Awakening at the Lunar Core

As Wei Xiao approached the entrance, a soft glow emanated from within, casting flickering shadows against the ancient stone walls. The air seemed heavier with each step, as if the weight of countless years of cultivation pressed upon him.

As the doors of the Lunar Core opened, a quiet murmur arose among the gathered disciples who lingered nearby, their whispers carrying a mixture of awe and reverence.

“Have you ever seen this before? All three of them—Elder Shen Ming, Elder Jiang Li, and Sect Master Qiu Liang—together?”

“It’s like the days of the Three Dragons all over again,” another whispered. “Back then, they carried the Spirit Moon Sect to heights unseen. And now… now each of them has a prodigious disciple entering the Lunar Core.”

“Qiu Liang’s disciple, Zhen Fang, is said to be a prodigy unlike any other.”

“And Ying Mei, Elder Jiang Li’s student—she’s a genius with unparalleled talent.”

“But what about Elder Shen Ming’s new disciple, Wei Xiao? He’s only been here a short while.”

“He entered as a core disciple. That speaks for itself. If anyone can rival the others, it might be him.”

Wei Xiao, however, was oblivious to their remarks. His attention was wholly consumed by the sight of the Lunar Core’s entrance. The ancient doors towered before him, etched with intricate carvings that depicted celestial constellations, roaring dragons, and flowing rivers—all symbols of the sect’s storied past. The subtle hum of energy emanating from the doors seemed to beckon him forward.

Stepping closer, he felt the faint resonance of Qi surging within him, almost as though the Lunar Core itself was alive and watching.

“What do you think, Wei Xiao?” Shen Ming’s voice broke his trance. “This is a place where beauty and strength coexist. Appreciate it—but do not lose sight of why you are here.”

Wei Xiao bowed slightly. “Yes, Master. The Lunar Core’s reputation doesn’t do it justice. It is… breathtaking.”

Beside him, Elder Jiang Li approached with his disciple, Ying Mei. Her silver hair gleamed under the light filtering through the mountain’s peaks, her cold gaze unwavering as it swept over Wei Xiao.

“It’s rare to see you lost for words,” Ying Mei said, her voice laced with faint amusement. “I trust you’re not overwhelmed already?”

Wei Xiao smirked, finding some comfort in the familiar tone of their exchanges. “Overwhelmed? Hardly. Merely taking a moment to appreciate the surroundings. I’ll do the same when I surpass you.”

A flicker of irritation crossed her face before she regained her composure. “Such confidence for someone who’s still struggling with the extraordinary meridians. Let us hope your foundation is strong enough to endure.”

Zhen Fang, standing beside Sect Master Qiu Liang, chuckled softly. “It seems the two of you enjoy sharpening your words as much as your swords. A rivalry like that can forge greatness—or chaos.”

Wei Xiao turned his gaze toward Zhen Fang, noticing the man’s calm yet commanding presence. “And where do you stand, Senior Brother? Observer or participant?”

“Neither,” Zhen Fang replied, his tone measured. “I stand as myself, seeking my own path. Rivalries are fleeting, but the Dao is eternal.”

Ying Mei folded her arms, her tone dismissive. “It seems even Wei Xiao’s boldness has its limits. Is that all you have to say?”

Wei Xiao met her gaze with a sly grin. “For now. I wouldn’t want to overwhelm you with wit before we even begin.”

A faint color rose to Ying Mei’s cheeks, though she quickly turned away. “Let us proceed. The Lunar Core awaits.”

As Wei Xiao crosses his legs and ready himself for meditation, he hears a voice “Impressive, huh?”

Wei Xiao turned abruptly at the familiar voice and saw Qiu Ning standing a few paces away, her fiery red curls bouncing as she grinned at him. To his surprise, Qiu Shen and Li Mei Hua were there too, standing near one of the glowing lakes, their serene postures radiating a quiet confidence.

“Qiu Ning?” Wei Xiao blinked, stunned. “You’re here? All of you?”

