Friend or Foe

After Elder Long Wei's advice, Seo-Jun practiced tirelessly through the night. The moon hung high in the sky, casting a silvery glow over the training grounds. Each swing of his wooden sword felt more deliberate, more purposeful, as if the blade was beginning to understand his intent. The system's progress bar inched forward slowly but steadily:

[Skill: Blazing Sword Foundation Technique (Human Level-Mid Tier)]

[Mastery: 3%]

As the first rays of sunlight peeked over the horizon, the Blazing Sword Sect came alive with color. The sky shifted from deep indigo to soft hues of pink and gold, illuminating the grand pavilions and lush gardens. Waterfalls cascaded down the cliffs, their mist catching the sunlight and creating tiny rainbows. The air was filled with the scent of blooming flowers and the distant sound of birds chirping.

[Skill: Blazing Sword Foundation Technique (Human Level-Mid Tier)]

[Mastery: 25%]

Seo-Jun paused, his chest heaving as he wiped sweat from his brow. He looked around, taking in the breathtaking beauty of the sect. This place… it's like a dream, he thought. But I can't afford to just admire it. I have to make the most of this opportunity.

Despite his progress, Seo-Jun knew he still had a long way to go. His mastery of the sword technique was improving, but it felt like he was only scratching the surface. Just as he was about to swing his sword again, he heard a familiar voice.

"Seo-Jun! There you are!" Zhong Yi called out, jogging toward him. His face was flushed, and he looked like he had just woken up. "I've been looking everywhere for you. Instructor Hu Bao is holding a training session about the sword technique. We should go!"

Seo-Jun nodded, sheathing his wooden sword. "Alright. Let's not miss it."

As they walked toward the training hall, they ran into Lin Tao. He was dressed in simple but neat robes, his dark hair tied back neatly. He smiled when he saw them. "Heading to the training session too?"

"Yeah," Zhong Yi said, grinning. "Looks like we're all in this together."

Lin Tao fell into step beside them. "I've been practicing the sword technique, but it's harder than I thought. Hopefully, Instructor Hu Bao can clear up some of my doubts."

Seo-Jun glanced at Lin Tao. There was a quiet determination in his eyes, a resolve that reminded him of himself. He's serious about this, Seo-Jun thought. I wonder if he'll become a rival or an ally.

The training hall was a grand structure, with towering pillars and a high ceiling painted to resemble the sky. Sunlight streamed through large windows, illuminating the polished wooden floor. Dozens of new disciples had gathered, their chatter filling the room.

Instructor Hu Bao stood at the front, his presence commanding attention. He held a sheathed sword in one hand, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd. When he saw Seo-Jun, Zhong Yi, and Lin Tao enter, he gave a slight nod.

"Listen up!" Hu Bao's voice boomed, silencing the room. "Today, we'll be discussing the Blazing Sword Foundation Technique. This is the cornerstone of our sect's teachings. If you master it, you'll have a solid foundation for all future advancements. If you neglect it, you'll struggle to keep up."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the disciples. "Now, tell me—what do you think of the sword technique? What do you need help with? Speak up. Chances like this don't come often."

The room erupted into chatter as disciples began voicing their questions and frustrations. Hu Bao listened patiently, but his eyes kept drifting to two figures in the crowd—Seo-Jun and Feng Yan. Both stood quietly, their expressions calm and focused.

"Silence!" Hu Bao barked, and the room fell quiet once more. He pointed at Seo-Jun and Feng Yan. "You two. You haven't said a word. Do you already understand the manual?"

Seo-Jun and Feng Yan exchanged a glance, then nodded. A murmur of surprise rippled through the room.

How can they already understand it? one disciple whispered.

They must be geniuses, another muttered.

Or maybe they're just pretending, someone else said skeptically.

Hu Bao raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Is that so? Then come forward and demonstrate."

Feng Yan stepped forward first, his long red hair tied back neatly. He grabbed a wooden sword and took his stance. His movements were fluid and precise, each swing of the blade carrying an undeniable grace. The air around him seemed to shimmer with heat, a testament to his fire affinity. When he finished, the room erupted into applause.

He's good, Seo-Jun thought, his heart pounding. But I can't let that intimidate me.

Next, it was Seo-Jun's turn. He took a deep breath, gripping the wooden sword tightly. As he began to demonstrate the technique, he focused on Elder Long Wei's words: Let your intent guide your blade. His movements were slower than Feng Yan's, but each swing carried a weight that seemed to resonate through the room.

Hu Bao watched intently, his sharp eyes narrowing. Interesting, he thought. Feng Yan's technique is flawless, but Seo-Jun's sword feels heavier, more deliberate. It's as if his blade is alive.

When Seo-Jun finished, the room was silent for a moment before breaking into applause. Feng Yan's eyes met Seo-Jun's, and for a brief moment, there was a flicker of respect in his gaze.

He's not just some orphan, Feng Yan thought. There's something about him… something real.

Seo-Jun, on the other hand, felt a surge of determination. I'm not there yet, but I'm getting closer. I'll catch up to him—no, I'll surpass him.

Hu Bao stepped forward, a rare smile on his face. "Well done, both of you. Feng Yan, your technique is flawless, as expected. But Seo-Jun… your sword has weight. It's not just about the movements—it's about the intent behind them. Remember that."

