A New Beginning

[System Progress Window:]

Cultivation Stage: Qi Condensation Stage 1

[Skills: Basic Meditation Sutra (Human Level)

[Mastery: 35% (Apprentice Level)]]

[Affinity: Fire (Grade 3)]

As Seo-Jun and Zhong Yi returned to the Crescent Moon Abode, the orphanage buzzed with excitement. The other children and Granny Wai Po, the kind woman who had raised them, were waiting outside. Lanterns lit up the courtyard, and the air was filled with laughter and chatter.

Even though Seo-Jun wasn't the same person he had been before his reincarnation, he could feel the love and care from everyone around him. Granny Wai Po's eyes sparkled with pride as she looked at him and Zhong Yi. "You've made it," she said, her voice trembling with emotion. "I always knew you two would go far."

The children crowded around them, their faces filled with admiration. "Will you come back to visit us?" one of the younger ones asked, tugging at Seo-Jun's sleeve.

"Of course," Seo-Jun replied, ruffling the child's hair. "This will always be our home."

That night, the orphanage was brighter than ever. The children sang songs, and Granny Wai Po prepared a feast to celebrate. Seo-Jun sat quietly, taking in the warmth of the moment. Tears welled up in his eyes as he looked at Granny Wai Po. She had been their rock, their family. Without her, none of them would be where they were today.

The next morning, Seo-Jun and Zhong Yi packed their few belongings and prepared to leave. The entire orphanage gathered to see them off. Granny Wai Po stood at the front, her hands clasped together.

"Take care of each other," she said, her voice steady but her eyes glistening with tears. "No matter where you go, remember that you always have a home here."

Seo-Jun nodded, his throat tight with emotion. When it came time to say goodbye to Granny Wai Po, he couldn't hold back the tears. They flowed freely, not just from him but from Zhong Yi and the other children as well. It was as if his body remembered the love and sacrifices she had made.

"Thank you, Granny," Seo-Jun said, his voice breaking. "For everything."

She smiled, pulling him into a tight embrace. "Go, my child. Make us proud."

Seo-Jun and Zhong Yi left the orphanage, their hearts heavy but filled with determination. They met the other participants at the training square, where the man from the previous day was already waiting. His sharp eyes scanned the group as he spoke, his voice deep and resonant.

"Have all of you come?" he asked. Without waiting for an answer, he waved his hand, and a magnificent flying boat appeared. The children gasped in awe.

"Listen well," the man said, his voice echoing like a bell. "The path you have chosen is not easy. It is filled with trials and challenges. Talent may light the way, but it is discipline that will carry you forward. Your goal must be clear and unwavering."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the group. "Remember, the sword you wield is not just a weapon—it is an extension of your will, your spirit, and your resolve. Cultivation is not just about strength; it is about understanding the world and your place in it."

Seo-Jun felt the weight of the man's words settle in his chest. They were profound and filled with wisdom. What is my goal? he wondered. In his previous life, he had been trapped by his own body, unable to do anything. Now, he had the chance to be free, to protect those he cared about, and to build a family of his own. That was what he wanted most—freedom and a place to belong.

The flying boat soared into the sky, followed by other instructors on their own flying transports. For three days, they traveled across vast landscapes, over towering mountains and endless forests. Seo-Jun spent much of the time meditating, refining his Qi circulation and reflecting on his goals.

[Qi Circulation Detected.]

[Current Mastery: 65% (Intermediate Level)]

On the third day, they finally arrived at the Blazing Sword Sect. The sight took Seo-Jun's breath away. The sect was nestled among towering mountain peaks, their summits piercing the clouds. The air was crisp and filled with the scent of pine, and the sky seemed to stretch endlessly above them.

The sect itself was a marvel of architecture. Grand pavilions with upturned roofs stood on terraces carved into the mountainside. Waterfalls cascaded down the cliffs, their mist catching the sunlight and creating rainbows. Disciples in flowing robes practiced sword forms in the courtyards, their movements precise and graceful.

Zhong Yi nudged Seo-Jun, his eyes wide with excitement. "Can you believe this is where we'll be training?"

Seo-Jun smiled, feeling a surge of anticipation. "It's incredible. But remember, the journey will be tough."

Zhong Yi grinned. "We'll handle it together."

