Chapter 4: To The Sect

Chapter 3.2: Journey to the Sect Farewell and Departure As Vaughn bid farewell to his parents, his neighbors, and even the mystical tree that had helped him cultivate, a deep sense of gratitude filled his heart. Each person and element in his village had contributed to his growth, preparing him for the journey ahead. He arrived at the rendezvous point, a spot at the edge of the village at the base of the mountain, as instructed by the Azure Sky Sect leader. The morning sun was still low, casting a golden glow over the landscape. Vaughn waited, feeling a mix of anticipation and nervousness. Hours passed, and yet, no one came. “Did I get the time wrong?” he wondered aloud, scratching his head in confusion. As if in response, a sudden gust of wind knocked him off balance. He stumbled but quickly regained his footing, looking around to identify the source. His eyes widened in awe as he saw a giant flying wooden vessel descending from the sky. The craftsmanship of the vessel was unlike anything he had seen, even in his previous world. “They have flying vehicles here… I could get used to this,” Vaughn thought, excitement bubbling within him. He was about to shout to catch the attention of the vessel’s crew when a beam of light shot down, enveloping him in an instant. Before he could react, he found himself aboard the vessel. Meeting Senior May Disoriented, Vaughn felt cold sweats form on his brow as he looked around. The interior of the flying vessel was luxurious, with intricate designs and a calming blue hue. "Welcome, my disciple," a melodic voice said, breaking through his daze. He looked up to see a beautiful young woman standing before him. Her long hair had a bluish tint, reminiscent of the sky, and her eyes were a deep blue, like gazing into tranquil waters. She wore a dark blue robe adorned with gold patterns, her peach skin glowing with a pink essence that reminded Vaughn of cherry blossoms. “So, how long are you going to stare? Start introducing yourself,” she said, a hint of amusement in her voice. Vaughn snapped out of his reverie. “Right! My name is Vaughn of House Cao from Riverbound Village, trainee of the Azure Sky Sect.” “Hmm, at least you have a little sense,” she replied with a slight smile. “I am a core disciple of the Azure Sky Sect. You may greet me as Senior May.” “It is an honor to meet you, Senior May,” Vaughn said, bowing respectfully. “Now that we’ve introduced ourselves, you may enter your quarters at the bottom of the vessel. Since you’re the first one here, you can choose any room you want.” With that, she tossed a book toward him. It landed with a thud at his feet. “While we’re picking up the rest of the trainees, practice what’s in this book. We have at least five days, so make it count, trainee.” Settling In Vaughn picked up the book and headed below deck. He chose the first room on his right, a cozy space with a bed, a desk, and a window offering a breathtaking bird's-eye view of the landscape below. In the center of the room was an engraved sigil that seemed to hum with energy. Curious, Vaughn sat in the middle of the sigil in a cross-legged position. The energy felt familiar, almost like the mystical tree's aura. He opened the book Senior May had given him and began to read. It contained advanced cultivation techniques and martial arts forms, far beyond what he had learned from his father.

Vaughn spent hours on the first day practicing the techniques from the book. The sigil in his room seemed to enhance his cultivation, the energy flowing into him and amplifying his progress. He felt his qi becoming more refined and powerful with each passing day. During times of rest, he would glance out the window, marveling at the scenery below. Mountains, rivers, and forests passed by in a blur of green and blue. Occasionally, he saw other flying vessels, each one unique and grand. "So this is how the outside world looks," he thought to himself, "It really is beautiful." Thinking about something beautiful reminded him of his stunning senior. "I wonder if she's single," he mused, but quickly dismissed the thought. "Nah, even if she was, I would never stand a chance as I am now. I have to get stronger." Resolute, Vaughn sat back down and resumed reading the book that Senior May had given him. The Azure Sky Sect Foundation Qi Manual contained not only techniques for qi absorption but also instructions on basic footwork that enhanced speed and agility.

Chapter 2: Basic Footwork Introduction to Footwork Footwork is an essential aspect of cultivation, providing the foundation for both offense and defense. Proper footwork allows a cultivator to move with speed and precision, creating opportunities to strike while avoiding incoming attacks. Technique: Swift Step Stance: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent. Distribute your weight evenly. Focus: Concentrate on your dantian, the source of your qi. Visualize your energy flowing down to your legs and feet. Movement: Begin with slow, deliberate steps. Shift your weight from one foot to the other, maintaining balance and stability. Speed: Gradually increase your speed. Practice short bursts of movement, pushing off the ground with the spere bones of your feet. Direction: Practice moving in different directions—forward, backward, and side-to-side. Your goal is to be able to change directions swiftly and smoothly. Timing: Incorporate timing into your practice. Use sudden bursts of speed to catch opponents off guard, creating confusion and opening opportunities for attacks. Tips for Effective Footwork Balance: Always maintain your balance. Losing balance can leave you vulnerable to attacks. Agility: Focus on agility rather than raw speed. Smooth, controlled movements are more effective than hasty, erratic ones. Practice: Regular practice is key. Dedicate time each day to improving your footwork.

