The city at the foot of the mountain where the Golden Dragon Sect resided was bustling with life. Merchants, travelers, and aspiring cultivators moved through the streets, their sights set on the great mountain that loomed over them, crowned by the illustrious sect. The mountain's ascent was marked by a Sect gate, a monumental arch that framed a wide, open plaza. It was here, beneath the gaze of the gate and the majestic heights beyond, that Xianwu, Lan Hua, and Yun Wei stood, looking upon their destination with determination.
Before tackling the challenges ahead, the three decided to settle in a nearby inn. The establishment was modest but comfortable, the air filled with the scent of fresh-cooked meals and a faint buzz of conversation. As they sat at a table, Yun Wei called over the innkeeper, a stout, middle-aged man with an easy smile.
"Excuse me, could you tell us how one might gain entry into the Golden Dragon Sect?" Yun Wei asked, his curiosity barely concealed.
The innkeeper's smile faltered slightly, replaced by a more serious expression. "Ah, young man, you're not the first to ask, and you won't be the last. In a few days, the yearly trials will take place. Anyone with enough courage and strength can participate, but let me warn you—those trials are no joke. Many have tried, and some have lost their lives in the attempt."
Yun Wei nodded thoughtfully, a small smirk forming on his lips. "Sounds like our kind of challenge."
The innkeeper shrugged. "Just be careful. The Golden Dragon Sect doesn't care for the weak."
After the innkeeper left them to their thoughts, the trio gathered in their room, a hushed conversation ensuing. Xianwu looked at Lan Hua and Yun Wei with a stern expression. "We need to be careful here. We shouldn't talk about where we're from or what we've done. The fewer people know about us, the better."
Lan Hua nodded in agreement, though her gaze was still set on the mountain, her determination shining through. "We need to keep our heads low until we make it in."
Yun Wei chuckled. "No need to tell me twice. I'm as mysterious as a shadow."
Over the next few days, the trio observed and listened, picking up information about the trials. They learned that the first trial would be a test of strength against the Primordial Stone—a legendary stone said to be the hardest material in all of Murim, incredibly rare and capable of revealing the true potential of those who struck it. It would serve as the initial filter, eliminating those without the physical prowess required by the sect.
The second trial was a combat arena, a straightforward yet brutal test of martial prowess, pitting applicants against one another to see who had the fighting skill to advance. The final trial was the most infamous—the Stairway Ascension. The steps to the Golden Dragon Sect were enchanted with a formation that tested the mental strength of each applicant. It was said that many had lost their minds attempting to ascend further than they could endure, their wills shattered by the pressure of the formation.
The morning of the trials arrived, and the air was filled with excitement and tension. Xianwu, Lan Hua, and Yun Wei made their way to the plaza before the Sect gate, where a long line of hopefuls had already formed, each applicant waiting their turn to register. The three joined the line, their eyes scanning the other cultivators, all of whom bore various expressions—some confident, others anxious.
As they waited, a young man with a nervous smile turned to them. "First time attempting the trials?" he asked, his voice wavering slightly.
Yun Wei grinned. "First time, but not the last. What about you?"
The young man nodded. "Yeah, first time as well. I'm Ren Shu. I've been training for this day for years. It's an honor just to stand here and try."
Xianwu gave a curt nod, respecting the man's determination. "I'm Xianwu. This is Lan Hua and Yun Wei. Let's hope we all make it through."
Ren Shu smiled, visibly relieved to have found a friendly face. "Yeah, let's do our best. I've heard these trials are no joke, especially the Stairway Ascension. The stories about people losing their minds... it's hard not to feel a bit nervous."
Lan Hua nodded sympathetically. "We've heard the same. But we've also come prepared. We just have to stay focused and keep pushing forward, no matter what."
Ren Shu took a deep breath, nodding. "You're right. I've put everything into training for this. There's no turning back now."
Yun Wei gave him a pat on the shoulder, a grin on his face. "Exactly. Besides, we'll be going through it together. Let's give them something to talk about, shall we?"
Ren Shu smiled, his nerves easing. "Yeah, together. Let's make it count."
Finally, it was Xianwu's turn to register. The Golden Dragon Sect disciples overseeing the registration looked down their noses at the applicants, their disdain for those of humble origins evident in their expressions. One of the disciples, a young man with a haughty demeanor, eyed Xianwu dismissively. "Name and origin?" he asked, his tone dripping with disinterest.
"Xianwu, from the countryside," Xianwu replied calmly.
The disciple sneered. "The countryside? You think someone like you can make it into the Golden Dragon Sect?" His voice was loud enough to draw the attention of a few others, who chuckled at Xianwu's expense.
Lan Hua clenched her fists, her sense of justice flaring at the disrespect. She took a step forward, her eyes blazing, but before she could say anything, Xianwu placed a hand on her arm, shaking his head slightly. His gaze remained fixed on the disciple, his expression cold and indifferent.
"Is there a problem?" Xianwu asked, his voice steady, unaffected by the disciple's taunting.
The disciple scowled but stamped the registration document. Just then, a figure pushed his way through the line, shoving Xianwu aside. "What are all these country bumpkins doing here?" the newcomer sneered, trying to force Xianwu out of the way. To his surprise, Xianwu didn't budge, standing firm against the push. The newcomer's face twisted in anger as he realized he couldn't move Xianwu. The Golden Dragon Sect disciples overseeing the registration noticed the commotion, their expressions turning to annoyance. "You there, country bumpkin, step aside!" one of them barked, their attention shifting to the newcomer with ingratiating smiles. "Huang Lei, why trouble yourself with these nobodies?" they said, their tone deferential.
Huang Lei, his sneer deepening, looked at Xianwu with contempt. "You're lucky these trials are open to everyone, or I'd throw you off this mountain myself." He then turned to the disciples, his demeanor changing instantly.
The disciples immediately began to fawn over him. "Young Master Huang, it's an honor to see you here. We were just talking about how your strength surpasses even many of the inner disciples," one of them said, his tone filled with sycophantic admiration.
Another disciple chimed in, "With you participating in these trials, it's practically guaranteed that only the best will pass. The sect will be lucky to have more people like you, Young Master Huang."
Huang Lei smirked, clearly enjoying the attention. "Of course," he replied, his arrogance evident. The disciples continued to heap praise upon him, seemingly forgetting about the rest of the applicants.
Ren Shu leaned in towards the trio, his voice low. "That's Huang Lei, the grandson of one of the elders of the Golden Dragon Sect. He's already at the peak of the Elemental Realm. Best to avoid him—he's powerful and influential."
Lan Hua's eyes flashed with frustration, her sense of justice once again threatening to boil over. "It's sickening, how they bow to someone like that just because of his lineage," she muttered under her breath.
Xianwu shook his head slightly, his gaze unwavering. "We don't want to draw attention, Lan Hua. Remember, we're here for the trials, not to settle pointless disputes. Stay focused."
Lan Hua exhaled sharply, nodding reluctantly. "Fine, but it doesn't mean I have to like it."
After Huang Lei finally moved on, the four received their registration tokens. Together, they made their way toward the Primordial Stone, ready for the first trial.