Chapter 2 Foundations of Power
946 Words
The morning sun cast a golden hue over Green Jade City, its rays illuminating the polished stone floors of the Yu Clans Main Hall. For the second day in a row, the disciples of the Yu Clan were gathered, lined in orderly rows within the towering chamber. A solemn silence filled the space as the elders entered, their flowing robes trailing behind them like waves of jade and silver.
Greetings, Supreme Elders and Elders! the disciples chorused, their youthful voices echoing with vigor and discipline.
The Second Elder, the one in charge of internal affairs, nodded and returned the greeting with a composed smile. Behind him entered several other elders and, most notably, a tall man with a commanding presence and a warm gaze. His eyes swept across the hall, pausing briefly on Yu Long and Yu Tianhao before continuing. This was Yu Zhong, the first Supreme Elder, elder brother of the Clan Head, and father of Yu Long.
Congratulations, Yu Zhong began, his voice calm yet powerful. You have stepped into the first threshold of cultivationthe Body Tempering Realm. From this day forward, your fates no longer lie in your birth alone, but in your strength, willpower, and cultivation.
The disciples listened with rapt attention.
Yu Zhong continued, The path of cultivation is not easy. As you progress, it only becomes harder. But if your hearts remain firm, and your resolve unwavering, you will find yourselves standing at the peak of this world.
He paused, allowing his words to settle.
This Green Jade City was built by our great founderthe Green Jade Ancestorwho also birthed our Yu Clans bloodline. That is why the Clan Head is also the City Lord. You are not just cultivators, you are future guardians of this legacy.
The atmosphere in the hall turned reverent.
Now, he went on, you must understand the political landscape of the Western Region. There are three major first-tier clansour Yu Clan, the Jiang Clan of Sky Cloud City, and the Luo Clan of Bright Radiant City. And above all stands the dominant force: the Empyrean Palace, the Great Sect of the Western Region.
He paused again.
Although the Great Sect do not interfere in internal clan matters, they observe all. Every clan is kept in balance by their silent watch. Rivalries do existespecially between us and the Luo Clanbut they have not yet broken into true conflict.
A few disciples nodded in quiet agreement. Many had heard of past scuffles with the Luo Clan during minor tournaments.
The Jiang Clan, Yu Zhong added, is often seen as the strongest of the three. They remain neutral, quiet... but make no mistakethey are not to be underestimated.
Taking over next was Second Elder Yu Qinq, his voice raspier but no less authoritative. Today, we conclude the ceremony with the distribution of cultivation resources. Each of you will receive two Body Tempering Pills. Those who awakened a ranked Spirit Body will receive three additional pills, totaling five.
Excitement flickered in the disciples eyes.
"But more importantly, he continued, you must all begin preparing for the Three Clan Spirit Competition.
The hall buzzed immediately at the mention of the event.
This is a tri-annual event between the Yu, Luo, and Jiang Clans. Each clan holds an internal competition. The top five disciples from each clan then face off in the Three Clan Spirit Competition. Not only is it a matter of prideit is an opportunity.
Yu Zhong added, Representatives from the Empyrean Palace will attend. If they are pleased by your performance, you may receive an invitation to join them. This is the dream of manyand an honor only few achieve.
The elders' expressions turned serious.
Ive heard, Mu Zhong said slowly, that both the Luo and Jiang Clans have awakened powerful Dao Bodies this year bodies belonging to their founding ancestors bloodlines. So dont get complacent.
The disciples bowed and respectfully received their resourcessmall wooden boxes containing jade-colored pills that pulsed with faint spiritual energy.
Before dismissing them, the third elder murmured, Let them carry the pressure. Some diamonds are only forged under weight.
The second elder asked, When will the Clan Head return?
Before the Great Competition, Yu Zhong replied. He would not miss it.
Later that day, *Yu Tianhao* sat cross-legged in his personal courtyard, the world around him calm and still. His courtyard overlooked a quiet lotus pond, a reflection of his inner statefocused, but uncertain.
So what is my next step? he murmured to himself.
He clenched the jade box in his hand, containing his pills.
I know what I have isn't just a normal Sage Talent, he whispered. Ever since I awakened it, somethings been stirring deep within me not in my meridians or dantianbut somewhere deeper. My soul?
He looked up at the sky.
But to understand it I need strength. Real strength. I must reach theNascent Soul Realm at least. Only then can I start investigating this... presence.
His gaze turned sharp.
The internal competition is only a bridge. The real goal is the Three Clan Spirit Competition.
He recalled what hed heard earlier.
Last years winner was from the Jiang Clan. Early fifth stage of Body Tempering Realm. And this time, theyve awakened a Dao Body, stronger than the Green Jade Body. That means they may reach mid or even late fifth stage
Yu Tianhao stood, his robe fluttering in the gentle wind.
Ill need to reach late stage or peak fifth stage of the Body tempering realm to stand a chance. And I will.
His hands clenched as confidence poured through him like fire.
This was the first vow of Yu Tianhao on the path to the martial peak.
- Writer
