Li stood behind Han’s imposing frame as they approached the shores of the Three Winds Sect. The thin chi mist enveloping the island parted as their boat glided forward, revealing a breathtaking scene. Majestic mountains towered along the center, each one vying for supremacy in grandeur and majesty. Faint, glowing lines crisscrossed the mountains, hinting at ancient mysteries inscribed upon them. Figures in blue robes flew gracefully between the peaks, riding on various spiritual tools that left trails of light in their wake.
As Li marveled at the sight, Han remained impassive, steering the boat toward a dock nestled on the shore. The dock was crafted from smooth stone, with intricate formations faintly glowing along its edges. The air was cool, and the faint scent of saltwater mixed with the earthy fragrance of the forest that lined the shore.
A tall, olive-skinned guard, clad in a blue robe adorned with a three-wave insignia, approached them with measured steps. His gaze flicked between Han’s fierce aura and Li’s composed bearing before he cautiously spoke.
“May I ask what brings you to the Three Winds Sect, Senior?” the guard inquired, clearly addressing Han.
Li glanced at Han, seeking guidance, but Han ignored both the guard and Li’s silent plea. Instead, he effortlessly lifted Li and stepped onto the dock with an air of nonchalance.
The guard’s face darkened at the blatant disregard. With a tone edged in warning, he repeated, “Senior, without stating your purpose, you cannot enter the sect. Don’t force me to take action.”
Han’s pace remained unbroken. He looked down at the guard with a playful glint in his eye before releasing a sliver of his aura. The air around them seemed to darken as the guard’s bravado evaporated, his expression twisting into one of abject terror. In his mind’s eye, he saw himself drowning in a sea of blood, dragged down by countless vengeful souls. Even Li, tucked under Han’s arm, turned deathly pale, his body trembling as if caught in a nightmare he couldn’t escape.
“You’re not equipped to handle this guest. Return to your post,” a calm voice broke through the tension. A hand rested gently on the guard’s shoulder, pulling him back to reality. The guard looked up to see a young man with long, dark blue hair and a robe similar to his own, though the three-wave insignia on his chest was outlined in gold. The newcomer’s azure eyes were serene, unruffled by the scene that had just unfolded.
“Disciple Du thanks Elder Yan,” the guard stammered, bowing before retreating hastily.
Yan Xu, the newcomer, turned his attention to Han, who had withdrawn his aura and was now observing him with a calm, discerning gaze. “I can see that you are no ordinary cultivator,” Yan said with a respectful bow. “May I ask what business brings you to our humble Three Winds Sect?”
Han, now devoid of his earlier arrogance, set the still-shaken Li down before clasping his hands in a polite gesture. “I have recently adopted this son of mine and seek to enroll him in a sect. The Three Winds Sect is renowned for its heroic youth and rigorous trials. I ask if my son could join your ranks.”
Yan was momentarily taken aback by Han’s straightforwardness, but he quickly regained his composure. “Unfortunately, our sect only accepts students with a bone age of less than twelve years. Your son shows great promise, but I’m afraid sect rules cannot be bent.”
Li, finally free from the grip of Han’s bloodlust, felt a pang of disappointment. The possibility of joining the sect, which had just opened up to him, seemed to be slipping away.
Han, however, appeared unfazed. With a flick of his wrist, he tossed a wooden token to Yan. Yan caught it and began to examine it, his expression one of mild curiosity. But then his gaze shifted sharply toward the mountain peaks in the distance, his demeanor changing in an instant. “It seems I spoke too hastily,” Yan said, his voice now tinged with newfound respect. “Your son has caught the eye of our sect leader. Please, follow me to pay your respects.”
With a graceful motion, Yan summoned a cloud, which materialized beneath him. He gestured for Han and Li to join him, creating footholds in the cloud for them to step onto. As the cloud began to rise, Li watched the ground fall away, the sensation both exhilarating and daunting.
“I am known as Yan Xu, from the Alchemy branch,” Yan introduced himself as they ascended. “May I know the names of my distinguished guests?”
“I am simply called Han, and this is my son, Li Han,” Han replied, his tone disinterested.
Yan raised an eyebrow. “No family name?”
“Just Han,” came Han’s curt response.
