Volume One: Emergence Chapter Two: Opening the Door

After Liu Kaixin pledged himself to Fengwu Sect, he followed his master to a secluded mountain valley. The air here was thick with spiritual energy, and the valley was shrouded in mist, resembling a paradise on earth. In the valley stood a simple stone house, quietly steadfast. Before the house lay a wide, open meadow—the perfect place for cultivation.

“Kaixin, from today onward, you shall dedicate yourself to cultivation here,” Fengwu said kindly, her eyes filled with expectation. “The path of cultivation is like rowing against the current; if you do not advance, you will retreat. Do you have the determination?”

Liu Kaixin knelt on one knee, his expression resolute, and declared loudly, “Master, rest assured. I will give my all and live up to your expectations!”

Fengwu nodded slightly, waving her hand. An ancient tome emitting a faint glow floated before Liu Kaixin. “This is the Phoenix Clan’s cultivation manual, ‘Flame Phoenix Technique.’ Study it carefully and grasp its essence.”

Liu Kaixin accepted the manual with both hands. The cover bore three simple characters, “Flame Phoenix Technique,” which shimmered with a mysterious light. He carefully opened it, and an ancient, potent aura washed over him. The manual detailed a unique cultivation method, explaining every step meticulously—from breathing in spiritual energy, circulating channels, condensing spiritual power, to casting spells.

He devoured the text eagerly, losing himself in its depths. After an indeterminate time, he finally lifted his head, eyes shining with excitement. “Master, I have roughly comprehended the foundational methods of the ‘Flame Phoenix Technique.’”

Fengwu’s face showed satisfaction. “Very good. Since that is so, begin your first practice. Remember, calm your heart and feel the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. Draw it into your body and refine your channels according to the cultivation path.”

Liu Kaixin took a deep breath, slowly closing his eyes. Following the manual’s instructions, he attempted to sense the spiritual energy around him. At first, all was silent, and impatience stirred within him. But he quickly adjusted his mindset, allowing his heart to grow peaceful.

Then, as if carried on the breeze, he heard the rustling of leaves—the sound of spiritual energy flowing! He followed it, striving to catch its trace. At last, a faint glimmer of spiritual energy entered his body, darting like a lively fish through his channels.

He dared not slacken his focus, concentrating fully to guide the energy along the path prescribed by the Flame Phoenix Technique. As the energy circulated, warmth spread through his body, a gentle current flowing within.

However, cultivation was not without obstacles. When the energy reached a certain channel node, it suddenly met resistance. Liu Kaixin felt sharp pain, as if thousands of needles pierced him. Gritting his teeth and soaked in sweat, he refused to give up.

He continuously adjusted how the energy flowed, repeatedly assaulting the blockage. Finally, with a thunderous burst, the node shattered, and the spiritual energy surged like a torrent through his channels.

Liu Kaixin was ecstatic; he knew he had taken his first successful step in cultivation. Opening his eyes, confidence gleamed within them. “Master, I have succeeded!”

Fengwu smiled and nodded. “Well done. Breaking through a channel node on your first try is no small feat. But this is only the beginning; the road ahead is long.”

Liu Kaixin nodded emphatically. “I understand, Master. I will work even harder.”

In the days that followed, Liu Kaixin trained tirelessly. He rose early each day to practice breathing techniques under the morning sun; at night, beneath the moonlight, he wielded his long blade, infusing its strikes with the spiritual power from the Flame Phoenix Technique. Over time, his strength grew steadily, and his command of the blade became ever more deft.

One day, Fengwu summoned Liu Kaixin with a serious expression. “Kaixin, your strength has improved markedly. Today, I will teach you a more advanced blade technique—the Gate-Opening Blade.”

Excitement flickered in Liu Kaixin’s eyes as he knelt promptly. “Thank you, Master!”

Fengwu waved her hand, conjuring a radiant light that formed into a phantom long blade in her palm. Slowly, she began to wield it. Blade light shimmered, spiritual energy radiated with each stroke, imbuing every move with the power of creation itself.

Liu Kaixin focused intently, imprinting every movement in his mind. When she finished, Fengwu said, “The Gate-Opening Blade consists of three forms. The first, ‘Heaven and Earth Cleave,’ uses immense power to break all obstacles before you. The second, ‘Cloud Piercer,’ is incredibly swift, capable of breaching defenses in an instant. The third, ‘All Phenomena Unite,’ gathers all your strength into a single, devastating strike. Begin by practicing the first form.”

Liu Kaixin stood, grasping his own long blade, and began practicing the first form. He raised the blade high; spiritual power surged within him, then he struck downward with force. With a thunderous crack, the boulder before him split cleanly in two.

A thrill surged through him, but he soon realized that though powerful, his strike was still far from matching his master’s demonstration. He knew he must keep practicing to truly master the essence of this blade art.

Thus, he practiced tirelessly, over and over. Each swing received his full focus; he continually refined his posture, strength, and spiritual energy control, undeterred by fatigue or hardship.

Days passed, and Liu Kaixin’s skill with the first form of the Gate-Opening Blade grew steadily, his strikes more powerful. He could easily cleave boulders and even carve a path through dense forest.

Yet he was not content. Aware that cultivation required constant progress, he began experimenting by merging the spiritual power from the Flame Phoenix Technique with the blade form, seeking a more formidable attack.

During one practice, a sudden inspiration struck. As he swung his blade, he compressed the spiritual energy to its extreme and then unleashed it explosively. Flames roared along the blade, magnifying its power several times over. A large tree before him was cleaved in half at the trunk, the cut smoldering with fierce fire.

Overjoyed, Liu Kaixin rushed to Fengwu. “Master, look! I have succeeded!”

Fengwu gazed at the felled tree, admiration shining in her eyes. “Well done, Kaixin. Your ability to integrate spiritual power with blade technique is rare. But do not grow complacent. Continue your cultivation and master the second and third forms of the Gate-Opening Blade as soon as possible.”

Liu Kaixin nodded with determination. “I understand, Master. I will work even harder!”

From that day forward, Liu Kaixin devoted himself more earnestly to cultivation. His sole aim was to become a true master, wielding his blade to uphold justice and peace in the world. On this challenging yet promising path, he took steady steps toward his goal…