Morning mist curled around the azure peaks of the sect as sunlight spilled over the training grounds. The disciples gathered once more in the main courtyard, their chatter filling the air like a wave of anticipation.
Today was different — not another lecture on the stages of cultivation or the structure of Qi flow, but on something far greater.
The Paths of Cultivation.
Elder Xuan stood before them, hands clasped behind his back. His presence was calm, but his gaze swept across the disciples like an invisible blade.
"Yesterday, we spoke of the foundation of cultivation — the tempering of body, Qi, and spirit," he began. "But the heavens have granted more than one way to seek strength. Beyond battle lies mastery, and beyond mastery, legacy."
He paused, letting the words sink in before continuing.
"These, young ones, are the Paths — professions born from cultivation itself. Choose one wisely, for the path you walk determines not only your strength… but the mark you leave upon the world."
The Path of Alchemy
"First, the Path of Alchemy," Elder Xuan said as he raised his hand. In his palm appeared a small crimson pill that glowed faintly.
The air is filled with a rich herbal fragrance. "To walk this path is to command the essence of nature. Alchemists refine pills that heal wounds, strengthen Qi, and extend life. At the highest level, a single pill can bring the dead back from the brink."
The disciples' eyes widened in awe.
> "But it is not a gentle road," the elder warned. "A single failed refinement can end your life. Those who master it, however, hold the power to nurture empires."
The Path of Arrays
With a wave of his hand, the elder drew glowing symbols in the air — forming a pattern that shimmered like a web of stars.
"Then there is the Path of Arrays," he continued. "Array Masters are the architects of power — they weave symbols and runes to control the world's Qi. Their formations protect sects, amplify strength, or destroy armies."
The formation flared for a moment, a barrier of light appearing between the disciples and the elder.
"To an ordinary cultivator, a wall is an obstacle. To an Array Master, it is a weapon."
The Path of Forging
The symbols vanished, replaced by a flicker of molten light. A golden hammer appeared beside the elder, floating in midair.
"Next, the Path of Forging. These cultivators temper metal with spiritual fire, imbuing weapons with life. A master forger's blade is not merely steel — it breathes, grows, and sometimes even chooses its wielder."
He looked across the disciples, his tone deepening. "Without Forgers, no Sect could stand at the peak. Without a spirit weapon, even the greatest genius is but a man with empty hands."
The Path of Beast Taming
A low growl echoed across the courtyard as a winged tiger materialized beside the elder — its eyes gleaming with restrained ferocity. "The Path of Beast Taming," Elder Xuan said as the disciples stumbled back in awe. "To tame is to command the hearts of beasts and spirits. A true Tamer can bond with a creature's soul, fighting as one. But fail to earn its trust, and you become prey." The tiger growled again, then vanished in a swirl of Qi.
The Path of Rune and Inscription
The elder extended his finger, tracing symbols into the air. Each one pulsed with power before fading into golden dust.
"Then there is the Path of Runes and Inscriptions. Rune Masters inscribe formations onto weapons, armor, or even flesh — enhancing their strength. It is a craft of precision and danger. A single mistake in inscription… and your meridians may collapse."
He smiled faintly, seeing the mixture of awe and fear on their faces.
The Path of the Soul
Finally, Elder Xuan turned serious. "And the rarest — the Path of the Soul. Few dare walk it. Fewer still survive it. It involves the study of consciousness, memory, and spirit. Those who succeed can enter dreams, rewrite memories, or even seize another's body."
His gaze swept over them.
"But remember this — power over the soul invites the heavens' wrath. To tread this path without purity of heart is to invite madness."
The courtyard was silent. The disciples were captivated, their imaginations alight.
"Every path requires talent, comprehension, and opportunity," Elder Xuan said at last. "Yet, there are those rare few who walk not one, but many paths. Such beings defy the heavens themselves."
As he spoke, Tian Shen lowered his gaze, his expression unreadable.
A faint pulse of energy stirred within his body — chaotic, wild, and unlike anything the elder had described.
"Alchemy, arrays, forging… soul…" he thought quietly. "But what if my path is none of them?" He clenched his fists.
"If the heavens grant no path for me… then I will carve one with my own hands."
And far above, unseen by mortal eyes, the heavens trembled — a ripple of golden and black light flashing across the clouds.