The Phoenix Ascending Sect

The meeting room of the Jade Flame Clan's fort was alive with energy as Li Chen, Kai, Mei, Faerum, and the twelve orphans gathered around a large wooden table. Maps, scrolls, and ledgers were spread across its surface, and the air was thick with anticipation. The orphans, now seasoned Qi Awakening cultivators, sat with a mix of excitement and nervousness. Kaelan and Selene, naturally being the strongest become the de facto leaders of the group.

Faerum, ever the showman cleared his throat dramatically, drawing everyone's attention. "Ladies and gentlemen, I bring good news. The Rising Stars Tournament is as safe as it gets—well for now. The competition consists of smaller clans and sects, none of which pose a significant threat. However…" He paused, his sharp eyes flicking to Li Chen. "The question remains: do we register under the name Jade Flame Clan, or do we use an alias to avoid drawing the attention of the Golden Cloud Sect?"

All eyes turned to Li Chen, who sat at the far end of the table, his expression calm but thoughtful. His amber eyes scanned the room before settling on Faerum. "We'll register under the name Ascending Phoenix Sect. Kai will act as the Sect Master, and I'll remain in the shadows to observe. If something unexpected happens, I'll step in."

Kai raised an eyebrow, his gruff voice cutting through the silence. "Me? A Sect Master? I'm not exactly the diplomatic type."

Li Chen's lips curved into a faint smile. "You're the best choice. You've been training the orphans and you being a late-stage Qi Awakening Cultivator allows you to pass as the leader of a new cultivation sect. Besides, your… unique charm might throw people off."

Kai snorted but didn't argue. "Fine. But if I have to sit through any boring ceremonies, I'm blaming you."

The orphans chuckled, their nervousness easing slightly. Selene leaned forward, her fiery determination evident. "What about us Clan Leader? What's the plan for the tournament?"

Li Chen's gaze softened as he looked at the group. "You'll compete as disciples of the Ascending Phoenix Sect. This is your chance to test your skills against other cultivators your age. With the techniques you've learned and the progress you've made, I expect good results."

Kaelan grinned, his confidence shining through. "We won't let you down, Elder Brother Li Chen."

As the meeting continued, Li Chen's mind drifted, his thoughts turning inward. The Jade Flame Purification Technique—a Heaven-Grade Qi Absorption Technique—had been the cornerstone of their rapid progress. It was the main cultivation technique of the Jade Flame Clan in the past, only recently recovered by Li Chen. The technique allowed cultivators to refine their qi to an unparalleled degree it would form into the shape of a fiery Jade within within their dantian , making purer and more potent. It was the reason everyone had advanced so quickly, and it was one of the reasons Li Chen had been able to break through to the Foundation Building realm in such a short time.

But the technique was more than just a tool for cultivation. It was a symbol of the Jade Flame Clan's legacy, a reminder of what had been lost. As Li Chen sat there, surrounded by the new generation of his clan, he couldn't help but think of his father. The man who had raised him alone and taught him the basics of cultivation, he had instilled in him the values of resilience and determination. And he defending their clan.

A flash of memory surfaced—his father's stern face, his voice steady as he explained the nature of being a cultivator. "Qi is the essence of life Li. To cultivate it is to cultivate yourself. But remember, strength without purpose is meaningless. When you're the leader of the Jade Flame Clan remember the position is not just about ruling—it's about protecting those who cannot protect themselves."

Li Chen's chest tightened, the weight of his father's words pressing down on him. He had come so far in six months, but the pain of his loss still lingered, a quiet ache that never fully went away. He wondered if his father would be proud of what he had built—a new clan, forged from the ashes of the old. But he also wondered if he was doing enough if he was truly honoring his father's legacy. Li Chen is young, only being sixteen yet having weight of the world on his shoulders. Even with everyone around and Uncle Ming being with him he can't fight the feeling of being so alone. 

"Li Chen?" Mei's voice broke through his thoughts, her tone gentle but concerned. "Are you alright?"

He blinked, pulling himself back to the present. "I'm fine. Just… thinking."

Mei studied him for a moment, her keen eyes seeing more than he let on. But she didn't press, instead turning her attention back to the group. "We should prepare for the tournament. I'll make sure everyone has enough healing elixirs and supplies."

Faerum clapped his hands, his usual flair returning. "Excellent! I'll handle the registration and make sure our new 'Ascending Phoenix Sect' looks the part. Leave the theatrics to me."

As the meeting wrapped up and the group dispersed, Li Chen lingered in the room, his thoughts still heavy about the past and about, what's to come in the future.

The Technique System

As Li Chen walked through the fort, his mind turned to the techniques they had been practicing. The Jade Flame Purification Technique was a Heaven-Grade Qi Absorption Technique, a rare and powerful method that allowed cultivators to refine their qi to an extraordinary degree. It was the foundation of their rapid progress an ancestral relic he retrieved through the carvings in the Sanctum. Most factions in the Wasteland used most earth-grade techniques with the overlord of the region the Golden Cloud Sect only having a pseudo-Heavenly rank technique.

But techniques were more than just tools—they were a reflection of a cultivator's understanding of qi and their connection to the world. The system of techniques was divided into five realms, each representing a different level of power and complexity. 

As explained my Uncle Ming firstly there's mortal-grade techniques are basic techniques accessible to most cultivators. These were foundational skills used for everyday tasks and initial qi manipulation.

Higher-level Mortal-Grade techniques allow for minor elemental manipulation.

Earth-Grade Techniques are intermediate techniques that require a deeper understanding of qi. In this level of technique, you often see cultivators start having individual fighting styles that suit their preferences since they have access to more elemental abilities and unique applications.

Heaven's-Grade techniques are so rare wars are started over. They act as the foundation for large powers able to grant powerful abilities and when used by high-level cultivators can cause cities to be destroyed.

Lastly, there are Celestial and Divine Grade techniques which can simply be described as cataclysmic.

Understanding these techniques can be split into three levels of mastery initiate, adept, and mastery, each giving more power, and greater utilization of the technique .

Techniques come in multiple forms those being Elemental Affinity, which sees the user harnessing a specific element, every cultivator has different natural affinities in which they find some elements easier to master then others.

Then there are manifestation techniques which allow the cultivator to form their qi into items or weapons for battle. Weapon Manifestation are seen among many lower level cultivators but they are usually ditched for powerful weapons by stronger cultivators. 

After are Qi Absorption techniques which see the user actually perform the act of cultivating purifying their qi making them more powerful.

Lastly there's Ancestral Techniques which are passed through clans and require specific bloodlines, Forbidden Techniques that require the user to sacrifice something.

The vault in the fort carried many Earth-grade techniques and they combined with the Jade Flame Purification Technique gave Li Chen's ragtag group of cultivators the perfect foundation they needed to become a powerhouse.