The morning sun cast a warm glow over the camp as Alex stepped out of his quarters, having recovered and feeling a mixture of anticipation and curiosity. Master Li awaited him, standing with his usual composed demeanor, a slight smile playing on his lips.

“Good morning, Alexander,” Master Li greeted. “Are you ready to visit the Martial Archive?”

Alex nodded eagerly. “Absolutely, Master Li. I’ve been looking forward to this.”

“Follow me, then,” Master Li said, turning to lead the way. As they walked through the camp, Alex couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe at the bustling activity around him. Despite the recent attack, the trainees were already back to their routines, their determination undeterred.

Master Li led Alex to the far end of the camp, where a grand building stood. The Martial Archive was an impressive structure, built with dark wood and adorned with intricate carvings depicting various martial arts techniques and mythical beasts. The roof was adorned with curling eaves, and the large wooden doors were reinforced with iron bands, giving it an aura of ancient strength and wisdom.

Alex felt a shiver of excitement as they approached the doors. He had heard stories about the Martial Archive, a place where countless cultivation manuals and martial arts techniques were stored. This was where generations of warriors had come to seek knowledge and power.

Master Li pushed open the heavy doors, revealing a vast hall lined with shelves upon shelves of scrolls and books. The scent of aged parchment filled the air, mingling with the faint aroma of incense. Sunlight filtered through narrow windows high above, casting a warm, golden glow over the room.

Alex's eyes widened in wonder as he took in the sight. He could feel the weight of history and knowledge pressing down on him, filling him with a profound sense of reverence. ‘This is incredible,’ he thought, feeling a surge of gratitude for the opportunity to be here.

“This is the Martial Archive,” Master Li said, his voice echoing softly in the vast hall. “Here, you will find manuals on every kind of martial art and cultivation technique imaginable. Take your time to find the one that resonates with you.”

Alex nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation. “Thank you, Master Li.”

Master Li gave him a reassuring smile. “Remember, the choice you make today will shape your future path. Choose wisely.”

With that, Master Li turned and walked away, leaving Alex alone in the archive. Alex took a deep breath, his heart pounding with anticipation. He began to walk slowly down the aisles, his eyes scanning the titles of the manuals.

The shelves were organized by category, with each section dedicated to a different type of Qi or martial art. Alex’s fingers brushed lightly over the spines of the scrolls and books as he walked, feeling the textured leather and aged paper beneath his fingertips.

He stopped to read a few titles: “Roaring Tiger Art,” “Flaming Palm Art,” “Golden Goose Art,” and “Glacial Heart Art.” Each title hinted at the powerful techniques contained within, but Alex knew he needed something specific—a Yang art to complement his affinity.

After several minutes of searching, he found a section dedicated to Yang arts. His eyes lit up as he read the titles: “Rising Sun Art,” “Pure Yang Art,” and “Fiery Fist Art.” Each of these sounded promising, but he needed to choose the one that suited him best.

He pulled out the “Rising Sun Art” first and skimmed through the introduction. It was a powerful technique that focused on harnessing the energy of the rising sun to enhance physical strength and speed. It was impressive, but something about it didn’t quite resonate with him.

Next, he picked up the “Fiery Fist Art.” This technique emphasized explosive power and fiery attacks, perfect for close combat. Alex could see its potential, but he wasn’t sure if it aligned with his style.

Finally, he turned his attention to the “Pure Yang Art.” The introduction spoke of purity and strength, emphasizing a balanced and controlled approach to harnessing Yang Qi. It was a technique from the Shaolin Temple, renowned for its profound wisdom and powerful martial arts. However, it was also noted for being slower to refine due to its emphasis on purity and precision.

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‘This feels right,’ Alex thought, feeling a connection to the art. ‘It might be slower, but the strength and purity it offers are worth it.’

As he held the manual in his hands, ready to make his choice, a voice interrupted his thoughts. “Interesting choice, but not the best.”

