Lin Xiao traversed the mystical corridors of Nine Lunar Cycles City's School of Arcane Arts. His footsteps echoed determination, a silent ode to his pursuit of esoteric knowledge and enlightenment.
At the threshold, two figures materialized—Celestius, the wise sorcerer, and an adept veiled in enigmatic robes. The latter bore a smirk, an omen of mischief that sent a shiver down Lin Xiao's spine.
"Lin Xiao, the prodigious seeker," Celestius greeted with celestial resonance. "Welcome to our sanctum of wisdom."
The adept, however, ignited tendrils of arcane energy, enveloping Lin Xiao in a labyrinth of illusions—visions of past, present, and spectral futures clouding his resolve.
In a realm where the veil between the mundane and the mystical thins, Mio, drawn by an insatiable thirst for arcane knowledge, undergoes a transformation into femininity, seeking the sacred embrace of nature's powers. Recognized as a vessel for divine energies, Mio becomes a conduit for transcendent forces, her being suffused with the essence of the cosmos.
Across disparate lineages, practitioners bestow upon her their craft, each tradition adorned with its own epithet: the ethereal sorcery of the immortals, the enigmatic arts of the occult, the esoteric wisdom of the Taoist, and the celestial prowess of the monks. Through these sacred rites, Mio's journey unfolds, as she delves deeper into the mysteries of existence, weaving her destiny with the threads of magic and mysticism.
Yet, amidst the bewildering maze, a familiar echo resonated within him—a remnant of Celestius's guidance. With resolute determination, Lin Xiao defied the illusions, unveiling a latent reservoir of inner fortitude.
"No more charades," Lin Xiao declared, his voice piercing through the veil of deceit. "I seek enlightenment, not delusions."
The adept's smirk faltered, his grip on illusions weakened by Lin Xiao's unyielding spirit. A surge of untamed magical prowess emanated from Lin Xiao, dispelling the illusions with an unbridled torrent of raw arcane energy.
Silence befell the chamber. Lin Xiao emerged unscathed, his spirit unbroken, as the adept grudgingly acknowledged the indomitable power that dwelled within him.
With a nod from Celestius, the illusions dissipated, revealing Lin Xiao's unwavering resilience and burgeoning mastery over magic.
"Phew, refreshing!"
As Lin Xiao stood, eyeing the fallen figures, a smirk played upon his lips. He moved forward, ready to enter the sanctum of True Martial Gate.
"Hold on!"
A resonant voice interrupted—elderly and imposing, a figure emerged from the surrounding disciples.
"That's the Grand Elder of True Martial Gate!"
"This lad dared to harm our gate's disciple; the Grand Elder won't let him off!"
As murmurs echoed, Lin Xiao remained vigilant, offering a respectful bow. "I am Lin Xiao, greeting the elder."
"Hehe," the Grand Elder chuckled. "Young one, impressive. But why did you strike my disciple?"
"Respected elder, I have long sought to study martial arts at True Martial Gate. Yet, this disciple named Liu Tai repeatedly obstructed me. I tolerated his actions until yesterday, where he inflicted severe injuries upon me. I couldn't ignore the offense and sought retribution today," Lin Xiao explained truthfully.
"Well, vengeance for a martial artist's humiliation is justified," the Grand Elder nodded, then his expression turned stern. "But aren't you afraid our skilled members will seek your life?"
"True Martial Gate values justice. Regardless of consequences, I struck willingly. Those who humiliate others must face the consequences," Lin Xiao declared firmly.
Hearing this, the Grand Elder's eyebrows raised, a smile forming. "Correct. Actions have consequences. You've shown determination and fortitude. At sixteen, you possess remarkable potential. Would you be willing to join True Martial Gate?"
The Grand Elder's words stunned onlookers. How could he enter the gate after striking a disciple?
"This discipline prioritizes will over aptitude. Indecision limits even the most talented," the Grand Elder explained.
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