The evening sun cast long, golden shadows over the old city theater. Broken curtains fluttered in the wind, and dust hung like a faint veil over the stage. This was Hirun's choice for his final first-disciple recruitment—someone who thrived not in battle or strategy, but in art, soul, and subtle power.
"Ah… Tian Yue," Hirun murmured. The system pinged softly:
Candidate detected. Talent: Musical Dao + Illusion Dao. Fated for greatness. Probability: 95%. Approach creatively.
Hirun's grin widened. "Artistic, subtle, dangerous… exactly my kind of disciple."
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Meeting the Artist
Tian Yue was on the stage, a faded violin cradled delicately in her hands. Her long black hair swayed as she played—a haunting, sorrowful melody that made even the broken theater feel alive. The sound carried, vibrating subtly in the air, not just through ears but through the soul itself.
Hirun stepped lightly onto the stage, letting his presence ripple subtly with golden Qi. Tian Yue's music faltered slightly as she sensed him.
"Who's there?" she whispered, eyes wide.
"Your teacher," Hirun replied casually, bowing in mock formality. "Or perhaps… your destiny."
Her brow furrowed. "Teacher? I… I don't want a teacher. I don't follow anyone."
"Ah, good," Hirun said, smiling. "I don't want you to follow me either. I want you to discover your Dao—and enjoy the process."
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Awakening the Musical Dao
Hirun clapped once. The faint golden aura surrounding him rippled outward, merging with Tian Yue's music. The violin's notes twisted, turning into visible strands of light, weaving through the air like threads of pure energy.
"Feel it," Hirun said. "Not with your ears. With your soul. Not with your hands. With your spirit. Music is Dao, Dao is music. Every note carries Qi, every silence shapes it."
Tian Yue blinked, but obeyed. Her fingers moved over the strings again. This time, the notes began to glow faintly, coiling in the air like dancing serpents of light. She gasped, realizing she was shaping not just sound, but energy itself.
Hirun nodded approvingly. "Yes… exactly like that. Every sound can cut, heal, or move mountains. Every silence… can reshape reality itself."
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Teaching Through Play
Unlike Kael or Liora, Tian Yue needed creativity and freedom. Hirun didn't give her exercises in force or strategy. Instead, he challenged her through play, improvisation, and artistic expression.
"Play a song," he said. "Now imagine your opponent is listening. Every note is a strike, every pause a shield."
"Paint the battlefield," he added, snapping his fingers. Golden brush strokes appeared in the air, responding to Tian Yue's movements. "Your illusions are your weapon. Let them be alive, let them fight for you."
The system pinged again:
Candidate recruited successfully. Path begins. Alignment: Musical Dao + Illusion Dao. Potential: Supreme. Compatibility with master: Excellent.
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Awakening the Soul
By the end of the session, Tian Yue was exhausted but elated. Her violin glowed faintly, her brush strokes danced in the air, and her Qi hummed in harmony with her art. She realized she was not just learning techniques—she was discovering her soul through cultivation.
Hirun leaned back, arms crossed, eyes half-lidded. "Good. Three disciples, three paths, three lessons. Each different, each unique. And all perfectly aligned to your souls."
Tian Yue looked at him, awe in her eyes. "You… make it feel… natural. Like I'm not learning, but becoming."
Hirun grinned lazily. "Exactly. That's the way. Cultivation should feel like life, not punishment. Power comes naturally when the Dao resonates with your soul."
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The Path of Ten Thousand Masters Begins
Outside the theater, the city continued as if nothing had changed. Inside, three fated disciples stood—each with unique talent, energy, and potential. And guiding them, the carefree, mischievous, yet unmatched genius of a Heavenly Immortal.
One day, Hirun thought, all the Daos of heaven and earth will bend under our footsteps. But for now… we begin with music, chess, chaos, and fun.
And with that thought, the Dao of Ten Thousand Masters truly began.
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💥 End of Chapter 6