First Morning in the Sect

The sound of ancient bells echoed through the valleys and peaks of the Embercloud Sect, resonating like the voice of the mountains themselves. Each chime marked the start of a new day, calling all disciples—new and old—to awaken and begin their cultivation.

In one of the modest cottages near the base of the outer sect quarters, Li Yao opened his eyes.

Though his room was small and bare, a faint warmth settled in his chest. For the first time in his life, he had a roof over his head, not a cave or the branch of a tree. He had arrived.

He folded his thin blanket and stepped out, breathing in the crisp morning air. The fragrance of pine and dew filled his lungs, and in the distance, he could see the magnificent peaks shrouded in mist. Each mountain housed a different path of cultivation, as mysterious as they were glorious.

He walked to the small stone well to wash, then followed the rising movement of disciples toward the Outer Food Pavilion. The air was full of quiet chatter and clinking bowls as hundreds of outer sect disciples lined up for their morning meal.

Li Yao accepted a tray and quietly made his way to a corner seat. The food was simple- steamed buns, herbal broth, and pickled greens- but to Li Yao, it was a feast. For years, he had lived off wild roots and scraps from nature. Now, he had food prepared for cultivators.

While eating, he observed the dining hall.

Most disciples sat in familiar groups—some from clans or towns that had arrived together, others who had made quick bonds during the entrance ceremony.

At one long table, a girl with snow-white robes and cold, refined features was seated among several female disciples. Lan Yue, a new disciple from the Frostveil Pavilion, carried herself with quiet confidence. The girls around her seemed to hang on every word she said, their eyes admiring.

At another corner sat a lone figure in black robes. His aura was like a drawn sword—sharp, fierce, and unapproachable. His name was Yan Mu, a solitary talent whose fierce spiritual root had marked him as one of the strongest new recruits. No one dared sit near him.

Li Yao wondered if he would ever have friends like that.

He didn't dwell on it for long.

Soon, a bell rang again, and a sect disciple entered the dining hall. "All new outer disciples, gather at the Outer Pavilion courtyard. The deacon will address you."

Following the stream of robes and voices, Li Yao arrived at a wide open courtyard paved in smooth jade stones. At its center sat an old man, cross-legged atop a meditation mat. His robes were plain brown, and his eyes remained closed even as the disciples began to surround him.

Despite his silence, an invisible force seemed to hush the murmuring crowd.

When all were seated, the elder opened his eyes.

"I am Fu Shen, deacon of the Outer Pavilion," he said, his voice dry but resonant. "Each of you has passed the tests of our sect-not only because of your spiritual roots, but because of your heart."

He looked around at the young faces gathered before him.

"The Embercloud Sect is one of the top forces within the Mystic Heavens Realm, alongside the Earthly Sword Sect, the Thousand Petal Valley, the Heavenmark Academy, and the Ninefold Thunder Hall. Unlike those sects, which specialize in only one or two Dao, our Embercloud Sect walks many paths. Our Nine Peaks represent nine great branches of cultivation: the Sword Dao, Alchemy Dao, Talisman Dao, Formation Dao, Artifact Dao, Body Refinement Dao, Sect Leader Peak, Ancestor Peak, and the forbidden Secret Realm Peak."

A hush fell over the courtyard at the mention of the last one.

Fu Shen continued.

"As outer disciples, you will all receive the Emberheart Nourishment Sutra, a common introductory technique that teaches you how to refine and absorb spiritual qi into your body. At this stage, all cultivators use the same technique, regardless of element or root. Only after reaching Foundation Establishment will your true path begin."

Some disciples frowned. Others nodded with determination.

Fu Shen's voice turned solemn.

"Each of you will also be assigned to assist with daily tasks—herbal gardens, kitchens, outer guard patrols, and more. In four years, there will be a great competition. Should you perform outstandingly, you may be taken as a personal disciple by an elder of one of the Nine Peaks, or be promoted to the inner sect."

The elder's eyes suddenly turned sharp. "This sect walks a righteous path. We value integrity, loyalty, and promise. If you give your word, you must keep it-even if it costs your life. Remember that."

He closed his eyes once more. "That is all. Disperse."

With that, the disciples stood and began forming lines as the sect staff handed out scrolls. When Li Yao received his copy of the Emberheart Nourishment Sutra, he held it like a treasure.

The first step of his cultivation journey had begun.

Later that day, each new disciple was led to their assigned duty. Li Yao found himself grouped with a handful of others, led by a senior disciple named Wei Shan-a mild-mannered youth with dark eyes and a steady gait.

"You, Li Yao, right?" Wei Shan asked, glancing at the jade token hanging at his waist. "You've been assigned to the Herbal Garden Division. Come, I'll show you around."

Li Yao bowed slightly. "Thank you, Senior Brother Wei."

Wei Shan nodded and led him down a narrow path surrounded by wooden fences and low stone walls. As they walked, the quiet hum of cicadas and the scent of spiritual herbs filled the air.

After several turns, the landscape opened into a magnificent field.

Li Yao's eyes widened.

Dozens of plots stretched in all directions, blooming with brilliant colors—violet frost lilies, fireleaf roots glowing with ember-red veins, sun jade vines curling gently toward the heavens. Some herbs swayed unnaturally, moved not by wind but by the qi coursing through their stems.

"The Herbal Garden supplies all nine peaks," Wei Shan explained. "The plants here are precious, some take years to mature. Your job will be to maintain and tend to the outer sections. You won't touch the inner areas until you've proven steady hands."

As they walked deeper, they reached a row of small cottages built from polished wood and clean stone.

"This one is yours." Wei Shan gestured toward a modest dwelling. "It's quiet, but you'll have what you need."

Li Yao stepped inside and nodded gratefully. For a boy who once slept in tree hollows, it felt like a palace.

"Come," Wei Shan said. "There's one more person you need to meet."

They arrived at a small wooden hut deeper in the herb fields. Before Li Yao could knock, the door creaked open on its own.

An old man stepped out, holding a wooden rake.

There was nothing outwardly impressive about him-no powerful aura, no divine robes-but the moment Li Yao looked into his eyes, he felt as if a vast sea of time lay within them. Calm. Boundless. Unfathomable.

Li Yao immediately bowed. "This disciple greets the elder."

The old man gave a single nod and walked past without a word, his steps slow but steady as he disappeared into the herbal rows.

Wei Shan leaned in and whispered, "That's the Herbal Garden Deacon. No one knows his full name. He rarely speaks, but he's kind. In my eight years here, I've never seen him get angry."

Li Yao nodded quietly.

"There's no work today. Rest and familiarize yourself with the place. Tomorrow morning, come find me.I will teach you the tasks."

As Wei Shan walked away, Li Yao stood alone in the garden, surrounded by the scent of herbs and the warm glow of the setting sun. Somewhere high above, a hawk cried across the sky.

His path had begun.

But it would be a long journey.

And he would walk it, step by step.