The warm glow of the setting sun painted the inner chambers of the sect in hues of gold and crimson, casting long shadows over the carefully polished floors. Inside one of the secluded halls, Li Zhang stood before his master, Shen Hui, a figure known not only for his wisdom but for his handsome, almost ethereal appearance. Shen Hui carried himself with the grace of a scholar, his robes perfectly arranged, his dark hair neatly tied in a high knot. His expression, however, was not of a typical stern sect elder; it radiated calm, deep thought, and subtle curiosity.

Seated at a low table with a scroll in hand, Shen Hui glanced up as Li Zhang entered, his sharp eyes studying his disciple with quiet interest.

"Master," Li Zhang greeted, bowing deeply. "There is something I must speak with you about. It's regarding the boy I've taken under my wing—Xing Wuye."

Shen Hui set down the scroll and gestured for Li Zhang to sit across from him. "Yes, I've heard some murmurs. Tell me more."

Li Zhang hesitated for a brief moment, gathering his thoughts. "Wuye… he unlocked his meridians under unusual circumstances. His qi flows differently than I've seen in other disciples. It's almost as if his meridians were awakened by something beyond himself. He didn't go through the typical processes most of us do. And yet, his body was able to undergo the medicinal bath with remarkable ease."

Shen Hui listened intently, his brows furrowing in thought. His fingers tapped lightly against the armrest of his chair as he processed the information.

"He's shown signs of rapid advancement?" Shen Hui asked, his tone curious but measured.

"Yes, Master," Li Zhang replied. "His physical abilities were enhanced after the bath, as expected, but the rate of his improvement was staggering. There's something about him that seems to transcend what we typically encounter in new disciples."

Shen Hui leaned forward slightly, his interest piqued. "I see. And you believe this anomaly could be linked to something deeper within him? A potential that's yet to be fully understood?"

Li Zhang nodded. "I do. I've never seen meridian awakening like his before. It wasn't just a matter of opening his qi pathways—it was as though his body had been waiting for this moment, as if some greater force were guiding him."

Shen Hui's eyes gleamed with thought. "Interesting. Very interesting."

There was a pause as Shen Hui considered the possibilities, a slight smile forming on his lips. "This boy could prove to be of great importance. I've been considering expanding our faction—our leader's apprentice has been looking for promising disciples to guide, and this Wuye might just be the type of talent we're searching for. If his growth continues at this rate, it may be wise to introduce him to our circle."

Li Zhang's eyes widened slightly. "Master, are you suggesting placing him in the faction headed by Senior Apprentice?"

Shen Hui nodded slowly, his gaze distant as he contemplated the implications. "Indeed. Of course, it's too early to say for certain, but if he truly possesses a hidden talent, especially if he shows signs of a spirit root… well, he could become a valuable asset to our sect and its future."

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Li Zhang remained silent, absorbing his master's words. The idea of Wuye joining such a prestigious faction was both exciting and daunting. He had seen firsthand Wuye's potential, but the path ahead was uncertain. There was still much the boy needed to learn.

"Keep an eye on him, Li Zhang," Shen Hui continued. "Observe his progress carefully. If he continues to show promise, I'll speak with the sect leader's apprentice myself. For now, train him well. He may be the key to something much greater."

Li Zhang bowed once more. "I will, Master. I'll make sure he receives the proper guidance."

As Li Zhang departed, Shen Hui watched him leave, his mind already racing with thoughts of what Wuye's future might hold. There was something special about the boy, something that Shen Hui couldn't quite place, but it intrigued him deeply.

Meanwhile, back in the courtyard where Wuye had been practicing all day, the young boy stood alone, marveling at the newfound strength coursing through his body. After the medicinal bath, he had felt different—lighter, stronger, more agile. His muscles responded with a fluidity he had never experienced before, and the air around him seemed clearer, sharper.

He couldn't resist the urge to test his limits. With a sudden burst of energy, Wuye sprinted across the courtyard, his feet barely touching the ground as he covered distances far faster than before. He leapt over a small rock wall, easily clearing it, and landed gracefully on the other side. His body felt powerful, almost unrestrained, as if the world around him had slowed down just enough for him to react with perfect precision.

A wide grin spread across his face as he spun around, practicing a few basic martial movements Li Zhang had shown him. Each punch, each kick, felt imbued with a newfound force. He couldn't help but chuckle at his own enthusiasm, the excitement of discovering his potential spilling over into a childish display of joy.

"This is amazing!" he shouted to no one in particular, leaping into the air once more, relishing in the feeling of strength that coursed through him. For a brief moment, the weight of his past, the destruction of his village, and the dark shadow of revenge all seemed distant. He was just a boy, testing his limits, pushing the boundaries of what his body could do.

As dusk settled in, Wuye finally calmed down, his body still buzzing with energy but his mind growing quieter. He knew that this strength, this power, was just the beginning. The real journey lay in mastering it.

Remembering the mantra Li Zhang had given him, Wuye sat down cross-legged in the courtyard, the last rays of the sun casting a warm glow on the stones around him. He closed his eyes and began to recite the words in his mind, focusing on his breath, letting his thoughts settle. The world around him grew still, and the sound of his breathing became the only thing he could hear.

The qi in his body stirred gently, like a stream flowing through a valley. He could feel it, sluggish but present, waiting for him to guide it. As he focused on the mantra, the qi began to move more freely, responding to his will. His body, cleansed by the medicinal bath, now felt like a vessel ready to hold something far greater.

But as Wuye meditated, something else stirred within him.

The Akashic Records.

Deep in the recesses of his mind, the mysterious record he had encountered before trembled, as if awakened by his thoughts. A strange warmth spread through Wuye's consciousness, and for a brief moment, a vision flashed before his eyes—an endless sea of stars, swirling galaxies, and the infinite expanse of the cosmos.

In that moment, Wuye felt something profound. It wasn't just about qi or strength; it wasn't just about the martial path. It was something deeper, something more fundamental. It was the truth of life itself, the essence of existence.

The Dao.

Wuye's understanding was vague, fleeting, but it left a mark on his soul. He couldn't fully grasp it, not yet, but he knew that what he had just touched was the beginning of his journey. The Dao was more than just power or cultivation—it was the ultimate truth, the path to understanding the very nature of reality.

As he opened his eyes, the stars fading from his vision, Wuye exhaled slowly. His mind was clearer than it had ever been, his thoughts sharp but calm. He didn't have all the answers, but he had taken his first step toward something far greater than himself.

And with that step, his journey truly began.