The carriages rolled along the winding dirt road, the faint creak of wooden wheels the only sound breaking the morning's quiet. The dense forests gradually gave way to rolling hills, and in the distance, the towering peaks of the Emerald Edge mountains came into view. The sunlight bathed their verdant slopes, and at their heart stood Silver Fang Pavilion. Its gleaming white towers rose like the sharp, glinting teeth of a great beast, commanding attention.
I leaned forward slightly, taking in the sight with awe. The pavilion was built into several levels of the mountain, connected by narrow, winding bridges and waterfalls cascading through the architecture. The very air seemed to hum with spiritual energy, a testament to the power of the sect's legacy.
Xu Wei, seated beside me, whistled low. "The Silver Fang Pavilion... It's even more impressive than I imagined. No wonder people are willing to risk their lives just for a chance to join."
I nodded, but my attention shifted back to Xiao Yin, who sat at my feet, alert yet calm. The wolf's usual composure had returned after the excitement of the tests, though its sharp eyes flickered occasionally toward the golden viper coiled lazily around Xu Wei's shoulders.
---
The carriages finally came to a stop just outside the sect's outer gates, a massive structure carved directly into the mountain rock. Intricate engravings of beasts adorned the surface—soaring eagles, ferocious tigers, and more. The gates opened with a deep rumble, and a group of sect disciples in pristine silver robes stepped out to greet us.
With practiced efficiency, the disciples separated us by our cultivation paths. Xu Wei and I, both aligned with the Beast Path, were directed to a smaller courtyard near the base of the mountain.
As we walked, Xu Wei leaned over and spoke in a low voice. "This is where the real test begins. The sect doesn't take kindly to the weak or lazy. If we want to thrive here, we'll need to prove ourselves every step of the way."
I glanced at him, my expression calm. "That's why we're here, isn't it? To grow stronger."
---
The Beast Path Courtyard was a sprawling open space surrounded by towering stone walls. At the center stood a raised platform, where a fierce-looking elder stood. His robes were embroidered with claw-like patterns, and around him roamed several beasts of varying sizes, their predatory gazes scanning us recruits.
"Welcome to the Silver Fang Pavilion," the elder began, his voice sharp and commanding. "I am Elder Tian, overseer of the Beast Path initiates. Here, strength is everything—yours and your beast's. Today, you will prove whether you are worthy of stepping further into the sect."
He motioned toward the beasts. "Your task is simple: demonstrate your bond and control over your beast by subduing one of these creatures. Failure will result in immediate disqualification. Success will grant you outer disciple status."
---
Xu Wei and I exchanged glances as the tension in the air grew thicker. The other recruits lined up, their nerves palpable.
Xu Wei chuckled softly. "Looks like it's time for Jin to shine again."
I smirked. "Just don't get too confident."
When Xu Wei's name was called, he stepped forward with his golden viper, Jin, slithering down his arm. One of the beasts, a black-scaled wyvern the size of a horse, snarled and lunged toward him. Xu Wei stood firm, his spiritual energy flaring as Jin darted forward with lightning speed. The viper coiled around the wyvern's neck and released a venomous mist. The wyvern thrashed for a moment before succumbing, collapsing to the ground with a heavy thud.
The elder nodded approvingly. "Well done. You pass."
It was my turn next. Xiao Yin padded forward with quiet confidence, its silver fur bristling slightly. A massive boar-like beast charged toward us, its tusks gleaming in the sunlight. I extended my spiritual energy, letting the bond between Xiao Yin and me resonate clearly.
"Now!" I commanded.
Xiao Yin sprang into action, its claws glowing faintly as it dodged the boar's charge. It landed a precise strike to the beast's side, sending it staggering. Xiao Yin followed up with a fierce roar that made the creature submit in an instant.
The elder's sharp eyes softened slightly. "Good control and excellent teamwork. You pass."
---
With the test complete, the successful recruits were directed toward the next stage of our journey.
"The main sect region is still several days away," a disciple explained. "We lack the resources to provide flying beasts or enhanced carriages for all of you. Instead, you'll travel by carriage. Consider this another test of your resilience."
We set off again in carriages, the rocky mountain paths making the journey slow and arduous. Despite the discomfort, I found myself in high spirits.
---
As we traveled, the bond between Xu Wei and me continued to grow. Our conversations became more frequent, filled with shared observations and the occasional joke. Meanwhile, our beasts—Xiao Yin and Jin—seemed to have reached an understanding. The wolf and the viper played together in the small resting areas, drawing amused glances from the other recruits.
"I'll admit," Xu Wei said one evening, watching Jin coil playfully around Xiao Yin's tail, "I didn't think we'd get along so well. But I'm glad we've got each other's backs."
I smiled faintly. "Me too. The sect's going to be tough, but with allies like you, I think we'll manage."
As Silver Fang Pavilion loomed ever closer, I felt a renewed sense of excitement.