The voidcraft slowed its journey, the ambient hum fading into silence as it approached the boundary of the Eternal Spirit World. A faint, shimmering veil—a testament to the world's powerful spiritual energy—hovered in the distance, glowing faintly in hues of blue and silver. Aeros leaned forward in his chair, his eyes narrowing as he caught sight of the ethereal barrier.
"Is that the Eternal Spirit World?" Aeros asked, his voice tinged with curiosity and anticipation.
Serus, still seated cross-legged in meditation, opened his eyes. The calm intensity in his gaze made Aeros sit up straighter. "Yes. That's the spiritual boundary. It's a natural defense formed over millennia, a barrier that prevents weaker entities from entering. For us, it's a simple matter to pass through."
Aeros smirked. "Simple for someone at your level, perhaps. But if the barrier is that strong, doesn't it reflect the strength of the cultivators inside?"
Serus chuckled softly. "Indeed, you'll find no shortage of challenges here. The Eternal Spirit World is a crucible for those aspiring to ascend. Sects compete fiercely for resources, and alliances are fragile at best. It's the perfect stage for your first trial."
Aeros stood, his movements fluid. He stretched slightly, loosening the tension in his shoulders. "And the Beast Reign Sect? What kind of people are we dealing with?"
"Competent," Serus replied simply. "Their foundations are solid, and their methods effective. While they may not compare to the supreme sects of the higher worlds, they are formidable within this realm. You'll do well to observe their strengths and weaknesses."
As they neared the shimmering barrier, Serus gestured with a slight wave of his hand. The voidcraft slowed to a halt, hovering just before the veil. Serus stood, his robes flowing as though caught in an unseen breeze. "Prepare yourself, Aeros. The transition can be… disorienting."
Aeros raised an eyebrow. "Disorienting how?"
Before Serus could answer, he extended his palm, and a pulse of energy surged forward, parting the barrier like a curtain. The moment they crossed through, a wave of spiritual energy crashed over them. Aeros stumbled slightly, his breath hitching as the dense energy pressed against him.
"That," Serus said with a faint smirk, watching as Aeros quickly steadied himself.
"It's so… weird," Aeros muttered, his voice tight. "Like walking through water."
"You'll adapt," Serus assured him. "The density of spiritual energy here is many times lower than what you're used to. This alone will push your cultivation forward if you learn to harness it properly."
The craft descended smoothly, the Eternal Spirit World unfurling before them like a grand tapestry. Rolling mountains, vast forests, and gleaming rivers stretched out as far as the eye could see. In the distance, a towering city rose from the horizon, its spires glinting in the sunlight.
"That's Thunder Bark City," Serus said, pointing to the city. "Our destination. The Beast Reign Sect has already sent an envoy to meet us there."
Aeros nodded, his eyes scanning the landscape. "What should I expect when we meet them?"
"Respect and skepticism," Serus replied bluntly. "Your background as a noble from an outer world will grant you a degree of courtesy, but do not expect deference. You'll need to earn their trust."
Aeros grinned. "Good. I'd rather prove myself than rely on empty titles."
The voidcraft landed gracefully on the outskirts of the city, drawing the attention of several onlookers. Serus and Aeros disembarked, their presence commanding immediate attention. A small group of cultivators approached, led by a man in ornate robes. His aura was steady and imposing, marking him as a seasoned cultivator.
"Elder Serus," the man said, bowing deeply. "Welcome to the Eternal Spirit World. I am Liang Fen, elder of the Beast Reign Sect."
Serus returned the bow with a slight incline of his head. "Elder Liang, it's good to see you. This is my nephew, Aeros."
Liang's sharp eyes appraised Aeros, lingering on him for a moment longer than necessary. "A pleasure," Liang said finally. "The younger generation always brings new potential. We've made the necessary arrangements for your trial. The competition begins in three days."
"Three days?" Aeros asked, his tone calm but curious. "That's a short amount of time to prepare."
Liang smiled faintly. "Preparation is part of the test. Use the time wisely."
Serus placed a hand on Aeros' shoulder. "We'll make the most of it. Lead the way, Elder Liang."
The group moved swiftly, navigating the bustling streets of Thunder Bark City. The city teemed with life, cultivators of varying levels walking the streets, their auras flickering like candles in the wind. Shops lined the roads, selling rare herbs, weapons, and artifacts. Aeros took it all in, his gaze lingering on a street vendor selling shimmering elixirs.
"Eyes forward, Aeros," Serus chided gently. "Distractions are a luxury you can't afford right now."
Aeros sighed but complied, his focus returning to their path. Liang led them to a sprawling compound, its gates adorned with carvings of fierce beasts in battle. The emblem of the Beast Reign Sect—a roaring lion encircled by stars—was etched prominently on the gates.
Inside the sect's main hall, whispers erupted as soon as Liang entered with Serus and Aeros. Several disciples and elders were gathered, discussing the upcoming competition. All conversation ceased as their eyes fell on the newcomers.
