"What's a martial arts sect?" Lin Fan asked with furrowed eyebrows, unsure of this strange term.
Yan Li's face lit up with a bright smile. "A sect is a group of martial artists who are trained to become stronger. The resources under sects are immense and a single sect has the power to wipe out all the ten oases. In fact, each oases is given a single free spot to join. However, there are another three spots which people have to compete for."
Chief Yan chimed in. "Yes, we hope that you can agree to represent Aruni village in the competition for the extra spots. My son here will join through the free spot and I hope that you two will meet there."
Lin Fan took a moment of thought. "I'm not even that strong so why would you choose me?"
Yan Li took a step towards Lin Fan and Lin Fan observed him. Suddenly, a right jab came flying straight at his face from Yan Li. Without even a moment of thought, Lin Fan ducked right and avoided the hit. Next thing that came was a devilish uppercut. The blow was fast, decisive and an absolute finisher. However, Lin Fan threw his head back barely dodging the devastating blow. He then shuffled back to build distance.
"What are you doing?" Lin Fan was in shock of Yan Li's actions, but what shocked him more was the power behind his strikes. Sure, they were not anywhere close to his father's yet they could still do some damage if they had landed.
Yan Li smirked. "I'm impressed. I knew you were strong. You were able to dodge my punches. You are one of the strongest in this village."
Chief Yan explained. Yan Li's strength wasn't weak. He was just a short distance away from entering the body refinement phase of cultivation and even among the young masters from other oases, he was still considered a rare talent.
"Body refinement is divided into four ranks; Warrior, Profound Opening, Spirit Sea and Purity State. My son here is almost at the warrior level. In no less than a year, he will breakthrough and enter warrior level. You are around the same level as him. You should join. If you do, you will gain a lot of resources."
"What level are you, Chief Yan?"
"I'm around the peak of Profound Opening. Spirit Sea cultivators are rare and are usually the experienced instructor in sects. Purity State cultivators are even fewer and are usually elders in sects."
"Hmm, interesting." Lin Fan thought. What does it feel like to be so strong? He desired that power. The power to move freely, both in day and at night. "Alright. I'll join."
Yan Li was ecstatic. "Great. Also, if you're joining us, you'll need a training technique, or else you'll fall behind."
The three re-entered into the village and headed towards the Chief's house. What is this training technique they speak of? They entered and moved to the far back of the house, to a small study with a few old books covered in so much dust that they could hardly open. Chief Yan flipped through a few and pulled out a blue book. On the cover was written a short sentence in ancient text. Everyone could recognize ancient texts, though few could understand them.
The chief handed the book to Lin Fan. "This is our Yan family's Thunder flame art. With it, I believe you may be able to keep up with my son"
Lin Fan grabbed the book acceptingly and began to flip through. There were body training methods that he could use and diagrams showing internal muscle contractions. However, what caught his eye was a certain mantra that was supposed to be chanted with the technique. Is it by chance similar to the mysterious mantra in the temple?