Chapter 9: Whispering Willow Sect
"Zhou Xin, let's go,"
Liu Chen said to Zhou Xin, their expressions filled with determination as they prepared for their enrollment in the sect selection. Both boys, at the tender age of ten, shared the same dream of becoming cultivators.
They lacked strong backing and guidance, but their belief in their own abilities fueled their confidence. They understood the significance of their spiritual roots in shaping their future potential.
If their roots were common, their path would be paved with hardships and the risk of losing hope when progress seemed impossible. However, if their roots were strong, although the journey would be arduous, a glimmer of hope would always beckon them forward.
The spiritual root played a defining role for cultivators, dictating their hope and future. It was an innate trait that couldn't be changed or altered; one had to accept their predetermined fate.
While cultivators could challenge their fates by pushing their limits and growing stronger, the spiritual root remained immutable. No amount of pills or medicines could alter its nature.
For Liu Chen, the quality of his spiritual root was inconsequential. His sole focus was on becoming strong. Even if he possessed a subpar root, he would compensate with double the effort and perseverance.
"Mother, Father, I'm leaving. I will return when I find a way for both of you to become cultivators,"
Liu Chen declared, his voice filled with determination. His mother, Li Meiying, wiped away her tears as she watched her son ready himself for his first journey.
"Take care, my baby," she said, her voice choked with emotion, as Liu Chen embarked on his path.
Whispering Willow Sect, a third-rate sect located nearest to Dewdrop Village but although around 1000 miles from the village, opened its doors each year to new students who were yet to cultivate their qi.
The selection process was renowned for its difficulty, with students being evaluated based on their potential and spiritual roots. In the esteemed sects, candidates were chosen based on the quality of their spiritual roots and admitted to the outer sects.
Liu Chen and Zhou Xin embarked on their journey towards Whispering Willow Sect, eager to undergo the examination.
Upon joining the sect, the students had one year to break through the qi foundation to be officially recognized as disciples. Those who failed to achieve this milestone within the given time frame would be expelled from the sect.
It wasn't just about having good roots; possessing exceptional talents was crucial for survival in higher-level sects.
While Whispering Willow Sect may be considered a third-rate sect, it still held a prestigious position among sects. The ranking of sects was determined by factors such as their techniques, the cultivation level of their elders, and various other criteria.
Sects ranged from fifth-grade to first-grade, with many lower-grade sects serving as subsidiaries or affiliated branches of higher-grade sects, ensuring their survival and support.
As Liu Chen and Zhou Xin embarked on their journey towards Whispering Willow Sect, they faced a daunting distance of nearly 1000 miles. The sect stood as the closest one to Dewdrop Village, nestled in the heart of a bustling city where cultivators gathered. The path ahead was arduous, filled with challenges and unknowns.
Zhou Xin, a ten-year-old boy, donned a brand new outfit tailored for this important journey—a traditional Tang Suit. His attire, a vibrant display of colors, complemented his sun-kissed complexion. His long hair, carefully tied back, swayed with each step he took.
Meanwhile, Liu Chen stood beside him, his appearance reflecting his readiness for this new chapter in his life. His long hair was neatly combed and secured at the back, adorned with a red Tang Suit that exuded an air of elegance.
He paired it with pristine white pants, representing purity and the pursuit of spiritual growth. His youthful face, adorned with plum-like eyes and smooth, fair skin, radiated a natural beauty that seemed untouched by the passing of ten years.
Together, they strode forward, their determination and anticipation visible in their eyes, as they embarked on the path that would lead them towards the sect they yearned to join.
As the days melted away, drawing Liu Chen and Zhou Xin closer to their destination, the anticipation in their hearts grew stronger. Finally, they arrived at Silvermist Hamlet, a bustling city located a mere 20 miles away from the Whispering Willow Sect.
With the sect selection looming on the horizon, the two friends decided to take a day to rest and rejuvenate themselves after the arduous ten-day journey. They knew the importance of being in the best physical and mental state before entering the sect for the examination.
Stepping into the vibrant city of Silvermist Hamlet, their senses were overwhelmed by the lively atmosphere. The streets teemed with people from various corners of the cultivation world, all gathered for the selection process.
Every nook and cranny of the city seemed to hold a shop or a small restaurant, filling the air with the aromas of delicacies and the clamor of merchants vying for attention.
Driven by their growling stomachs and a desire to immerse themselves in the local flavors, Liu Chen and Zhou Xin sought out a quaint eatery. They indulged in a satisfying feast of steaming dim sum and succulent roasted duck, savoring each bite with relish.
Satiated and content, they made their way to a modest inn located on the outskirts of the city. Choosing a cost-effective option, they secured a room for the night, ready to replenish their energy and brace themselves for the upcoming challenges that awaited them at the sect.
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