The sun slowly rose over the mountain peaks, brighting up the sky. At the town gates, four young people stood with bags packed. They were ready to leave home and begin their new lives as disciples of the Ying Sect.
Li Mei stood calmly, her long black hair tied neatly. She looked peaceful but her eyes showed a little sadness. Li Jiang, stood beside her leaning against the wall like a statue. Also, Qin Juan tall and strong, looked ahead without fear. Her eyes were sharp, and she held her arms across her chest.
James stood quietly beside them. Unlike the others, the town was never his real home, he felt ready to move forward.
Suddenly, a flying ship appeared in the sky. It was smooth, shiny, and carved with glowing symbols. It landed gently on the road.
From the ship stepped a tall woman in purple robes. Her name was senior sister Lianhua. She looked calm and serious. Behind her were three younger female disciples who looked happy to meet the new arrivals and one unhappy male disciple, who gave James a cold look glaring at him as senior sister Lianhua stepped forward.
"Li Mei, James, Li Jiang, and Qin Juan." she said in a strong voice. "Welcome to the Ying Sect. You are under my care now."
She pointed to the others behind her. "These are your new brothers and sisters." the group bowed to her politely, but James noticed the annoyed look from the young man.
"Let's go." senior sister Lianhua said calmly as she led them onto the flying ship. Without another word, the ship rose into the sky. They left the town quietly behind, as it was growing smaller as the flying vessel soared gracefully through the clouds toward the Ying Sect. Below them were rivers, mountains and valleys they had never seen before. The four new disciples looked out in awe as the flying ship soared through the sky.
James glanced over his shoulder, noticing the junior sister disciples chatting among themselves, their laughter light and carefree. But one thing pulled at his attention the lone male disciple. The young man kept throwing annoyed glances in James's direction, his expression tense and unfriendly.
James frowned slightly. 'What's his problem?' he wondered, but said nothing, choosing instead to focus on the breathtaking view below.
As they flew higher, the air and closer to the sect it became thick with spiritual energy, a strange, powerful feeling filled the air. Mist covered the mountains, and then, they saw it the Ying Sect.
The buildings were tall, with curved roofs and stone steps as disciples in colorful robes walked around. The sect was peaceful but as so felt well protected too.
Arriving at the Ying Sect senior sister Lianhua turned to them. "Follow junior sister Meixiu, she will take you to get your robes and show you around. Rest well. Your training begins tomorrow."
A kind-looking girl with a silver badge at the side of her hip and silver sleeves stepped forward.
"Hello," the girl said with a polite smile. "I'm junior sister Xie Meixiu. Please come with me."
She turned gracefully, leading the four new disciples through the sect's vast courtyard. They passed tall stone pillars and silent halls until they arrived at a small, tidy office. Inside, an elderly woman sat behind a wooden desk, her expression stern and unreadable.
Without a word, she reached beneath the desk and handed each of them a folded set of simple gray robes.
"These are your outer sect uniforms," she said curtly. "Wear them proudly and properly, discipline is expected here."
James accepted the robe with a bow but couldn't help noticing her cold attitude. Compared to the warm and familiar atmosphere of the town he came from, this place felt strict and formal a clear sign that things were going to be very different.
Next, junior sister Meixiu took them to their rooms.
"You now live in the Outer Sector," she explained. "This is where new disciples stay. The Inner Sector is for stronger disciples, and the Core Sect is where the Elders' personal disples live."
The group listened carefully. They knew now how hard they'd have to work to climb higher. "Tomorrow morning, you must go to the Outer Sector Square," Meixiu added. "Elder Tian will meet you there. Don't be late," Xie Meixiu said before giving a brief bow.
The four disciples returned the gesture, then turned and entered the courts. Each one was built from worn, creaking wood that gave off a faint, dusty smell. The courts were spread far apart, hidden among the thick trees that surrounded them. Tall pines loomed overhead, and the dense forest made the area feel isolated and quiet, as if the outer sect had been swallowed by nature itself.
Outer Sector Square
The test began early in the morning. A light mist curled around the stone square where James, Li Mei, Li Jiang, and Qin Juan stood alongside the other new disciples. The air was cool and quiet, filled with tension and anticipation.
From the far end of the square, a tall man stepped forward, his footsteps echoing against the stone. It was Elder Tian. His face was stern and weathered, shaped by years of experience and discipline. A long white beard flowed down to his chest, and his dark blue robes shimmered with embroidered silver dragons that coiled across the fabric. With every step, he carried an air of authority that silenced the crowd.
He looked at each disciple slowly, his eyes sharp and powerful when he looked at James, it felt like he could see right through him.
"Your first test begins now." Elder Tian announced, his deep voice echoing through the quiet courtyard. "You are to enter the Whispering Forest and survive one full night within its borders. If you are still standing by morning, you will pass."
The disciples bowed in unison, cupping their fists respectfully.
"Yes, Elder!" they shouted.
Elder Tian gave a firm nod, his sharp gaze lingering on each of them before he turned and walked away, leaving the forest entrance looming before them like a silent challenge.
The forest was dark and full of mist. Everyone had heard stories about it how it played tricks on your mind and made you see your greatest fears.
Li Jiang looked straight ahead, his face serious. Beside him, Li Mei stayed calm, brushing some dust off her sleeve. Qin Juan stood quietly, her eyes focused ahead as her hands slowly tightened into fists.
James felt something strange deep inside. The golden cauldron hidden in his body started to glow softly, making his heart beat faster. He looked toward the forest. The trees were tall and twisted, with thick fog moving between them like slow-moving ghosts.
Around them, the other new disciples were whispering and forming groups. James turned to Li Jiang. "Let's team up." Li Jiang gave a short nod. "Good idea. We'll be safer."
Li Mei and Qin Juan walked over. "We'll go with you," Li Mei said.
James nodded. "Alright, let's stick together."
The four of them walked to the forest's edge. Everything was quiet, no wind and no birds just the sound of their footsteps on the dirt.
Then, without another word, they stepped into the forest. The fog wrapped around them, and the shadows quickly swallowed them up.