Lin Wei led Alex and the group of aspiring disciples through the bustling plaza, the vibrant energy of the Azure Cloud Sect swirling around them. As they approached a large, ornate archway leading towards the inner sect, Alex turned to her.
"So, about this Unseen Summit," Alex began, his voice casual. "You mentioned trials. What exactly do they entail? Is it like a written exam, or… something else?"
Lin Wei offered a small, amused smile. "Nothing so simple, Alex. The Unseen Summit trials are designed to measure pure combat prowess. Within the peak, there is a grand Illusionary Array, a formation that stores the combat imprints of every previous member of the Unseen Summit, from its founding masters to its most recent disciples."
She continued, "When a challenger enters, the array automatically scales the strength of these imprints to match your current cultivation level. This ensures fairness, allowing cultivators of all stages to test their true combat potential. The goal is simple: defeat as many of these illusionary opponents as you can. Your score is calculated based on the number and difficulty of the imprints you overcome. Only those who demonstrate exceptional talent are granted entry."
Alex's brow furrowed slightly. Combat prowess. An array that scales. Sounds like a complex system, but with real consequences. "Right. Got it."
They arrived at a large, open courtyard where other sect members were milling about. Lin Wei paused, turning to Alex. "Given that the Unseen Summit trial is a month away, do you require temporary lodging within the outer sect? We can arrange a basic dwelling for you."
Alex shook his head. "Nah, I'm good. Just point me towards the nearest lake. I'll set up a tent, keep things simple."
Lin Wei's eyes widened almost imperceptibly at his casual dismissal of sect accommodation. "The nearest lake is approximately five miles to the west, beyond the outer sect's perimeter. It's quite serene." She then gave a slight bow. "I must attend to sect affairs and these aspiring disciples now. Good luck with your preparations for the Unseen Summit, Alex."
She turned to leave, her emerald robes already beginning to swirl.
"Oh! Uh, Lin Wei!" Alex called out, a rare stutter in his voice. He rubbed the back of his neck, feeling a strange flush. "If you're ever... you know, free for dinner, you should drop by. I'm actually a really good cook. Got some Demon Boar meat, even."
Lin Wei paused, then turned back, a bright, genuine smile gracing her features. It was a smile that transformed her composed demeanor, making her seem suddenly radiant. "I'll think about it, Alex," she said, her voice light with amusement, before gracefully departing with the teenagers.
Alex watched her go, a faint, embarrassed grin on his face. Smooth, Alex. Real smooth.
He then adjusted his satchel and headed west, towards the lake. As the sounds of the sect faded behind him, he focused his thoughts on the Blade of Fate Severing. Alright, Kael. We've got a month. How do I become powerful enough to impress a bunch of illusionary geniuses?
Kael's ancient voice resonated in his mind, a hint of dry amusement now present. "Indeed, Alex. While the array scales to your current cultivation level, the 'geniuses' it replicates possess not just raw power, but profound comprehension of techniques. Without powerful techniques of your own, you will find yourself at a severe disadvantage, regardless of your physique."
Techniques? I thought my Qi flame was a technique, Alex thought, a flicker of irritation.
"Your flame is an innate ability of your physique, a raw manifestation of your essence," Kael clarified. "It is not a cultivated technique. To truly wield techniques, you must first reach the Foundation Establishment realm. In your current state, at the First Level of Qi Condensation, your control over spiritual energy is too rudimentary for complex spell-casting or martial arts. You lack the refined spiritual sense and the stable Qi reservoir."
So, what do I need? Alex pressed, his programmer's mind already seeking a clear path.
"You will require two things," Kael stated. "Firstly, a proper cultivation technique to guide your Qi condensation and allow you to break through to Foundation Establishment. Secondly, a flame-based inheritance – a collection of techniques, spells, and profound insights specifically tailored to your Primordial Flame Emperor Physique. Your physique grants you the potential, but these inheritances unlock its true capabilities."
Inheritance? What's that? Isn't it just a technique? Alex questioned, a new layer of confusion in his thoughts.
"An inheritance, Alex, is far more than a single technique," Kael explained, his voice gaining a touch of gravitas. "It is the complete legacy of a powerful expert – not just their cultivation methods, but their unique insights, their understanding of the Dao, their specialized spells, and even their philosophies. It is a comprehensive package, designed to elevate a successor to their full potential. In the Weaver's Vault, you will rarely find mere individual techniques; only the complete inheritances of the deceased masters are stored there."
Alex grinned, a familiar spark of determination in his eyes. He knew exactly what that meant.
Alright, Kael. He looked out at the path ahead, already picturing the vast Cosmic Being's Vault in his mind's eye. It's time to go fishing.