Chapter 12: Preparing for the Subsect Competition
One month and three weeks had passed since the battle against the demonic goblins and the formidable Varric. During this time, Elton had trained relentlessly, pushing his limits to refine his techniques. Despite his growth, the memories of that battle still lingered in his mind. He could not shake the strange feeling of losing control, nor could he fully recall the moments when his inner voice seemed to have taken over. Yet as time passed and his training consumed him, he found himself less troubled by the mystery. What mattered most was his continuous progress.
His dedication bore fruit. His body responded more sharply than ever, his energy coursed with strength, and Silver-Tier 3 now felt within reach. Even Elton found it astonishing how quickly he had advanced.
Two weeks prior, Zoro had stunned the subsect by breaking through to Silver-Tier 2. The accomplishment had been unexpected, even for Elton, who already knew his friend's talent was extraordinary. Zoro's rapid growth only pushed Elton further, igniting his determination to keep pace.
With the sect competition drawing closer, Elton, Zoro, Christy, and a few close comrades decided to take a brief respite from their rigorous training. The sect permitted them a short leave, granting them the rare chance to visit the nearby city for a night of celebration.
The city bustled with activity, alive with cultivators, merchants, and common folk alike. Bright lanterns lit the streets, and stalls overflowed with rare herbs, enchanted trinkets, and sizzling street food. The group wove their way through the crowd, savoring the lively atmosphere.
Then, unexpectedly, they crossed paths with Prince Hunter Helmsley. The fourth prince wore a refined yet understated outfit, his presence as composed as ever. At his side walked a single guest, whose enigmatic air matched the prince's own.
Hunter's eyes briefly met Elton's, and he gave a polite nod before passing. Elton, Zoro, and the others exchanged puzzled glances, finding the prince's presence mysterious.
Christy, however, lingered on the moment. A subtle exchange of glances had passed between her and the prince, almost imperceptible. Something about it unsettled her, though she chose silence. The others had not noticed.
The group eventually reached a renowned inn, where food, drink, and laughter filled the night. For the first time in weeks, they allowed themselves to simply be young cultivators, sharing stories and boasts, free from the heavy weight of ambition.
At one point, Elton smirked over his cup and said, half-joking, "You know, one day, I should just start my own sect."
Zoro nearly choked on his drink, bursting into laughter. "Ha! You? A sect leader?"
Christy shook her head with a chuckle. "That's bold, even for you."
The others laughed, finding the notion absurd. Yet beneath the laughter, something lingered. The thought, though born in jest, carried a strange weight—an idea that clung to their hearts.
Unbeknownst to them, this casual jest would one day be remembered as the spark that ignited a legend. It would mark the humble beginning of a sect destined to shake the world.
For now, however, they were simply young warriors, enjoying the fleeting freedom of a single night before returning to the endless path of cultivation and destiny.