Chapter 10 – The Awakening of the Dragon

Wei Long trained under the supervision of Elder Zhou Yuan, a renowned master in the cultivation arts. The valley was vast and surrounded by imposing mountains, where cascades of Qi flowed like invisible rivers, infusing the environment with pure spiritual energy. The air was fresh, carrying a sacred silence interrupted only by the soft sound of the wind rustling through the trees.

Wei Long sat in a lotus position atop an ancient rock that, according to legends, had been shaped by celestial dragons themselves. His eyes were closed, and his breathing was deep and controlled, but internally, he was waging a battle against a force he couldn't comprehend. The unknown energy within him seemed to pulse like an extra heartbeat, resonating in his dantian and threatening to surpass the limits of his control.

Zhou Yuan, observing closely, noticed the tension in the young man's expression. Despite his calm demeanor and upright posture, Wei Long was on the verge of a spiritual collapse.

"Focus, Wei Long," said Zhou Yuan, his voice deep and full of wisdom. He took a few steps forward, his robes fluttering softly with the movement. "Feel the flow of energy around you. It's like a river. Don't try to force its course; become part of it."

Wei Long nodded slightly, his fists clenched as he tried to follow the instructions. He visualized the Qi as a river flowing through his body. But something was wrong. The energy didn't flow smoothly; it was like a whirlpool, swirling inside him, building strength.

Suddenly, his body began to emit a golden glow, faint at first but quickly intensifying. Around him, the valley's Qi converged, forming spirals that rose to the skies like a spiritual storm. Zhou Yuan instinctively stepped back, his eyes fixed on his disciple with a shocked expression.

"Impossible... This energy pattern..." Zhou Yuan murmured, clasping his hands behind his back to hide his unease. He recognized that force. It was something rare, almost legendary.

Wei Long, meanwhile, felt as though he was being consumed by an internal flame. It was an overwhelming energy, yet at the same time familiar, as if it had always been there, hidden in some forgotten corner of his soul. He tried to speak, but before he could utter a word, a voice echoed in his mind.

"Awaken, bearer of the Celestial Dragon Root. Your destiny is intertwined with mine."

The voice was deep, ancient, and carried a weight that seemed to traverse eras. Wei Long opened his eyes, and they shone like liquid gold. For a moment, he saw not only the valley but also currents of Qi pulsing around everything—the trees, the ground, the very air. It was as if he could see the spiritual structure of the world.

He looked at Zhou Yuan, confused, but before he could ask for help, a surge of energy engulfed him. The world around him vanished, and Wei Long felt his body being thrust into a place beyond the physical plane.

When Wei Long regained consciousness, he found himself in a completely different place. It was an ethereal realm where the sky shimmered with golden and silver hues, and the clouds moved like rivers. In the distance, mountains floated in the air, covered with forests of luminescent trees. At the center of this majestic scene, a colossal figure began to emerge.

An immense dragon appeared, its scales shining like stars on a clear night. Its golden eyes were unfathomable, filled with wisdom and power, and its presence was so overwhelming that Wei Long felt his legs weaken without realizing it.

"Who... who are you?" Wei Long asked, his voice trembling before the majestic figure.

"I am Shenlong, the ancestral spirit of the Celestial Dragon lineage," the dragon's voice echoed like distant thunder, filling the space around them. "You are my heir, the bearer of the Celestial Dragon Root."

Wei Long remained silent, absorbing those words. He had always known there was something special about him, but he had never imagined anything of this magnitude.

"The Celestial Dragon Root?" he repeated, finally finding his voice. "What does that mean?"

"It means that you carry within you one of the rarest and most powerful potentials on the path of cultivation. Your soul is connected to mine, and your destiny is intertwined with that of our ancestral clan. But with this power comes responsibility. You have been chosen to face the darkness that approaches, an ancient evil that threatens this world."

Wei Long took a deep breath, trying to process it all. He hadn't asked for this destiny, but he felt he couldn't run from it.

"What must I do to master this power?"

Shenlong inclined his colossal head, observing the young man with interest.

"You must strengthen your body and soul. The Celestial Dragon Root is powerful but unstable. If left uncontrolled, it can destroy you. Trust your master, but also trust yourself. The path will be long and full of trials, but I know you are capable."

With those words, the dragon extended a massive claw, lightly touching Wei Long's forehead. A wave of energy surged through the young man's body, filling him with instinctive knowledge of ancient techniques and secrets.

"Now, return to your world. Your true training begins now."

Wei Long opened his eyes and saw the familiar sky of the valley. He was still sitting on the rock, but everything felt different. His perception of the world had changed. He could feel the Qi flowing around him with stunning clarity, as if it were an extension of himself.

Zhou Yuan stood a few meters away, arms crossed and wearing a serious expression.

"You... truly possess the Celestial Dragon Root," the elder's voice was low, almost reverent. "But know this, Wei Long: this power is both a blessing and a curse. Many who possessed it were consumed by it."

Wei Long looked at his master, determined.

"I won't let that happen, Master. I know the path will be hard, but I'm ready."

Zhou Yuan nodded. He knew Wei Long's destiny was extraordinary but also dangerous.

"Very well. From now on, your training will be intensified. We must prepare you not only for what is to come but also to face yourself."