The Clear Void Sword Sect had never known a more peculiar day than this one. The legend of Ye Ping — the dense mortal mistaken for a cultivation genius — had spread far and wide, turning the once quiet sect into a buzzing hive of curiosity and excitement.
Ye Ping, however, remained oblivious to the growing chaos surrounding him. He awoke with the sun streaming through the paper windows of his modest chamber, rubbing his eyes as the calls of disciples echoed outside.
"Master Ye, breakfast is ready!" came a cheerful voice. It was Ling Xue, always bright and helpful.
"Uh… thanks, Ling Xue. I'm coming!" Ye Ping called out, tripping slightly on the floor on his way out.
Outside, the courtyard was crowded. Disciples gathered around various training spots, discussing Ye Ping's recent duel and "unorthodox" cultivation path. Some whispered that he was a reincarnation of a legendary cultivator; others suspected a divine blessing had chosen him.
Ye Ping scratched his head, bewildered by the attention.
"Uh… why is everyone looking at me like that?"
Ling Xue smiled kindly.
"You're the sect's shining star now. Everyone admires you."
"Uh… I just don't want to mess up," Ye Ping muttered, eyes wide.
**
As Ye Ping approached the dining hall, a commotion caught his attention.
A group of younger disciples surrounded a scrappy boy brandishing a wooden sword far too big for him. The boy challenged anyone to duel him, claiming to be the "Next Pathless Genius."
Ye Ping watched as the boy loudly proclaimed, "I will surpass Master Ye and become the greatest cultivator of all time!"
The crowd laughed nervously.
Suddenly, the boy charged at Ye Ping, swinging wildly.
Ye Ping, startled, raised his own wooden sword in defense — and accidentally tripped over his own feet, falling flat on his face.
The boy tripped over Ye Ping's flailing limbs and crashed into a pile of training dummies, sending them flying like dominoes.
The courtyard erupted into laughter.
Ye Ping's face turned bright red.
"Uh… sorry about that."
**
Just then, a sharp voice cut through the noise.
"Enough!"
Everyone turned to see Elder Tian Mu, his expression grave.
"Ye Ping, come with me. There is something you must know."
Ye Ping blinked.
"Uh… okay?"
Tian Mu led Ye Ping away from the bustling courtyard toward the sect's ancient library — a massive structure filled with dusty scrolls and forgotten secrets.
Inside, Tian Mu opened a heavy wooden chest and pulled out a faded scroll.
"This scroll records the prophecy of the 'Pathless One.' It speaks of a cultivator without talent or training, who will change the world with pure spirit and unknowable power."
Ye Ping's eyes widened.
"Uh… you mean me?"
Tian Mu nodded slowly.
"Yes. You fit the prophecy better than anyone else."
Ye Ping swallowed hard.
"But… I'm so slow and clumsy."
Tian Mu smiled kindly.
"That is your strength. You are not bound by the rules of cultivation."
**
As Ye Ping pondered the prophecy, a sudden explosion rocked the sect grounds.
Smoke and dust filled the air.
Disciples ran in panic.
Ye Ping looked around, bewildered.
"Uh… what happened?"
Tian Mu's eyes darkened.
"Trouble has arrived."
Outside the main gate, a band of rogue cultivators had appeared, demanding a fight with the sect's "Pathless Genius."
Ye Ping's heart raced.
"Uh… me?"
Tian Mu nodded.
"Yes. They have heard of your power and seek to test it."
Ye Ping gulped.
"Uh… I'm not ready."
But before he could react, the rogue leader stepped forward.
"Pathless Genius, prove your worth or surrender the sect!"
Ye Ping looked at his broken wooden sword, then back at the fierce crowd.
"Uh… I guess it's showtime."
**
The stage was set for a battle that would shake the foundations of the Clear Void Sword Sect — and prove once and for all the true meaning of the "Pathless Genius."