Apprenticeship

Wu Xing looked up at the empty, silent cave, his heart filled with confusion and anxiety. "How can I get out of here?" he asked.

The mysterious elder smiled faintly, a hint of mystery in his voice. "In your current state, you won't be able to leave. If you truly wish to escape, you must at least reach the Foundation Establishment stage. Otherwise, it's nothing more than wishful thinking."

"Foundation Establishment?" Wu Xing repeated, a look of determination gradually replacing his confusion.

The elder raised his hand, tracing a glowing pattern in the air. Light radiated softly, illuminating the cave with a warm glow. As he gestured, he explained, "The path of cultivation consists of eight stages: Entry, Foundation Establishment, Spirit Formation, Spirit Pill, Spirit Infant, Transformation Void, Union, and Ascendance. Only upon reaching the Ascendance stage can one be called a mortal immortal. In your current Entry stage, simple breathing techniques alone won't allow you to break through. Cultivation requires a formal method, and you haven't even mastered the basics. Thinking of escaping now? Pure fantasy."

Wu Xing clenched his fists, eyes gleaming with both frustration and aspiration. After a moment of thought, he felt an inexplicable inspiration, and slowly stood. Turning toward the elder, he bowed deeply. "Honored elder, I, Wu Xing, am willing to become your disciple. I humbly ask for your guidance on the path of cultivation!"

The elder was momentarily surprised but then smiled slightly. "You're not entirely foolish, it seems. Very well, since fate has brought us together, I'll accept you as my disciple. But joining my tutelage is no easy task. You must be dedicated and diligent."

"Master, please accept my respect!" Wu Xing, overjoyed, immediately knelt down and respectfully performed the apprentice's bow.

The elder laughed heartily, "Good! From this day forth, you are my disciple. Remember, the road to cultivation is filled with trials and requires a firm resolve. Do not be complacent."

Standing up, Wu Xing's eyes burned with newfound determination. "Master, there is one more thing I don't understand. Where did the evil energy in the forest come from?"

Upon hearing this, the elder's gaze turned solemn as he seemed to recall distant memories. His voice took on an ancient tone, as if it traversed ages long past. "This matter reaches back to ancient times. Ever since the last human immortal ascended to the higher realms, the pathway between the mortal world and the immortal realm has been severed. In the countless years since then, powerful cultivators, unable to ascend, have had their souls dissipate as their lifespans ran out, their grievances and energies condensing into what you now know as evil energy."

"I see…" Wu Xing murmured, awe and respect forming in his heart.

The elder continued, "However, this malevolent energy is not the only danger. The true terror lies with the extra-dimensional demons. The accumulated hatred and malevolence over eons have attracted them, and over time, they managed to observe us and ultimately breached the boundaries of our world. Ancient cultivators paid a great price to resist these otherworldly entities, and nearly all perished."

Wu Xing felt a chill run down his spine, sensing an unprecedented crisis. The elder's gaze grew even more profound. "Finally, ancient cultivators used forbidden arts, sacrificing themselves to seal the entrance. I am the sole remaining guardian of this seal, though I am now but a remnant of my former self. I cannot hold on much longer, and the seal is weakening. Once I vanish, the evil energy may return, and perhaps those demons will once again set their eyes upon this world."

Wu Xing felt a surge of reverence for the elder, who stood steadfastly against such darkness. Inwardly, he resolved to do everything in his power to protect this world.

The elder's stern expression softened, and he smiled gently. "However, Heaven has shown mercy by sending you here. I will teach you a cultivation method called the 'Lingxi Celestial Art.' It should enable you to cultivate up to the Ascendance stage. Perhaps one day, you can even reinforce the seal. This way, my legacy will live on."

With that, the elder placed his hand on Wu Xing's forehead. Instantly, a vast amount of knowledge flowed into Wu Xing's mind, and he found himself submerged in a sea of wisdom. Complex characters and deep Daoist insights swirled within his consciousness.

The elder's tone was solemn. "The Entry stage focuses on sensing and absorbing the world's spiritual energy, incorporating it into your being to cleanse your body. When you reach a sufficient level of spiritual energy, you will form a core within your dantian and step into the Foundation Establishment stage. In the Spirit Formation stage, you'll be able to nourish your spiritual body and even traverse the skies. The Spirit Pill stage involves forming a spiritual core, and the Spirit Infant stage allows the creation of worlds within your consciousness…"

Each stage's secrets gradually revealed themselves in Wu Xing's mind, like clouds parting to reveal the sky. His spirit was lifted, fully absorbed in the brilliance of the cultivation path.

"Master, I will honor your teachings," Wu Xing said sincerely, bowing deeply.

The elder nodded approvingly, his gaze softening with a trace of fondness. "Good child, the road ahead is yours to walk."

Just then, the elder's figure seemed to waver, becoming slightly translucent. Alarmed, Wu Xing called out, "Master, are you…"

The elder waved a hand, his expression calm. "It's all right. I have lived long enough, and it's time for me to depart. This remnant of my soul has lingered for too long."

Suddenly, the elder's eyes fell upon the jade pendant Wu Xing carried, and he smiled faintly. "That jade piece is an artifact from the celestial realm. Use it sparingly; it will be enough to protect you through many trials."

Looking down, Wu Xing finally realized the immense power hidden within his pendant. He nodded solemnly, vowing to honor everything he had learned today.

The elder's voice grew faint, echoing as he faded. "The path is long. Move with caution, and never grow complacent…"