Chapter 2: The Call of the Ancients

As the echoes of the dragon's roar faded into the distance, leaving Qingyun village in a state of awe and uncertainty, Liang found himself consumed by a newfound sense of purpose. The image of the majestic creature lingered in his mind, igniting a spark of determination that refused to be extinguished.

That evening, as he sat by the flickering flames of the hearth, Liang's thoughts were consumed by visions of the dragon and the mysteries it represented. He knew that his destiny lay beyond the confines of his humble home, beckoning him towards a realm of boundless possibilities and unimaginable power.

With resolve hardening in his heart, Liang made a fateful decision to seek guidance from the elders of the village, wise men and women who were said to possess knowledge of the ancient arts of cultivation. Under the cover of night, he slipped quietly through the winding streets of Qingyun, his footsteps guided by the pale light of the moon.

Arriving at the humble abode of Elder Zhang, a venerable sage known for his mastery of the arcane arts, Liang hesitated for a moment before knocking softly on the weathered wooden door. To his surprise, the door creaked open to reveal the aged visage of Elder Zhang, his eyes shining with a wisdom born of centuries of experience.

"Liang," the elder greeted him, his voice a gentle whisper that seemed to carry the weight of the ages. "What brings you to my doorstep at this late hour?"

With a deep breath, Liang recounted the events of the day—the appearance of the dragon, the stirring of his own inner power, and the burning desire to uncover the secrets of cultivation that lay hidden within the depths of his soul. To his relief, Elder Zhang listened intently, nodding sagely as if he had anticipated Liang's arrival long before it had occurred.

"You have been chosen, Liang," the elder declared, his voice resonating with an otherworldly certainty. "Chosen by the ancients to walk the path of cultivation and ascend to heights beyond mortal comprehension. But know this: the journey ahead will be fraught with peril, and only those with the strength of heart and purity of spirit will prevail."

With those words echoing in his mind, Liang bowed respectfully to Elder Zhang, his resolve strengthened by the elder's words of wisdom. As he departed into the night, guided by the faint glow of starlight that illuminated his path, Liang knew that his quest for celestial ascension had only just begun. And though the road ahead was fraught with uncertainty, he faced it with unwavering determination, for he was destined for greatness beyond the dreams of mortal men.