The First Disciple

Li Wei had never felt so out of place in his entire life. Standing in front of the entrance to the Immortal Dragon Sect's main hall, he couldn't shake the feeling that this whole 'Sectmaster' thing was beyond his reach. Just yesterday, he had barely survived a test by some strange martial artist. Today, he was tasked with recruiting his first disciple. First disciple? Me?

He scratched the back of his head nervously as Yu Zhen stood next to him, exuding an air of calm authority. "So... uh, how does this whole disciple thing work? Like, am I supposed to find someone who's already a genius or... do I just grab anyone who looks like they might be able to swing a sword?" Li Wei asked, trying his best to sound casual.

Yu Zhen gave him a look that seemed to suggest he had asked the wrong question. "A true disciple is not just someone who can swing a sword. They must possess potential, dedication, and the will to grow. Do not think of them as tools for your sect, but as partners in the journey to greatness. A strong sect is built not only on its leader but also on the strength of its disciples."

Li Wei nodded, though inwardly, he was still trying to wrap his head around the whole idea. Great, so now I have to find someone with 'potential'... whatever that means.

They walked through the gates of the sect, entering a training courtyard where dozens of martial artists were sparring. Li Wei's eyes flicked over the various practitioners, each one more powerful and capable than him. He sighed, feeling small. How am I supposed to find someone to recruit when I don't even know what I'm looking for?

Yu Zhen motioned for Li Wei to follow him. "We will start by observing the disciples. You'll see who stands out and who has the qualities I mentioned."

Li Wei followed closely, but as they walked, he couldn't help but glance over at one particular young man practicing a sword technique in the corner. The young man was slender, his movements sharp and fluid, yet there was something... off about the way he held his sword. It was as if he was struggling to control the blade's power, and his technique lacked precision.

"That one," Li Wei said, pointing toward the young man. "He's got potential, right?"

Yu Zhen looked at the young man with a thoughtful expression. "Yes, but potential does not always mean a good fit for our sect. Let us observe him further."

Li Wei followed his mentor's lead, and they watched the young man for several minutes. The more Li Wei observed, the more he realized that this kid's skill was raw, untamed, like a weapon that hadn't been properly forged. But there was determination in his eyes—a fire that Li Wei couldn't ignore.

"Alright, I'm gonna talk to him," Li Wei said, making up his mind.

Yu Zhen raised an eyebrow. "You think you can recruit him?"

Li Wei shot him a confident grin. "Hey, I'm the Sectmaster now. How hard can it be?"

With that, Li Wei walked over to the young man, who was still practicing his sword techniques. When the young man noticed him approach, he paused and lowered his sword.

"Who are you?" the young man asked, his voice cautious but polite.

Li Wei puffed out his chest, trying to act more confident than he actually felt. "I'm Li Wei, Sectmaster of the Immortal Dragon Sect. And you... you've caught my eye."

The young man blinked, clearly confused. "Sectmaster? But you're... young. How could you possibly be the Sectmaster?"

Li Wei chuckled, scratching his head awkwardly. "Yeah, yeah, I get that a lot. But the thing is, I'm looking for someone like you. Someone with... potential." He shot Yu Zhen a quick look, hoping he wasn't messing up too badly.

The young man hesitated, then said, "Potential? I'm just a low-level disciple. I'm not even close to being good enough for a sect as prestigious as this one."

Li Wei smiled, undeterred. "Exactly why you're the perfect candidate. I see your potential. You're not perfect, but that's why I'm here—to help you improve. Join me, and I'll make sure you become the best version of yourself."

The young man looked at Li Wei, then glanced at Yu Zhen, who was silently observing the exchange. After a long pause, the young man finally spoke, his voice filled with uncertainty but also a flicker of hope. "You're serious?"

"Absolutely," Li Wei said, his smile growing wider. "If you want to grow stronger, join the Immortal Dragon Sect. I'll help you. I'm not perfect, but I'll get us there together."

Yu Zhen, having listened to the conversation, finally nodded. "You've chosen wisely, Li Wei. He is a worthy candidate."

The young man hesitated for another moment before bowing low. "Then I, Chen Yu, will join the Immortal Dragon Sect. I will follow you, Sectmaster."

Li Wei clapped his hands together, his grin nearly splitting his face in two. "Excellent! Welcome to the Immortal Dragon Sect, Chen Yu! You're the first disciple, but you won't be the last. We're gonna make this sect stronger than any other!"

As the first disciple of the Immortal Dragon Sect, Chen Yu would be the first to walk down this path of growth and strength. But Li Wei couldn't help but feel a sense of pride swelling in his chest. I did it. I really did it!

Yu Zhen gave a small, approving smile. "You've taken the first step, Sectmaster. Now, the real work begins."

Li Wei nodded, his gaze turning toward the horizon. I'm not backing down now. The Immortal Dragon Sect will rise to greatness!