Mount Hua Sect
"So, what do you think about what Arden said?" Alastor asked, taking a sip of his morning coffee. His blue eyes rested on me, probing for my thoughts.
"There is no reason for me not to take advantage of it," I replied simply, meeting his gaze.
"You have nothing to lose, yes, but can you really defeat Lucifer in four months?" Alastor's eyes narrowed as he studied me, his curiosity evident.
Rachel and Seraphina, seated to our sides, shifted uneasily. The tension in the room was palpable.
"Perhaps," I replied, my tone steady. "If my preparations go according to plan, then yes."
Alastor's lips curled into a smile, intrigued. "What preparations exactly?"
"I need to deepen my understanding of my Grade 5 art to 25% and advance my other swordsmanship skills even further at the Mount Hua sect," I began. "I also need to reach <White >-rank. If I achieve all this, I should be able to defeat Lucifer."
"He will also grow stronger in the meantime," Alastor commented, leaning back in his chair. "He is a moving goalpost for you, after all."
"I am aware," I replied with a confident smile. "But I won't lose."
Rachel, unable to contain her surprise, spoke up. "I'm surprised you are this confident, Arthur. You know exactly how strong Lucifer is. He can already fight against a 6-star beast on equal terms."
"I know," I nodded. "But I am not letting this chance of getting a high-rank artifact slip through my fingers."
Rachel's eyes softened, a mix of admiration and concern in her gaze. "I believe in you, Arthur. Just be careful."
Seraphina, usually quiet, finally spoke up. "Mount Hua is a rigorous place. Make sure you stay focused and don't push yourself too hard."
"You will also be there right Princess," I mused, "I won't push myself too hard don't worry, but I will work as hard as I can."
"..Okay," Sera responded with a small smile before turning her head away from my gaze.
After breakfast, Seraphina and I gathered our belongings, preparing for our departure to the Mount Hua sect. The sun had just begun to rise, casting a golden hue over the Creighton estate.
Rachel walked us to the car that would take us to the sect. Before we could leave, she pulled me into a tight hug. I was momentarily shocked before I smiled and patted her back and head.
"Stay safe," she said as she let go of me, then immediately went to hug Seraphina as well.
Next to Seraphina stood Elder Zheng, sent by the sect for her protection. He was at <Ascendant >-rank, as one would expect.
Seraphina and I got into the same car, with Elder Zheng taking the front seat. The Mount Hua Sect was in the east, while the Creighton estate, where we currently were, was in the north.
The distance was considerable, but since Seraphina was the princess of the Mount Hua Sect, it wasn't a problem. A teleportation gate in Luminarc would cover the thousands of kilometers in an instant, and the rest could be traveled by the car we were in.
Speaking of the car, calling it fancy would be an understatement. It resembled a futuristic, advanced model of a Rolls Royce, complete with various customizations.
I comfortably lay back in the seat as Seraphina sat next to me in the back. Elder Zheng sat in the front, his presence reassuring yet imposing. The journey ahead was long, but the luxurious interior of the car made it feel much more manageable. The seats were upholstered in the finest leather, and the soft hum of the engine added to the soothing atmosphere.
As we set off, the car moved smoothly through the landscape, leaving the grandeur of the Creighton estate behind. The sun was beginning to rise, casting a golden hue over the scenery. I glanced at Seraphina, who was quietly gazing out of the window, lost in thought. Her calm demeanor was always a source of comfort.
Seraphina and I made small talk throughout the way but there was a lot of silence as well, which was to be expected since unlike Rachel and Cecilia Sera wasn't a girl of many words.
The journey to Luminarc was uneventful, and soon we arrived at the teleportation gate. The transition was swift and seamless, transporting us to the eastern regions where the sect was located. The car continued its smooth ride, navigating through the serene, mountainous terrain.
As we approached the Mount Hua Sect, the majestic peaks loomed ahead, their snow-capped tops glistening in the sunlight. Ancient buildings with intricate carvings stood proudly against the natural backdrop, exuding an aura of wisdom and strength.
Elder Zheng glanced back at us. "We have arrived. Welcome to the Mount Hua Sect."
Seraphina and I stepped out of the car, taking in the breathtaking view. The air was crisp, and the sounds of nature surrounded us, from the rustling leaves to the distant call of birds. The serene ambiance was a stark contrast to the grandeur of the Creighton estate.
Elder Zheng led us up the stairs to the Mount Hua gate, where two disciples stood guard. They weren't particularly strong, which made sense. Any threat capable of taking them down would alert the Elders inside, who would swiftly neutralize the danger.