As they disembarked, the man addressed the group once more. "Welcome to the Blazing Sword Sect, a sanctuary where the seeds of greatness are sown. Here, the mountains bear witness to the rise of legends, and the skies echo with the triumphs of those who dared to dream. Let this be the place where your journey begins, and your legend takes flight."

As Seo-Jun and the others stepped off the flying boat, they were greeted by a grand entrance gate. The gate was massive, carved from black stone and adorned with intricate designs of dragons and phoenixes. Above it, a plaque read in bold characters: "Blazing Sword Sect."

Seo-Jun couldn't help but feel a sense of awe as he passed through the gate. The inside of the sect was even more breathtaking. Lush gardens stretched out before them, filled with vibrant flowers and ancient trees. Cobblestone paths wound through the grounds, leading to towering pavilions with upturned roofs that gleamed under the sunlight. The air was filled with the faint scent of incense and the distant sound of swords clashing.

As they walked, Seo-Jun noticed other groups of participants arriving from different cities. Among them, one youth stood out—a boy with long, fiery red hair tied back in a ponytail. His presence was commanding, and the air around him seemed to shimmer with heat. Seo-Jun's system suddenly pinged:

[System Alert: Cultivator Info]

[Name: Feng Yan (Qi Condensation Stage 3)]

[Age: 10]

[Affinity: Fire (Grade 4)]

Seo-Jun's eyes widened in surprise. A ten-year-old at Qi Condensation Stage 3? He glanced at Feng Yan, who seemed completely at ease, his sharp eyes scanning the surroundings with a confident smirk. Seo-Jun could feel the difference in their strength, but instead of feeling nervous, he remained calm. They might have had a better starting point, he thought, but I won't let them maintain the lead for much longer.

The group was led to a grand hall at the center of the sect. The hall was even more impressive than the entrance, with towering pillars carved with scenes of legendary battles and a ceiling painted to resemble the night sky. At the far end of the hall stood an elderly man with a long, flowing white beard and a kind but piercing gaze. His robes were simple but elegant, and he exuded an aura of wisdom and authority.

Hu Bao, the man who had brought Seo-Jun and the others, stepped forward and bowed slightly. "Elder Long Wei," he said respectfully, "I have brought the new disciples from Lingyun City."

The old man, Elder Long Wei, smiled warmly. "Welcome, Hu Bao. You've done well." His voice was gentle but carried an undeniable weight.

Hu Bao turned to the group and gestured toward Elder Long Wei. "This is Elder Long Wei, the head elder of the external sect. He oversees the training and development of all new disciples. You will address him with the utmost respect."

Elder Long Wei stepped forward, his cheerful demeanor surprising the youths. "Welcome, young ones," he said, his eyes twinkling with warmth. "You stand at the threshold of a new chapter in your lives. The Blazing Sword Sect is not just a place of cultivation—it is a forge where raw potential is shaped into greatness. Here, you will learn not only the art of the sword but also the values of discipline, perseverance, and unity."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the group. "Remember, the path of cultivation is not a sprint but a marathon. It is not the swift who succeed, but the steadfast."

Seo-Jun felt a surge of inspiration from Elder Long Wei's words. As their eyes met for a brief moment, Seo-Jun felt as though the elder could see right through him, understanding his struggles and his determination. It was both comforting and intimidating.

After Elder Long Wei's speech, the participants were instructed to line up. Disciples in flowing robes handed out uniforms—simple but well-made robes in the sect's colors of black and red, with a small emblem of a blazing sword on the chest.

Next, they were given a basic manual titled "Blazing Sword Sect Foundation Sword Technique." Hu Bao explained, "This technique is the cornerstone of our sect's teachings. Master it, and you will have a solid foundation for all future advancements. Neglect it, and you will struggle to keep up."

Seo-Jun accepted the manual with reverence, his mind already racing with anticipation. The system's voice chimed in:

[New Skill Detected: Blazing Sword Foundation Technique (Human Level-mid tier)]

[Objective: Begin practicing the technique to increase mastery.]

As the group dispersed to their assigned accommodations, Seo-Jun glanced at Zhong Yi, who was flipping through his manual with excitement. "This is it," Zhong Yi said, grinning. "Our journey's really starting now."

Seo-Jun nodded, his grip tightening on the manual. "Let's make the most of it."