Chapitre 2: 02| Mountain Sect
The journey to the **Celestial Mountain Sect** was both exhilarating and terrifying for **Li Mei**. She had never traveled beyond the borders of her village, and now she found herself venturing into a world she had only heard about in stories. The night sky stretched endlessly above them, the stars glittering like a million tiny lanterns, guiding their path through the dense forests and steep mountain passes.
Elder Tian moved with an ease that belied his age, his long robes flowing behind him as he led the way. He spoke little, his focus seemingly on the road ahead, but every so often, he would glance back at Li Mei, his eyes filled with a mix of curiosity and something else—something she couldn't quite place.
Li Mei's heart raced with every step, a strange energy coursing through her veins. The celestial markings on her skin had begun to glow faintly, a soft, pulsing light that seemed to resonate with the stars above. She felt more alive than she ever had before, as if she were finally stepping into the world she was meant to be in.
As they ascended higher into the mountains, the air grew cooler, and the trees became sparse, their branches twisted and gnarled from years of harsh winds. The path grew narrower, the edges dropping off into steep cliffs that disappeared into a sea of clouds below. Li Mei tried not to look down, focusing instead on the rhythm of her breathing and the steady pace of her footsteps.
Finally, after what felt like hours of climbing, they reached a plateau. Li Mei stopped, gasping for breath, and looked up. Her eyes widened in awe.
Before her stood the **Celestial Mountain Sect**.
The sect was unlike anything she had ever imagined. Carved into the side of the mountain, it was a sprawling complex of ancient temples, pagodas, and meditation halls, all interconnected by a series of stone bridges and walkways. The buildings were made of a pale, shimmering stone that seemed to glow with an inner light, reflecting the stars above. High above the central temple, the peak of **Mount Tian** rose majestically, its summit lost in the clouds.
Li Mei's breath caught in her throat as she took in the sight. This was the place where the most powerful cultivators in all of Tianxia trained, the place where the stars themselves were said to be within reach. She felt a strange mix of excitement and trepidation, knowing that this was now her home.
Elder Tian paused at the edge of the plateau, allowing Li Mei a moment to take in the view. "Welcome to the Celestial Mountain Sect," he said, his voice carrying a note of pride. "This is where your journey truly begins."
Li Mei nodded, unable to find the words to express the overwhelming emotions swirling within her. She felt small, insignificant in the face of such grandeur, yet at the same time, she felt a deep connection to the place, as if it had been waiting for her all along.
They crossed a stone bridge that spanned a deep chasm, the wind whipping at their robes as they approached the main gates. The gates were massive, made of dark wood and reinforced with celestial metal that shimmered faintly in the starlight. As they approached, the gates swung open silently, revealing the bustling courtyard beyond.
The courtyard was filled with people—disciples of the sect, all dressed in the flowing robes of their rank. Some were practicing their cultivation techniques, their movements graceful and precise, while others gathered in small groups, discussing the latest developments in the world of cultivation. A few glanced in their direction, curiosity flickering in their eyes as they noticed Li Mei, but most returned to their activities, uninterested in the arrival of a new disciple.
Elder Tian led Li Mei through the courtyard, his presence commanding respect from all who passed. As they walked, Li Mei couldn't help but notice the differences between herself and the other disciples. They all seemed so confident, so powerful, while she felt like an outsider, unsure of where she fit in.
They finally reached the entrance to the central temple, a grand structure with towering pillars and intricate carvings that depicted the constellations. Elder Tian gestured for Li Mei to follow him inside.
The interior of the temple was even more breathtaking than the exterior. The walls were lined with shelves filled with ancient scrolls and manuscripts, their contents glowing with the wisdom of countless generations. The air was thick with the scent of incense, and a sense of peace and tranquility pervaded the space.
At the far end of the temple, a group of elders sat in meditation, their auras radiating power and serenity. They were the leaders of the sect, the most revered cultivators in Tianxia, and Li Mei felt a pang of nervousness as she realized she was about to be judged by them.
Elder Tian led her to the center of the room and bowed respectfully to the elders. "Esteemed Elders," he said, his voice calm and steady. "I present to you Li Mei, a disciple marked by the stars and born under the Celestial Convergence. I believe she possesses the potential to master the ancient art of Astral Sorcery."
The elders opened their eyes, their gazes falling on Li Mei. She felt a wave of pressure wash over her, as if their very presence were weighing down on her soul. Her heart pounded in her chest, but she forced herself to stand tall, meeting their gazes with as much confidence as she could muster.
One of the elders, a woman with silver hair and eyes as sharp as a blade, stepped forward. "Li Mei," she said, her voice cold and analytical. "Step forward."
Li Mei obeyed, taking a few hesitant steps until she was standing directly in front of the elder. The woman studied her for a moment, her eyes narrowing as she took in the celestial markings on Li Mei's skin.
"Show me," the elder commanded.
Li Mei blinked, unsure of what she meant. "Show you… what?"
"Your connection to the stars," the elder clarified, her tone leaving no room for argument. "Let us see if you are truly marked by the Celestial Convergence."
Panic flared in Li Mei's chest. She had only just learned of her connection to the stars—how was she supposed to demonstrate it in front of the most powerful cultivators in the world? She looked to Elder Tian for guidance, but he simply nodded, his expression encouraging but firm.
Taking a deep breath, Li Mei closed her eyes and focused inward, searching for the energy she had felt earlier that night, the energy that had drawn her to the sky. At first, she felt nothing but the nervous fluttering of her own heartbeat, but then, slowly, she began to feel it—a faint, pulsing warmth deep within her core.
She focused on that warmth, letting it grow and spread through her body, until it reached her fingertips and the celestial markings on her skin began to glow. The warmth intensified, becoming a bright, radiant light that filled the temple, casting long shadows on the walls and illuminating the faces of the elders.
When Li Mei opened her eyes, she saw that the light was not just within her—it was all around her, swirling in a gentle, starlit aura that hovered above the ground. The elders watched in silence, their expressions unreadable, but Li Mei could feel their scrutiny, their judgment.
The elder with silver hair nodded slowly, her eyes glinting with something akin to approval. "You have the potential," she said, her voice softer now, almost respectful. "But potential is not enough. You must cultivate your power, hone it, and learn to control it. Only then will you be worthy of the path that lies before you."
Li Mei swallowed hard and nodded, her resolve firming. "I will do whatever it takes," she said, her voice steady despite the nerves still fluttering in her chest. "I want to learn."
The elder stepped back, allowing Elder Tian to take her place. He smiled gently at Li Mei, a rare expression of warmth from the otherwise stoic man. "Then your training begins now," he said. "Welcome to the Celestial Mountain Sect, Li Mei. The stars have chosen you—now it is up to you to fulfill your destiny"
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone