Chapter 9 - The Path of the Ascendant Dragon

Wei Long's first days of training were a test of endurance, both physical and emotional. Every movement, every technique, seemed to challenge him on a level he had never imagined. However, each effort was motivated by an urgent need: the weight of the prophecy. Everyone's eyes were on him, and he knew that the future of the Ascendant Dragon Sect, and perhaps the fate of all, depended on his success. It was a responsibility he could not afford to fail.

Under the strict guidance of Jian Yu, one of the senior disciples of the sect, Wei Long was introduced to the basic forms of the Ascendant Dragon Sect's fighting style. Jian Yu, though severe, was also patient and meticulous. He not only corrected Wei Long's mistakes but also taught him the purpose behind each movement.

"When you perform a technique," Jian Yu would say in a calm but firm tone, "don't just think about the physical movement. Your mind must be in harmony with your body. The spirit must merge with the movement, or you will fail."

Jian Yu's words echoed in Wei Long's mind as he spent hours in the training field, repeating the forms, feeling each fiber of his being stretch and strengthen over time. With each repetition, he felt more connected to the sect's traditions, as if, somehow, he were part of a lineage that transcended time. His body was beginning to respond more naturally to the commands of his mind, but the true struggle lay within his mind.

Grand Master Yun Zhi, the leader of the sect, also kept a close eye on Wei Long's progress. The old master, with his piercing eyes and calm demeanor, would often appear in the early hours of the morning, when the sun was just rising behind the mountains, and watch Wei Long silently, as though examining something deeper than the young disciple's combat skills.

One morning, after a particularly grueling training session, Wei Long found Yun Zhi watching him from a distance. The master did not speak immediately. He simply looked at the young disciple with an expression Wei Long could not decipher. Finally, after a long silence, Yun Zhi spoke, his words laden with wisdom.

"The strength of the Ascendant Dragon is not only in the body, but in the spirit. Balance, focus, and clarity—these are your greatest weapons." Yun Zhi's tone was gentle, but the intensity of his words resonated deeply in Wei Long.

Wei Long knew the path would be arduous. He was beginning to realize that the true challenge was not just mastering the combat techniques, but understanding and internalizing the meaning behind each teaching, each movement. To be worthy of the title of Ascendant Dragon, he needed something more than physical skills. He needed a sharp mind and a tranquil soul.

In the days that followed, Wei Long began dedicating himself not only to physical practice but also to the deep study of the sect's ancient texts. He spent hours in the sect's library, where scrolls and books, some thousands of years old, were carefully arranged. The archives were filled with accounts of great battles fought by past champions, stories of legendary heroes who had borne the weight of the prophecy before him.

As he read, the words began to come alive in his mind, becoming more than just battle tales. They became lessons about courage, sacrifice, and the true meaning of leadership. Wei Long absorbed every word as if it were a fundamental truth for his journey.

The greatest challenge, however, was understanding the prophecy itself. He knew that the Ascendant Dragon Sect believed he was the chosen one, the next Ascendant Dragon, but what did that really mean? The prophecy was shrouded in mystery, and the more Wei Long learned, the more he felt the pressure of the responsibility weighing down on him.

One night, as the sky darkened and the sect's courtyard was lit by paper lanterns swaying gently in the wind, Wei Long found himself alone in the training field. He had already finished his lessons for the day, but something kept him there. He knew he needed to train more, to improve even further. The feeling of urgency never left him. And then, as if it were an almost instinctive need, he began practicing a series of sword forms, not paying attention to the exhaustion accumulating in his muscles.

The blade sliced through the air with precision, the movement fluid, almost hypnotic. The pendant he carried pulsed gently with each movement, as though it were reacting to the energy he was releasing. With every strike, Wei Long felt a stronger connection to the legacy of the Ascendant Dragon Sect, and to the purpose that had been given to him.

It was then that Jian Yu appeared, a calm smile on his face, holding two cups of tea. He approached silently and handed one to Wei Long.

"You've made great progress, Wei Long," Jian Yu said, observing him with approval. "Even the Grand Master is impressed by your dedication."

Wei Long accepted the cup with a slight nod, still with his eyes focused on the field, as if in a trance. "There's still a long way to go," he replied firmly. "But I'll get there. I have to get there."

Jian Yu watched silently, as though reflecting on Wei Long's words. Finally, he smiled again. "That's the spirit. The Ascendant Dragon is not just a title—it's a journey. And you are already on the right path."

Wei Long allowed himself to relax for a moment, feeling the warmth of the tea cup in his hands. He looked up at the stars beginning to shine in the sky, and a sense of peace enveloped him. He knew the journey would be long and filled with challenges, but he felt, in his heart, that he was doing the right thing. He was no longer just fulfilling a task or chasing a prophecy; he was walking his own path.

As silence filled the courtyard, Wei Long felt a renewed energy within himself. No matter how difficult the path ahead, he knew he would not face it alone. The Ascendant Dragon Sect stood by his side, and he had the teachings of the masters and the support of his friends, like Jian Yu, who believed in him.

As the gentle wind passed through the courtyard, Wei Long knew there was still much to learn. But, for the first time since arriving at the sect, he felt truly ready to face the future, not with fear or hesitation, but with a heart full of determination and confidence. The Ascendant Dragon was not just a legend of the past; he was the next page in that legend, and he was determined to write it with wisdom, strength, and courage.