The days passed since Wu Li's first successful test in balancing the Dao and arcane magic. His powers were growing, and with each passing day, it became clearer that the path ahead would be full of both opportunity and peril. The forces within him were still not fully understood, and while his parents had managed to stabilize his power for now, they knew it was only a matter of time before outside forces would make their move.
For now, Wu Li continued his training under the watchful eyes of Zhi Rong and Envoy Zhen, but Wu Yan knew that it wasn't enough. The power inside Wu Li was too vast for any one teacher to guide him alone, and both the Dao and arcane magic demanded mastery in their own right. If his son was to become the person he was destined to be—one who could control the forces of both Dao and arcane magic—he would need a master capable of teaching him both paths. But where could he find such a person?
Wu Yan, the Sect Master of the Cosmic Dao Sect, was no stranger to the ancient lineages of the world, but even his knowledge had limits. He knew that there were powerful factions—ancient sects and lineages—scattered across the Myriad Immortal World, each with their own expertise in either Dao cultivation or arcane magic. However, none of them could be trusted completely. The child's potential would attract both allies and foes, and he needed someone capable of not just teaching Wu Li, but protecting him from the dangerous forces that would inevitably come.
That was when Wu Yan made a decision—a desperate decision. He would turn to Archē Telous, the guardian and Ancestor of the Cosmic Dao Sect, for guidance.
Pleading with the Ancestor
In the sanctum beneath Lotus Mountain, the air was thick with ancient energy. The elders of the sect had long known the presence of Archē Telous, though his physical form had not appeared in centuries. It was in this sacred place that Wu Yan had come to seek an audience with the one being who could offer him the guidance he so desperately needed.
The spiritual presence of Archē Telous filled the room, as his ethereal form emerged from the shadows, his ancient eyes glowing with the wisdom of ages. His voice, deep and resonant, echoed through the sanctum.
"Sect Master Wu Yan. What troubles you?" Archē Telous asked, his voice steady but filled with unspoken authority.
Wu Yan, standing before the Ancestor, felt a weight on his shoulders. This was not a request he made lightly. His son's fate was at stake, and he knew that the decision he made now could shape the future of both his family and the Cosmic Dao Sect.
"Ancestor," Wu Yan began, his voice filled with reverence, "I come to you in desperation. My son, Wu Li, has the power to wield both the Dao and arcane magic, but neither I nor any of our elders are capable of teaching him both. I fear the danger that his powers pose to him, and I seek your counsel. Is there a master—someone capable of guiding him through both paths? Someone who can help him control these powers before they consume him?"
Archē Telous's gaze softened, and he considered Wu Yan's words carefully. The Cosmic Dao Sect was powerful, but even they could not provide the training Wu Li needed to control the forces within him. Archē had always remained hidden, only intervening when absolutely necessary. But Wu Li's awakening was different.
"You seek a master who can teach your son both the Dao and arcane magic," Archē Telous said, his voice thoughtful. "This is no small request. To walk both paths is an extraordinary feat, and few masters exist who can teach both. The world is full of ancient lineages, but those who truly understand both the Dao and magic are few and far between. Still, there are factions—ancient sects—that have the knowledge you seek."
The Ancient Lineages
Wu Yan listened intently as Archē Telous continued.
"There are ancient lineages in the world—strong sects, but none greater than the Cosmic Dao Sect itself." Archē Telous's eyes glowed with an ancient light as he began to name these factions, each one with its own expertise in arcane magic or Dao cultivation.
"The Eternal Flame Sect is one such lineage. They are masters of fire magic and have long dabbled in the arcane arts. Their leader, Ember Lord Kiran, is a force to be reckoned with. He is a practitioner of both the Dao of Flame and the most destructive form of arcane fire magic. However, their teachings are brutal and unforgiving. The path of fire is not one of balance, but of destruction."
"Another such sect is the Stormcloud Sect. They are skilled in wind magic and Dao manipulation, but they focus more on speed and control, rather than the raw power that the Arcane Magus Alliance seeks. Master Yun Kai, their leader, is known for his ability to manipulate both Dao and arcane energy, blending them into mastery of the elements. However, they are a secretive sect, and trusting them with Wu Li's power would not be wise without the right guarantees."
