I am the Dao Ancestor

Ling Hao's days on Peach Blossom Peak were challenging, yet rewarding. His master Yue Ling, known for her unorthodox teaching methods and love of heavy drinking, had a unique way of pushing him to his limits. As the sole disciple of Peach Blossom Peak, he felt an immense responsibility to carry its legacy forward, even if the peak was considered the most unorthodox and abandoned of the Azure Sky Sect.

One quiet evening, as Ling Hao practiced his sword forms under the watchful eyes of peach blossoms swaying in the wind, Yue Ling approached, jug in hand.

"You've been here long enough to stop flailing around like a headless chicken," she teased, taking a long swig. "It's time you start learning about the sect itself."

Ling Hao looked at her, curious. Though he had glimpsed the other disciples and peaks of Azure Sky Sect during his time there, Yue Ling rarely spoke of the sect's history or its current standing.

"What do you want to know?" Yue Ling asked casually, plopping down on a nearby stone.

Ling Hao took a moment to gather his thoughts. "Master, you said Peach Blossom Peak is one of the twelve peaks of Azure Sky Sect. What are the others? And… how did the sect come to be?"

---

The Twelve Peaks of Azure Sky Sect

"The Azure Sky Sect was founded over two thousand years ago," Yue Ling began, swirling the wine in her jug as if to emphasize the weight of her words. "At its peak, it was the strongest sect in the mortal realm, reigning as the leader of the Ten Immortal Sects. It wasn't just a gathering of powerful cultivators. It was a symbol—a beacon of light in a world teetering on the edge of chaos."

She pointed toward the distant peaks visible from their vantage point. "The twelve peaks represent the heart of the sect, each specializing in a unique path of cultivation. You have Thunder Peak, known for its mastery of lightning techniques; Cloud Mist Peak, home to the most skilled alchemists; and Azure Spirit Peak, which manages the administration of the sect. Then there's War Dragon Peak, for battle cultivators, and Ice Phoenix Peak, where you'll find masters of frost arts."

Ling Hao's eyes widened as she continued to name more of the peaks. Each sounded like a place of unparalleled knowledge and power, worlds apart from the serene and isolated Peach Blossom Peak.

"Peach Blossom Peak," Yue Ling said with a smirk, "was once the home of sword cultivators. It was known as the Peak of Sword Intent, a place where the sharpest blades and wills were forged. But that was a long time ago."

Ling Hao nodded, listening intently. "And now?"

"Now, it's the forgotten corner of the sect," Yue Ling said bluntly. "Abandoned by those who fear its legacy. The sect leader himself is too scared to assign disciples here, thinking I'll 'corrupt' them with my ways." She chuckled, taking another drink.

Ling Hao smiled faintly, sensing the lingering pride and defiance in her tone.

---

The Fall of Azure Sky Sect

Ling Hao hesitated before voicing the next question weighing on his mind. "Master, you said Azure Sky Sect was once the strongest among the Ten Immortal Sects. What happened?"

Yue Ling's expression darkened, her carefree demeanor slipping. "A thousand years ago, Azure Sky Sect dominated the Ten Immortal Sects. It held the first rank, unrivaled in power. This was largely because of one artifact—the Cosmic Demon Pagoda."

She leaned back, staring at the horizon. "The pagoda wasn't just a treasure; it was a divine creation. Forged by the first sect leader himself, it could suppress legions of demons with ease. It symbolized the sect's supremacy."

Ling Hao leaned in, captivated by the story.

"During the Great Demon War, the sect faced its greatest challenge—a being known as the Demon God. The sect, alongside other powers, fought valiantly. But even our combined might wasn't enough. In the end, five elders of Azure Sky Sect sacrificed their lives to activate the Cosmic Demon Pagoda's true power, sealing the Demon God for eternity. But the activation came with a price. The pagoda vanished, lost to the annals of history."

Ling Hao frowned. "Vanished? How could something so powerful just disappear?"

"No one knows," Yue Ling replied. "Some say the heavens hid it to prevent its power from being misused. Others believe it was destroyed. Regardless, its loss crippled the sect. Our dominance crumbled, our allies abandoned us, and our enemies grew bold. Now, the Azure Sky Sect clings to the fifth rank, a shadow of its former glory."

A heavy silence hung in the air as Ling Hao absorbed the weight of her words.

"But," he said finally, "the sect didn't vanish. It's still here. And Peach Blossom Peak hasn't disappeared either."

Yue Ling raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "You've got spirit, boy. But words are cheap. If you want to help this peak or the sect rise again, you'll have to prove it. And the first step? Go take a mission."

---

The Task Pavilion

The next day, Yue Ling handed Ling Hao a simple wooden token with the symbol of the Task Pavilion engraved on it.

"Go to Azure Spirit Peak and pick up a mission," she instructed. "Nothing too ambitious. Mortal-grade tasks should suffice. Don't die, and don't embarrass me."

Ling Hao made his way to Azure Spirit Peak, where the bustling Task Pavilion stood. Inside, glowing boards displayed countless missions for disciples of all ranks. Ling Hao hesitated, overwhelmed by the sheer variety of tasks, until a senior disciple approached.

"First time here?" she asked, her tone kind.

"Yes," Ling Hao admitted.

She smiled. "Start with a Mortal-grade task. They're beginner-friendly."

After scanning the boards, Ling Hao chose a simple mission:

Mission: Gather Spirit Herbs in the Verdant Grove.

Task Rank: Mortal.

Reward: 5 Contribution Points.

The Verdant Grove was close to the sect and relatively safe, making it an ideal first mission. Ling Hao took the token and set off.

---

First Trials

The Verdant Grove was a lush forest brimming with spiritual energy. Ling Hao moved carefully, searching for Spirit Dew Flowers. After some time, he spotted a cluster of glowing blue flowers near a stream. But as he approached, a low growl stopped him in his tracks.

A demonic wolf stepped out from the shadows, its crimson eyes locked on Ling Hao. Though smaller than the beast that had attacked his village, it still radiated danger.

Ling Hao's heart raced as he gripped his sword tightly. Yue Ling's words echoed in his mind: "Fear clouds your blade. Courage gives it strength."

The wolf lunged. Ling Hao sidestepped, striking at its side. The beast howled but didn't back down. It circled him, waiting for an opening. Ling Hao focused, his sword steady, and feinted to the left. When the wolf took the bait, he pivoted and struck its neck, felling the creature.

Panting, Ling Hao wiped the sweat from his brow. Though it was his first real battle, he felt a flicker of pride.

---

A New Beginning

Returning to the pavilion, Ling Hao handed over the Spirit Dew Flowers and received his reward: five shiny Contribution Points.

When he returned to Peach Blossom Peak, Yue Ling greeted him with her usual smirk.

"You didn't die," she said approvingly. "Good. Maybe you'll survive another day."

Ling Hao smiled, his determination stronger than ever. Though his path was just beginning, he knew one thing for sure: he would do everything in his power to ensure Peach Blossom Peak—and the Azure Sky Sect—would rise again.