Under a brilliant full moon and a cloudless sky, a ragged young boy stood silently atop Qingling Mountain, his gaze piercing the sea of clouds to rest on the legendary immortal gate.
"Han Yue, today marks your entry into the mountain. Do you regret this choice?" a low voice asked from behind him.
Turning back, Han Yue saw the village's old hunter. Shaking his head, his eyes filled with resolve: "My fate lies in my hands, not in the heavens. To seek immortality, I would face death without regret."
The old hunter sighed, pulling out a small jade pendant tied with a red cord. "I found this when I was young. I don't know if it's a blessing or a curse, but it might be of use to you. Take care."
Han Yue accepted the pendant, securing it at his waist with care, then strode into the mist with unwavering determination.
Qingling Mountain, one of the ten great spiritual mountains of the Tianqiong Continent, brimmed with spiritual energy and hidden opportunities. But it was also rife with danger. As Han Yue reached the mountainside, the silence was unnerving, broken only by the mournful whispers of wind through ancient trees. Suddenly, a bone-chilling presence stopped him in his tracks.
"Who dares trespass on forbidden ground?" A voice, thunderous and commanding, rang out. From the clouds emerged a silver-haired elder, gripping a sword that radiated a frosty light. He hovered midair, exuding an overpowering aura.
Han Yue's heart skipped a beat, but he steadied himself, clasping his hands respectfully. "Junior Han Yue, here to seek a master and pursue the Dao."
The elder frowned slightly, his tone cold. "Entering Qingling Sect requires extraordinary talent and indomitable will. As a mere mortal, what qualifies you?"
Han Yue dropped to his knees, his gaze unwavering. "I may be mortal, but my determination is unyielding! If Senior doubts me, grant me a trial!"
Intrigued, the elder's eyes glinted with interest. With a flick of his sword, a blade of energy slashed toward Han Yue. The impact was overwhelming, yet Han Yue gritted his teeth, charging forward to withstand the force with his body alone.
"Hmm?" The elder's surprise was evident. "A mortal body, yet it withstood 30% of my sword's energy?"
Pale and bloodied, Han Yue straightened his back. "Senior, try me again!"
The elder laughed heartily. "Such courage! Very well, I shall grant you a chance." With a wave of his sleeve, a green light enveloped Han Yue, whisking him away into the depths of the mountain.
Thus, Han Yue embarked on the path of immortality. Meanwhile, the seemingly ordinary jade pendant glimmered faintly, hinting at an extraordinary secret within.