Master Li

In the sect, members were classified according to their strength and importance, creating a clear hierarchy. The structure included several divisions and ranks, ensuring that everyone knew their place and role within the sect.

The major ranks below the Sect Leader were masters, elders, and disciples, each with distinct responsibilities and levels of power.

Disciples were classified into three classes based on their skills and potential. First class disciples were the elite members, close to becoming elders. They showed exceptional promise and were considered the future leaders of the sect. Second class disciples were in the intermediate stage of their development. They had potential but required more training to reach the elite level. Third class disciples were the youngest or least developed members. They were still in the early stages of their training but had the potential to rise through the ranks.

Disciples who showed insufficient progress to become elders could still contribute to the sect as instructors, helping to train outer sect disciples and maintain the sect's foundational strength.

Elders were those who had surpassed the Wall and reached the rank. These individuals possessed significant power and wisdom, and they were responsible for guiding the inner sect disciples. Each elder had the right to select their own disciples, providing personalized training and mentorship.

Masters, having achieved the rank, represented the pinnacle of strength and expertise within the sect. They had reached an extreme level of power and were revered by all members. Masters also had the right to choose their own disciples, who were then classified as core disciples, receiving the most advanced training and resources.

Inner sect disciples were those selected by elders, while core disciples were chosen by masters. These disciples received specialized training and resources, preparing them for leadership roles within the sect.

That was the basic structure of a martial arts sect in this world. Master Li's full name was Li Zenith. He was the younger brother of the current Sect Leader.

Despite his immense talent, his older brother had succeeded in becoming the Sect Leader of Mount Hua Sect. Li's talent, though inferior to his brother's, was still monstrous. He remained the second strongest in the sect, a position he would hold for several years until Sun Zenith surpassed him.

I followed Elder Zheng alongside Seraphina as we made our way to Li's quarters. The path was lined with ancient trees and stone lanterns, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and reverence.

"My uncle has never taken a single disciple," Sera said, her voice soft but clear. "I don't think he will train you just because I asked him."

"Don't worry," I replied confidently, "I don't think he will reject me."

My swordsmanship talent was quite special, something I knew would set me apart.

"That is correct," Luna's voice echoed in my mind.

"You agree?" I asked mentally.

"Your talent with swordsmanship is something I haven't seen even during Julius's era," she responded.

"Julius had worse swordsmanship talent than me?" I asked mentally, surprised.

"He didn't use a sword to fight," she said mysteriously. "Regardless, you need to focus on getting stronger. Learning Mount Hua's techniques and refining your swordsmanship here will be very beneficial."

"I'm aware," I replied.

We arrived at Master Li's quarters, a modest but elegant building nestled within a grove of plum trees. The scent of blooming flowers filled the air, creating a serene ambiance. Elder Zheng knocked on the wooden door, and after a moment, it opened to reveal Master Li. He was a tall man with a composed demeanor, his eyes sharp and observant.

Master Li had silver hair and blue eyes similar to Seraphina's, and a muscular physique that showed the rigors of his training. His presence exuded both strength and calm authority.

"Elder Zheng," he greeted with a nod. "What brings you here..."

His question trailed off as his gaze shifted to me and then back to Seraphina.

"It's been a long time, kiddo," he said, ruffling Seraphina's hair before pulling her into a warm hug.

I could sense Seraphina's joy as she hugged him back. "It's nice to see you, Uncle!"

"And who have you brought here?" he asked, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Your future husband?"

"Don't joke, Uncle," Seraphina replied stoically, stomping on his foot playfully. "He's my friend Arthur. He wants to train here before our Academy starts again."

Master Li studied me for a moment, his gaze piercing yet kind. "I suppose we can catch up later. Why do you wish to train under me?" he asked.

"Because I believe my swordsmanship will benefit greatly from your expertise," I replied confidently. "I am dedicated to becoming stronger and mastering the techniques of Mount Hua Sect."

Master Li's eyes gleamed with interest. "Very well. Show me your current level of skill."

He led us to a nearby training ground, an open area surrounded by ancient trees. The ground was covered in fine sand, perfect for practicing martial arts. He handed me a wooden sword, and I took a deep breath, preparing to demonstrate my abilities.

I crouched down, then sprang forward with all my strength, wielding the wooden sword enhanced by crackling lightning aura. It was a move I had practiced countless times, aiming to strike Master Li with lightning-fast precision.

But as my strike descended, Master Li effortlessly raised his own wooden sword, intercepting my attack with a fluid motion that revealed his superior skill. It wasn't just a block; it was a perfect parry, a demonstration of his mastery of the fundamentals.

His technique was impeccable, a stark reminder of the gap between us in terms of basic proficiency.

I pressed on with a flurry of attacks, channeling mana from my silver core to augment my movements and increase the force behind each strike.

With each strike, Master Li effortlessly redirected my attacks, using precise movements to control the flow of power. His mastery extended beyond just swordsmanship; his keen perception allowed him to anticipate my every move, blocking and parrying with minimal effort.

But I knew there was a way to break through his defense, to force him out of his comfort zone. I focused on channeling my mana more effectively, honing in on the energy pulsing within me as I launched another assault.

This time, as he parried my strike, I seized the opportunity to shift my stance, altering the trajectory of my attack in an unexpected maneuver. Master Li's surprise was evident in his widened eyes as I swiftly reversed direction, delivering another blow.

Though he managed to block my strike once again, I could sense a shift in the dynamics of our duel. This was my chance to press the advantage.

I gathered my mana, focusing it into God Flash. With a surge of energy, I unleashed the attack, aiming to overwhelm Master Li's defenses and seize the upper hand in our sparring match.

This time, his eyes widened even more as he attempted to parry my attack, but wasn't able to full parry it.

The clash of our wooden swords echoed through the training grounds as I unleashed the culmination of my strategy. With a resounding boom, my final strike broke through Master Li's defenses, leaving him momentarily stunned.

I couldn't help but chuckle at his surprised expression. "In the end, you had to expend more mana, didn't you?" I remarked, a sense of accomplishment coursing through me.

Master Li's eyes glimmered with admiration as he recovered from the blow. "Impressive," he acknowledged, his voice tinged with respect. "Your tactical approach caught me off guard, shifting the tempo of our duel to set up for that decisive strike."

He paused for a moment before extending his acceptance. "I accept you as my disciple, Arthur," he declared, his words carrying a weight of authority. I bowed deeply in gratitude, feeling a surge of pride at being acknowledged by such a formidable master.

"Thank you, Master," I responded earnestly, knowing that this was just the beginning of my journey to master the techniques of the Mount Hua Sect.