A brief silence followed, broken only by the gentle whoosh of the cloud as it carried them higher. Yan turned his attention to Li, offering a kind smile. “Is this your first time riding a flying spiritual tool, young Li? It can be unsettling at first, but you’ll grow accustomed to it. Many of our disciples rely on these tools to travel between the mountains.”
Encouraged by Yan’s approachable demeanor, Li nodded. “It is indeed my first time, Elder Yan. Could you tell me more about the different mountains and what they represent?”
Yan’s smile deepened, pleased by Li’s curiosity. “Each mountain in our sect is dedicated to a different profession. As a righteous sect, we focus on the milder aspects of cultivation—formations, alchemy, and agriculture. Every mountain houses a branch where disciples gather to discuss the grand Dao and elevate one another to greater heights.”
Li felt a wave of relief. He had feared that the sect might lean toward the harsher, more ruthless methods of cultivation, but Yan’s explanation eased his concerns. Righteous sects, like the Three Winds Sect, were known for their emphasis on knowledge and intellectual growth, unlike demonic sects, which thrived on brutal trials and cutthroat competition.
Sensing Li’s relief, Yan’s tone grew more serious. “However, do not be mistaken. While we are a righteous sect, we do not shy away from the harsher realities of cultivation. We encourage combat within the sect, for righteousness without strength is hollow. Our history has taught us that without power, even the most righteous ideals can be trampled.”
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Han’s eyes flickered with a hint of respect as he listened, recognizing the truth in Yan’s words. A celestial cultivator who understood the balance between righteousness and power was indeed worthy of admiration.
Yan continued, his voice now imbued with a quiet intensity. “One way we ensure our disciples remain strong is by sponsoring bounty hunting groups within the sect. Disciples in these groups are exempt from certain missions and receive a generous allowance. Exclusive techniques and knowledge are awarded based on the number of pirates hunted down. The Three Winds Sect has earned a reputation for producing formidable bounty hunters, capable of standing toe-to-toe with even demonic cultivators.”
Li sighed inwardly, knowing that with such benefits came great danger. The path ahead would not be easy.
Sensing Li’s apprehension, Yan’s tone softened once more. “But don’t worry too much. The sect leader has taken an interest in you, and I’m sure you will find your way here.”
Li managed a small, wry smile. He knew the sect leader’s interest lay more in the mysterious wooden token than in him. Still, he resolved to use this perceived favour to his advantage, at least for the time being. With that thought in mind, he allowed himself to enjoy the breathtaking scenery as the grand hall came into view.
As they approached the hall, Yan flicked his sleeve, creating a cloud path leading to the entrance. “The sect leader awaits inside,” he said, then tossed the wooden token back to Han before handing him a jade slip. “I hope we can continue our discussion on the Dao in the future. You can reach me through this jade.”
Han nodded in acknowledgement, tucking the jade and the wooden token away before leading Li down the cloud path. As they neared the entrance, Han’s voice echoed in Li’s mind. “Speak only when spoken to. Sect Leader Xu is a celestial cultivator.”
Li’s heart skipped a beat at the mention of another celestial cultivator. Steeling himself, he followed Han into the grand hall.
The grand hall of the Three Winds Sect was a masterpiece of architecture, its open roof revealing the endless sky above. The hall was constructed entirely from pure white jade, each slab polished to perfection, exuding an ethereal glow. On either side, imposing statues of celestial beings lined the walls, each one more formidable than the last. Their gazes seemed to follow Li as he walked down the central pathway, their eyes locking onto his with a silent, overwhelming judgment. His heart pounded in his chest as he forced himself to look away, focusing on the path ahead.
At the end of the hall, a wall dominated by rows of ancient candle holders caught Li’s attention. Some candles burned brightly, their flames steady and strong, while others flickered weakly, struggling to stay alight. Li recognized them immediately—Soul Lamps. These were tools used by sects to monitor their disciples' lives. A strong, steady flame indicated a disciple thriving in their cultivation, while a flickering light suggested they were in mortal danger. Soul Lamps were also potent tools for control; the sect could track, punish, or even destroy rogue disciples through these mystical flames.
