The journey from the valley to the Iron Flame Sect took nearly half a day
Kael walked behind the three disciples as they traveled along the mountain path
The forest gradually became thinner as the terrain rose higher
Towering cliffs surrounded the winding road
In the distance, Kael finally saw it
A massive mountain fortress built into the cliffs
Stone towers stretched toward the sky
Bridges connected different peaks
Large banners displaying a flaming emblem waved in the wind
The Iron Flame Sect
Kael felt something strange in his chest
Excitement
Determination
This was the place he had dreamed about entering
But not like this
Originally he believed he would never even step near such a place
Yet here he was
Walking directly toward its gates
One of the disciples spoke behind him
"You're quiet."
Kael glanced at him
The young man shrugged
"Just thinking."
The disciple laughed
"If you're lucky, Elder Taron might let you join the sect."
The other disciple shook his head
"He has no Aether. That's impossible."
Rylan remained silent the entire time
He continued studying Kael carefully
Something about the young man didn't make sense
The way he walked
The calmness in his eyes
The faint pressure coming from his body
It felt… unnatural
Eventually they reached the massive stone gates
Two armored guards stood outside
Rylan stepped forward
"Outer disciple Rylan returning from forest patrol."
One guard nodded
Then his eyes moved toward Kael
"And him?"
Rylan replied simply
"A special case."
The guards exchanged glances
But they allowed them to pass
Kael stepped through the gates
For the first time in his life
He entered the world of cultivators
The sect was enormous
Training fields stretched across the mountainside
Hundreds of disciples practiced sword techniques, martial arts, and energy control
Kael could feel powerful Aether everywhere
Yet strangely…
His Origin Energy did not feel weaker
Instead, it reacted calmly
Like it existed on a completely different level
Rylan finally stopped in front of a large stone hall
"This is the Hall of Elders."
He turned toward Kael
"Inside is Elder Taron."
Kael remembered the old cultivator clearly
The man who had once judged him worthless
Rylan pushed open the doors
The hall was quiet
At the far end sat an elderly man in silver robes
His sharp eyes immediately moved toward the entrance
Elder Taron
And the moment he saw Kael
His expression changed slightly
Recognition
Confusion
Then curiosity
"Well," the elder said slowly
"Isn't this interesting…"
"The Aetherless boy from Veyron Village."
Kael stepped forward calmly
The true beginning of his journey had finally arrived.