The ship approached Emerald Edge slowly, its hull cutting through the calm waters. As the island came into full view, Ling Fei couldn't help but be awed by its beauty. Towering cliffs framed the shoreline, while dense forests stretched towards a range of jade-colored mountains. At the heart of the island stood the Emerald Pavilion, glowing faintly with emerald light, as if it were part of the land itself. The energy in the air was thick with the presence of cultivators, a buzz of anticipation spreading through the passengers.
As the ship docked, the hierarchy of the cultivators became clear. Those with marks of status, their cultivation realms evident, were allowed to disembark first. They were greeted with polite nods and welcoming gestures from sect representatives. Ling Fei observed it all quietly, acknowledging the differences without complaint.
When it was finally his turn, he followed the representatives toward the Emerald Pavilion, where the sect's recruiters waited. Inside the main hall, there was a palpable tension, the atmosphere heavy with both opportunity and judgment. Ling Fei felt the weight of it, but he kept his mind focused on what came next.
Just as he stepped through the entrance, a familiar system notification echoed in his mind:
[Sign-In Successful: First Destination—Emerald Ridge.]
[Sign-In Reward: Mystic Beast Path Technique Scroll (Super Rare).]
[Bonus Reward: 1000 Sign-In Points.]
Ling Fei's heart quickened as the scroll materialized in his consciousness. He had hoped for something more immediately useful, but the profound nature of the scroll was undeniable. The additional sign-in points were a welcome bonus, giving him more opportunities to enhance his foundation. However, he decided to save them for emergencies, knowing better than to waste such a resource now.
Despite the lack of an instant power-up, the rewards were a subtle affirmation of his progress. Ling Fei kept his excitement in check, focusing instead on the task ahead. Among the sect representatives was a Beast Path cultivator with sharp eyes and a commanding presence. When he singled out Ling Fei and Xu Wei, there was no mistaking the seriousness of his words.
"You two," he said curtly, "follow me to the Beast Path section. The trial awaits."
The path led them to a sprawling field on the outskirts of the Pavilion, where pens and enclosures were filled with various beasts. Some were fierce, others intelligent, all radiating an aura of power. The air was tense, punctuated by the occasional growl or screech of the creatures.
"The task is simple," the representative explained. "Control, bond, or subdue. Show your worth, or step aside."
Xu Wei wasted no time. He moved toward a sleek black panther with crimson eyes, his energy flowing smoothly as he used a refined Beast Path technique to pacify the creature. The panther growled low but eventually bowed its head, recognizing Xu Wei's control.
Ling Fei, on the other hand, took his time. He studied the beasts around him, his instincts guiding him. His choice was a silver-scaled wyvern, its eyes gleaming with intelligence. The creature radiated power, but there was a calmness to it, a restraint that made it stand out. Ling Fei extended his hand, channeling a soothing yet firm energy through his Beast Path cultivation. The wyvern regarded him cautiously for a moment before lowering its head slightly, acknowledging his strength.
The representative's gaze flickered between them, his neutral expression betraying a hint of surprise. "Impressive," he said, his tone unchanged. "Both of you have passed. You'll advance to the next stage of the recruitment process."
With the trial complete, the group regrouped to prepare for the next phase. The more renowned cultivators had a flying ship reserved for them, courtesy of the Sky Path, while Ling Fei and others had to make do with simpler transport—a horse-drawn carriage. It wasn't as flashy, but it would suffice.
The convoy set off across winding paths that cut through lush forests and open plains. The road was long and grueling, but the anticipation of reaching the sect kept everyone moving forward.
Ling Fei sat quietly in one of the carriages, his mind reflecting on the rewards he had just obtained. The Mystic Beast Path Technique Scroll held the potential to unlock new levels of mastery. The bonus sign-in points gave him the flexibility to strengthen his foundation in the future.
Beside him, Xu Wei seemed unusually quiet. The tension between them had yet to dissipate, but neither of them spoke. They were both focused on the journey ahead, each lost in his own thoughts. The road to the sect would be a long one, but Ling Fei's resolve only strengthened with every passing mile.
As the sun began to dip low, casting a golden glow over the landscape, Ling Fei's gaze shifted toward the horizon.