Chapter 5

As eighteen years passed in the hidden valley, Jin Long blossomed into a young man. His frame, once small and delicate, now held a quiet strength, his movements fluid and precise, honed by years of gentle guidance and rigorous, though unspoken, training. The time had come for the fated day of his awakening. Elder Li, his grandfather and mentor, chose the secluded courtyard as the venue, a place where ancient, gnarled trees stood sentinel around a smooth, stone platform. He carefully set up a soundproof array, its intricate runes glowing faintly to ensure privacy, along with several other defensive formations, their subtle hum barely audible. He knew Jin Long’s bloodline was far from ordinary, and a normal awakening was not to be expected.

The day was clear, the sky a brilliant azure, and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves of ancient trees, carrying the scent of pine and damp earth. Jin Long, with a heart full of both anticipation and calm resolve, stepped forward and placed his hand upon the God Crystal. The crystal, usually a dull, smooth stone, flared with an intensity that forced Elder Li to shield his eyes. What happened next was unprecedented. Instead of revealing a single path, the crystal erupted in a cascade of colors—a shimmering gold for the Martial Warrior, a vibrant emerald for the Alchemist, a deep sapphire for the Formation Master, and a fierce, fiery red for the Weapon Refiner. Jin Long had awakened all four cultivation paths, a feat no one in history had ever achieved. Even more astonishing, a mythical, draconic energy pulsed visibly from him, coalescing into a faint, golden aura around his form, confirming the unique bloodline Elder Li had always suspected.

The village erupted in celebration that night. Bonfires blazed, casting dancing shadows on the faces of Jin Long's family, their cheers echoing through the valley. Elder Li, his face beaming with pride and a rare, profound joy, saw not just a prodigy, but a chance to preserve and expand their legacy. He decided to share all of his profound knowledge, holding nothing back, to guide Jin Long on this monumental path.

Jin Long’s cultivation journey began with a natural affinity that defied all logic. He could feel the flow of qi not as a trickle, but as a surging river within his meridians. Within two short days, he reached the second level of Qi Condensation, a process that would take an average person months, if not years. Elder Li, recognizing his incredible pace, began teaching him basic martial arts techniques, blending powerful strikes with the seamless flow of qi. Jin Long started all four cultivation paths, focusing on them one by one, his mind a sponge for knowledge. His comprehension was so rapid that within six months, he broke through to the ninth level of the Qi Condensation realm, ready for the next breakthrough.

Before advancing further, Elder Li deemed it essential to solidify his foundational skills. He taught Jin Long advanced alchemy techniques, and soon the young man was a First-Tier Alchemist, capable of concocting complex elixirs. In the art of formations, Jin Long's innate talent shone, his understanding of energy arrays allowing him to quickly become a Second-Tier Formation Master. However, his progress in Weapon Refining was stalled. The rigorous discipline of controlling fire and the absence of a natural spiritual flame in their secluded valley meant he couldn't advance beyond the most basic principles.

The time had come to venture into the wider world. Their sanctuary, while peaceful and abundant, could no longer provide what Jin Long needed to fully cultivate his potential, especially in the art of Weapon Refining. Elder Li and Jin Long decided to journey to the Xia Kingdom, a vast and ancient land known for its rich spiritual resources and diverse cultivation sects. The vast, open world of mortals, with its bustling cities and hidden spiritual lands, beckoned.

Together, they began their journey, leaving behind the only home Jin Long had ever known. The morning sun painted the sky in hues of orange and pink as they descended the mountain, their path winding through a dense forest where a chorus of vibrant, jewel-toned birds greeted the new day. They were simply dressed in durable, dark-colored robes, carrying only small, sturdy satchels containing dried provisions, a few medicinal herbs, and Elder Li's gnarled wooden staff, which hummed faintly with spiritual energy.

As they trekked, the hidden paths of the mountain slowly gave way to more defined trails. They passed cascading waterfalls that shimmered like silver ribbons against dark rock, and serene, clear rivers where agile deer grazed peacefully on the banks. The air grew warmer, carrying the scent of wildflowers and distant earth. Yet, the journey was not without its perils. Deeper within the forested valleys, the shadows lengthened, and the calls of lurking predators echoed through the trees. Jin Long, with his heightened senses, often caught the scent of low-level demonic beasts—shadowy figures that darted through the undergrowth, their eyes glowing faintly in the dim light. Elder Li, with a mere flick of his wrist, would send a pulse of spiritual energy that deterred them, teaching Jin Long subtle lessons in spiritual deterrence and awareness. They navigated narrow mountain passes with sheer drops, and crossed ancient, moss-covered bridges spanning deep ravines, the distant roar of unseen rivers filling the air. Jin Long looked back one last time at the mountain shrouded in mist, a golden light briefly catching on its highest peak, knowing his life's true adventure was just beginning.

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