As Vaughn practiced the Swift Step technique, he could feel the improvement in his movements. Each step became more fluid and precise, his speed increasing with each session. He could almost see himself in a future battle, darting around his opponents with ease. The combination of qi absorption and footwork training made him feel more powerful than ever before. He was beginning to understand the potential within him and the path he needed to take to achieve greatness. "One day, I'll be strong enough to stand beside Senior May," he thought with determination. With each passing day, his resolve grew stronger, and he knew he was on the right path to becoming a true cultivator of the Azure Sky Sect. So to be through he re-read the first portion of the book again.

Azure Sky Sect Foundation Qi Manual Introduction Welcome, disciple, to the Azure Sky Sect. This manual contains the foundational techniques necessary to begin your journey in cultivation. Mastering these basics is crucial to your success and growth within the sect. Focus, dedication, and perseverance are essential.

Chapter 1: Basic Qi Absorption Understanding Qi Qi, or spiritual energy, is the life force that flows through all living things. As a cultivator, your goal is to harness and refine this energy, enhancing your physical and spiritual abilities. Qi absorption is the process of drawing in this energy from the environment and integrating it into your own body. Technique: Qi Breathing Find a Quiet Space: Sit in a comfortable position, preferably in a place rich with natural energy, such as near a flowing river or under a tree. Calm Your Mind: Close your eyes and take deep, slow breaths. Clear your mind of distractions and focus solely on your breathing. Sense the Qi: With each breath, visualize the qi around you. Imagine it as a gentle mist, flowing through the air. Inhale the Qi: As you breathe in, picture the qi entering your body through your nose and mouth, traveling down to your dantian (the energy center located just below your navel). Circulate the Qi: Hold your breath for a moment, allowing the qi to settle in your dantian. Then, exhale slowly, imagining the qi spreading throughout your body, nourishing your muscles and organs. Repeat: Continue this process for at least 30 minutes, gradually increasing the duration as you become more adept. Tips for Effective Qi Absorption Maintain Consistency: Practice daily to build and maintain your qi reserves. Natural Surroundings: Meditate in environments abundant with natural energy to enhance absorption. Healthy Diet: Consume foods that support qi cultivation, such as grains, fruits, and vegetables.

After reading this portion, Van realized how the mystical tree had truly helped prepare him for this day. Without the tree aiding the flow of qi, it took significant effort to mimic the flow, but slowly he was recreating that energy, one step at a time. When he awoke from his meditation, night had fallen, and he was drenched in sweat. "I wonder if we have a bathroom on board," he muttered to himself. Van left his room, heading further down the corridor where he saw a sign above one door that read "Cleansing Room." "This must be the bathroom," he muttered. "Oh right, I need a change of clothes." He rummaged through the bag at his side, pulling out fresh garments. "Man, this thing is nifty. Thanks, Dad," he thought to himself. He entered the room to be greeted with a space far larger than it should be, featuring a hot spring centered in the middle with a giant rock garden. Steam enveloped the room. "Wow, they even have a spatial artifact on board. They're really looking out for us trainees." Excited to wash the sweat from his body, he entered the hot spring and felt instant relief, reminding him of his mother and father. "It's only been a day and I miss them already. Well, let's stop complaining. I'm sure I can visit them when I become a big shot." As he strengthened his resolve, he heard a loud moan echo through the room. Intrigued, he decided to investigate the sound. But he soon found himself in a troubling situation. Through the veil of steam, he caught glimpses of Senior May, naked. Stunned, his thoughts started to go wild. But as if sensing his presence, Senior May turned to see trainee Van catching a peek. Her skin, once peach-colored, now adorned with a bright tint, Van felt a chill run down his spine. In an instant, his vision went dark, followed by his scream. "Ahhhh, my eyes, my eyes!" Senior May scoffed, "That's what you get for peeking on a maiden," and with that statement, she left Van in the spring, writhing in pain.