Her grin widened, her green eyes sparkling with amusement. “Of course we’re here! Did you think you were the only elite disciple around? Spirit Moon’s finest, remember?”

Wei Xiao opened his mouth to respond, but Qiu Ning cut him off, gesturing dramatically. “Look at him! Already acting like he’s discovered the greatest secret of the sect. Sorry to burst your bubble, but some of us have been here for years.”

“That’s enough, Qiu Ning,” Qiu Shen said, his calm voice breaking through her teasing. “It’s his first time. Let him take it in.”

Li Mei Hua, standing by the water’s edge, added with a faint smile, “The Lunar Core can be overwhelming at first. Take your time, Wei Xiao. It’s a gift few receive.”

Wei Xiao exhaled slowly, a small smile tugging at his lips. “I wasn’t expecting company.”

“Well, get used to it,” Qiu Ning said, clapping him on the shoulder with surprising force. “We’re not going anywhere. Besides, someone has to make sure you don’t fall into one of these Qi pools.”

Wei Xiao eventually settled into a meditative stance near one of the glowing streams. His fellow disciples gave him space, each returning to their own cultivation. The dense Qi flowed into him effortlessly, more potent than anything he had ever experienced. He focused his mind, guiding the energy toward the second extraordinary meridian. The resistance was formidable, like trying to push against an immovable boulder.

Then, as he concentrated, the mysterious stone within his soul began to stir.

A warmth spread through Wei Xiao’s body, distinct from the natural Qi surrounding him. It wasn’t merely the essence of the Lunar Core—it was something deeper, something alive. The stone embedded in his dantian began to hum with an energy that was both foreign and familiar, its pulse syncing with his own heartbeat. As the resonance grew, his consciousness was pulled inward, drawn into a world that seemed to exist only within his mind.

In the expanse of his mind’s eye, a golden silhouette emerged, radiant and ethereal. The figure moved with a grace that defied description, its motions fluid yet deliberate, each one charged with purpose. It began tracing patterns in the air, intricate seals and movements that seemed to resonate with the very fabric of the heavens. The air around the figure shimmered, rippling with power that transcended words.

Wei Xiao felt an irresistible pull. His body, though seated in meditation, responded instinctively, mirroring the figure’s every motion. His hands moved in tandem with the golden silhouette, each gesture precise, each movement unlocking something deep within him. It was as though he were opening doors—no, gateways—within his body, the checkpoints of his meridians yielding to the energy coursing through him.

Outside, the air around Wei Xiao began to shift, trembling with a force that could not be contained. The dense Qi of the Lunar Core, previously calm and unyielding, surged toward him like a tidal wave drawn by an unseen force. The disciples nearby stirred from their own meditation, their attention captured by the scene unfolding before them.

Streams of luminous energy swirled like a vortex, converging around Wei Xiao. His robes billowed violently as though caught in a storm, his figure a beacon at the heart of the chaos. The glow of the Lunar Core seemed to dim, its power bending toward him in submission. Even the natural flows of Qi that coursed through the training grounds quaked, their balance disrupted by the sheer intensity of his cultivation.

“What is he doing?” Qiu Ning whispered, her usual playful tone replaced by a rare awe. She stood on the edge of the training field, her fiery curls barely stirring against the turbulence.

Qiu Shen, standing beside her, crossed his arms, his brows furrowed in thought. “The Qi… it’s not just gathering around him—it’s responding to him, like a vessel pouring itself out into something greater.”

Li Mei Hua stood a short distance away, her serene demeanor unshaken, though her sharp gaze betrayed a flicker of astonishment. “This isn’t ordinary cultivation,” she said quietly, her voice carrying a note of rare reverence. “Whatever is guiding him—it’s profound. A force beyond what we understand.”

The intensity continued to build. The vortex of Qi around Wei Xiao grew stronger, the streams of light weaving tighter around his form. His skin glowed faintly, veins of golden energy visible beneath the surface. The golden silhouette in his mind’s eye moved faster, the seals and motions growing more complex. Yet, Wei Xiao followed with unerring precision, his instincts sharper than they had ever been.