Standing before the wall of Soul Lamps was a tall, slender man with long, flowing blue hair. His hands were clasped behind his back as he gazed at the candles, his presence filling the hall with a sense of calm authority. Though not physically imposing, his aura suggested a power that transcended mere strength—a celestial cultivator in the truest sense.
Without turning, the man spoke, his voice melodious yet tinged with sorrow. “Since ancient times, cultivation has been fraught with danger, but my heart still aches for my fallen disciples.” As he turned to face them, Li was struck by the man’s ethereal beauty—his azure eyes were soft and serene, his features carved with an almost divine precision.
Han, sensing the gravity of the situation, quickly grabbed Li by the head and forced him into a deep bow before following suit. His voice was deferential, almost trembling as he spoke. “Han and his worthless son pay respects to the great Sect Leader Xu! We have come to join the sect under the recommendation of Sword Celestial Yun.”
Sect Leader Xu remained silent, his gaze fixed on the pair bowing before him. The oppressive silence weighed heavily on Han, beads of sweat forming on his brow as he dared not move under the celestial cultivator’s scrutiny. Just as Han felt he could endure the pressure no longer, Xu’s voice, calm and measured, broke the silence. “The token?”
Feeling as if a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders, Han hurriedly retrieved the wooden token and tossed it to Xu. The sect leader caught it effortlessly, his fingers tracing the intricate carvings along its edges with a reverence that suggested deep respect for its origins. After a moment, he asked casually, “What did Yun tell you?”
“The Sword Celestial commanded me to serve as this young man’s Dao guardian for fifty years and ensure he ascends to the rank of an ascendant cultivator,” Han replied, his voice steady but his heart still racing.
“Fifty years, you say?” Xu mused, his gaze drifting back to Li, who remained bowed under the intense scrutiny. Xu’s eyes held a depth of wisdom and power that felt like a vast ocean pressing down on Li, causing his body to tremble involuntarily. With a flick of his wrist, Xu sent a simple brass candle holder skidding across the floor to stop at Li’s feet. “Light this candle for me, child,” Xu requested softly, though his tone left no room for refusal.
Swallowing his nerves, Li channeled his meager chi reserves into the candle, and as the flame flickered to life, he felt a strange sensation—like something integral to his being had been siphoned away. His heart skipped a beat as he realized the significance of what he had just done.
Xu collected the candle holder with another wave of his hand, placing it gently among the other Soul Lamps on the wall. “Congratulations on joining the Three Winds Sect. Raise your head, and I’ll bestow a gift upon you, as a token of my dear friend Yun’s recommendation.”
Li slowly lifted his head, trying to hide his unease, but before he could react, two droplets of water shot from Xu’s fingertips, striking him directly in the eyes. Panic surged through him as his vision blurred, but he quickly calmed himself, unwilling to show fear before the sect leader.
Seeing Li’s discomfort, Xu offered a reassuring smile. “Your formation eyes are indeed a great blessing, but such a blessing can also be a curse if you lack the power to protect it. I’ve merely disguised them for now—better to keep them hidden than to have someone gouge them out, wouldn’t you agree?”
Li nodded stiffly, his mind racing as he adjusted to the subtle change in his vision.
With the meeting apparently concluded, Xu issued his final orders. “Han, you will serve as an elder in the Disciplinary Hall. As for you, disciple Li, you will be enrolled as an inner disciple. The central hall will provide directions for your integration into the sect. You may both take your leave.”
As Han and Li turned to exit the hall, Xu’s voice, soft yet filled with expectation, echoed in Li’s mind, “I have great expectations for you, child. Don’t disappoint me.”
Li’s heart skipped a beat at the sect leader’s words, but he kept his expression neutral, following Han’s lead as they made their way out of the hall.
Once they had left, Xu continued to trace the edges of the wooden token, lost in thought. After a moment, he placed the token away, and with a single step, left a perfect water clone in his place. The clone mimicked his previous posture, staring at the wall of Soul Lamps, maintaining the appearance that he hadn’t left.
Satisfied, Xu stepped into the air, his body rising effortlessly above the grand hall. His eyes, filled with excitement, locked onto a distant point on the horizon—the direction of Yun’s cave. With a faint smile, he shot forward, leaving the Three Winds Sect behind.