Chapter 17: Trials of the Outer Disciple
The rising sun cast its golden glow over the Immortal Sect, signaling the start of a new day. Xu Tian stood outside the Outer Disciple Hall, along with the other new recruits, waiting for Elder Han's instructions. The air buzzed with tension and anticipation as the disciples whispered among themselves.
Lan Yue stood at the front, her icy demeanor commanding respect, while Zhao Feng greeted everyone with his characteristic grin, his hammer slung over his back. Xu Tian kept to the shadows, observing quietly. Though his "Unclassified" rank had drawn skepticism, he remained unbothered. The Forbidden Scripture's secrets far outweighed the opinions of others.
Elder Han emerged from the hall, his gaze sweeping over the assembled disciples. "Today marks the beginning of your first trial as Outer Disciples. The Immortal Sect values strength, cunning, and resilience above all else. Only those who excel will have the opportunity to rise."
He gestured toward the horizon, where the jagged peaks of the Mistveil Mountains loomed. "Your task is simple: venture into the Mistveil Mountains and retrieve a Spirit Jade Crystal. These crystals are hidden deep within the forest, guarded by spirit beasts. Only those who return with a crystal will pass."
The disciples exchanged nervous glances. The Mistveil Mountains were notorious for their treacherous terrain and ferocious beasts.
Elder Han's voice hardened. "Remember, this is not a team effort. You are to rely on your own strength. Assistance from others will result in immediate disqualification."
The stakes were clear. Failure was not an option.
---
The disciples set out in groups, though they quickly scattered as they entered the Mistveil Mountains. The dense forest was eerily silent, save for the rustle of leaves and distant growls. Xu Tian moved cautiously, his senses heightened. He had no intention of being caught off guard.
As he ventured deeper, he encountered his first challenge—a Flame-Tailed Lynx. The beast's fiery tail flicked dangerously as it circled him, its eyes glowing with predatory intent.
Xu Tian steadied his breathing, recalling the techniques he had learned from the Forbidden Scripture. He summoned his nascent qi, channeling it into his fists. Though his cultivation was still in its infancy, the Forbidden Scripture's power allowed him to exceed his limits.
The lynx pounced, its claws glinting in the sunlight. Xu Tian sidestepped, his movements precise and fluid. With a swift strike, he channeled his qi into the lynx's flank, sending it crashing into a tree. The beast let out a pained yowl before retreating into the shadows.
Xu Tian exhaled, his heart pounding. It wasn't an easy fight, but he had proven to himself that he could hold his own. He pressed on, his determination unwavering.
---
Elsewhere in the forest, chaos reigned. Lan Yue moved with lethal precision, her ice-based techniques freezing any beast that dared cross her path. Zhao Feng, meanwhile, relied on brute strength, his hammer smashing through obstacles with ease. Both prodigies were making swift progress toward their goal.
But for many disciples, the trial was a harsh wake-up call. Screams and cries for help echoed through the forest as spirit beasts claimed their prey. The Mistveil Mountains showed no mercy.
---
Hours passed, and Xu Tian finally reached a clearing. At its center, nestled within the roots of a massive tree, was a Spirit Jade Crystal. Its surface shimmered with a soft, ethereal glow.
But he wasn't alone.
Two other disciples stood before the crystal, locked in a heated argument. One was a lanky youth with sharp features, while the other was a burly, broad-shouldered man.
"I found it first!" the lanky youth snarled, his sword drawn. "Back off!"
"Like hell you did," the burly man retorted, raising his axe. "This crystal is mine!"
Xu Tian observed from the shadows, assessing the situation. Neither of them had noticed him yet. He could wait for them to weaken each other in a fight or intervene now and take the crystal by force.
Before he could decide, the ground beneath them rumbled. A massive shadow emerged from the trees—a Crimson-Eyed Serpent, its scales glinting like polished armor. The beast hissed, its forked tongue flicking menacingly.
The two disciples froze in terror. The serpent lunged, its massive jaws snapping shut just as they scrambled out of the way. Their argument forgotten, they fled in opposite directions, leaving the crystal unguarded.
Xu Tian saw his chance.
He stepped into the clearing, his eyes locked on the serpent. The beast turned its attention to him, its crimson eyes glowing with malice. Xu Tian felt a surge of fear but quickly suppressed it. Fear was a luxury he couldn't afford.
Summoning his qi, he prepared for battle.
---
The serpent struck with lightning speed, its fangs glinting like daggers. Xu Tian dodged, barely avoiding the venomous bite. He countered with a qi-infused strike to the serpent's side, but its scales absorbed the blow, barely flinching.
Realizing brute force wouldn't work, Xu Tian switched tactics. He focused on the Forbidden Scripture's teachings, recalling a technique designed to exploit an enemy's weakness.
The serpent lunged again, and this time Xu Tian didn't dodge. Instead, he stepped closer, aiming a precise strike at the base of its jaw—its one unarmored spot. His fist connected, and the serpent let out a deafening screech, its massive body writhing in pain.
Seizing the opportunity, Xu Tian dashed toward the Spirit Jade Crystal. He grabbed it and bolted, not daring to look back. The serpent's enraged hisses followed him, but he didn't stop until he was far from the clearing.
---
As dusk fell, the disciples returned to the Outer Disciple Hall, each presenting their crystals. Elder Han inspected each one, his expression unreadable. When Xu Tian handed over his crystal, the elder's gaze lingered on him for a moment before he nodded.
"You've passed."
Xu Tian felt a wave of relief but quickly masked it. This was just one trial. There would be many more to come.
As the other disciples congratulated themselves, Xu Tian noticed Lan Yue and Zhao Feng watching him from a distance. Lan Yue's icy gaze was unreadable, while Zhao Feng grinned and gave him a thumbs-up.
Xu Tian returned to his quarters that night, exhausted but determined. The Spirit Jade Crystal was a small victory, but it represented something far greater—the first step on his path to defy the heavens.
And he was just getting started.