The carriages rolled along the winding dirt road, the faint creak of wooden wheels breaking the morning's tranquil silence. The dense forests gave way to rolling hills, and in the distance, the towering peaks of the Emerald Edge mountains came into view, their verdant slopes bathed in sunlight. Perched among those peaks was the sect, Silver Fang Pavilion. It's gleaming white towers and sprawling courtyards resembling the sharp, glinting teeth of a great beast.
Ling Fei leaned forward slightly, taking in the sight with awe. The pavilion was built on several levels of the mountain, connected by narrow, winding bridges and waterfalls cascading through its architecture. The air seemed to hum with spiritual energy, a testament to the power of the sect's legacy.
Xu Wei, seated beside him, 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."
Ling Fei nodded, but his attention shifted back to Xiao Yin, who sat at his feet, alert but 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 stopped just outside the sect's outer gates, a massive structure carved directly into the mountain rock. Intricate engravings of beasts adorned the surface, depicting everything from soaring eagles to ferocious tigers. The gates opened with a deep rumble, and a group of sect disciples dressed in pristine silver robes stepped out to greet the newcomers.
The disciples moved with practiced efficiency, separating the recruits by their cultivation paths. Those aligned with the Beast Path, like Ling Fei and Xu Wei, were directed to a smaller courtyard near the base of the mountain.
As they walked, Xu Wei leaned over, speaking in a low voice. "This is where the real test begins. The sect doesn't take kindly to the weak or the lazy. If we want to thrive here, we'll need to prove ourselves every step of the way."
Ling Fei glanced at him, his 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 was a raised platform where a fierce-looking elder stood, his robes embroidered with claw-like patterns. Around him, several beasts of varying sizes roamed freely, their predatory gazes scanning the 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."
The elder motioned toward the beasts surrounding him. "Your task is simple: demonstrate your bond and control over your beast by subduing one of these creatures. Failure will result in your immediate disqualification. And success will give you outer disciple status."
---
Ling Fei and Xu Wei exchanged glances as the recruits lined up. The tension in the air was palpable.
Xu Wei chuckled softly. "Looks like it's time for Jin to shine again."
Ling Fei 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, coiling around the wyvern's neck and releasing a venomous mist. The wyvern thrashed briefly before succumbing, its body collapsing with a heavy thud.
The elder nodded approvingly. "Well done. You pass."
Ling Fei was next. Xiao Yin padded forward with quiet confidence, its silver fur bristling slightly. A massive, boar-like beast charged at them, its tusks gleaming. Ling Fei extended his spiritual energy, the bond between him and Xiao Yin resonating clearly.
"Now!" he commanded.
Xiao Yin leapt into action, its claws glowing faintly as it dodged the beast's charge and landed a precise strike on its side. The boar stumbled, and Xiao Yin quickly followed up with a fierce roar that sent the creature into submission.
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 their 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 carriages. Consider this another test of your resilience."
The group set off in carriages once again, the rocky mountain paths making the journey slow and arduous. Despite the discomfort, Ling Fei found himself in high spirits.
---
As they traveled, the bond between Ling Fei and Xu Wei had grown stronger. Their conversations became more frequent, filled with shared observations and the occasional joke. Meanwhile, their beasts, Xiao Yin and Jin, seemed to have reached an understanding. The wolf and the viper played in the small resting areas, their interactions 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."
Ling Fei smiled faintly. "Me too. The sect's going to be tough, but with allies like you, I think we'll manage."
As the Silver Fang Pavilion loomed ever closer, Ling Fei felt a renewed sense of excitement.