The Journey of Sacrifices

Chapter 3: The Sect's Secrets

The next morning, Lin Chen woke up to a gong echoing from the training grounds. The sun was rising normally, projecting a golden glow to the ancient structures of the sect. Lin Chen immediately got dressed and joined the other disciples in the main courtyard. His muscles were paining from the previous day's tests, however his spirit was high.

Master Wu stood before them, his expression was serious but kind. "Today denotes the start of your actual training as cultivators," he announced. "You have all shown your potential, but remember, this is just the beginning. The path of a cultivator is very long and very difficult, loaded up with many trials."

Lin Chen listened carefully as Master Wu said the daily routine they had to follow. The disciples would start every day with physical training, then follow the lessons to start spiritual energy cultivation and practice the fighting techniques. In the evenings, they studied ancient books and meditated to strengthen their minds.

As the day's training started, Lin Chen understood that he was struggling to keep up with some of the more experienced disciples. The training was intense and intended to push their bodies to the limit. Lin Chen's muscles burned, but he would not surrender. He reminded himself why he was here — to be stronger, to protect his family, and to fulfill his dreams.

After the morning's physical training, the disciples assembled in a large hall fixed with shelves of ancient scrolls and books. Here, they would learn the theory behind cultivation — how to control and channel spiritual energy. Master Wu taught them the basics, explaining how to sense the energy inside their bodies and all around the world.

Lin Chen focused hard, trying to follow Master Wu's guidelines. At first, it was hard. He was unable to feel any energy, but no matter how hard it was, he tried. But after some time, as he calmed his mind and concentrated, he started to sense a weak warmth inside him. It was like a small flame flickering in the darkness. Lin Chen's eyes enlarged in shock. This was spiritual energy!

Master Wu noticed Lin Chen's progress and gave him a nod of approval. "Well done, Lin Chen," he said. "But don't forget that this is just the beginning. Cultivating spiritual energy requires patience and dedication."

Lin Chen felt a flood of pride but immediately reminded himself to stay humble. The remained day passed with training, learning lessons, and practice. When evening came, Lin Chen was exhausted, however, he felt a deep feeling of satisfaction. He was gaining progress, slowly but actually.

That night, as Lin Chen lay in his bed, he heard some senior disciples talking in quiet voices. They were discussing something called "The Forbidden Chamber." Lin Chen's interest was increased. He had heard whispers about this mysterious place in the morning, but no one had explained what it was.

One of the senior disciples, a boy named Xiao Ming, saw Lin Chen listening and walked over to him. "You're interested in the Forbidden Chamber, aren't you?" Xiao Ming asked with a sly smile.
Lin Chen nodded, trying to hide his excitement. "What is it?"

Xiao Ming looked around to ensure no one else was listening. "The Forbidden Chamber is a secret place inside the sect," he whispered. "Just the most powerful elders are permitted to enter. It's said that it holds ancient secrets and powerful techniques, but on the other hand, it's also very dangerous. Many who have tried to enter without the sect's permission have never returned."

Lin Chen's eyes widened. A secret chamber filled with ancient secrets and powerful techniques? It seemed like something out of the story he had heard as a youngster. In any case, he understood the danger. If it was forbidden then there was a reason. 

"Why do they keep it secret?" Lin Chen asked, his voice was barely above whisper.

Xiao Ming shrugged. "Who knows? Maybe it's to protect us from things we're not prepared to understand. Or maybe the elders want to save the power for themselves." He gave Lin Chen a meaningful look. "But if you're smart then you'll stay away from it. The sect has many rules, and breaking them can have serious results."

Lin Chen nodded, however, his mind was racing with questions. What could be so dangerous and powerful that it must be hidden away? And why were some disciples so curious about it? Lin Chen knew that he should focus on his training not on forbidden things, but the thoughts of the chamber were attracting him.

As the days passed, Lin Chen threw himself entirely into his training, trying to push the thoughts of the Forbidden Chamber to the back of his mind. He improved his physical strength by training his body, improved his combat techniques, and slowly started to understand how to control his spiritual energy. His progress was not ignorable, and surprisingly, the senior disciples began to respect him.

However, late at night, when the sect was quiet, Lin Chen would sometimes find himself thinking about the Forbidden Chamber again. What secrets did it hold? Also, might those secrets somehow help him to grow stronger? He didn't have any idea, but the mystery of all of it distressed him.

One evening, as Lin Chen was getting back to his quarters after a long day of hard training, he saw Master Wu standing alone in the courtyard, looking up at the stars. Lin Chen hesitated for a moment before approaching him.

"Master Wu," Lin Chen said quietly, "may I ask you something?"

Master Wu looked at him with a gentle smile. "Of course, Lin Chen. What's in your mind?"

 Lin Chen hesitated, then decided to be honest. "I have heard about something called the Forbidden Chamber. Some of the senior disciples were talking about this. What is it?"

Master Wu's expression became serious. He looked at Lin Chen for a while before talking. "The Forbidden Chamber is to be sure a place of great power, but it is also a place of incredible danger. It holds ancient secrets and techniques that can make a person extremely powerful, but it is only for those who are ready, but it can also destroy those who are not ready."

Lin Chen's heartbeat increased in his chest. "Why is it forbidden?" he asked.

Master Wu sighed. "Since power without intelligence can lead to destruction. Many have been tempted by the secrets inside that chamber, but not all have returned. The elders have put restrictions on it to protect the sect — and to protect you. There is a time for everything, Lin Chen. When you are prepared, the chamber's secret will be revealed to you. But until that time, focus on your training and your progress."

Lin Chen nodded, understanding the warning in Master Wu's words. He understood that the path of cultivation was not just about gaining power, but also about learning lessons and secrets. The Forbidden Chamber was just a symbol of that lesson—a reminder that some things should only be sought when one is prepared.

As Lin Chen walked back to his quarters, he felt a restored feeling of purpose. He would focus on his training, grow stronger, and earn the right to reveal the secrets of the sect when the time was right. For now, he would be patient, knowing that his journey had just begun.