The sight of the Green Sky Sect towering on the mountain peak left Chen Xuwu speechless.
The magnificent buildings of wood and green jade blended perfectly with nature, as if growing directly from the earth.
The dense spiritual Qi felt so pure in the air, cleansing every corner of his lungs.
This is truly heaven. So different from the suffocating skyscrapers that trapped me before.
Lin Qianyu smiled at his astonished expression. "Come, Chen Xuwu. We've arrived."
She stepped forward, descending a stone path adorned with moss and spiritual flowers.
They approached the sect's main gate, a gigantic structure made of ancient wood carved with dragon and leaf motifs, flanked by two jade lion statues radiating an ancient aura.
Near the gate, several disciples in green uniforms stood guard, their swords gleaming at their waists.
SFX: (Sound of footsteps on stone, tap-tap, followed by the rustle of wind carrying the faint scent of incense from within the sect)
"Senior Lin!" one of the guard disciples exclaimed, bowing respectfully. "Welcome back."
Lin Qianyu nodded. "Thank you. I've brought a guest." She turned to Chen Xuwu. "This is Chen Xuwu. He... has a unique connection with nature."
The guard disciples looked at Chen Xuwu with curiosity, some with a hint of doubt.
Chen Xuwu's aura indeed felt different, too pure, too "natural" for an ordinary cultivator.
"Please enter, Senior Lin," the guard disciple said, his gaze still fixed on Chen Xuwu.
They stepped through the gate. Inside, the view was even more breathtaking. Perfectly manicured spiritual gardens, lotus ponds emitting a soft glow, and tranquil meditation pavilions were scattered among giant trees.
Disciples in green uniforms were seen practicing sword techniques in open fields, or meditating under ancient trees.
SFX: (Sound of swords swishing through the air, swish-swish, and the faint hum of Qi from cultivating disciples, hummmm)
"This is the main area of the sect," Lin Qianyu explained.
"We'll go directly to Elder Liu. He is one of the wisest and most knowledgeable elders about the Dao of Nature."
They walked along a jade-paved path, heading towards a larger pavilion in the center of the sect.
The pavilion was surrounded by a lush bamboo forest, radiating an aura of tranquility.
SFX: (Sound of bamboo gently rubbing, creak-creak, in the wind)
Inside the pavilion, an old man with a long white beard and eyes radiating wisdom sat cross-legged on a meditation mat.
The dark green robe he wore was adorned with gold leaf embroidery. The soothing aroma of herbal tea filled the room.
"Elder Liu," Lin Qianyu bowed respectfully. "I've brought a guest I'd like to introduce."
Elder Liu slowly opened his eyes, looking at Chen Xuwu with a deep, scrutinizing gaze. Chen Xuwu felt as if his entire being was being scanned, but there was no hostility, only pure curiosity.
"Oh? An interesting young man," Elder Liu said, his voice calm and wise, like the gurgling of a river. "Your aura... is very unique.
Approaching nature itself." He can sense it this quickly? Elders are indeed different.
Chen Xuwu bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Elder Liu. My name is Chen Xuwu."
"Elder, he... he possesses extraordinary abilities," Lin Qianyu explained enthusiastically.
"He can heal a poisoned Qi Tree with a single touch, and even purify a contaminated Shadow Wolf without resistance! I've never seen anything like this before."
Elder Liu nodded slowly, his eyes never leaving Chen Xuwu. "Indeed. A rare ability, truly. The Yin Qi poison on that Qi Tree was quite stubborn. And Shadow Wolves... they are difficult creatures to approach, let alone purify." He smiled faintly.
"Are you willing to demonstrate your abilities, young man Chen?"
Of course. This is an opportunity to prove myself. Chen Xuwu nodded. "Certainly, Elder.
What should I do?"
Elder Liu pointed to a small pot in the corner of the room.
Inside was a small spiritual plant that looked withered, its leaves yellowing and its stem fragile.
"This is a Spring Spirit Flower. It has been sick for a long time due to a lack of pure Qi. Can you try to heal it?"
Chen Xuwu approached the pot. He felt the flower's Qi was very weak, barely pulsating.
It's like seeing myself when I was still on Earth, dying from exhaustion.
He extended his hand, gently touching the yellowing leaf. He closed his eyes, focusing 'Touch of Life' and 'Aura of Nature Purification'.
SFX: (A gentle rustle of green energy, swoosh, emanating from Chen Xuwu's hand, followed by the sound of buds slowly blooming, crackle-crackle)
Pure Qi from Chen Xuwu's body flowed into the Spring Spirit Flower.
Slowly, its leaves began to turn green again, the wrinkles on its petals disappeared, and the fragile stem straightened. Within seconds, the flower bloomed fully, emitting a sweet fragrance that filled the room.
In fact, a new bud even appeared beside it, beginning to open.
