Three days after Luo Chen's conversation with Xiao Ming, a messenger arrived at the orphanage bearing an official seal.
The seal was made of jade in the shape of a mountain with clouds swirling around its peak. The messenger was a thin man in his forties, with sharp eyes that seemed to perceive far more than a normal person's. The badges and robes he wore marked him as someone of considerable importance—someone from outside the city, someone official.
Old Widow Liu's hands trembled as she accepted a letter from the messenger. Luo Chen watched from a distance as the widow and the messenger spoke in hushed tones in the orphanage's small parlor. The other children gathered around, whispering excited speculation about what the visit might mean.
Finally, Old Widow Liu called for Luo Chen.
"Come here, child," she said, her voice wavering with a mixture of emotion Luo Chen could not quite identify.
Luo Chen approached carefully and bowed respectfully to the messenger, who studied him with unusual intensity.
"So you are Luo Chen," the messenger said, his voice carrying a cultivation aura that made Luo Chen's skin tingle. Around the man's wrist hung the same jade badge—the Azure Cloud Sect emblem. "I am Sect Elder Liu Kun from the Azure Cloud Sect. I come to you with news that may change your life."
Luo Chen felt his heart skip a beat. This could not be coincidence. The sect he had been considering contacting had somehow learned of his existence.
Elder Liu continued, "Once every decade, our sect sends representatives to investigate unusual celestial phenomena detected by our observation instruments. Three weeks ago, one of our astrologers detected a significant disturbance in the spiritual energy patterns of this region. The disturbance was concentrated, focused, and suggested the emergence of a cultivator of unusual potential."
Luo Chen's blood ran cold. The night of his first breakthrough, the astrologer had detected his power.
"We have spent the past three weeks investigating," Elder Liu said, "interviewing residents of this city, attempting to identify the source of the disturbance. All signs pointed toward this orphanage. I have now spent the past two days interviewing the residents here, and all evidence indicates that you, Luo Chen, are the source of the celestial disturbance."
The older children were listening now, their eyes wide with fascination and envy. Old Widow Liu's face was pale, and she was wringing her hands nervously.
"Luo Chen," Elder Liu said formally, "the Azure Cloud Sect extends an invitation to you to join our order as an outer disciple. Your cultivation talent is evident, and we believe you could develop into a powerful cultivator under our guidance. We will provide you with training, resources, and knowledge to help you reach your potential. In return, you will serve the sect with loyalty and obedience."
This was beyond Luo Chen's hopes. Not only would he escape the orphanage and gain access to proper cultivation training, but he would be received by the very sect he had been considering contacting. It was as if the universe itself was guiding him toward his destiny.
"I accept, Elder," Luo Chen replied, keeping his voice steady despite his racing heart. "I would be honored to join the Azure Cloud Sect."
"Excellent. Gather your belongings. You will depart with me at first light tomorrow."
That night, Luo Chen could barely sleep. He lay on his pallet, holding the jade disk in his hands beneath his blanket, feeling its warmth against his chest. He thought about the other children he would be leaving behind, especially little Xiao Ming. He thought about Old Widow Liu, who had raised him despite their meager resources. He thought about the stars that he had watched since childhood, the same stars that had somehow guided this messenger to find him.
At some point in the night, Luo Chen made a decision. He would honor his past. He would not forget the orphanage and the people who had cared for him. Someday, when he was powerful enough, he would return and ensure that every child under Old Widow Liu's care would have the opportunities they deserved.