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### Chapter 3: The Reluctant Disciple’s Decision

Yun Shaoyun stood at the entrance of Elder Xue's quarters, his heart pounding. The weight of the decision he'd made settled heavily on him. It wasn’t just about becoming a disciple—it was about the path his life would take from this point forward. He wasn’t the type to rely on others, especially not a stranger like Elder Xue, but the world had made it clear that survival here depended on power. And Elder Xue, for all his sternness and calm demeanor, was the one who could provide that power.

After a long pause, Yun pushed open the door and stepped inside. The quiet, serene atmosphere of Elder Xue’s chambers greeted him. The elder sat in meditation, his back straight, a picture of composure. The faint hum of energy around him seemed to pulse with his very being. Yun Shaoyun couldn’t help but feel a twinge of awe. This man, with his calm exterior, radiated strength that Yun Shaoyun could feel even from across the room.

Elder Xue opened his eyes slowly, fixing them on him with a gaze that seemed to pierce through him. His expression was unreadable, but there was an almost imperceptible nod, as though he had been expecting Yun Shaoyun.

“I’ve thought about it,” Yun said, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside him. “I’ve decided to accept your offer. I’ll become your disciple.”

Elder Xue did not respond immediately. Instead, he observed Yun closely, his gaze calculating, as if measuring the weight of Yun Shaoyun’s words. After a long moment of silence, he simply nodded, as though he had already known Yun Shaoyun would come to this conclusion.

“Very well,” Elder Xue finally said. “Then kneel and kowtow. Show your respect to the path you’ve chosen.”

Yun Shaoyun was taken aback for a moment, surprised by the formality of the request. Kneeling was not something he did lightly, especially not to anyone outside his family. But his pride had already been set aside; he had made this choice, and he would follow through with it.

With a deep breath, he dropped to his knees, bowing deeply. His forehead touched the cool stone floor as he performed the traditional kowtow, a symbol of complete submission to Elder Xue as his master. The act, though formal, was his way of showing that he had embraced this decision wholeheartedly.

Elder Xue watched him silently, not offering praise or scorn. His expression remained unchanged, but there was something in his eyes that told Yun Shaoyun this was not the end, but rather the beginning of a much harder journey.

Yun Shaoyun straightened up, his head still slightly bowed. He could feel his heart racing, the nerves from his earlier hesitation still lingering, but his resolve was firm. He would become stronger. He had no choice.

“Good,” Elder Xue said at last, his voice calm but carrying an undeniable weight of authority. “You will begin your training immediately. The path you walk will not be an easy one.”

Yun Shaoyun looked up at Elder Xue, eager yet nervous. “What do I need to do first?”

Elder Xue nodded, and with a flick of his hand, he summoned a small jade slip from the air. “This is a spiritual technique—the Elemental Body Technique. It will help you refine your physical body, drawing energy from the environment to enhance your strength. It is the foundation of your cultivation, and you will need to practice it daily if you wish to advance.”

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Yun Shaoyun took the jade slip from Elder Xue’s hand, the cool surface cold to the touch. His eyes scanned the slip quickly, trying to absorb the information. His body was already feeling the lingering effects of the energy Elder Xue had introduced him to, but the Elemental Body Technique was something deeper, something more complex.

“You will need to focus your mind and body on aligning with the elements,” Elder Xue explained. “The technique is not easy to master. It will test your patience and endurance, but once you can fully integrate it into your body, your power will grow exponentially.”

Yun Shaoyun nodded, feeling the weight of the responsibility settle over him. He understood now that this path would not be quick or painless, but there was no turning back. The world outside demanded strength, and he had to become stronger.

Elder Xue stepped back, his posture shifting as he assumed a stance of deep concentration. “I will teach you the breathing techniques that accompany the Elemental Body Technique. These will help you gather energy and circulate it throughout your body. Without this, the technique will fail.”

Yun Shaoyun watched intently as Elder Xue demonstrated the breathing forms. Each inhale seemed to draw in power from the environment, while every exhale expelled any lingering tension in the body. The way the elder moved—calm, deliberate, and measured—was unlike anything he had seen before. It was precise, almost surgical, and Yun Shaoyun felt a sense of awe, realizing just how much there was to learn.

“Now, try,” Elder Xue said, his voice cutting through Yun Shaoyun’s thoughts. “Follow my lead. Focus on your breath. Feel the energy around you. Let it flow into your body.”

He stood up, taking a deep breath, and began to mirror Elder Xue’s movements. His lungs filled with air, but it wasn’t just the air—he could feel something else, something faint, but there. It was as though the very atmosphere itself was alive, pulsating with energy.

At first, nothing happened. Yun Shaoyun felt nothing but the cool air filling his lungs and the tightness in his chest. But as he continued, trying to synchronize his breath with the rhythm Elder Xue had demonstrated, he began to feel a subtle warmth building in his body. It was faint, almost imperceptible, but it was there.

His heart raced as he realized that he was doing it. He was drawing in energy—energy of the world itself, just like Elder Xue had promised.

But just as quickly, the warmth began to intensify, growing hotter and more intense. Yun Shaoyun stumbled, feeling a wave of dizziness wash over him as the energy surged. It was as if his body was being overloaded, pushed to its limits.

“Control it,” Elder Xue’s voice was calm but stern. “You cannot let it overwhelm you.”

Yun Shaoyun gritted his teeth, struggling to keep the energy under control. His muscles burned, his veins throbbed, but he pushed through it. Focus. Control. He repeated the words in his mind like a mantra, trying to steady himself.

Slowly, the intensity began to subside. The heat that had been suffocating him receded, and Yun’s breathing became steadier. He was still trembling, but he had done it—he had tapped into the energy.

Elder Xue gave a slight nod of approval. “You’ve taken the first step. You’ve broken through to the Mortal Realm's beginner stage. It will take time to master this technique, but with practice, you will grow stronger.”

Yun Shaoyun smiled faintly, feeling the faint surge of power within him. This was just the beginning, but already, he could feel the difference. He was no longer the weak boy who had stumbled into this world. He was becoming something else—stronger, sharper, more powerful.

As the training session came to an end, Yun bowed respectfully to Elder Xue. “Thank you, Master,” he said, the words coming more naturally than he had anticipated.

Elder Xue’s gaze softened slightly. “The path ahead will be difficult. But if you remain determined, you will find success.”

Yun Shaoyun nodded, his resolve firm. He was ready to walk this path, no matter where it led.

As he left Elder Xue’s chambers, his hand brushed against the locket his parents had given him before he left his old world. The locket was still as it had always been, simple and unassuming. But there was something different about it now—something calling to him.

For now, he would focus on his training. But the locket remained close to his heart. It felt like it was waiting for something. And Yun couldn’t shake the feeling that it held a significance that would one day change his destiny.

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With every step, Yun Shaoyun’s resolve grew. The first lesson had been taught. The first steps had been taken. The road ahead would be long, but he was ready to walk it—powered by his new master’s technique and the silent promise of the locket.

This was just the beginning.