The journey to the eastern mountains took several more days, each step bringing Tian Feng closer to his goal. The landscape grew more rugged and treacherous as he neared the mountains, the paths narrowing and the cliffs rising steeply around him.
Finally, he arrived at the base of a towering peak, its summit hidden in the clouds. At its foot stood an imposing gate, flanked by statues of fierce guardians. This was the entrance to the Sect of the Rising Sun.
Taking a deep breath, Tian Feng approached the gate. As he reached out to knock, the gates creaked open on their own, revealing a path lined with cherry blossom trees. He stepped inside, feeling the weight of the journey behind him and the promise of the trials ahead.
The path led to a grand courtyard, where a group of cultivators stood in disciplined rows, practicing their forms. At the head of the courtyard stood a tall man with an air of authority, his robes shimmering with an ethereal light.
"Welcome to the Sect of the Rising Sun," the man said, his voice resonating with power. "I am Master Li Wei, the head of this sect. What brings you here, young cultivator?"
Tian Feng bowed deeply. "Master Li Wei, I am Tian Feng, from the village of Qinghe. I seek to grow stronger and learn the ways of cultivation. I humbly request to join your sect and train under your guidance."
Master Li Wei studied him for a moment, his eyes piercing and thoughtful. "Your journey has been long and arduous, and you have shown great determination. But strength alone is not enough to join our ranks. You must prove yourself worthy through our trials."
"I understand, Master," Tian Feng said, his voice steady. "I am ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead."
Master Li Wei nodded, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Very well. The first trial is one of the body. You must climb to the summit of this mountain and retrieve a sacred herb that grows there. It is a perilous journey, and many have failed. Do you accept this challenge?"
"I do," Tian Feng replied without hesitation.
"Then go, and may the spirits guide you," Master Li Wei said, gesturing to the path that led up the mountain.
Tian Feng set off immediately, his heart pounding with a mix of excitement and apprehension. The path was steep and treacherous, winding through dense forests and across narrow ledges. The air
grew thinner as he ascended, and the chill of the higher altitudes bit into his skin. But he pressed on, drawing upon his cultivation energy to strengthen his body and keep his mind focused.
As he climbed, he encountered various obstacles—rockslides, treacherous ravines, and wild beasts. Each challenge tested his agility, strength, and resolve. He fought off a pack of mountain wolves with swift, precise strikes, and leapt across wide chasms with the grace of a seasoned cultivator. The further he climbed, the more he felt the weight of the task, but also a growing sense of determination.
After hours of arduous climbing, Tian Feng reached a plateau near the summit. Here, the spiritual energy was almost palpable, a dense mist that shimmered with an otherworldly glow. In the center of the plateau grew a solitary plant with radiant blue petals—the sacred herb.
As he approached the herb, Tian Feng felt a presence watching him. He turned to see a figure emerge from the mist—a guardian spirit in the form of a majestic white tiger. Its eyes glowed with wisdom and power, and it let out a low, rumbling growl.
"You seek the sacred herb?" the tiger asked, its voice deep and resonant.
Tian Feng nodded, bowing respectfully. "Yes, noble spirit. I am Tian Feng, and I wish to prove myself worthy of the Sect of the Rising Sun."
The tiger regarded him for a moment, then nodded. "Many have come seeking this herb, but few have passed the final test. To take the herb, you must demonstrate not only your strength and skill, but also your heart and spirit."
"I understand," Tian Feng said, meeting the tiger's gaze. "What must I do?"
The tiger crouched, its muscles tensing. "You must face me in combat. Show me the strength of your spirit."
Tian Feng took a deep breath, centering himself. Drawing his sword, he stepped forward, ready to face the guardian. The tiger lunged at him with a roar, its claws gleaming in the misty light. Tian Feng met the attack head-on, his movements fluid and precise.
The battle was fierce, the tiger's strength and agility matched by Tian Feng's determination and skill. He dodged and parried, using his cultivation techniques to enhance his speed and power. The clash of steel and the roar of the tiger echoed across the plateau, each strike and counterstrike pushing Tian Feng to his limits.
But as the battle wore on, Tian Feng began to understand the true nature of the test. It was not merely a test of physical strength, but of spirit and resolve. He needed to prove that he was not only a warrior, but a protector and a cultivator with a compassionate heart.
With this realization, Tian Feng changed his approach. Instead of fighting to defeat the tiger, he began to fight to protect. He defended himself with precision, but also sought to avoid harming the spirit. His strikes became more controlled, his movements more focused on evasion and defense.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the tiger paused, its eyes locking onto his. There was a flicker of respect in its gaze. With a nod, the tiger stepped back, its form beginning to fade into the mist.
"You have proven your worth, Tian Feng," the tiger said, its voice now gentle. "You have shown not only strength and skill, but a true cultivator's spirit. Take the sacred herb, and may it guide you on your path."
Tian Feng bowed deeply as the tiger vanished, then approached the sacred herb. He carefully plucked it from the ground, feeling its potent spiritual energy pulse through his fingers. With the herb in hand, he began his descent, the journey down the mountain feeling lighter, as if the weight of his trials had been lifted.