He turned to the rest of the disciples. "This is what separates the good from the great. Talent is important, but it's your heart that will carry you forward. Now, let's begin the training session."

As the disciples dispersed to practice, Seo-Jun felt a renewed sense of purpose. The journey ahead would be long and challenging, but he was ready. For freedom, for his loved ones, and for the family he would build, he would keep moving forward.

As the disciples began to practice the Blazing Sword Foundation Technique, the training hall buzzed with energy. The sound of wooden swords slicing through the air and the occasional grunt of effort filled the room. Seo-Jun was deep in concentration, his movements deliberate and precise, when he felt a presence approaching him. He turned to see Feng Yan standing nearby, his fiery red hair catching the sunlight filtering through the windows.

Feng Yan's sharp eyes studied Seo-Jun for a moment before he spoke, his voice calm but carrying a hint of curiosity. "You're Han Seo-Jun, right? From Lingyun City?"

Seo-Jun nodded, lowering his wooden sword. "That's right. And you're Feng Yan, the prodigy from Red Flower City."

Feng Yan's lips curled into a faint smile, though his expression remained composed. "Prodigy? That's what people call me, but I prefer to think of myself as someone who works harder than most."

Seo-Jun raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Feng Yan's humility. "You're not what I expected."

Feng Yan chuckled softly. "And what did you expect? Arrogance? Entitlement? I've met enough people like that in my life. They don't last long in the world of cultivation."

He paused, his gaze shifting to the wooden sword in Seo-Jun's hand. "Your sword technique… it's different. It's not as polished as mine, but there's something about it. It feels… alive. How did you manage that?"

Seo-Jun hesitated for a moment, then decided to be honest. "Elder Long Wei told me that a sword without intent is just a piece of metal. I've been trying to let my purpose guide my blade."

Feng Yan's eyes flickered with interest. "Purpose, huh? That's not something you hear every day from a new disciple. Most of us are too busy trying to impress others to think about why we're even holding a sword."

He extended his hand. "I'm Feng Yan, by the way. Son of the youngest son of the Feng family from Red Flower City. My family's known for their fire-based cultivation techniques, but I'm here to forge my own path."

Seo-Jun shook his hand, feeling the warmth of Feng Yan's grip. "Han Seo-Jun. I'm just an orphan from Lingyun City, but I'm here to build a life worth living."

The two of them stood in silence for a moment, the camaraderie between them growing. Feng Yan's initial aloofness had melted away, replaced by a genuine curiosity about Seo-Jun. Meanwhile, Seo-Jun found himself respecting Feng Yan's humility and drive, despite his privileged background.

As they continued to practice together, Feng Yan occasionally offered pointers, his movements fluid and precise. Seo-Jun, in turn, shared his insights about the importance of intent, which seemed to resonate with Feng Yan. The other disciples watched them from a distance, murmuring among themselves.

"Look at them," one disciple whispered. "Feng Yan, the prodigy, and Seo-Jun, the orphan. They're like two sides of the same coin."

"Maybe," another replied. "But I think they're more alike than they realize."

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the training hall, Instructor Hu Bao clapped his hands, gathering everyone's attention. "Listen up, disciples! I have an important announcement."

The room fell silent as all eyes turned to Hu Bao. He stood tall, his expression serious. "Every five years, the Blazing Sword Sect holds a grand competition to select seeds—disciples with exceptional potential who will be given the opportunity to enter the inner sect. The previous competition was held just one month ago, which means the next one will take place in five years."

A murmur of excitement rippled through the crowd. Seo-Jun's heart raced as he exchanged a glance with Zhong Yi and Lin Tao. The inner sect was a place of legends, where the most talented cultivators honed their skills and reached new heights. It was a dream for every disciple.

Hu Bao continued, his voice carrying a note of warning. "Do not underestimate the competition. It is not just a test of strength but of discipline, creativity, and resilience. Only the best of the best will be chosen. Those who enter the inner sect gain access to resources and teachings that are beyond the reach of ordinary disciples. Use these five years wisely."

The disciples erupted into chatter, their excitement palpable. Seo-Jun felt a surge of determination. Five years… that's more than enough time to prepare. I'll make sure I'm ready.

Feng Yan, standing beside him, smirked. "Looks like we've got a goal to work toward. Five years from now, I'll be entering the inner sect. What about you, Seo-Jun?"

Seo-Jun met his gaze, his eyes blazing with resolve. "I'll be right there with you."

Feng Yan chuckled. "Good. I'd hate to have no one worth competing against."

As the disciples dispersed, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation. The setting sun painted the sky in hues of orange and purple, casting long shadows across the training hall. Seo-Jun stood at the edge of the courtyard, looking out at the mountains that surrounded the sect. The path ahead was clear, and his goal was unwavering.

Zhong Yi and Lin Tao joined him, their faces filled with excitement. "Can you believe it?" Zhong Yi said, his voice trembling with enthusiasm. "We've got a chance to enter the inner sect!"

Lin Tao nodded, his usual calm demeanor replaced by a rare spark of ambition. "Five years is a long time, but it's also an opportunity. We'll need to work harder than ever."

Seo-Jun smiled, feeling a sense of camaraderie with his friends. "We'll do it together. No matter what happens, we'll support each other."