The training grounds buzzed with a muted tension as a new elder, arms crossed and gaze stern, addressed the new disciples gathered before him. His expression was one of barely concealed irritation, likely used to breaking the spirits of young hopefuls every season.
I was still lost in my thoughts about what I found out in the library, my parents, the perks but more than that, I was still worried about my family on ear—but my thoughts were broken by the elder as he started to speak.
"Listen closely," he began, his voice carrying easily over the crowd. "Cultivation isn’t a ga, nor is it a path for the faint-hearted. Many of you will find that even the Qi Condensation Realm is more difficult than you anticipated. Struggle is expected. When you reach an impasse, and especially if you reach the peak of Qi Condensation, report directly to . Progress must not be hindered by ignorance."
The elder’s gaze swept over the crowd, lingering briefly on , and for a mont, it felt like he’d drilled his words directly into my brain. His look was heavy, as though reminding that, despite my title, the sect’s expectations wouldn’t bend for anyone.
"Now," he continued, "observe and respect the protocols of this sect. We value discipline and hierarchy above all. Disrespect or failure to abide by the rules will not be taken lightly."
The warning landed with an unmistakable finality. No one spoke, and a wave of silence hung over the grounds as the elder finished and dismissed us. It was clear that discipline here wasn’t optional; it was the foundation of life at the sect.
As we dispersed, a young and average looking disciple approached and before I could say anything, he bowed with a deference I was still getting used to. "Your Royal Highness, a ssage from Sect Master Wei Xu," he announced, extending a neatly rolled scroll.
Curious, I took the scroll and unrolled it right there, the other disciples filing out around as I began to read:
To His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Michael of the Azure Empire,
We regret any insult suffered at the hands of Elder Sima Yi, whose behavior brought sha upon the sect. We assure Your Highness that such offenses will not be tolerated. As of this morning, Elder Sima Yi has been relieved of his duties, with a more... permanent resolution enacted. We hope this action alleviates any discontent.
Respectfully,
Sect Master Wei Xu
The words blurred in front of . Elder Sima Yi had been executed—over a minor offense toward ? My stomach churned at the thought. This world’s standards of hierarchy and punishnt were intense, but to have soone’s life taken on my behalf? The weight of it felt like a stone settling in my chest.
I walked back to my room slowly, each step laden with a strange heaviness. A man had died simply because he had the audacity to treat without reverence. All for a role I’d essentially wished for.
Sitting on the edge of my bed, I tried to process it, the quiet of my room only amplifying the unsettled thoughts. My place in this world was no longer just an illusion. In the eyes of these people, I was a royal figure, soone who wielded power, who had to be respected. It was a dangerous position, especially because the actions taken to secure that respect ca with serious consequences—consequences I hadn’t fully understood till until now.
"System?" I murmured, hoping it had so insight, so way of helping adapt.
Host, consider utilizing closed-door cultivation.
"Closed-door cultivation?" I repeated, intrigued but still reeling from the day’s events.
Indeed. It would allow you ti to reflect and focus on your cultivation without external distractions. This path require strong will, and without stability in your cultivation, misunderstandings may continue to arise.
It made sense, I realized, even though part of was reluctant. The idea of being cut off from the outside world, able to focus entirely on cultivating... it was appealing in its simplicity, maybe that was exactly what I needed—a way to harness this role, to learn to live up to the title others believed I deserved.
But I wasn’t entirely sure what closed-door cultivation actually entailed. There was only one person I trusted for that answer.
A little later, I found Kael leaning against a column outside the library, looking every bit the regal figure even in his relaxed stance.
"Kael," I greeted, "I need to ask about closed-door cultivation. Ever done it?"
He raised an eyebrow, folding his arms as he considered the question. "I have. But you sound more serious than usual, Michael. Where did you even find out about it and Why the sudden interest?"
"I read about it in the library, forget it and focus on this. I am asking because I... have so things to work out," I replied, the weight of my words lingering between us. "You think it’d be useful?"
Kael gave a small nod, his gaze thoughtful. "Closed-door cultivation isn’t about power; it’s about focus, about finding clarity and will. You’d be cut off from the outside, alone with your thoughts and your energy. It’s not for everyone, but for those who take it seriously, it can be a path to real strength."
The way he spoke made it sound almost poetic. I’d spent years alone, sure, but never with the kind of focus or purpose he described. It felt like exactly what I needed—to shut out the world, to strengthen myself before stepping back into this role that seed to weigh heavier by the day.
He looked at , his face unreadable for a mont. "Think you’re up for it?"
"I don’t know," I admitted, "but it sounds like the right move."
Kael clapped a hand on my shoulder, giving one of his rare, encouraging smiles. "Then make the most of it. And rember—cultivation isn’t just about gathering power. It’s about understanding who you are and the path you’re on."
With that, he turned to leave, his footsteps fading into the distance, leaving with his words echoing in my mind.
I... shall try it, I have a gut feeling that I will gain a lot from this and I will trust my gut feeling.
I went back to my dorm room and set about preparing and checking if anything was needed for the seclusion.
I also t with Lina and asked her to stay with her friend while I go in closed door cultivation, and although she agreed, sensing my resolve. Though initially surprised, she didn’t press , but I still catched a hint of concern in her expression.
I took one last look around my room, took a steadying breath, and finally, I closed the door. It felt symbolic in a way, a boundary between who I’d been and who I needed to beco. With the room dimly lit, the weight of the Azure Empire and the role I’d taken felt sohow less suffocating, easier to hold.
Alright, Michael, I told myself as I settled into a ditation posture. Ti to see just how strong a "prince" can beco in a month.
And with that, I shut out the world, turning my focus entirely within.
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