was likely someone more dangerous. He needed to grow stronger, and fast. The jade pendant he had acquired at the auction was a good start, but it wasn't enough.
That night, Ye Chen sat cross-legged on his bed, the pendant resting in his palm. He closed his eyes and focused, drawing in the spiritual energy it contained. The energy flowed into his body, strengthening his meridians and filling his dantian. By dawn, he had reached the second stage of Qi Condensation.
"Not bad," Ye Chen muttered, opening his eyes. "But I need more."
He decided to visit the city's outskirts, where rumors of a hidden sect had been circulating. Sects were rare in the modern world, but they still existed, hidden from ordinary people. If he could find one, he might be able to acquire the resources he needed.
The forest outside the city was dense and eerie, with tall trees blocking out the sun. Locals called it the Forest of Whispers, claiming that strange sounds could be heard at night. Ye Chen wasn't afraid. He had faced far worse in his past life.
As he ventured deeper into the forest, he noticed subtle signs of human activity—footprints, broken branches, and the faint scent of incense. He followed the trail until he reached a clearing, where a small temple stood.
The temple was old, its walls covered in moss and its roof sagging. But Ye Chen could feel the spiritual energy radiating from it. This was no ordinary temple.
He stepped inside and was immediately greeted by a man in a gray robe. The man looked to be in his forties, with sharp eyes and a stern expression.
"Who are you, and why have you come here?" the man asked.
"My name is Ye Chen," Ye Chen replied. "I'm looking for a sect."
The man's eyes narrowed. "This is not a place for outsiders. Leave now, or face the consequences."
Ye Chen smiled. "I'm not an outsider. I'm a cultivator."
The man hesitated, then nodded. "Very well. Follow me."
Ye Chen was led to a large hall at the back of the temple. Inside, an elderly man sat on a throne-like chair, his long white beard flowing down his chest. This was clearly the sect leader.
"Elder Zhang, this young man claims to be a cultivator," the gray-robed man said, bowing.
Elder Zhang studied Ye Chen with piercing eyes. "What is your cultivation level, boy?"
"Second stage of Qi Condensation," Ye Chen replied.
Elder Zhang raised an eyebrow. "Impressive, for someone so young. But why have you come here?"
"I seek knowledge and resources," Ye Chen said. "In return, I can offer my services."
Elder Zhang chuckled. "Bold words. Very well. If you can pass our trial, you may join our sect."
The trial was simple but brutal. Ye Chen was taken to a stone platform in the middle of the forest, where a massive stone golem stood. The golem was twice as tall as a man, its body covered in runes.
"Defeat the golem, and you pass," Elder Zhang said.
Ye Chen stepped onto the platform, and the golem immediately came to life, its eyes glowing red. It charged at him, its massive fists swinging.
Ye Chen dodged the first strike, then the second. He moved like a shadow, his movements fluid and precise. But the golem was relentless, its attacks growing faster and stronger.
"This won't be easy," Ye Chen muttered.
He focused his qi, channeling it into his fists. When the golem swung at him again, he countered with a punch of his own. The impact sent shockwaves through the air, and the golem staggered back.
Ye Chen didn't let up. He launched a series of rapid strikes, each one hitting the golem's weak points. Finally, with a powerful kick, he shattered the golem's core.
The golem collapsed, its body crumbling into dust.
Elder Zhang nodded in approval. "Well done, young man. You have passed the trial."
Ye Chen bowed. "Thank you, Elder Zhang."
As a reward, Ye Chen was given access to the sect's library and a small supply of spiritual herbs. He spent the next few days studying ancient texts and refining his techniques. He also learned about the sect's history and its enemies.
One evening, as he was meditating in the library, Su Lingxue appeared at the door. She looked different, her usual cold demeanor replaced by a look of curiosity.
"Ye Chen," she said. "Can we talk?"
Ye Chen followed Su Lingxue to a quiet corner of the temple. She hesitated for a moment, then spoke.
"I know you're not just an ordinary student," she said. "I've seen the way you move, the way you fight. Who are you, really?"
Ye Chen smiled. "I'm just someone trying to protect the people I care about."
Su Lingxue's eyes softened. "I… I need your help. My family is in danger. There's a man, a powerful cultivator, who wants to force me into marriage. If I refuse, he'll destroy my family."
Ye Chen's expression turned serious. "Tell me everything."
As Su Lingxue explained, Ye Chen realized that this was no ordinary enemy. The man she was talking about was a member of an ancient clan, one with deep connections and immense power.
"I'll help you," Ye Chen said. "But you'll have to trust me."
Su Lingxue nodded. "I do."
The next day, Ye Chen left the temple with Su Lingxue. He knew that the road ahead would be dangerous, but he was ready. He had faced gods and demons in his past life. A mere mortal, no matter how powerful, was nothing to him.
As they walked, Su Lingxue glanced at him. "What's your plan?"
Ye Chen smiled. "First, we gather information. Then, we strike."
Su Lingxue nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. For the first time in a long while, she felt hope.