Chapter 10: The Azure Sky Tournament
Two months passed quietly.
The days in the village moved with the rhythm of training — the steady sound of wooden swords striking against each other echoed from dawn until dusk.
Lina and Raizen had improved greatly. Their movements were sharper, their breathing calmer, and their Qi control much more stable.
Ashen guided them every morning, correcting their stances, adjusting their breathing, and teaching them patience.
> "Strength doesn't grow by rushing," he'd say. "You need to understand your sword, your Qi, and yourself."
Elder Rian often watched from nearby, arms crossed and smiling proudly.
He could hardly believe how much the two had grown in just two months.
---
That afternoon, when the sun was starting to set, Elder Rian noticed someone walking down the path toward the village.
The figure wore light blue robes and carried a staff with the Azure Sky Sect symbol carved at the top.
Elder Rian squinted.
> "Hmm… that boy…"
Then his face lit up with a grin.
> "Well, I'll be. Look who's finally come home."
The young man smiled brightly and waved.
> "Elder Rian! It's been a while!"
It was Lian Han, the eldest son of the Han family — now eighteen, taller, and dressed like a true disciple of the sect.
A few minutes later, everyone gathered inside the Han household.
Warm tea and snacks filled the table as laughter and stories filled the air.
Lian smiled, settling into his seat.
> "It's been a while. Elder Rian, Dad, Mom… everyone looks well."
> "Welcome back, Lian," Mei said kindly, pouring him a cup. "You've grown so much."
Lian smiled.
> "It feels good to be back. The sect's been keeping me busy. I broke through to the Martial Warrior Realm about a month ago."
Raizen's eyes widened.
> "Whoa! You're already that strong?"
Lian laughed softly.
> "Yeah, and because of that, I was accepted as one of the Core Disciples. One of the Elders even took me in personally."
Elder Rian nodded proudly.
> "Impressive. The boy's finally found his wings."
Everyone's eyes widened in surprise, followed by proud smiles.
Jiro coughed awkwardly, trying to hide his grin.
> "A core disciple, huh? Not bad, Lian. You've done your old man proud."
All eyes turned to Jiro, who sat stiffly before clearing his throat.
> "Well… I always knew the boy would do well."
Mei raised an eyebrow.
> "You said he'd come back begging to work as a stable hand."
The room burst into laughter, and Jiro scratched his head awkwardly.
> "I was just… testing his motivation."
Even Lian couldn't help but laugh.
> "You haven't changed, Father."
Mei chuckled softly, passing him a cup of tea.
> "He's always proud. He just doesn't know how to say it properly."
The room filled with gentle laughter — until Elder Rian leaned back and said,
> "Lian, you won't believe what happened while you were gone."
Lian tilted his head.
> "Hmm? What do you mean, Elder?"
Lina grinned eagerly.
> "Bandits attacked the village two months ago! But we beat them back!"
> "You what?!" Lian almost spilled his tea.
Raizen puffed his chest.
> "Ashen helped us. He trained us too! We're a lot stronger now."
Lian blinked in confusion, glancing at Ashen — who sat quietly in the corner.
> "Wait… him? You mean he trained you?"
Mei smiled proudly.
> "He did. If it weren't for him, the village might not have survived that attack."
Elder Rian nodded, arms crossed.
> "Ashen fought against a Peak Martial Adept bandit — and won. We saw it with our own eyes."
Lian stared at Ashen in disbelief, his expression frozen for a moment.
> "That can't be… the boy I found near the river? I thought he could barely lift a sword…"
Lina giggled.
> "He can lift one now — and cry with it too!"
Ashen frowned.
> "Lina…"
She grinned wider.
> "After that fight, he cried and hugged me!"
Everyone burst into laughter. Even Lian couldn't help but smile, shaking his head in disbelief.
> "Guess I missed quite a lot."
Ashen only sighed, sipping his tea.
> "You really did."
Lian leaned back in his chair, stunned.
He couldn't believe that the quiet boy he'd once saved was the same person who'd protected the whole village.
He turned toward Ashen.
> "I… I don't even know what to say. Thank you."
Ashen smiled faintly.
> "You don't need to. Anyone would've done the same."
Once the laughter died down, Lian leaned forward.
> "Actually, I came back with news. The Azure Sky Sect is hosting a grand tournament — open to anyone who wishes to join. No tests, no restrictions. Just show up and fight. The strongest will be accepted into the Sect."
He paused for a moment before continuing.
> "Even if you don't make it into the top ten, if an elder sees your potential, they might take you in as a disciple directly. The tournament will have two divisions — one for those thirteen and under, and one for everyone older — to make things fair."
Lina's face lit up.
> "Then Raizen and I can join!"
Elder Rian nodded.
> "Exactly what I was thinking. You two have grown strong. This is your chance to test yourselves."
Lian smiled.
> "You should come too, Ashen. With your strength, you'd easily catch the sect's attention."
Ashen shook his head lightly.
> "No. They should go. It's their time to shine."
Lian looked at him, puzzled.
> "You really don't want to show your strength?"
Ashen gave a calm smile.
> "There's no need. They'll carry what I've taught them — that's enough."
The room went silent for a moment before Elder Rian chuckled softly.
> "Wise words for someone so young."
That evening, when the others had gone to rest, Lian found Ashen sitting outside under the old tree, the faint moonlight reflecting off the sword at his side.
> "You've changed, Ashen," Lian said quietly. "When I first found you, you were barely holding on. Now you're teaching others and saving lives."
Ashen glanced at him, calm and steady.
> "Life changes fast. I just learned to move with it."
Lian nodded, smiling.
> "Then maybe it's time others see how far you've come."
Ashen chuckled softly.
> "Maybe. But not yet."
Both sat in silence as the night breeze moved through the trees — the distant stars glimmering toward the direction of the Azure Sky Sect.
Next Chapter: Journey to Azure Sky Sect Begins