Alex turned quickly, his heart racing. An elderly man stood a few feet away, leaning casually against a shelf. He had a long, unkempt beard and wild, piercing eyes that seemed to see right through Alex. His robes were tattered and mismatched, giving him an eccentric appearance.

“Who are you?” Alex asked, unable to hide his surprise.

The old man chuckled, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Don’t worry about who I am. Let’s just say I’m someone who likes to give advice to interesting youngsters.”

Alex frowned, still wary. “What do you mean by ‘not the best’?”

The old man straightened and walked over to Alex, his movements surprisingly fluid for someone his age. “The Pure Yang Art is indeed powerful, but it’s not the only path you can take.” He reached into his robes and pulled out a thin, black-bound manual. “Here, take a look at this.”

Alex accepted the manual cautiously. The cover was plain, with only the words “Heavenly Demon Art” inscribed in elegant script. He looked up at the old man, curiosity and skepticism warring within him. “Heavenly Demon Art?”

The old man nodded. “It’s a cultivation technique that harnesses demonic Qi. It’s a double-edged sword—massively increasing your refinement speed and power if you can control your demons with enough willpower, but it can also turn against you. Qi deviation could harm or even kill you if you don’t have a strong enough will.”

Alex’s eyes widened as he read the introduction. The technique promised immense power and resilience, but it also warned of the dangers of balancing such potent energy. He thought about his affinities—Solar for power and Will for control. ‘These two techniques could represent both my affinities,’ he mused.

“Can it really be done?” he asked, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension.

The old man laughed, a deep, hearty sound that echoed through the archive. “If you have the will, what can’t be done?” His eyes gleamed with an intensity that sent a shiver down Alex’s spine. “You seem like someone who enjoys a challenge. Why not try to cultivate both?”

Alex hesitated, the weight of the decision pressing down on him. The Pure Yang Art was already a daunting challenge, but adding the Heavenly Demon Art? It seemed almost reckless. “But what if I fail?”

The old man’s expression turned serious, his gaze piercing. “If you take this path, there is no turning back. Are you sure you’re ready for that?”

Alex felt a surge of trepidation, but he took a deep breath, steeling himself. The memory of his friends, their determination and trust in him, flashed through his mind. He couldn’t afford to doubt himself now. “Yes,” he said firmly, meeting the old man’s gaze. “I’m sure.”

The old man’s serious expression softened into a smile. “Good. Remember, the path of the martial artist is one of constant challenge and growth. Never forget that.”

As Alex took the Heavenly Demon Art manual, he felt a strange sense of destiny, as if his choice had set him on a path that was uniquely his own. The old man’s hand lingered on the manual for a moment, his eyes boring into Alex’s. “Good luck, young one. You’ll need it.”

With a final nod, the old man released the manual and turned to leave, disappearing into the shadows of the archive.

Alex stood there for a moment, absorbing what had just happened. The weight of the two manuals in his hands felt both daunting and exhilarating. He had made his choice, and now he had to live with it.

He left the archive, his mind buzzing with thoughts of his new path. The Pure Yang Art and the Heavenly Demon Art—two powerful, contrasting techniques that he would have to master. The challenges ahead would be immense, but Alex felt a fierce determination burning within him.

As he returned to his quarters, he opened the tutorial chat to update his friends.

“I’ve chosen my cultivation techniques,” he typed. “It’s going to be a tough road, but I’m ready.”

Responses came quickly, filled with encouragement and curiosity.

“Go get ‘em, Alex!” Lila wrote. “Just don’t forget about us when you’re a Qi master.”

“Now we’re talking!” Victor added.

“Thanks, everyone,” Alex replied, a smile tugging at his lips. “I’ll keep you all posted.”

As he lay back, holding the two manuals, Alex felt a sense of resolve. The journey ahead would be long and filled with challenges, but he was ready to face them head-on. With his friends’ support and his own unwavering determination, he knew he could succeed.

A new path awaited him, and Alex was prepared to walk it, no matter the cost.