The massive wooden gate was adorned with crimson ink that spelled out, "Welcome to Mount Hua Sect." The calligraphy was intricate, exuding a sense of history and reverence.
"I am surprised that cars are allowed to go up the mountain," I noted, admiring the seamless blend of tradition and modernity.
Seraphina shook her head, and Elder Zheng elaborated, "Only cars belonging to the Kings or the Emperor are permitted to ascend the mountain. All others are stopped along the way."
"Really? I didn't even see any such infrastructure," I thought, intrigued. Mount Hua Sect, one of the world's greatest powers, undoubtedly had countermeasures in place to ensure the mountain's security—countermeasures so subtle that they escaped my detection.
As we drew nearer to the colossal gates, amidst the cold gusts of icy wind, a gentle breeze wafted over me, carrying the scent of fervent spring. More precisely, it was the scent of blooming plum blossoms. The fragrance was delicate yet pervasive, a reminder of the sect's balance between strength and tranquility.
The Mount Hua Sect unfolded before us like a hidden gem of ancient artistry and disciplined precision. The architecture was a masterful blend of traditional elegance and practical design, each structure meticulously crafted with an eye for both form and function. The buildings were constructed from rich, dark wood and stone, adorned with intricate carvings that depicted legendary battles, mythical creatures, and the serene beauty of nature.
The main courtyard was a vast expanse, lined with ancient trees whose thick canopies provided dappled shade. Stone pathways wound through lush gardens meticulously maintained, each plant and tree a testament to the care and dedication of the sect's disciples. The air was filled with the gentle hum of nature and the distant, rhythmic sounds of training.
Disciples moved with practiced grace, their motions fluid and purposeful. They wore traditional robes of varying colors, signifying their ranks and specializations within the sect. The novice disciples donned simple white robes with light blue sashes, while more advanced students wore deeper shades of blue with intricate silver embroidery. The elders and masters, in contrast, wore dark blue or black robes adorned with gold and silver thread, each garment a testament to their mastery and status.
The disciples' movements were a study in precision and elegance. Some practiced forms with wooden swords, their strikes swift and controlled, while others engaged in sparring sessions with blunted metal weapons. Their footwork was light and agile, a testament to the rigorous training that emphasized balance and coordination. Nearby, a group of archers practiced their aim, their arrows flying with unerring accuracy to strike targets set at various distances.
Weapons of all kinds were evident throughout the sect. In addition to the swords and bows, there were spears, staves, and exotic weapons like the guan dao and the twin hook swords. Each weapon was a work of art, crafted with the utmost care and precision, often personalized with unique designs and inscriptions.
The main hall was an impressive structure, its wooden beams intricately carved with scenes from the sect's storied past. The roof was supported by pillars wrapped in golden dragons, their scales shimmering in the sunlight. The hall's interior was spacious, with polished wooden floors and walls lined with scrolls and paintings that depicted the history and teachings of the Mount Hua Sect. Incense burners filled the air with a subtle, calming fragrance, adding to the atmosphere of serene contemplation.
In the training grounds, several pavilions were dedicated to different aspects of martial arts and cultivation. One pavilion was filled with disciples practicing sword techniques, their synchronized movements creating a mesmerizing dance of blades. Another pavilion housed a library, its shelves filled with ancient tomes and scrolls detailing various cultivation techniques and historical accounts.
As we continued our tour, Elder Zheng pointed out the meditation gardens, tranquil spaces designed for quiet reflection and inner cultivation. These gardens featured serene ponds with koi fish, meticulously raked gravel patterns, and carefully placed stones that encouraged contemplation and mental clarity.
"This is where you will be training and staying," Elder Zheng announced, gesturing to the grand expanse of the Mount Hua Sect. He then bowed respectfully to Seraphina. "Kindly let me know if there is anything you need, princess."
"Is my father here?" Seraphina asked, her voice hopeful.
"No, the Sect Leader is absent from the sect at the moment," he replied with a slight shake of his head. "But Master Li is here. Do you wish to meet him?"
"Yes," she said, her blue eyes sparkling with excitement. "Uncle Li will be the perfect master for Arthur." Turning to me, she explained, "Uncle Li is my father's brother and an <Immortal >-rank warrior. He is the second strongest in the Mount Hua Sect."
"I would be honored to train under him," I replied earnestly, my curiosity piqued and my respect growing for the revered figure.
Seraphina's lips curled into a warm smile. "Lead the way," she instructed Elder Zheng.