The Weapon Pavilion

After Rudhra reported back to the sect, he was rewarded generously for his successful mission. Wasting no time, he exchanged his rewards for a significant amount of cultivation pills and began cultivating immediately. Within days, he had advanced to the peak of the Mortal Realm. Despite his royal background and the extensive resources he had been fed with since childhood, Rudhra knew that in this world, true cultivation resources only came after reaching the Spirit Stage. Building a strong foundation was crucial, and he had to do it on his own.

To enter the Spirit Stage, he would have to participate in the annual expedition to the ancient ruins. These ruins, which opened once a year, were the key for peak Tempered Realm cultivators to form their spirits. It was said that the spirit formation occurred in a different dimension, and Rudhra was eager to experience it.

But before that, he had another task: selecting a weapon from the Weapon Pavilion. Although he had trained with various weapons back in his clan and found each to fit him perfectly due to his exceptional perception, he had never felt a true connection with any of them. He hoped that would change today.

Rudhra made his way to the Weapon Pavilion, where many of his classmates were already gathered. Among them was the elf girl, surrounded by a group of admirers. There were clusters of boys chatting and a single fat kid eating alone. As Rudhra entered, the room fell silent for a moment, all eyes turning to him. He wore his usual plain black clothes, his long hair adding to his mysterious aura. He walked in and positioned himself in a corner, surveying the room.

Noticing the fat kid eating alone, Rudhra approached him. The boy looked up, his eyes wide with surprise.

"Mind if I join you?" Rudhra asked, grabbing a piece of food from the boy's plate without waiting for an answer.

The fat kid blinked, initially taken aback by Rudhra's boldness. "Uh, sure," he stammered. "Help yourself."

Rudhra grinned and started eating with enthusiasm. The boy watched in awe as Rudhra devoured the food with a speed and relish that made it clear he was genuinely enjoying the meal.

The fat kid hesitated for a moment but then joined in, and soon the two were engaged in a friendly competition, trying to out-eat each other. Their laughter and banter drew curious glances from the other disciples.

"You're quite the eater," the fat kid remarked, struggling to keep up. "I'm Hao, by the way."

"Rudhra," he replied between mouthfuls. "Nice to meet you, Hao."

Hao laughed, clearly enjoying the company. "You know, most people would be too proud to eat with me. But you, you're different."

Rudhra shrugged, finishing the last piece of food and licking his hands clean. "I don't see the point in pretending to be something I'm not."

Their camaraderie was so natural that it seemed like they had been friends for years. The other disciples were baffled by Rudhra's behavior. Until now, he had appeared as a powerful, noble figure, but today he looked like a carefree barbarian. The elf girl, observing the scene with a bemused smile, couldn't help but laugh. Everyone else wore puzzled expressions, unsure of what to make of the scene unfolding before them.

At that moment, the elder in charge of the Weapon Pavilion arrived. He surveyed the room with a mix of curiosity and amusement. Seeing Rudhra's unconventional behavior, the elder shook his head with a bemused smile. 

"Alright, everyone," the elder called out, his voice echoing through the room. "It's time to select your weapons. Follow me."

With that, he opened the pavilion's massive doors, revealing a vast array of weapons displayed on neatly arranged racks. The assortment ranged from elegant swords to brutal axes, each one meticulously crafted and imbued with its own unique aura.

As the disciples entered the pavilion, they marveled at the sheer variety of weapons. Some rushed to inspect their favorites, while others, like Rudhra, moved with a calm, deliberate pace.

Rudhra made his way through the rows of weapons, his keen eyes searching for something that resonated with him. Hao followed closely behind, his earlier shyness replaced with an eagerness to observe.

"Looking for something specific?" Hao asked, watching as Rudhra examined each weapon with focused intensity.

Rudhra shook his head. "Not really. I'm waiting for something to call out to me."

Hao nodded, intrigued by Rudhra's approach. "I think I understand. Sometimes, a weapon just feels right when you hold it."

Rudhra paused in front of a particularly ornate spear, its shaft adorned with intricate carvings and a gleaming tip. He reached out, gripping it firmly. As he did, a strange sensation washed over him—a connection, as though the spear was an extension of himself.

"This might be it," Rudhra said quietly, his eyes narrowing in concentration. "There's something about this spear."

Hao peered at the spear with interest. "It seems like you've found your match."

Rudhra gave a small nod, testing the spear's balance and weight with practiced ease. "Yes, I think so. I'll take this one."

The elder, observing from a distance, approached Rudhra with a nod of approval. "You have chosen well. Remember, the weapon you select will become a part of your journey. Treat it with respect and it will serve you well."

Rudhra met the elder's gaze with a confident smile. "I understand. Thank you."

With his new weapon in hand, Rudhra left the pavilion, feeling a sense of satisfaction. As he walked away, he glanced back at Hao, who was still exploring the array of weapons.

"Good luck with your selection," Rudhra called out.

Hao waved cheerfully. "Thanks! I'll do my best."

Rudhra's focus now shifted to the upcoming expedition to the ancient ruins. The Weapon Pavilion had been a step on his journey, and with his new spear, he felt more prepared for the challenges ahead. He was ready to embrace the trials that awaited him, confident in his growing strength and the path that lay before him.