The forest path twisted beneath my feet as I made my way toward the distant peaks where Cloud Mist Sect was said to be hidden. Every step echoed with the weight of my father's last words—"Protect your sister. Survive." The pendant at my chest pulsed with a faint glow, as if guiding me forward.
Azure Dragon World was vast, and even reaching a minor sect felt like traversing a kingdom.
As the sun began to set, I crested a hill and saw the silhouette of a stone gate, half-hidden in drifting mist. Lanterns flickered in the growing darkness, casting dancing shadows on the worn path. A simple wooden sign read:
> Cloud Mist Sect Strength Through Agility, Wisdom Through Patience
My heart beat faster. A place to grow. A place to begin.
"System," I whispered, "analyze the sect's strength and structure."
╔════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ SYSTEM RESPONSE ║
╠════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ Cloud Mist Sect: ║
║ • Strength: Mid-tier among minor sects.║
║ • Focus: Agility, movement techniques, ║
║ and swift strikes. ║
║ • Disciples: Approx. 200. ║
║ • Elders: 3 at Foundation Establishment║
║ Realm. ║
║ • Sect Master: Elder Bai Yun, known for║
║ his Cloud Piercing Steps technique. ║
╚════════════════════════════════════════╝
Foundation Establishment Realm. That was Level 3 in this world—still far beyond me. I took a deep breath, squared my shoulders, and approached the gate.
A young disciple, clad in light gray robes, stepped forward. His eyes were sharp, but his posture respectful.
"Halt!" he said. "State your name and purpose."
"I'm Xiao Feng," I replied. "I seek guidance in the path of cultivation and wish to join Cloud Mist Sect."
The disciple studied me for a moment, then his gaze flickered to the pendant at my chest. A knowing glint appeared in his eyes.
"You carry an unusual pendant," he said. "Wait here." He turned and vanished into the mist with the speed of a trained cultivator.
Minutes passed like hours. I felt every second. Every heartbeat.
Finally, a figure emerged from the mist. An older man in flowing white robes, hair tied in a neat topknot, eyes sharp as an eagle's. His aura radiated calm strength.
"You are Xiao Feng?" he asked.
"Yes, Elder," I said, bowing low.
His eyes glinted with curiosity as he studied me—and then the pendant. "Interesting," he murmured. "That pendant… it's faintly connected to the ancient Azure Dragon Ley Lines. Tell me, boy, who gave you that?"
"My father," I said, voice steady. "Before he and my mother died in an accident."
His expression softened for a brief moment. "Loss is a painful teacher," he said. "But strength grows from pain. We are a small sect, but if you're willing to train and obey the rules, Cloud Mist Sect will accept you."
Relief washed over me. A place to grow. A place to learn.
"System," I whispered in my mind, "show me my current mission status."
╔════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ SYSTEM PANEL ║
╠════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ Mission Progress: ║
║ • Join a Sect or Clan: Completed ║
║ • Learn a Cultivation Technique: ║
║ Pending ║
║ • Reach Body Refining Tier 3: ║
║ Pending ║
╚════════════════════════════════════════╝
╔════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ SYSTEM REWARD ║
╠════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ • Reward Unlocked: ║
║ - Spirit Stones x50 ║
║ - Basic Movement Technique ║
║ - System Upgrade Unlocked! ║
╚════════════════════════════════════════╝
A rush of energy flooded my mind, followed by a small pouch materializing in my hand—filled with warm, glowing Spirit Stones. Alongside it, a thin scroll labeled "Wind Shadow Steps." I felt my heart soar.
"Thank you," I whispered.
Elder Bai Yun smiled faintly. "Tomorrow at dawn, training begins. Rest well, Xiao Feng. You have a long road ahead."
As he turned and disappeared into the mist, I clutched the pendant at my chest, eyes alight with determination.
For my sister. For myself. For the path that would lead me to tear through space and time itself.
Azure Dragon World was vast, but I would carve my own legend within it.
---
🌌 End of Chapter 5