Leon launched himself at Seth with full speed. As the gap closed between the two, Leon unleashed a combination of attacks from the first three forms of Protector’s Fist. Seth used both arm and leg to protect from the succession of swift strikes, and once he saw in opening, released a powerful fist that connected with the center of Leon’s forehead, sending him tumbling backwards.

It had been four months since Elijah taught Leon to perfect Protector’s Fist. Focusing his Spirit Essence was beginning to be second nature for the Guardian Disciple as he practiced diligently each day, especially in his training sessions with Seth, who was also gradually becoming a more powerful Cultivator.

Seth chuckled and then rushed over to help Leon to his feet, offering his peer a hand.

“Ha! It’ll take more than that to beat me!” Leon pushed Seth’s hand away and then performed a backwards somersault and sprung back onto his feet.

“Heh, not bad,” Seth smirked and raised his fists. “Let’s see how you handle Flawless Breeze Kick!”

Leon raised his hands as well and braced himself for the oncoming attack.

“Wait!” came Elijah’s voice loudly from the entrance of the Sparring Grounds.

Both of the young Disciples lowered their fists and turned to Elijah, each bowing slightly.

“What’s up?” Leon asked curiously.

“Something very important has come up and it’s time I’ve told you why I’ve been gone so much lately,” Elijah said, beckoning them to draw near.

Leon and Seth exchanged glances.

“We’re listening,” Seth assured the Elder Guardian.

“There is a war that has been raging since the beginning of time between the Righteous and Unrighteous sects of Cultivators. That you may already know,” Elijah told them.

“Which is why you’re training me and Leon, right?” Seth guessed.

“That is correct,” Elijah smiled weakly. “You see, as it relates to this war, the Exalted Guardian Society has always tried to remain somewhat neutral. This was in order to prevent cosmic level conflicts from erupting all over the universe.”

“What do you mean by cosmic?” Leon scratched his head.

“If certain powerful beings are not kept in check, entire galaxies could be destroyed,” Elijah said gravely, causing both of the young men to become anxious. “The universe is ordered in a very particular fashion, with eight Prime Celestial beings that act as the keepers of the universe, guarding the eight sectors.”

Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author's consent. Report any sightings.

“Eight sectors? What does that mean?” Seth rubbed his chin.

“The universe is divided into eight different sectors, all assigned with a single Prime Celestial. We live in what’s called the “Courage Sector”. Our Galaxy, that is, the Fierce Galaxy, is a part of eight other galaxies that make up our sector. The other sectors are made up in a similar way. There’s the Righteous Sector, the Benevolent, Respect, Truth, Honor, Loyalty and Temperance. The Prime Celestial that guards our sector is Mortathar. He is one of the most powerful beings in existence and governs all things within Courage,” Elijah explained.

Leon blinked a few times before slowly shaking his head, “it’s crazy just how big the universe is. I never would have imagined…”

Seth stood speechless next to Leon.

“Anyway, the Exalted Guardian Society was formed over 6,000 years ago to watch over and protect the mortals of the Fierce Galaxy, although sometimes we have been called in to help other galaxies with the Courage Sector. That is why we must restore our sect. To continue to keep the peace and balance in the galaxy, and that is why we must also continue to grow the sect. We need more Disciples in order to take back the Amulet of Ascension from the Infinite Nemesis Cult and reestablish ourselves as the guardian over Fierce. Once we have the Amulet, then we will be able to boost our pupils straight to the Spirit Builder level of Cultivation,” Elijah took a deep breath after pausing.

“What can we do to help, master?” Seth asked obediently.

“Yeah!” Leon looked to Elijah and nodded.

“I’m glad that you asked,” the Guardian Elder cleared his throat. “I’ve found some potential recruits, but if I try and go to them, just like when I came for you, Seth, there are high chances that I will get attacked by Unrighteous sect followers. Every Unrighteous sect in our galaxy has orders to kill me on sight.”

“I’m sorry,” Seth frowned.

“There is nothing I can do about it for now. That is, except for sending you two to do the recruiting. Both of your Spirit Essence levels are so low that you can travel mostly undetected throughout the galaxy. I will provide you with the necessary information to track down the potential Disciples and you two will track them down and persuade them to join,” Elijah revealed.

“We’re in! Right, Seth?” Leon looked to his peer.

Seth nodded, “that’s right!”

“Excellent!” Elijah grinned and handed each of the boys a leather knapsack. “Here, you’ll need to take these with you.”

“A backpack?” Leon raised an eyebrow.

“Not merely a backpack,” Elijah chuckled. “They’re Expanse Bags. They can hold an abnormally large number of items. I’ve already packed them with a few magical items that you can use for emergency situations as well as some food. Everything that you might need will be in there. Do you have any questions?”

Leon and Seth exchanged glances once again and both shook their heads at Elijah.

“Very good,” Elijah smirked and raised both of his hands towards the young men as a green aura appeared from each of his fingertips and quickly swirled around them and formed a large portal behind them.

Both Disciples turned and stared at the oval-shaped portal in awe.

“That is a portal to Tsenmai. There are three potential recruits there. Be ever vigilant and watch out for the Spirit Beasts! They’re all over the place there!” Elijah cautioned.

Seth took in a deep breath and slowly walked through the portal with Leon following closely behind.

As soon as both of the Disciples walked through the portal, Elijah closed it behind them, the green aura returning back to his body and reintegrating with his Spirit Essence. Make me proud, boys, the Guardian Elder thought to himself with a smile.