Cultivating on the Vessel After several minutes, Vaughn managed to recover from the shock. His eyes still stung, but the pain was subsiding. He quickly finished his bath, dressed in fresh clothes, and returned to his quarters. He couldn't believe what had just happened, and his embarrassment was overwhelming. As he lay on his bed, he couldn't help but reflect on the day's events. Despite the mishap, he felt a renewed determination to prove himself. He knew that this journey would be filled with challenges, but he was ready to face them head-on. He went to sleep, eager for what the next day would bring. New Trainee Upon awakening, Vaughn gazed out the window and noticed the landscape had changed from mountains to a vast forest. He realized he was no longer in his home region, as his father had taught him about the different areas. His parents' region consisted of vast mountains and rivers, while other regions featured expansive cities and forests inhabited by creatures with monstrous qi. These creatures varied in power and size but, when defeated, evaporated into pure qi crystals or left behind valuable materials, much like in video games. Vaughn's father had always hypothesized that these creatures existed due to the abundance of qi, which caused it to take visible form but revert to qi upon defeat, leaving behind remnants. While contemplating this, the flying wooden vehicle slowed as they approached a tower in the center of a bustling city. "Wow, this city is huge! Maybe I should go to the deck to see the city better," Vaughn thought. He changed into the robe his mother had given him and adorned himself with the sword his father had gifted him. "Okay, let's see what this place has to offer," he murmured, exiting his room and heading to the deck. He was greeted by Senior May, gazing at the approaching tower. Her beauty still stunned him, and at times, she looked like a water goddess. "Trainee greets Senior," Vaughn said with a bow. May turned to him. "Why are you here? I did not call for you, but since you're here, prepare to greet your fellow trainees. They should be waiting for us at the port." "Yes, Senior," Vaughn responded. As they entered the port, they saw other flying vessels of different colors, shapes, and sizes, some with logos and flags posted on them. May, noticing his surprised expression, decided to tease him about not knowing the outside world. "I forgot you came from such a backwater region. This must be your first time at a port. Those ships are merchant vessels for trade and commerce. This city is a trade hub where auctions take place. The trade guild built it from scratch, transforming it from a trading village into the bustling Golden-Bridge City. Be grateful our sect sees promise in you, or you'd still be stuck in that forgotten region," May said, her words a mix of teasing and condescension. Vaughn felt a surge of anger but restrained himself, remembering the lessons from his previous life about picking battles wisely. "Thanks, Senior, this has really broadened my scope of the world." May was taken aback by his calmness but retorted with a scoff, as if to say, "Whatever." As the vehicle halted, a staircase deployed from the vessel leading to the port. Seconds later, a man dressed in a golden-crimson robe ascended the stairs. He walked towards May with an angry expression. He was short, with a menacing presence despite his round belly. "You're late!" he screamed. "Your sect was supposed to be here 15 hours ago. This is going to cost you," he added, rubbing his fingers together. "Sorry, Zoh. I was late, but this is the first time this has happened. Can you forgive me?" May pleaded. "Hmph, fine, but there better not be a next time. And tell your mother that her package will be sent in a week." "Thank you, Master Zoh. Are all the trainees here?" "Yes, they're all here and accounted for. Let me go get them." When Zoh returned, he brought four individuals—two boys and three girls. Senior May walked up to them, giving the same speech Vaughn had received before handing each of them a manual. "Another thing, this is Trainee Vaughn. He will be giving you a tour of the ship. Follow him." Surprised by his sudden involvement, Vaughn quickly adapted to the situation and began the tour. "So, here’s the back of the ship for training and the scenery as we come and go from destinations. When you enter this building, you will walk into the main hall where there will be tables and chairs. Then past that is the senior’s quarters at the end of the corridor, and then the stairs lead down to the living quarters for us trainees. The only rule that applies is first come, first served. Down the corridor is the cleansing room. On the left side is the girls' bathroom, and the boys' bathroom is to the right. As far as I know, food is not provided, so I believe you were told to bring your own provisions. If not, the cupboard in your room has a jar of nutrient pills that can be used as rations for our ride to the sect." "As the Senior said before, I am Trainee Vaughn, and you guys are...?" "My name is Jino. I’m from Grand Back City, and this guy is Guian. He doesn’t say much. Oh, and this is..." Jino was interrupted by a young girl with green hair and yellow eyes. "I’m Nova from Yellow Star City in the southern region." "I’m Fray, and I’m from the northern region. I come from Winter’s End Village," she stated shyly. "Don’t associate with me, you low-born peasants. You all sound so poor. I hope the Azure Sky Sect has more to show than this. I’m going to my room. Call me when we get close to the Azure Sky Sect, plebes," a girl with short black hair and dark brown eyes sneered. Jino whispered to Vaughn, "Her name is Eve. She’s Master Zoh’s daughter. Their merchant group is pretty influential. She’s pretty snobby, but she is cute, right?" Vaughn whispers back yeah she definitely has a cuteness to her. Vaughn thought to himself, "Jino has wild orange hair and a rough demeanor, while Guian is very silent, with slicked-back black hair that gives him an edgy look. Eve isn’t bad either, her short black hair and dark brown eyes give her a determined look. Fray’s blonde hair covers her eyes, but she’s definitely on par with May’s beauty. Nova’s red hair and crimson eyes make her stand out and shes very unique." Vaughn snapped back to reality, ok "Well, that’s it for the tour. If you have any questions, just knock on my door," Vaughn concluded. They all scattered, disappearing one by one. Over the next few days Vaughn quickly became friends with a few of them. There was Jino, a boisterous boy with a talent for fist arts, and Fray, a quiet girl who excelled in rejuvenation arts. Together, they would discuss their progress and share tips on cultivation.

