Chapter 3: The First Test
The following days passed in a blur. Lei Xian's mind raced, consumed by thoughts of the strange energy that had filled him. It was as though a door had been opened inside him, a door that had been locked for so long that he had forgotten it existed. And now, he was determined to unlock it fully, to master whatever power lay within.
But despite his excitement, he knew the path ahead would be long and difficult. Cultivation was not something that could be forced. It required patience, focus, and years of relentless practice.
He spent each day trying to replicate the experience from the first time, but the energy remained elusive, hiding just out of reach. No matter how hard he tried, no matter how many times he focused on the scroll or closed his eyes to concentrate, the energy refused to respond in the same way.
It was maddening.
Still, Lei Xian refused to give up. He had felt it—he knew it was real. The key was in his hands, and he would unlock it. He just needed to be patient.
---
The village of Huanling was small, with no major cultivators or sects in sight. Most of the people here were farmers or hunters, living simple lives, disconnected from the powerful world of cultivation. For Lei Xian, it was both a blessing and a curse. The peaceful surroundings gave him time to practice and reflect, but they also left him isolated, with no one to guide him on his journey.
That morning, after finishing his chores, Lei Xian sat by the riverbank, his eyes closed, deep in thought. The gentle breeze ruffled his hair as he listened to the sound of water flowing over rocks. His mind was clear, but his spirit restless. He could feel the energy inside him, still faint, still fragile, but there was something else—something nagging at the back of his mind.
It was then that he heard a voice.
"Well, well. What do we have here?"
Startled, Lei Xian opened his eyes to find a young man standing before him. He was tall and muscular, with dark hair tied in a simple knot at the back of his head. His clothes were simple but well-made, the sign of someone who wasn't of the common folk. His eyes were sharp, sizing Lei Xian up with an amused glint.
"I don't recognize you," Lei Xian said, standing up. He had never seen this man before, and his sudden appearance raised a sense of caution within him. "Who are you?"
The man smiled, crossing his arms. "Name's Zhao Min. I'm just passing through your village. But it seems I've found something interesting here." His gaze shifted to Lei Xian, his eyes narrowing with interest. "A boy sitting by the river, in the middle of nowhere, with a scroll and a look of deep thought? You don't look like one of the locals."
Lei Xian stiffened. He had been careful not to let anyone see the scroll, not even his mother. But somehow, this stranger had noticed it, and worse, he seemed to know that Lei Xian wasn't an ordinary village boy.
"I'm... I'm just thinking," Lei Xian said, hoping his unease wasn't obvious. He tried to hide the scroll behind his back, but the stranger's sharp eyes followed the movement.
"Thinking, huh?" Zhao Min smirked, taking a step forward. "Let me guess. You're trying to cultivate, right?"
Lei Xian froze, his breath catching in his throat. How could this man know? His hand gripped the scroll tighter, as if to hide it from Zhao Min's knowing gaze.
"You're not the first to try, you know," Zhao Min continued, his tone casual. "Plenty of people here dream of becoming cultivators. But it's a hard road. Not everyone has the talent for it." He studied Lei Xian closely, as though measuring him. "So, what makes you think you can succeed where others have failed?"
Lei Xian was silent for a moment. He had heard this many times before—the doubt, the scorn. He was used to people telling him he wasn't good enough, that he didn't have what it took to become a cultivator. But something in Zhao Min's voice made him feel like there was more to this conversation. The stranger didn't seem like someone who would mock him without reason.
"I... I don't have talent," Lei Xian said quietly, his eyes downcast. "But I have determination. And that's enough."
Zhao Min's eyes gleamed with a knowing look, as though he had heard this line countless times before. "Determination, huh?" he said, his voice soft but filled with an undeniable edge. "Well, I won't say it's not important. But without talent, it's not enough. You might struggle your whole life and never see a shred of success."
Lei Xian clenched his fists, his knuckles white with frustration. "I'll find a way," he said, his voice growing steadier. "Even if I don't have talent, I'll make it work. I won't let anyone tell me what I can or can't do."
Zhao Min studied him for a moment longer, then shrugged. "Maybe you're right. I'm not here to crush your dreams." He took a few steps back, a slight smile tugging at his lips. "But I'll tell you this: if you're serious about this, if you want to become a cultivator, you're going to need more than just willpower. You need the right guidance, the right opportunities." He turned his gaze toward the horizon. "I just happen to know someone who can give you a chance to prove yourself. Someone who might be able to teach you what you need to know."
Lei Xian's heart skipped a beat. "Who?"
Zhao Min smiled, the edge of mischief returning to his expression. "It's a sect. A place where you can learn. But it's not for the faint of heart. It'll test you, push you beyond your limits. If you can survive it, maybe you'll have a chance to make something of yourself. But first, you have to pass the test."
A test? Lei Xian's mind raced. He had heard of sects before—places where true cultivators trained, where the strongest and most talented gathered to learn the ancient techniques. But he never thought he would have the chance to enter one. And now, here was Zhao Min, offering him a chance.
"A test?" Lei Xian repeated, his voice filled with both excitement and wariness. "What kind of test?"
Zhao Min grinned, his expression unreadable. "A test of your strength, of your resolve. It'll show whether you have the qualities of a true cultivator. If you're ready to take it, I can take you there."
Lei Xian hesitated. This was exactly what he had been waiting for—an opportunity, a chance to prove himself. But he couldn't help but wonder what kind of test Zhao Min was talking about. It could be dangerous, maybe even life-threatening. But what choice did he have? If he didn't take this opportunity, he might never get another one.
"I'll do it," Lei Xian said, his voice firm. "I'm ready."
Zhao Min's smile widened. "Good. Then follow me."
---
The journey to the sect was long, taking Lei Xian through thick forests and across winding rivers, all the while following Zhao Min's lead. The closer they got, the more Lei Xian's excitement grew. This was it—the chance he had been waiting for. The opportunity to step into a world beyond his village, a world filled with cultivation and endless possibilities.
But as they walked, Lei Xian's thoughts shifted. What kind of test would it be? What dangers would lie ahead? And most importantly, would he be able to pass it?
As the sun began to set, they arrived at the base of a large, imposing mountain. At the top of the mountain, Lei Xian could just make out the silhouette of a grand building—an ancient temple, perhaps. The air was thick with spiritual energy, more potent than anything he had ever felt before.
"This is it," Zhao Min said, stopping at the foot of the mountain. "The sect is up there, waiting. But remember, this test is not just about strength. It's about heart. If you fail, you'll be sent away, no questions asked. But if you succeed... well, you'll have a place among the cultivators, and your journey will truly begin."
Lei Xian swallowed hard. This was it—the moment that would define his future.
He nodded resolutely. "I'm ready."
With that, Zhao Min turned and began climbing the mountain, Lei Xian following close behind, every step taking him closer to his destiny.
---