The next morning, golden sunlight bathed the newly restored Dragon Sect. Spiritual energy flowed naturally through the mountains, and the Sect's formation pulsed with life, protecting all within its bounds. Chen Fei stood atop the highest pavilion, arms crossed, wind gently pulling at his robes.
The world felt different now. He was no longer a boy trapped by fate—he was the Sect Master of the Dragon Sect, reborn from legend.
[Mission Complete: Establish the Dragon Sect HQ] [Reward Claimed: Defensive Shield Core Activated, Formation Strength +200%]
[New Mission Unlocked: Recruit Your First Disciples – Reward: Spirit Spring Upgrade + Sect Resource Center Unlock]
Chen Fei opened his inventory and pulled out a glowing scroll.
[Recruitment Scroll x1 – Use to attract a qualified outer disciple from nearby regions.]
"Let's start small," he said and activated the scroll.
A soft blue light flashed, followed by a breeze that scattered petals across the Sect. From the wind stepped a young man, eyes sharp like a hawk, dressed in ragged clothes.
He knelt instantly. "I, Wei Jin, was drawn by a mysterious force. I seek to follow the way of power. Please accept me, Sect Master!"
Chen Fei nodded. "Welcome to the Dragon Sect, Wei Jin."
[Outer Disciple Wei Jin added. Potential: High. Affinity: Wind Element.]
Long Tian approached from behind. "He has strong roots. Train him well, and he may become a core disciple."
Chen Fei turned to Xue Lian, the Ice Phoenix Elder. "Let's prepare him for a trial. I want to see what he's made of."
Later that day, Chen Fei led Wei Jin and Elder Xue Lian to the Trial Grounds—a forest filled with ancient beasts, bound by the Sect's array.
"Complete this trial," Chen Fei said, "and you'll earn your place."
Wei Jin nodded. "I won't disappoint you."
The trial began.
Spiritual wolves emerged from the trees, snarling, their bodies flickering with wind energy. Wei Jin clenched his fists and called on his inner strength. A gust of wind swirled around him, deflecting the wolves' first strike.
"He's awakening wind manipulation already," Xue Lian observed.
Chen Fei watched carefully. Wei Jin was rough, but promising.
After thirty minutes of combat, Wei Jin collapsed—bruised but victorious.
[Trial Completed. Outer Disciple Wei Jin's rank increased to Inner Disciple. New technique unlocked: Wind Saber Art.]
"Well done," Chen Fei said. "You've earned your place."
Wei Jin bowed low. "Thank you, Sect Master!"
[Mission Complete: First Disciple Recruited.] [Reward Unlocked: Spirit Spring – Level 1. Sect Resource Center Opened.]
A distant rumble echoed from within the mountain. A stream of glowing water surged into the central courtyard—a Spirit Spring, filled with pure cultivation energy.
"Now," Long Tian said, stepping forward, "it's time we test the world's reaction."
Chen Fei narrowed his eyes. "Let the other sects feel our return. But we move slowly, carefully."
Far away, in the Cloud Pearl Sect, an elder's face darkened.
"The Dragon Sect has summoned another spirit spring... Impossible."
Trouble was already brewing.
And Chen Fei had only just begun.