Five days later, the vessel began its descent. Vaughn looked out the window and saw the Azure Sky Sect for the first time. It was a sprawling complex built into the side of a mountain, with towering pagodas, lush gardens, and sparkling waterfalls. The air was thick with spiritual energy, almost tangible to the touch. A loud yell was heard, "Trainees to the deck with all your belongings and prepare for descent!" Senior May gathered the trainees on the deck. “Welcome to the Azure Sky Sect,” she announced. “This is where your real journey begins. Remember, hard work and dedication are the keys to success here. Now, follow me.” As Vaughn stepped off the vessel and onto the sect grounds, he felt a surge of emotions. The scenery was straight out of a martial arts novel. This was the beginning of a new chapter in his life, he thought to himself. With his parents' blessings and the strength he had gained, he was ready to face whatever came next. But what came next shocked him more. An older man, bald with a long flowing beard, appeared from above, standing on a floating sword. “Welcome to the Azure Sky Sect! I’m Elder Be-ara,” he said as he extended his arms in a welcoming gesture. As he was speaking, a boy appeared from behind the elder. He had flowing black hair and wore a white and blue robe, holding a book. Sensing the change in atmosphere, Elder Be-ara introduced his disciple. “This is Kai. He will be bringing you up the mountain to the trainee quarters.” As they descended, Kai jumped off the sword, landing gracefully in front of the group. He carried himself with a calm, authoritative presence. "Welcome to the Azure Sky Sect," he greeted them. "Follow me, and I will show you to your quarters." Vaughn and the other recruits followed Kai up a winding path that led to the main compound. The sect's buildings were a marvel of architecture, blending seamlessly with the natural beauty of the mountain. Stone bridges spanned cascading waterfalls, and elegant pagodas nestled among the trees. Kai led them to a dormitory where they would live during their initial training period. "You each have a room here," he explained. "Get settled in, and then meet in the main hall for orientation." Vaughn found his room and stepped inside. It was small but comfortable, with a bed, a desk, and a window that offered a stunning view of the mountains. He set down his belongings and took a moment to appreciate the peaceful surroundings. This was his new home, and he was determined to make the most of it. After unpacking, Vaughn joined the other recruits in the main hall. The room was spacious, with high ceilings and intricate murals depicting legendary battles. A large number of disciples stood around the center, where an elder of the sect was giving a speech. Elder Han, a venerable figure with a long white beard and piercing purple eyes, stood at the front. "Welcome, new disciples," Elder Han began. "You have been chosen to join the Azure Sky Sect because of your potential and determination. Here, you will train hard and grow stronger, but remember, the path of cultivation is not easy. It requires discipline, perseverance, and a pure heart." "As members of this sect, you are expected to uphold its honor above all else. The people you see in this room are not just your peers but also your rivals. Each of you will be evaluated in the coming days. The strongest among you will get a chance to become a core disciple of this sect. Those who fall behind will remain outer disciples, with fewer resources and opportunities for advancement." "You might think this is unfair, but the world beyond our training grounds is even harsher. You must learn to fend for yourself and gain the experience necessary to handle situations beyond your control. We are not here to coddle you. We are here to teach you." "I am Elder Han, and I will be your guide through these lessons. Tomorrow, you will enter a secret realm where you will be tested on your ability to fight. If you pass the trial, you will be evaluated by higher-ranked peers, and we will decide who gets to advance to become a core disciple." "You might wonder what privileges a core disciple receives compared to an outer disciple. As a core disciple, you will gain access to more resources, alchemy classes, and low-grade artifact creation classes. You will also gain access to the second floor of the library, which contains Earth Realm Manuals with advanced techniques. There is even a chance that you will be chosen by an elder to become their personal disciple, receiving dedicated training and secret techniques." "So be ready for tomorrow, because tomorrow is the day you are tested and chosen for your new path as a cultivator." The hall buzzed with excitement and anxiety as Elder Han concluded his speech. Vaughn felt a mixture of anticipation and determination. He knew the journey ahead would be challenging, but he was ready to prove himself and rise through the ranks of the Azure Sky Sect.