With one final motion, the golden figure placed its hands together in a seal, a gesture that radiated completion. Wei Xiao mimicked the motion, and as his hands came together, the vortex of Qi collapsed inward, drawn entirely into his dantian. A thunderous silence followed, the air still as if the world itself had paused to bear witness.

Wei Xiao opened his eyes, their dark depths now tinged with faint traces of gold. The disciples around him remained frozen in their places, their expressions a mix of awe and disbelief. Qiu Ning was the first to break the silence.

“That,” she said, her voice hushed yet fervent, “was not normal.”

“It wasn’t meant to be,” Qiu Shen replied, his tone heavier than usual. His gaze remained fixed on Wei Xiao. “He’s not like us.”

Wei Xiao rose slowly, his movements deliberate, as if testing the new strength coursing through him. He glanced around, meeting their eyes briefly before turning toward the Lunar Core. His expression was unreadable, but within, his thoughts burned with clarity.

The stone’s energy had awakened something within him. He didn’t fully understand it, but one thing was clear—this was only the beginning.

When Wei Xiao’s eyes fluttered open, his body hummed with vitality, and the air around him seemed to crackle with latent energy. He looked up to find his fellow disciples and Elder Shen Ming staring at him in stunned silence.

“What… happened?” Wei Xiao asked, his voice hoarse.

Qiu Ning was the first to recover, throwing her hands in the air. “What happened? Wei Xiao, you just cleared four extraordinary meridians in one session! Four! Who even does that?”

Wei Xiao blinked, his mind racing to catch up. “Four…?”

Shen Ming stepped forward, his gaze sharp but unreadable. “Indeed. Even the most gifted disciples clear one meridian at a time, perhaps two in rare cases. You… have surpassed expectations.”

Wei Xiao’s heart raced. He thought of the stone, its profound energy and the fragments of ancient knowledge it had shown him. If I can barely comprehend its teachings, and yet it has this kind of effect… what is its true potential?

Li Mei Hua’s calm voice broke through his thoughts. “Your progress is extraordinary, Wei Xiao. But we are not without our own achievements.” Her gaze flickered toward Qiu Ning and Qiu Shen before continuing. “Qiu Ning has cleared three meridians. Qiu Shen is at the final stage of the core foundation realm. And Ying Mei—she has cleared all eight and is already advancing through the third stage of Foundation Establishment.”

Shen Ming nodded, his tone carrying a gravity that filled the air. “You are all the hope of the Spirit Moon Sect. Together, you represent the future—perhaps even its salvation. The sect has languished in decline for decades. But with talent like yours, and determination like Wei Xiao’s, we may yet restore our glory.”

For a moment, silence reigned, heavy with the weight of his words. Then, whispers started to rise among the disciples, murmurs of awe and speculation directed toward Wei Xiao.

“That’s enough for today,” Shen Ming said, his voice cutting through the murmurs. “Return to your training. Each of you has your own path to walk.”

The disciples bowed in unison before beginning to leave, their footsteps fading down the stone paths. As the group began to disperse, Qiu Ning lingered, clapping Wei Xiao on the shoulder with her usual energy. “Don’t fall behind, Wei Xiao. You’ve got a fire in you—keep it burning.”

When their voices faded, Wei Xiao stood alone near the glowing streams of the Lunar Core. The energy still thrummed faintly in the air, a reminder of what had just transpired. He closed his eyes, Shen Ming’s words echoing in his mind.

Hope. Salvation. Legacy.

The moonlight bathed the mountain in its soft glow, and Wei Xiao turned toward his quarters, resolve etched into every step. Whatever lay ahead—be it trials, rivals, or revelations—he would face it. Not for himself alone, but for the Spirit Moon Sect and the future they sought to reclaim.

"No matter the challenge, I will not falter."

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