Xiao Feng stood in the center of the forest clearing, his heart pounding as Lei Long coiled around him, radiating authority. The elemental masters stood in a circle, their eyes gleaming with anticipation. The trials were about to begin.
"Xiao Feng," Lei Long rumbled, his voice echoing like thunder, "you must summon a beast for each element. These beasts will test your strength, your heart, and your connection to the world around you. Each one has a unique challenge, and you must overcome them not by force, but by understanding."
Xiao Feng clenched his fists, determination surging through him. He had come too far to back down now.
The Trial of Fire
The first master to step forward was Yang Mei, the Master of Fire. Her crimson robes shimmered like flames as she raised a hand, igniting a circle of fire around Xiao Feng. The heat was intense, but Xiao Feng stood firm.
"Summon the Phoenix, Xiao Feng," Yang Mei said, her voice commanding. "Feel the passion and courage of fire within you."
Xiao Feng focused, drawing on his inner mana. He felt a surge of heat within him, a fiery energy that resonated with the world around him. He stretched out his hand, and from the flames, a majestic Phoenix emerged. Its fiery wings illuminated the clearing, and its sharp golden eyes locked onto Xiao Feng.
The Phoenix screeched, releasing a wave of scorching heat. Xiao Feng staggered but quickly steadied himself. He feel the Phoenix's fiery spirit. He didn't try to dominate it but instead opened his heart to its power.
The Phoenix hesitated, then lowered its wings in a gesture of acknowledgment. The trial was complete.
The Trial of Earth
Next came Han Xu, the Master of Earth. He slammed his staff into the ground, and the earth beneath Xiao Feng trembled. "Summon the Stone Guardian," he said. "Let the stability and strength of the earth guide you."
Xiao Feng knelt, placing his hands on the ground. He felt the earth's steady pulse, its unyielding power. Drawing on that energy, he summoned the Stone Guardian, a massive beast made of jagged rocks and glowing runes. The creature's footsteps shook the ground as it approached, its eyes glowing with ancient wisdom.
The Stone Guardian raised its colossal arm, aiming to strike Xiao Feng. Instead of dodging, Xiao Feng stood his ground, trusting the earth to protect him. The Guardian stopped its attack, nodding in approval. Xiao Feng had passed the trial of Earth.
The Trial of Water
Li Qian, the Master of Water, stepped forward, her movements as fluid as a stream. "Summon the Aquaflare," she instructed. "Feel the adaptability and serenity of water."
Xiao Feng focused on the sounds of a nearby stream, letting its rhythm guide him. A shimmering Aquaflare, a sleek fish-like beast with glowing blue scales and flowing fins, emerged from the water. Its movements were graceful, but its eyes held a challenge.
The Aquaflare darted toward Xiao Feng, its speed almost impossible to follow. Xiao Feng relied on his heightened senses, feeling the vibrations in the air and water. He moved in sync with the creature, matching its rhythm until it swam in a circle around him, its energy calm and harmonious.
Xiao feng passed the trial of water.
The Trial of Wind
Feng Zhi, the Master of Wind, stepped forward, a breeze swirling around him. "Summon the Skyfeather, the embodiment of freedom and agility."
Xiao Feng tilted his head to the sky, feeling the wind brush against his face. He extended his hand, and a Skyfeather, a majestic bird with silver and green feathers that shimmered like sunlight on leaves, appeared. Its wings created gusts of wind with every beat, and it moved with incredible speed.
The Skyfeather dived toward Xiao Feng, testing his reflexes. Xiao Feng didn't resist; instead, he let the wind guide him, feeling the Skyfeather's energy. He stretched out his hand, and the bird landed gracefully on his arm, its piercing eyes softening.
Xiao feng passed the trial of wind.
The Trial of Lightning
Finally, Lei Long himself stepped forward, his golden eyes glowing with electricity. "The last trial is the hardest, Xiao Feng. Summon the Thunderfang, the beast of lightning. It will test your spirit and resilience."
Xiao Feng felt his heart race as he channeled his inner mana. The air around him crackled with electricity, and a brilliant Thunderfang, a wolf-like beast with a mane of lightning and glowing blue fur, materialized. Its growl rumbled like thunder, and sparks flew with every movement.
The Thunderfang lunged at Xiao Feng, its fangs crackling with lightning. Xiao Feng focused, using the techniques Lei Long had taught him to channel his own energy. He reached out, letting the lightning flow through him instead of resisting it. The pain was intense, but Xiao Feng stood firm, his connection with the Thunderfang growing stronger.
The Thunderfang stopped, its glowing eyes filled with respect. Xiao Feng had passed the final trial.
The Aftermath
Xiao Feng stood in the center of the clearing, surrounded by the five elemental beasts: the Phoenix, the Stone Guardian, the Aquaflare, the Skyfeather, and the Thunderfang. Each one had tested him, and each one now stood by his side, their energies resonating with his own.
Lei Long lowered his massive head, pride shining in his golden eyes. "You have done well, Xiao Feng. You have proven your strength, your heart, and your spirit. But this is only the beginning of your journey. The path of a Beast Summoner is long and filled with challenges. Are you ready to continue?"
Xiao Feng clenched his fists, his determination unwavering. "Yes. I'm ready."
The elemental masters nodded in approval, and Lei Long spread his wings. "Then let us begin the next phase of your training. Together, we will unlock your true potential."
As the beasts roared and the wind carried their cries across the forest, Xiao Feng knew that he had found his place in this new world. The trials had awakened a power within him, and with Lei Long's guidance, he was ready to face whatever came next.