Chapter 20 - MOUNT HUA SECT ARC(CHAPTER1)

At twilight, Abraham finally reached the towering peaks of the Mount Hua Sect, their tops shrouded in mist that danced like spirits over jagged stone. He entered the sect as a lone wanderer, his worn cloak and quiet demeanor contrasting with the polished pride of the disciples who eyed him with measured curiosity and silent challenge.Summoned to the grand hall, Abraham found himself face to face with the sect leader—a lean figure radiating calm authority, robes embroidered with the plum blossom emblem, eyes sharp as the swords in the sect's arsenal."You walk into Mount Hua not as a disciple, but as a warrior seeking something beyond the sect's boundaries," the leader observed with a slow, thoughtful nod. "What brings you to these sacred mountains?"Abraham's voice was steady, laced with the weight of his journey. "I seek to walk the path of truth and mastery. To learn the art that made Mount Hua legendary."The leader's gaze deepened, a flicker of respect passing unnoticed. "Words are many; action is true. You will not be welcomed lightly. But we do not close the door to those willing to prove themselves."He gestured to the side, where two disciples stepped forward, swords drawn. "Three matches. Win, and the path opens for you."The first bout was a careful dance of blades, Abraham measuring his foe's grace and intent before breaking with a swift, decisive strike that left the disciple conceding. The second match pushed him harder—countering spiraling sword forms and precision thrusts, he adapted with internal energy and sharp intuition, managing a narrow victory.The final sparring partner was the leader himself, moving with an agility belying his age. The clash of their swords echoed through the hall—a symphony of steel and breath. Abraham felt each strike like the mountain's heartbeat—constant, relentless, demanding respect. The leader's eyes bore into his as their blades locked for a heartbeat longer than possible.With a nod of approval, the leader stepped back, sheathing his sword. "You carry the spirit of Hua. Your journey has only begun."Abraham bowed deeply, the weight of new beginnings pressing on his shoulders—the mountains before him no longer obstacles, but the crucible for the next phase of his legend.