The journey to the Clear Spring Sect was grueling. Lin Xue walked alongside the cultivators, carrying Yan on her back for much of the way. The path wound through dense forests, steep mountain trails, and treacherous rivers. Despite her exhaustion, Lin Xue never complained.
The cultivators observed her silently, their expressions unreadable. Elder Yu, in particular, seemed to study her closely, though he offered no words of encouragement. Sister Mei occasionally gave Lin Xue a reassuring smile, but she, too, remained distant.
On the fourth day, they crested a ridge, and Lin Xue's breath caught in her throat.
Nestled among the clouds was the Clear Spring Sect. It wasn't a single building but an entire complex carved into the mountainside. Waterfalls cascaded down the cliffs, their mist catching the sunlight to create shimmering rainbows. Elegant pavilions with curved roofs dotted the landscape, connected by winding stone paths and suspended bridges. The air felt alive, humming with spiritual energy.
"This…" Lin Xue whispered, her voice trembling. "This is where cultivators are made?"
"This is where the worthy are forged," Elder Yu corrected.
The group descended toward the gates, where two towering statues of ancient cultivators stood guard. Lin Xue's heart pounded with a mixture of awe and apprehension. She tightened her grip on Yan, who had been quiet for much of the journey.
"Xue-jie," he whispered, "it's so big."
"It is," she replied, forcing a smile. "But don't worry. We'll be safe here."
Would they, though? Lin Xue didn't know for certain, but she clung to the hope that this place would be the start of a new life for them.
At the entrance, Elder Yu handed a token to the gatekeeper, a young disciple dressed in blue robes. The disciple's gaze swept over the group, lingering on Lin Xue.
"She wishes to join?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
Elder Yu nodded. "She has fire affinity, though fragmented."
The gatekeeper frowned but stepped aside, allowing them to pass. Lin Xue followed closely, her steps hesitant as she entered the sect grounds.
The courtyard was bustling with activity. Disciples of various ranks sparred, meditated, or carried out chores. The air buzzed with energy, the sight both inspiring and intimidating.
Elder Yu led Lin Xue and Yan to a smaller hall near the main pavilion. Inside, an elder with silver hair and a serene expression sat cross-legged on a dais. His robes were pristine, and his aura exuded wisdom and strength.
"Elder Huo," Elder Yu said, bowing deeply. "This is Lin Xue, a survivor from Yuelan Village. She wishes to join the sect."
Elder Huo's sharp eyes assessed Lin Xue. "Step forward, child."
Lin Xue approached, her heart pounding. She bowed deeply. "Elder."
"You have spiritual roots?" he asked.
"Yes," she replied. "Fire affinity."
Elder Huo gestured toward a brazier that stood nearby, its coals glowing faintly. "Place your hand over the flame. Let me see the strength of your connection."
Lin Xue swallowed hard and stepped toward the brazier. The heat radiating from it was intense, but she ignored the discomfort and extended her hand.
As her palm hovered above the flame, it flickered and flared, responding to her presence. The reaction was weak compared to what she had seen from the other cultivators, but it was there—a spark of potential.
Elder Huo nodded slowly. "You possess fire affinity, but as Elder Yu said, your roots are fragmented. Cultivating with such roots will be an arduous journey."
"I'm not afraid of hardship," Lin Xue said, her voice steady.
"Good," Elder Huo said. "But understand this: we do not take in disciples out of charity. You must prove your worth. If you fail, you will be cast out."
"I won't fail," Lin Xue said firmly.
The elder's lips curved into a faint smile. "We shall see. You will begin as an outer disciple. You will perform menial tasks to earn your keep, and your training will start at the most basic level. If you show promise, you may one day ascend to the inner sect."
Lin Xue bowed again. "Thank you, Elder Huo."
The days that followed were grueling. Lin Xue was given a small room in the outer disciples' quarters, where she and Yan stayed. While Yan rested and recovered, Lin Xue worked tirelessly.
Her mornings began before sunrise, cleaning the training grounds and tending to the sect's gardens. Afternoons were spent practicing basic techniques under the supervision of senior disciples. Her fragmented roots made progress slow, but Lin Xue refused to give up.
Her body ached, her hands blistered, but she pushed through the pain. Each evening, she returned to Yan with a weary smile, assuring him that everything would be okay.
One night, as Lin Xue practiced a basic breathing technique, Sister Mei appeared outside her room.
"You're working hard," Sister Mei said, stepping inside.
"I have to," Lin Xue replied, her voice tinged with exhaustion.
Sister Mei sat beside her. "You remind me of myself when I first joined the sect. I wasn't a prodigy either, but hard work can take you far."
Lin Xue looked at her, hope flickering in her eyes. "Do you think I can succeed?"
Sister Mei smiled. "That depends on how much you're willing to endure. The road ahead will be filled with pain and setbacks, but if your resolve is strong enough, you might surprise everyone—including yourself."
Lin Xue nodded, her determination renewed. "I'll endure. I'll rise."
Sister Mei's smile widened. "Then you've already taken the first step."
As the door closed behind Sister Mei, Lin Xue returned to her practice, her heart alight with the flickering flame of hope.
The Eternal Flame within her burned brighter, its embers refusing to be extinguished.