A young man with a sharp jawline and a piercing gaze stepped forward. His robes were embroidered with intricate patterns of a soaring eagle. "Elder Liang, who are these guests?"
Liang turned toward the young man. "Kian, this is Elder Serus from a higher realm and his nephew, Aeros. They will be participating in the Eternal Nectar competition."
Kian's eyes flickered with a mix of surprise and skepticism. "From a higher realm? Then their strength must be extraordinary." His tone was polite, but there was an undeniable edge of challenge in his words.
Aeros' lips quirked into a faint smile. "Strength is relative, isn't it? A lion in one world might just be another beast elsewhere."
Kian raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable. Before he could respond, an older woman, her silver hair tied back in a neat bun, approached. Her presence commanded respect, and the disciples bowed as she passed.
"Elder Serus," she said, her voice steady and authoritative. "It is an honor to host a cultivator of your caliber. I am Elder Yin, one of the senior leaders of the Beast Reign Sect. I hope your journey here was smooth."
Serus inclined his head. "Elder Yin, the journey was uneventful, as I prefer. I appreciate the hospitality of your sect."
Her gaze shifted to Aeros, her sharp eyes studying him. "And this is the young talent from your lineage?"
"Aeros Stormhaven," he said, bowing respectfully. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Elder."
Aeros was otherworldly handsome, even at the young age of 14. Though he and Serus had both disguised their horns, he was still tall, standing at 6'3. His curly white hair framed his head in a halo of ivory. His almond brown skin, almost golden, was a sight to behold. What really captured anyone were his deep orange eyes, that resembled an eternal flame. At times, it felt as if flames flickered within them. Adorned in celestial garments impervious to time and dirt, he was the embodiment of nobility.
Elder Yin's lips curved into a faint smile. "Confidence is good, but arrogance will not serve you well, dear child," she said warmly. "The Eternal Nectar competition will test more than just your cultivation."
"Arrogance would be assuming I already know the outcome," Aeros replied, his tone measured. "I'm here to learn and grow, just like anyone else."
A soft murmur of approval rippled through the hall. Elder Yin's expression softened slightly, and she nodded. "A wise mindset. I look forward to seeing how you perform."
As Aeros and Serus followed Liang further into the compound, Kian leaned toward a fellow disciple, his voice low but audible. "Let's see if this 'young talent' can back up his words. The competition isn't a place for empty boasts."
Aeros, hearing the remark, turned slightly and offered Kian a lazy smile. "Don't worry, I'll do my best not to disappoint you."
Kian's jaw tightened, but he said nothing more. Elder Yin's sharp glance silenced the murmurs in the hall, and the group moved on, leaving a mix of intrigue and tension in their wake.
As they continued into the sect.
"This will be your residence until the competition," Liang said, gesturing to the compound. "You'll find training facilities and resources at your disposal. If you have any questions, feel free to ask."
"Thank you, Elder Liang," Aeros said with a respectful nod. "I appreciate the hospitality."
Liang's expression softened slightly. "Make good use of your time. The Eternal Nectar competition is no ordinary test. Even the most skilled cultivators can find themselves outmatched if they're unprepared."
As Liang departed, Aeros turned to Serus. "What's your take on him?"
Serus' lips twitched into a faint smile. "Cautious but honorable. He'll ensure a fair trial, but don't expect any favors."
Aeros nodded, his determination solidifying. "Then I'd better get started."
The compound's training facilities were extensive. Aeros spent the next few hours familiarizing himself with the layout and meditating to acclimate to the dense spiritual energy. Serus observed quietly.
As night fell, Aeros sat cross-legged in the courtyard, his breathing steady as he focused on channeling the spiritual energy around him. Serus approached, his presence as steady as the stars overhead.
"You're making progress," Serus said, his voice low. "But don't push too hard. The competition will test more than your cultivation. Strategy and adaptability are just as important."
Aeros opened one eye, smirking. "You sound like you're worried about me."
Serus chuckled. "Worried? No. But I'd rather not waste my time patching you up if you overextend yourself."
Aeros laughed, the sound light but genuine. "Don't worry, Uncle. I'll make you proud."
Serus' gaze softened, though he said nothing more. Together, they sat beneath the starlit sky, the Eternal Spirit World brimming.
After a moment of silence, Aeros spoke again, his tone casual. "You know, this place isn't bad. It's not home, but there's something about it. The air… it feels alive."
Serus nodded thoughtfully. "Every world has its essence. Some worlds feel like old friends, while others… they're strangers you'd rather avoid. The Eternal Spirit World is young, but it's rich with potential."
Aeros leaned back slightly, gazing at the sky. "It must be strange for you, though. Coming from where we do, a place like this probably feels… primitive."
"Not primitive," Serus corrected. "Different. Power isn't everything, Aeros. Sometimes, it's the struggle that shapes a cultivator more than the ease of their surroundings."
Aeros chuckled. "You sound like one of those wandering sages. Next thing I know, you'll be telling me to meditate under a waterfall."
Serus' lips twitched into a faint smile. "If it gets you to focus, I just might."
Aeros grinned but didn't push further.