Rebirth-Transcending All Beings

Chapter 80: Elders

High above the ridges of the Huanglong Dominion, the storm clouds hadn’t broken in a week — the winds blew like a wailing dragon across the jagged cliffs of Stormveil Ascent.

The season for smoky mist coiled itself low around ancient stone pagodas. And within the grand Sky Hall, a circular chamber carved directly into the mountain’s flesh, the twelve elders sat quietly.

A reigning silence pressed down, filling the hall with chilling gazes. Not of anger or disappointment.

Only concern.

The hum of qi emanated from each robed figure. Powerhouses tempered by centuries of both politics and battle laid beneath their calm expressions. At the centre of the gathering, stood a young man — still as a statue.

"Yuxin, you haven’t departed," a voice echoed at the highest dais.

Elder Yunqian. The head of the council, his eyes faded like stormlight, not dulled but aged from time. His voice was neither harsh nor soft but disturbed.

Yuxin did not speak.

Another elders voice echoed. "The Sect Leader informed us of his intent to send you to Vaeloria’s Grand Academy." Elder Mu spoke. "We wholeheartedly agreed and expected you to leave within days."

Yuxin’s head inclined slightly. "I had not made my decision then."

Yuxin gazed at the twelve, before opening his mouth. "I firmly believed there was no need."

The elders glanced at each other before Elder Lian, the most outspoken among the twelve, sighed.

"Yuxin," she said, not unkindly, "You are a genius beyond precedent. Cultivation, martial arts insights. You excel beyond what any of us achieved at your age."

"But genius without experience is thunder without lightning." She added bluntly.

"The world outside our sect is vast," Elder Mu continued. "Beyond these peaks, there are battles of ideology, ambition and principle."

"The grand academy of Vaeloria is not just a place of study, but of confrontation. You must go to grow not only strength but to deepen your insights."

Yuxin’s eyes never wavered. "I understand,’ he spoke.

There was a long pause.

Then, to the surprise of several elders, Yuxin bowed deeply, remembering his master’s words. "I will go."

The air in the chamber lightened as quickly as his words came.

"Oh?" Elder Yunqian’s lips curled faintly. "Have you changed your mind?"

Yuxin straightened. "I spoke with my master. He believes I will find a worthy opponent there."

Several elders chuckled softly. Elder Lian nodded. "That old beast has a way with words on him doesn’t he?"

The others nodded. Elder Yunqian reached into his robe and pulled a scroll bound in silver thread coloured in a blue qi that drifted towards him.

"This is a recommendation letter, sealed by the Council and the Sect Leader. It grants you access to the Grand Academy as our official representative, by our recommendation.’

Yuxin stepped forward and took the scroll with both hands, bowing again. But Elder Yunqian wasn’t finished. "However you will not go alone."

Yuxin looked up. "Choose someone to accompany you," Elder Mu explained. Not as a guard, nor a servant — but a companion. Consider it... a test of your judgement and leadership.

"It is important," Elder Lian added. "To know who shall stand beside you when stepping into such a place."

Yuxin closed his eyes briefly, then nodded. "I will make my choice."

The wind outside howled as the doors closed behind Yuxin.

Elder Yunqian rose from his chair, followed by the rest of the elders.

"He’s finally ready," Elder Lian sighed in relief.

"He was always ready," Yunquan replied. "But he has chosen to follow the path."

"We don’t have to worry about him," Elder Lian chuckled. "He’ll have his fair share of ’fun.’"

Yuxin stepped outside, resting on a stone leading to the Sky Hall. Yuxin opened the scroll. Inside was a folded map that would guide him to Vaeloria.

A sigil of passage required to access the Warpgate and the insignia of Stormveil that showed proof of his identity and would allow his entry.

Who would be an ideal companion?

He gazed at the distant horizon. There weren’t many people Yuxin was truly close to. But there was one who understood him the most.

The clouds above parted like silken curtains, as if the heavens finally acknowledged his path. The faint glimmer of gold from the sun finally hit the mountainous region of Huanglong.

Yuxin closed the scroll, and slipped it into his sleeve and with a deep breath, he activated his Qi.

CRACKLE!

In a flash, he surged down the stone steps in a streak of lightning, his blue robe fluttered violently from the screaming wind, weaving through the twisted paths that spiraled along the mountains.

He passed startled disciples who greeted him loudly, but he didn’t slow, his focus resembling that of a unshakable blade.

Finally, in the peripheral of his vision, he saw his candidate.

Zhao Huan.

He found him at the southern training plateau, a quiet glade craved into the side of a steep ridge. He trained alone as usual, his blade slicing in precise arcs that grew with each passing month.

Though he lacked Yuxin’s monstrous talent. He had consistency and a quality that Yuxin himself didn’t possess.

Yuxin landed before him, his feet touching the ground without the slightest echo of noise.

Zhao huan’s blade froze inches from Yuxin’s throat.

Their eyes locked onto each other other before Zhao Huan lowered his weapon, exhaling. "Senior brother, that’s one way to interrupt someone’s practice."