"Finally, there is the Void Crescent Sect. They have long been the keepers of both spiritual magic and arcane energy, though they do not embrace the destructive nature of magic like the Arcane Magus Alliance. Grandmaster Lu Zhen, their leader, is known to have achieved immortality through both Dao and arcane magic, using the combination to extend his life. They are respected for their wisdom, but their methods are elusive and their intentions unclear."
Wu Yan's heart weighed heavy as he heard these names. Each sect was powerful, ancient, and influential. Yet none of them could be trusted completely, and each came with their own risks.
"I understand, Ancestor," Wu Yan said, bowing deeply in gratitude. "But are there any who would take Wu Li under their wing without seeking to control him?"
Archē Telous's gaze darkened slightly. "That is the true challenge." He paused, his form shifting slightly. "The lineages I have spoken of will all see Wu Li as a tool, and they will seek to shape him for their own ends. To them, he is not a child—but a key to unlocking their own power. Only one faction would be different."
"Who is that?" Wu Yan asked, the desperation clear in his voice.
"The Celestial Dao Sect," Archē Telous answered. "Though they are not as powerful as the Cosmic Dao Sect, their understanding of both the Dao and arcane magic is profound. Their Guardian, Choris Onuma, is a master of both the Dao of Immortality and arcane light magic. They do not seek power for themselves, but instead aim to preserve balance across the world. They would teach Wu Li, not for their own gain, but to ensure the world's survival."
"Then I will go to them, Ancestor," Wu Yan said, his voice firm with resolve. "If they will accept him, I will ask for their guidance. For my son's future, I will do whatever it takes."
The Medallion of Trust
Archē Telous looked at Wu Yan with a rare expression of both understanding and caution. "The Celestial Dao Sect is indeed the best place for your son's training. But I must offer you something before you leave. A gift that will ensure your safe passage and the recognition you need."
From the folds of his robe, Archē Telous produced a medallion, its surface etched with intricate symbols of Dao and arcane magic. The medallion hummed with an energy that transcended both. "This medallion bears my seal, and the name of an old friend. Take it to the Celestial Dao Sect. Show them this, and they will know that I have sent you. The Guardian, Choris Onuma, is my oldest and closest friend. He is the only one who knows of my existence as it truly is. The world believes us both to be nothing more than myths, but he and I are bound by the same understanding of power. If anyone can guide your son, it is him."
Wu Yan took the medallion with reverence, understanding the gravity of Archē Telous's words. Choris Onuma was a name that, like Archē Telous, was treated as little more than legend in the world. Few knew the truth of the connection between the two, but Wu Yan trusted the Ancestor's judgment. The Celestial Dao Sect was his son's best hope.
"Thank you, Ancestor," Wu Yan said with deep gratitude. "I will go to them. I will take Wu Li's future into my hands."
"Remember, Sect Master Wu Yan," Archē Telous's voice echoed as Wu Yan turned to leave, "Wu Li's path is not just about learning. It is about balance. He is the key to a new future, but only if he walks the right path."
The Journey Ahead
The Celestial Dao Sect was far from the Cosmic Dao Sect and lay high in the Floating Clouds. The journey would not be simple, and the challenges ahead would test Wu Yan's resolve. But with the medallion of Archē Telous, he would not have to face it alone. The connection between the two old friends would open doors that otherwise might have remained shut.
And as Wu Yan prepared for the journey, he could only hope that the Celestial Dao Sect would accept Wu Li as their student—and that his son would walk both paths with the strength to survive.
"Thank you, Ancestor," Wu Yan said with deep gratitude. "I will go to them. I will take Wu Li's future into my hands."
"Remember, Sect Master Wu Yan," Archē Telous's voice echoed as Wu Yan turned to leave, "Wu Li's path is not just about learning. It is about balance. He is the key to a new future, but only if he walks the right path."
The Journey Ahead
The Celestial Dao Sect was far from the Cosmic Dao Sect and lay high in the Floating Clouds. The journey would not be simple, and the challenges ahead would test Wu Yan's resolve. But with the medallion of Archē Telous, he would not have to face it alone. The connection between the two old friends would open doors that otherwise might have remained shut.
And as Wu Yan prepared for the journey, he could only hope that the Celestial Dao Sect would accept Wu Li as their student—and that his son would walk both paths with the strength to survive.