The Masked Warrior’s Art of Cultivation

The morning air was crisp, the scent of damp earth and pine drifting through the clearing as Li Tianren stretched his aching limbs. Every muscle in his body screamed in protest, a constant reminder of his so-called training from the past few days.

Luo Chengfeng sat on the porch, silver hair catching the early sunlight as he sipped his tea, completely unbothered by Tianren's suffering. The old man had no sympathy, no mercy, and an unnatural ability to smack Tianren with a wooden staff from angles he didn't even know existed.

Tianren adjusted the travel pack slung over his shoulder. Inside, he had a few dried rations, a waterskin, and a deep sense of dread for whatever awaited him at Cloudsong Sect. The moment of departure had finally arrived.

Luo Chengfeng set his cup down. "You're ready."

Tianren exhaled. "If by 'ready' you mean 'I can now dodge slightly better before getting hit,' then yes, I'm absolutely ready."

Luo Chengfeng smirked. "That's more than most people can manage."

Tianren wasn't sure if that was a compliment or an insult.

A beat of silence passed between them, the kind that felt heavier than words. Then, Luo Chengfeng spoke again, his tone more serious.

"You will face many trials ahead, but do not lose yourself."

Tianren frowned slightly. "You sound like you're not expecting me to pass."

"I expect nothing," Luo Chengfeng said, standing up. "Whether you succeed or fail depends on you alone."

Tianren shifted his pack. "Any last advice?"

Luo Chengfeng smirked. "Don't die."

Tianren shot him a flat look. "Really? That's it? No wise sayings, no secret techniques?"

The old man shrugged. "If you live, we'll talk again."

Tianren sighed. Typical.

Without another word, he turned toward the forest path, leaving behind the clearing that had become his first home in this world.

The journey to Cloudsong Sect was long and brutal.

For two days, Tianren traveled on foot, through dense forests and along narrow mountain paths. His body, still battered from training, protested every step. The Mistclad Mountains loomed ahead, a towering maze of cliffs and valleys where the sect was hidden.

As he neared his destination, the roads became more traveled. Other young hopefuls, dressed in simple robes, walked the same path. Some carried weapons—swords, spears, bows—while others had pouches filled with herbs or scrolls, likely students of alchemy or talisman crafting.

Tianren ignored the occasional glances thrown his way. Compared to them, he looked like a complete nobody.

And that was fine.

He had no flashy techniques, no legendary bloodline, no family name backing him. Just bruises, a sharp tongue, and a mask spirit root he still didn't understand.

He listened to the passing conversations instead.

"I heard the Cloudsong Sect's examination changes every year," one hopeful whispered. "Last time, they made candidates climb the Mirror Cliff without using Qi!"

"That's nothing," another muttered. "Five years ago, they threw all the applicants into a valley full of spirit beasts and told them to survive."

Tianren frowned. Was this a sect or a death trap?

By the second night, the road had widened into a stone pathway leading to a massive archway. Beyond it, mist curled between the cliffs, partially obscuring the towering pagodas of Cloudsong Sect.

A river ran through the lower courtyards, its waters so clear they reflected the sky like glass. White cranes glided through the air, their wings catching the morning light.

Tianren exhaled.

This was Cloudsong Sect.

And if everything went well, it would be his new home.

The examination grounds were a massive stone courtyard, large enough to fit several hundred people.

By the time Tianren arrived, the area was already packed. Some hopefuls stood alone, like him, while others had formed small groups, whispering among themselves.

At the far end of the courtyard, a raised platform stood, where a row of Cloudsong Sect elders sat in silence.

One of them—a tall, imposing man with streaks of silver in his dark hair—stepped forward. His robes bore the crest of the sect, and his aura alone was enough to silence the murmuring crowd.

Tianren felt it immediately.

This was not a man to be trifled with.

The elder's gaze swept over the gathered candidates, as if weighing their worth with a single glance. When he spoke, his voice carried effortlessly across the courtyard.

"The Cloudsong Sect does not accept mediocrity."

Silence.

"If you have come here expecting an easy path, leave now. We do not waste time on those without resolve."

Tianren remained still.

A few hopefuls shifted uncomfortably. A handful of them actually stepped away, turning to leave without a word.

The elder continued, undisturbed.

"The first test begins now. Spirit Root Evaluation."

A ripple of tension passed through the candidates. Tianren frowned. They were testing spirit roots first?

One of the disciples stepped forward, holding a glowing crystal orb.

"Step forward when your name is called," the elder instructed. "Place your hand on the crystal. It will reveal the nature of your spirit root."

One by one, names were called, and candidates stepped forward.

Some crystals flared brightly, marking them as talented. Others barely flickered, and those individuals were dismissed immediately.

Tianren watched carefully.

Spirit roots weren't just about raw power. They determined a cultivator's affinity, their potential, and even their cultivation path.

Then, his name was called.

He stepped forward.

Ignoring the whispers around him, Tianren placed his hand on the crystal.

For a moment, nothing happened.

Then—the crystal turned deep brown, veins of golden light pulsing through it.

The air shifted.

A low murmur spread through the candidates. The sect elders exchanged brief glances, their expressions unreadable.

Tianren kept his face neutral. What had they seen?

Finally, the elder in charge of the test spoke. His voice was calm, but his gaze lingered on Tianren for a moment longer than necessary.

"Unclassified Spirit Root."

A ripple of surprise spread through the crowd.

Tianren withdrew his hand. The crystal dimmed.

The elder studied him for a second longer before nodding. "Pass."

Tianren exhaled, stepping back into the crowd.

The first test was complete.

But something told him—this was only the beginning.