Chapter 7: The Sect’s Secrets

Lin Wei stood at the gates of the Azure Sky Sect, his heart pounding with a mix of excitement and apprehension. The sect's compound was massive, with towering pagodas, sprawling courtyards, and training grounds filled with cultivators practicing their techniques. The air was thick with Qi, and the atmosphere buzzed with energy.

Jiang Feng clapped him on the shoulder. "This is it. Your new home. Make the most of it."

Lin Wei nodded, still taking in the sight. "Thanks for everything, Jiang Feng. I wouldn't have made it this far without you."

Jiang Feng smiled. "You've got potential, Lin Wei. Don't waste it. I'll be around if you need me, but from here on out, you're on your own."

As Jiang Feng walked away, Lin Wei turned to face the sect's entrance. A young disciple approached him, wearing the sect's signature azure robes. "You must be Lin Wei," the disciple said. "Follow me. I'll show you to your quarters and give you a tour."

Lin Wei followed the disciple through the compound, marveling at the sights. They passed training grounds where cultivators sparred with swords and staffs, meditation halls filled with disciples deep in concentration, and gardens where rare herbs and plants grew in abundance.

"This is the main training area," the disciple explained, gesturing to a large courtyard. "You'll spend most of your time here, honing your skills. Over there is the library, where you can study ancient texts and cultivation techniques. And this," he said, stopping in front of a small building, "is where you'll be staying."

The disciple led Lin Wei inside, showing him to a simple but comfortable room. "Get settled in. The elder will summon you later for your initiation."

Lin Wei nodded, setting down his few belongings. As the disciple left, he sat on the bed, feeling a mix of emotions. He had come so far in such a short time, but he knew this was just the beginning.

---

Later that evening, Lin Wei was summoned to the main hall, where the sect elders were gathered. The tall elder with the white beard who had overseen the trial stood at the center, his presence commanding respect.

"Lin Wei," the elder said, his voice echoing through the hall. "You have proven yourself worthy of joining the Azure Sky Sect. But know this—our sect is not just a place of power. It is a place of discipline, knowledge, and responsibility. You will be expected to uphold our values and contribute to our legacy."

Lin Wei bowed deeply. "I understand, Elder. I will do my best."

The elder nodded. "Good. As a new disciple, you will be assigned a mentor to guide you. Elder Ming will oversee your training."

A woman stepped forward, her expression stern but not unkind. She wore the same azure robes as the other elders, but her presence was different—calm and composed, yet radiating power.

"Welcome, Lin Wei," Elder Ming said. "I will be your mentor. Follow me."

Lin Wei followed Elder Ming out of the hall and into a secluded garden. The air here was even thicker with Qi, and the plants seemed to glow with an inner light.

"This is my private garden," Elder Ming explained. "It's a place of meditation and reflection. You will come here often to train and learn."

Lin Wei nodded, feeling a sense of awe. "Thank you, Elder Ming. I'm honored."

Elder Ming studied him for a moment, her gaze piercing. "You have a unique system, Lin Wei. One that is both powerful and unpredictable. Tell me, what do you know about it?"

Lin Wei hesitated. "Not much. It's glitchy, and it gives me random abilities. Some are useful, others… not so much."

Elder Ming nodded. "Your system is rare, but it is not without precedent. There have been others like you—System Exiles. Most have failed to control their systems, but a few have succeeded, becoming some of the most powerful cultivators in history."

Lin Wei's eyes widened. "Really? What happened to them?"

Elder Ming's expression darkened. "They faced great challenges. The heavens do not take kindly to those who defy their will. But if you can learn to control your system, you may be able to achieve greatness."

Lin Wei felt a flicker of hope. "How do I control it?"

Elder Ming smiled faintly. "That is what I will teach you. But first, we must understand your system's nature. Close your eyes and focus on your Qi."

Lin Wei did as he was told, closing his eyes and focusing on the spark of Qi in his chest. Elder Ming placed a hand on his shoulder, and he felt a surge of energy flow through him.

"Your system is not just glitchy," Elder Ming said, her voice calm and steady. "It is alive. It responds to your emotions, your thoughts, your desires. To control it, you must first understand yourself."

Lin Wei focused, feeling the energy flow through him. His system screen flickered to life, displaying a new message:

**[New Quest: Understand Your System. Reward: Random Ability.]**

Lin Wei took a deep breath, letting the energy guide him. He could feel his system's presence, like a living entity within him. It was chaotic and unpredictable, but also powerful and full of potential.

As he focused, his system screen flickered again:

**[Ability Acquired: Inner Calm (Glitch Variant).]**

**[Description: Temporarily stabilize your emotions and thoughts. Duration may vary.]**

Lin Wei opened his eyes, feeling a sense of clarity. "I think I just got a new ability. Inner Calm."

Elder Ming nodded approvingly. "Good. That will help you control your system. But remember, this is just the beginning. Your journey will be long and difficult, but if you stay focused, you may yet achieve greatness."

Lin Wei nodded, feeling a sense of determination. He had come so far, but he knew there was still so much more to learn. With Elder Ming's guidance and his glitchy system's potential, he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.