SFX: (Sound of flower petals opening rapidly, pop! pop!, followed by a refreshing aroma, hmmm-hmmm)
Lin Qianyu gasped, covering her mouth with her hand.
Elder Liu, usually calm, now opened his eyes wide, an expression of astonishment clearly visible on his face.
"Extraordinary," Elder Liu murmured, his voice full of admiration.
"Not only healing, but also enhancing its vitality. And that new bud... this is a sign of extremely pure and strong Qi."
He looked at Chen Xuwu with a gaze that was now full of respect.
"Young man Chen, where did you obtain such abilities? Do you have a special lineage? Or did you discover an ancient inheritance?"
Chen Xuwu withdrew his hand from the flower.
Here it comes, the question about my origin. I can't tell them about Earth or the system directly. They might not believe me, or worse, consider me a threat.
He decided to tell a partial truth.
"I... do not have a special lineage, Elder. I simply... awakened with these abilities after a 'life-changing event'.
I feel... connected to nature on a very deep level, as if I am a part of it."
Elder Liu stared at him in silence for a few moments, as if reading his soul.
Finally, he let out a long sigh, a faint smile returning to his lips. "A 'life-changing event', eh? This world is indeed full of mysteries. I will not force you to elaborate further."
He rose from his seat, approaching Chen Xuwu.
"Young man Chen, your abilities are an invaluable gift.
The Green Sky Sect is a sect that respects nature above all else. We would be delighted if you would be willing to join us."
Joining the sect? This means I'll have a place to stay, guidance, and an opportunity to learn more about this world. This is much better than wandering alone.
"I am willing, Elder," Chen Xuwu replied without hesitation. "I wish to learn and use my abilities to protect this nature."
"Good!" Elder Liu nodded with satisfaction.
"From today, you are a disciple of the Green Sky Sect.
However, your abilities are very unique. You will not follow the ordinary cultivation path like other disciples. You will be... a Special Nature Guardian Disciple."
Lin Qianyu gasped. Special Nature Guardian Disciple? That is an extremely rare title, only given to those with extremely high Nature Dao affinity, even higher than core disciples! Her eyes sparkled, proud of Chen Xuwu.
"You will be placed in the Jade Bamboo Pavilion, the most Qi-rich place in this sect.
Lin Qianyu will be your guide for a while, helping you adapt and understand the sect's rules," Elder Liu continued.
"Your primary priority is to understand and develop your connection with nature. We will grant you access to the sect's library and various resources to assist you."
Jade Bamboo Pavilion? Sounds luxurious. And Lin Qianyu will be my guide. Not bad.
Chen Xuwu smiled.
"Thank you very much, Elder Liu. I will not disappoint your trust."
"Alright, Lin Qianyu, escort Chen Xuwu to the Jade Bamboo Pavilion. And make sure he gets everything he needs," Elder Liu commanded.
"Understood, Elder!" Lin Qianyu bowed, then turned to Chen Xuwu with a wide smile.
"Come, Chen Xuwu. I'll show you your room."
They left Elder Liu's pavilion. Chen Xuwu walked beside Lin Qianyu, feeling the curious gazes of other disciples they passed.
It seems this 'Special Nature Guardian Disciple' status indeed attracts attention.
Lin Qianyu led him through more beautiful gardens, past spacious training areas, until they finally arrived at a pavilion made of pure jade bamboo.
The air around it felt cooler and its Qi was much denser.
SFX: (The resonance of jade bamboo with Qi, ding-dong, followed by the sound of water flowing from a small pond nearby)
"This is the Jade Bamboo Pavilion," Lin Qianyu said, opening the pavilion door.
"This will be your residence and cultivation place. The Qi here is the best in the entire sect."
Chen Xuwu stepped inside. The interior was simple yet elegant, with finely carved wooden furniture and large windows overlooking the bamboo forest.
A comfortable bed, a meditation table, and an empty bookshelf awaited.
This is it. My new home. No longer a cramped apartment with the smell of stale coffee. This is the real beginning.
Chen Xuwu took a deep breath, feeling the pure Qi fill every cell of his body.
"If you need anything, don't hesitate to find me," Lin Qianyu said. "I'll help you adapt."
"Thank you, Lin Qianyu," Chen Xuwu replied sincerely. "I truly appreciate your help."
Lin Qianyu smiled, her cheeks slightly flushed. "You're welcome.
Welcome to the Green Sky Sect, Chen Xuwu." She then turned and left the pavilion, giving Chen Xuwu some space to himself.
Chen Xuwu looked around. He was a Special Nature Guardian Disciple. A title that sounded very cool.
He had a comfortable place to live, access to resources, and guidance. All of this far exceeded his expectations.
Now, what should I do first? Cultivate? Or... maybe check out the library? A wide smile formed on his lips.
This world indeed awaits me. And I'm ready for any challenge that comes.
He walked towards the window, looking out at the lush bamboo forest. In the distance, he could hear the sound of birds chirping and water gurgling. A profound peace enveloped him.