Sun streamed down now into this training grounds on such heavy leaves as to spatter bright, cool lights against the blackness of darker shades within where Bai Cheng carefully honed his movements; he moved now faster with better ease in traversing across the ground as if actually being molded in form as he began.
Nearby Gerald and Mei Feng observed him closely with faces filled with pride alongside careful attention that reflected just how seriously they had adopted the role entrusted to their care.
After a very silky smooth sequence of movements, Mei Feng cried out, "Bai Cheng! Come over here for a sec.".
Bai Cheng wiped at the sweat running down his forehead as he hurried to the two figures.
The red-faced person still hurled his determination as he said, "Is something amiss, Mei Feng?".
Mei Feng gestured for him to come sit beside her on the ground. "You're working very hard and doing very well," she began, her voice soft but powerful. "But there's something we haven't yet discussed, something important.".
Bai Cheng turned his head, confused. "What is it?
She looked straight at him with a sparkle in her eyes. "Spiritual beast."
A spiritual beast?" Bai Cheng repeated with a puzzled and slightly inquisitive expression. "What do you mean?
Gerald laughed and sat back against a tree, folding his arms. "She means you need a little friend, kid. You know, like this dog right here." He pointed to a mess of a dog lying on the ground, its tongue slowly hanging out. "We already have one waiting for you. Isn't that true, buddy?
The dog was there weakly barking and wagging its tail.
Bai Cheng blinked, wondering if Gerald was not serious. "Wait. Do you mean this dog?
Mei Feng groaned and rubbed her temples. "Gerald, stop joking! A spiritual beast isn't an animal. It's a life friend partner who shares your power and grows with you. This is one of the crucial aspects of being a cultivator.".
"Oh, come on," Gerald said with a grin. "What's wrong with a dog? He's faithful, never complains, and eats leftovers. Perfect, right?"
"Gerald!" Mei Feng said decidedly, forcing Gerald to put his hands up as if he surrendered.
"This isn't funny. Bai Cheng needs the right spiritual beast."
To Bai Cheng, she softens her voice. "Well, a spiritual beast is not only for battling. It symbolizes your spirit and character. The bond between a cultivator and a beast is very unique. In the exams, one success or failure all depends on it.".
When he listened to her, his eyes opened more widely. "But. how do I get one? I never really thought of this.".
Mei Feng smiled, a combination of care and frustration. "Of course, you haven't. You've been too busy with your training. Now you must begin to think about it.".
"How can I find one?" Bai Cheng asked in all seriousness.
"Spiritual beasts aren't something you can just take," Mei Feng said. "They come to you, in a way. It's about connection. You're going to have to venture into the wild, into an area where the spiritual energy is strong. There, you're going to sit around waiting for a beast that's like your spirit to come along."
"Wait?" Bai Cheng furrowed his brow. "That is it? Only that?"
Gerald chuckled again. "Oh, it's not as easy as it sounds, kid. Spiritual beasts don't just show up and say, 'Hey, let's be best friends.' You've got to prove yourself to them. Show them you're worthy."
"Worthy?" Bai Cheng echoed, sounding puzzled.
Mei Feng nodded. "Yes. Some animals will test you and challenge your strength or determination. Others may ask you to show your kindness or understanding. It is different for each person."
Bai Cheng stared at his hands, thinking fast. "A spiritual beast," he whispered, the thought making him both fearful and thrilled.
Mei Feng stepped closer and told him in a playful tone: "Not that you think you can now stop running yourself ragged on your exercises. You must be prepared when the time comes."
Bai Cheng nodded, determination flickering in his eyes. "I understand. I'll do whatever it takes."
The Weight of Preparation
Mei Feng looked Bai Cheng over closely while speaking; with careful eyes, she checked him up and down. "By the way," she said with her arms crossed, "do you have any armor? Is it right for the exams?"
" Bai Cheng asked, puzzled. "I don't have anything like that,".
Mei Feng closed her eyes, blowing out her breath. "And pills? Potions to heal? Anything?
Bai Cheng shook his head and a sheepish smile pulled at his lips. "I don't have those either.".
Gerald burst out laughing. "This young fellow thought he would pass the examinations with fist alone and on bravery alone! That's amusing!
It's not funny, Gerald, Mei Feng snapped in irritation. "Bai Cheng, get ready. It is not just a test of skills; it is survival. You are going to compete with people who have spent all their lives practicing; many with the best gear their parents could buy them. You cannot enter here without your armor.
Bai Cheng's face set. "So. Well, I suppose I see. But. where do I begin?"
"We'll, after all," Mei Feng retorted firmly. "Focus for now on practice and later I shall do a follow-up on what we might find before exams."
"Perhaps we could trade the dog for some armor," Gerald quipped, and Mei Feng shot him a disapproving glance.
"Gerald, I swear—"
"Alright, alright," Gerald said, holding up his hands in surrender. "I'll behave. But seriously, kid, don't worry too much. You've got us, and we'll make sure you're ready."
Bai Cheng smiled, his heart feeling a little less constricted from this to ease the constriction.
"Thanks. Both of you.".
A New Goal
With that newfound energy, Bai Cheng returned to his train. And on the path ahead, he journeyed further with spiritual beasts, armor, and elixirs constantly in his mind. And with these thoughts, the way before him was tougher than he thought
; he had an electrifying feeling inside.
He whispered to himself as he practiced his moves: "I will find a spiritual beast." "I am ready for anything.
From his chair under the tree, Gerald and Mei Feng looked up at him in silence.
He'd be okay, Gerald grinned wide. "He's full of energy.".
Mei Feng nodded, her eyes just a little softer. "I hope so. The exams are only the beginning.".
As the sun set, the clearing became full of gold and red hue light; Bai Cheng continued walking along his journey. He faced many bumps and challenges on a very long road, but determination and belief in himself, as well as other people believing in him, led him to find the right path.