A New Beginning

The appearance of the old man in the grey robe instantly silenced the noisy square. Even Teacher Su Qing showed a respectful expression; it was clear this old man's identity was extraordinary.

The old man ignored everyone else, smiling as he looked at Fang Yan. "Young man, are you interested in coming with me?"

Fang Yan's heart stirred. He could feel the unfathomable aura within the old man, many levels stronger than Wang Chen's. He nodded. "Senior, I am willing."

The old man nodded with satisfaction and said to Su Qing and the referee, "I'll take this child with me." Then, without further ado, he grabbed Fang Yan's wrist. Fang Yan felt a gentle yet irresistible force envelop him. The next second, the world spun, and the two vanished from their spot.

When Fang Yan regained his footing, he found himself in an ancient hall. Strange runes covered the walls of the hall, emitting a faint glow.

"Senior, where is this?" Fang Yan asked curiously.

The old man turned around, his smile still kind. "This is our 'Mystic Martial Pavilion's' secret base within this Martial School."

"Mystic Martial Pavilion?" Fang Yan was startled. He had seen this name in the Martial School's ancient texts. It was an ancient Martial Dao organization with a thousand-year history, its strength unfathomable, far beyond what any ordinary Martial School could compare to.

"That's right," the old man nodded. "We have been searching for young people with exceptional talent and firm will. Your performance in this Martial Arts Competition has satisfied us greatly."

He paused and continued, "Not only is your talent outstanding, but what's even rarer is the creativity and unyielding will you displayed in battle. This is exactly what our Mystic Martial Pavilion needs."

Fang Yan was filled with excitement. He never expected to be noticed by such a large organization as the Mystic Martial Pavilion.

"Senior, what do you mean?"

"I hope you can join our Mystic Martial Pavilion," the old man said earnestly. "Join us, and you will receive the best cultivation resources, the most top-tier cultivation techniques and secret manuals, and even have the chance to access the world's most core Martial Dao secrets. Of course, you will also need to serve the Mystic Martial Pavilion."

Fang Yan didn't hesitate at all. "Senior, I am willing to join the Mystic Martial Pavilion!" This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for him, more precious than winning the School Martial Arts Competition.

The old man smiled with satisfaction. "Good! From today onwards, you are an Outer Sect Disciple of our Mystic Martial Pavilion. I am an Elder of the Mystic Martial Pavilion, my surname is Chen. You can call me Elder Chen."

"Elder Chen!" Fang Yan bowed respectfully.

Elder Chen nodded and took out a black token from his robe, handing it to Fang Yan. "This is the Mystic Martial Pavilion's Outer Sect Disciple token. With this token, you can collect cultivation resources at the Mystic Martial Pavilion's bases and enter the Pavilion's library to select cultivation techniques."

Fang Yan took the token. It felt cool in his hand, engraved with the words "Mystic Martial" and a small character for "Outer."

"Oh, right," Elder Chen said as if remembering something. "The move you used in the battle earlier, which combined fist and sword techniques, was very creative. However, your foundation is not solid enough, and your cultivation technique is too common. Come find me here tomorrow, and I will tailor a cultivation plan for you."

"Thank you, Elder Chen!" Fang Yan was overwhelmed with gratitude.

"Alright, you can go back now. Get some good rest and be here on time tomorrow," Elder Chen waved his hand.

Fang Yan bowed again and turned to leave the hall. When he walked out of the base, he found himself back near the Martial School's square, as if everything that had happened was just a dream. But the black token in his hand truthfully told him that it was all real.

Back in his dormitory, Fang Yan carefully put away the token. He lay on his bed, his heart unable to calm down for a long time. From an ordinary Body Tempering Class student to the champion of the School Martial Arts Competition, and now an Outer Sect Disciple of the Mystic Martial Pavilion, his life had undergone earth-shattering changes in just a few days.

"This is just the beginning," Fang Yan murmured to himself, his eyes flashing with determination. "I must cultivate diligently in the Mystic Martial Pavilion and become a true Martial Dao powerhouse!"