The valley surrounding the Dao of Ten Thousand Masters was calm, bathed in the early morning light. Birds sang, the wind whispered through the trees, and the ruins of the sect seemed to hum with quiet potential.
Hirun stretched lazily atop the highest stone, hands behind his head. "Three disciples… not bad for starters. But a sect of one master and three disciples isn't legendary yet. Time to recruit some more sparks of fate."
The system pinged softly in his mind:
Secondary candidates detected within a 50-kilometer radius. Probability of destiny alignment: 92–99%. Recommended recruitment sequence: sequential prioritization based on potential and compatibility.
Hirun smirked. "Ah… I do love a treasure hunt."
...
Scouting the Candidates
He raised a hand, and golden threads of energy extended outward from his body, scanning the surrounding lands. Each thread twined through forests, towns, and ruins, seeking the subtle pulses of fate—destinies waiting for a hand to guide them.
The system highlighted three promising candidates:
Fenric Tao – A prodigy swordsman, known in local legends as the "Silver Fang". Analytical and prideful. High probability for Sword Dao mastery.
Mei Ling – Tea-brewing genius, quiet and observant, with potential for Spirit Dao and Alchemy. Likely to be a long-term strategist in nurturing disciples' growth.
Haruto Kaze – Young martial artist, reckless but talented in Body Tempering and elemental movement. Chaotic energy, compatible with Liora's destructive path.
Hirun grinned. "Three new disciples, three unique Dao paths. And all fated… this will be fun."
...
The First Encounter
Hirun first sought Fenric Tao, who trained atop a cliff outside a nearby village. The boy's sword cut through the air with deadly precision, each swing leaving a faint trail of light.
"Hmm… someone with potential," Hirun murmured. The system pinged:
Candidate's arrogance may hinder initial compatibility. Suggested approach: challenge and humor.
Hirun called out from below: "Hey! Silver Fang! Care to test your skills against… destiny?"
Fenric paused, narrowed his eyes, and smirked. "And who are you to call destiny?"
Hirun tilted his head, grin playful. "I'm the guy who might save your life—or destroy it—depending on your attitude."
Fenric raised his sword, intrigued. "Very well. I'll play along."
The clash began not just as a duel, but a subtle lesson: Hirun observing, nudging, and testing the boy's Dao potential, while Fenric realized his skills alone were just the beginning.
...
Recruiting Mei Ling
Next, Hirun visited a quiet village where the aroma of tea wafted through the streets. Mei Ling was there, gently pouring tea into tiny porcelain cups, her movements so precise and graceful they seemed like a ritual.
Hirun watched, the system pinging:
Candidate's personality: calm, observant, creative. Potential for guidance-oriented Dao. Compatible with cultivation leadership.
He clapped softly. "Beautiful technique… but could it withstand the Dao?"
Mei Ling blinked. "Who are you?"
Hirun smiled lazily. "The man who wants to make your tea—and you—legendary."
Her eyes widened, but curiosity sparked. That was all he needed.
...
The Chaotic Spark: Haruto Kaze
Finally, Hirun found Haruto Kaze training near a river, leaping between rocks and striking the water with his fists. Qi rippled with every strike, splashing like miniature storms.
Hirun laughed. "Ah… reckless, chaotic, perfect for my sect."
He called out, causing Haruto to nearly tumble into the water. "Hey! You! Stop breaking everything and follow me!"
Haruto blinked, then grinned wildly. "You look fun! Lead the way!"
Hirun smirked. "Exactly the reaction I wanted."
...
Expanding the Sect
By sunset, Hirun had recruited three new disciples. Each one had a distinct path:
Fenric Tao – Sword Dao
Mei Ling – Spirit Dao & Alchemy
Haruto Kaze – Body Tempering & Chaos Dao
The system pinged in Hirun's mind:
Sect growth: accelerated. Potential for legendary status: extreme. Compatibility across disciples: optimal. Risk factors: manageable.
Hirun leaned back, gazing at the growing group. "Seven disciples now… not bad. Soon, we'll be more than a sect. We'll be a legend."
...
Teasing Future Threats
As night fell, a faint ripple of energy passed through distant lands. Another sect, hidden and powerful, had noticed the unusual surge of fate-aligned energy emanating from the valley. Their elders whispered of a Heavenly Immortal gathering disciples, reshaping destiny itself.
Hirun, oblivious to distant observers, stretched and yawned. "Let them watch. Let them worry. Our fun only begins when they try to catch up."
And somewhere in the shadows, destiny prepared its next move—a clash that would test the Heavenly Immortal and his disciples like never before.
💥 End of Chapter 8