The mountain path was treacherous, a jagged trail winding through cliffs that seemed to rise endlessly toward the heavens. The air was thinner here, carrying a chill that bit at Ye Tian's skin, but he pressed on without complaint. The man leading the way moved with ease, his steps light despite the harsh terrain.
Ye Tian's mind, however, was far from at ease. The cloaked figure's warning from the night before lingered in his thoughts. The furnace is cursed… its power comes at a price.
He stole a glance at his travel bag, where the blackened furnace lay wrapped in cloth. The artifact pulsed faintly, as though alive, responding to some unseen force in the distance.
"Are you distracted already, Ye Tian?" the man called over his shoulder, his voice carrying a note of amusement. "Or is it the weight of the furnace that's making you hesitate?"
Ye Tian's eyes narrowed. "I don't hesitate. I calculate."
The man chuckled, pausing at the edge of a narrow ledge to wait for him. "Good. You'll need that sharp mind where we're going."
The Sect of Forgotten Shadows
As the sun dipped behind the peaks, they finally arrived. Hidden within the mountains was a sprawling complex of stone buildings carved into the cliffs themselves. The structures exuded an aura of antiquity, their surfaces weathered by time but still imposing. At the heart of the sect stood a towering pagoda, its spire piercing the sky.
"This is the Sect of Forgotten Shadows," the man said, his tone reverent. "Few know of its existence, and fewer still dare to tread its grounds."
Ye Tian surveyed the sect with cautious eyes. Despite the grandeur, there was an oppressive air about the place, as if the shadows themselves were alive and watching.
"What is this place?" he asked.
"A sanctuary," the man replied. "And a crucible. Here, the strongest are forged, and the weak are consumed. It is the perfect place for someone like you to grow."
Ye Tian didn't miss the undertone in the man's voice. To grow—or to be used?
The Reception
As they descended toward the sect, several figures emerged to greet them. They were robed in dark gray, their faces obscured by intricate masks that bore expressions of anguish, fury, or joy. Their Qi was restrained but palpable, each one clearly a master in their own right.
One of them stepped forward, bowing slightly to the man. "Master Shen, you return with a new prospect."
"Indeed," the man—now identified as Shen—replied smoothly. "This one has potential. Ensure he is prepared for the initiation."
Ye Tian's brow furrowed. "Initiation?"
Shen turned to him, his smile unwavering. "The Sect of Forgotten Shadows does not accept members lightly. You must prove your worth."
"And if I refuse?" Ye Tian asked, his tone calm but edged with defiance.
Shen's smile turned razor-sharp. "Then you leave. But understand, the furnace you carry will remain. Its power is tied to this sect, and you cannot wield it without our guidance."
Ye Tian's jaw tightened, but he said nothing. He knew better than to act rashly.
The First Test
The masked figures led Ye Tian into the sect, guiding him through winding corridors carved into the cliffs. The walls were etched with strange symbols, their meanings elusive yet foreboding. They finally arrived at a large, circular chamber lit by flickering torches.
In the center of the room was a black stone altar, its surface engraved with runes similar to those on the furnace. Around it, a faint mist swirled, carrying an almost tangible sense of malice.
"Your first test," one of the masked figures said, their voice distorted by the mask. "Step forward and place your hand on the altar. It will judge your worth."
Ye Tian glanced at Shen, who stood to the side, watching with a faint smirk.
"Go on," Shen urged, his tone light but insistent. "Consider this your first step."
Ye Tian approached the altar cautiously. The furnace in his bag pulsed more strongly now, as if urging him forward. He placed his hand on the cold stone, and immediately, the runes lit up with a crimson glow.
A searing pain shot through his arm, but Ye Tian gritted his teeth, refusing to show weakness. The mist around the altar coalesced into a humanoid form, its face blank and featureless.
Who are you? a voice echoed in his mind. It was neither male nor female, neither kind nor cruel.
"I am Ye Tian," he replied, his voice firm. "And I will not be judged by shadows."
The mist figure tilted its head, as though amused. Brave words. But bravery alone is not enough. Show me your strength.
The room darkened, and Ye Tian suddenly found himself standing in a void. Around him, shadowy figures emerged, each wielding weapons made of the same mist. Without hesitation, they attacked.
A Battle of Shadows
Ye Tian activated Shadowstep, vanishing just as a tendril of mist lashed out, slicing through the space he had occupied. Reappearing a few steps away, he studied his surroundings. The enemies were not physical beings but manifestations of the dense, oppressive mist. Their movements were fluid and erratic, coalescing into shapes only to dissolve and reform elsewhere.
"Interesting," Ye Tian murmured, his eyes narrowing. He extended his hand, a faint ripple of Qi emanating from his body as he channeled his gravity control.
With a calculated gesture, he unleashed Earth's Push—not in a violent burst, but in a slow, deliberate wave. The mist recoiled, its shadowy figures unraveling as the force expanded outward. The oppressive fog that cloaked the chamber began to thin, retreating as though it had encountered an insurmountable wall.
The mist figures reformed, but Ye Tian remained unfazed. Another controlled push followed, the gravity acting as an invisible tide, sweeping the enemies further back. The mist struggled against the force, its attempts to strike at Ye Tian growing weaker with every moment.
"This is hardly worth my time," Ye Tian muttered, his tone calm, almost dismissive. With a sweep of his arm, he sent a final wave of gravitational force rippling through the chamber. The push moved like an inexorable tide, flattening everything in its path. The mist figures dissolved instantly, their formless nature unable to withstand the sustained pressure.
The chamber fell silent. The oppressive atmosphere lifted, leaving only the faint glow of the altar before him. Ye Tian straightened, brushing off his robes as if the encounter had been a minor inconvenience.
As the mist dissipated completely, the altar's glow dimmed, signaling the end of the trial. Ye Tian stepped forward, his expression composed but his mind alert. "So much for a test of endurance," he said to himself, a faint smirk on his lips. "They underestimated me."
Acknowledgment
The masked figures exchanged glances before one of them stepped forward. "You have passed the first test."
Ye Tian's breathing was heavy, but his gaze was steady. "What's next?"
Shen clapped his hands, his expression one of approval. "Impressive. You handled yourself well. But don't get too comfortable, Ye Tian. The road ahead will test you even further."
Ye Tian met Shen's gaze, his resolve unshaken. "I'll be ready."
Shen's smile widened. "Good. Then let us see how far you can go."
As they left the chamber, Ye Tian couldn't shake the feeling that the Sect of Forgotten Shadows held far more secrets than it let on. And at its heart, the blackened furnace pulsed faintly, its power still a mystery waiting to be unraveled.