"I’ve made my decision," Yuxin said.

Zhao Huan blinked. "About...?"

"Vaeloria Academy. I’m going."

Zhao Huan paused before a faint smile formed. "That’s good, you’ll do great there."

"You’re coming with me."

"...What?"

Yuxin didn’t answer. Instead, he grabbed Zhao Huan by the back of his robe,without ceremony, leapt into the air again, dragging the confused swordsman with him.

"Hey—wait! Senior Brother! You can’t just—"

"Stop shouting."

"I’ve not packed! I haven’t even—we haven’t even told the elders you’re taking me."

"We have three days. You’re packing now."

Their figures blurred across the terrain, speeding through gates, bridges and corridors. Within minutes, they reached the residential quarters for disciples .

Yuxin landed gracefully on the balcony of Zhao Huans room, depositing him unceremoniously inside.

Zhao stumbed breathless. "You really make a ride... but please ask next time."

"I did. You agreed."

"That wasn’t agreeing! That was—" He sighed, pinching his nose bridge "Fine. Why me?"

Yuxin stepped into the room, admiring the details of his juniors room "Your... someone I can trust not matter the situation."

"That’s it?’ Zhao have a skeptical look.

"You also make decent tea." Yuxin added.

Zhao burst into laughter, rolling his eyes. "If thats the deciding factor, how can I say no to my senior brother!?" He walked over to his bed, sorting through his belongings. "That’s the academy really like? I’ve only heard the odd rumor now and then."

"Vaeloria is a neutral nation," Yuxin said. "The academy draws elites from all over Eternia. Mages from Thaelon, swordmasters from Soldara, beast-tamers, divine cultivators... many paths converge there."

"I take it’s not just learning. Its a combination of power and politics."

Yuxin nodded.

Zhao folded his travel robes neatly, placing them into a bag. "They also host tournaments right? Real fights between students."

"Yes. And something more."

Zhao paused mid-fold. "More?"

"Swct leader wouldn’t send me there unless he suspected something greater. A storm is gathering and theres alot bigger picture to this."

Silence rushed over, broken only by the rustle of clothes and clink of spirtiual stones.

"Your not one to go because of that," Zhao Huan finally asked what truly bugged him. "Why did you accept?"

Yuxin moved to the windows, looking towards the unclaimed mountainous regions in the far distance. "My master told me I would find a worthy opponent there."

Zhao’s brows raised. "Really?"

"Yes."

"Well," Zhao said, slinging the pack over his shoulder, "if even a dragon says so, I suppose I better come to your aid."

Yuxin turned, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "Try to keep up."

Zhao snorted. "You drag me off a cliff and then say that."

They both laughed briefly before Yuxin’s eyes turned serious. "We leave as soon as you pack."

Zhao Huan nodded, his expression steady. "I understand."

Yuxin said plainlu, picking up a small travel satchel. "Besides, I need someone to carry the food."

Zhao laughed. "I should be honored to carry your food. Really."

"Don’t be," Yuxin sat at the edge of the bed. "Be quick."

As Zhao packed, he glanced over his shoulder. "You nervous?"

Yuxin’s expression didn’t change. "No."

"Excited?"

"No."

"Afraid you’ll finally meet someone who can beat you?"

That earned Zhao a sharp look, and a smile of cold and calculated delight.

"I welcome it."

The room fell into a calm rhythm as Zhao packed the last of his things. They had trained for years in the sect, grown under the same masters, cultivate for hours on end.

But this would be different. Why?

They would step out into the world of prodies beyond their land, each carrying ambition, powers they had never seen and secrets of their own.

Zhao finally stood, hid travel robes clean and his blade on his back, giving Yuxin a light nod. "Im ready."

Yuxin glanced at the room for thr last time, before walking out. Zhao followed, moving through the stone paths ofnthe sect.

Disputes were curious as to where their senior brother — who was known as the Azure Dragon was going.

Whispers of words, surprise, awe abd speculation trailered behind them before the news broke out that he was leaving.

By the time they arrived at the gates of the sect, Elder Yuqian awaited them.

"Already on your way?" Yuquan asked.

"Yes, Elder," Yuxin replied. "We’ll represent the sect with honor.

The Elder Potter, motioning them towards the circular stone platoform behind him. A teleportation array, etched in glowing golden sigils with sixteen blue stones embedded into the ground.

"We’ve prepared the array to take you to the border gates of Huanglong. It’s locked to your spiritual imprint—no one else may follow.

"Step inside when you’re ready."

Zhao stared at the array, brows rising. "Fancy send-off."

"For you two its a must," the elder said. "Take the Warpgate to the captial, then take the Warpgate to Vaeloria."

He looked at Zhao next. "Keep an eye on him. He doesn’t know how to smile.’

"I’ll do my best," Zhao Huan bowed.

With a deep breath, Yuxin stepped onto the array, his Qi resonating with the energy that poured as Zhao joined him, blade steady at his back.

The wind howled one last time across the mountain peaks. And in a moment he vanished.