Chapter 4: The Test of the Mountain
The mountain loomed before Lei Xian, its towering peak cutting into the sky like a knife through a thick cloud. The air was colder here, the wind sharper, as if the very environment was testing him. But it wasn't the cold that had his heart racing—it was the knowledge of what awaited him at the top. The sect, the test, and perhaps the opportunity that could change everything.
Behind him, Zhao Min's footsteps echoed on the narrow trail, his pace steady and unhurried, a quiet reminder that the real challenge lay ahead. Lei Xian had never climbed a mountain like this before—its jagged rocks and steep inclines were daunting, and the higher they went, the more the air felt thin, as though something was pressing down on him. The path was treacherous, and with every step, he could feel his body protesting, muscles straining and lungs aching for breath.
Yet, despite the physical exhaustion, Lei Xian felt a deep, stubborn determination surge within him. He could feel the energy within him, the one he had unlocked from the mysterious scroll, pulsing faintly in his chest. It wasn't much, not yet, but it was enough to give him hope that he could overcome this challenge.
Zhao Min glanced over his shoulder, catching Lei Xian's gaze with a knowing look. "You're doing well," he said, his voice light but tinged with something deeper—something that might have been pride, or perhaps amusement. "But the real test is just ahead. Don't get too comfortable."
Lei Xian nodded, his face set with resolve. He had no intention of faltering. Whatever this test was, whatever awaited him at the summit, he would face it head-on.
The climb continued in silence. The path grew steeper, and the rocks sharper, forcing Lei Xian to be more cautious with each step. He could hear the wind howling in the distance, its eerie whispers carrying the faintest sense of danger. The mountain seemed to come alive, as though it were watching, waiting.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, they reached a flat plateau, a narrow ledge that stretched out before them. At the far end, a massive stone gate stood, its surface covered in intricate runes, glowing faintly with an otherworldly light.
"This is it," Zhao Min said, stopping just before the gate. His tone had changed—no longer light, but serious, as if the air itself had shifted. "This is the first trial."
Lei Xian's heart pounded. He looked at the gate, a sense of awe and apprehension filling him. It was grand, ancient, and intimidating. He could feel the weight of it—the power that radiated from the stone like a palpable presence.
Zhao Min stepped forward, placing his hand on the gate. The runes flared brightly, and the stone began to tremble, as if awakening from a long slumber. Slowly, the gates parted, revealing a large, circular chamber beyond. The air was thick with energy, a strange force that seemed to draw Lei Xian in.
"Enter," Zhao Min said, his voice soft, almost reverent. "But be warned: This trial is not like any other. It will test your will, your mind, and your very soul. If you can pass, you will earn your place here. If not... well, you'll be sent back to where you came from."
Lei Xian swallowed, his mind racing. He could feel the weight of Zhao Min's words—the finality behind them. But he had come this far. He couldn't turn back now.
With a deep breath, he stepped through the gate and into the chamber.
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The room was vast, its stone walls carved with symbols and patterns that seemed to shift and change as Lei Xian moved deeper inside. At the center of the chamber stood a stone pedestal, upon which rested a glowing crystal. The crystal pulsed with energy, its light illuminating the room in an eerie glow.
"Approach," Zhao Min's voice echoed in the vast space, somehow both distant and near at once. "Place your hand on the crystal. It will begin the trial."
Lei Xian stepped forward, his heart thudding in his chest. He reached out, placing his hand on the crystal. The moment his fingers made contact, a sharp surge of energy coursed through him. His body froze as the light from the crystal flared brighter, the energy overwhelming him, seeping into every fiber of his being.
Pain. Intense, searing pain shot through him, but it wasn't physical. It was something deeper, something primal. His mind flashed with images—visions of failures, of ridicule, of every doubt he had ever faced. He saw the faces of the villagers, their cruel laughter, their scornful words. He saw his mother, worried but always hopeful, believing in him even when he had stopped believing in himself.
And then, the faces began to change. The visions turned darker, more twisted. He saw himself, lying defeated on the ground, surrounded by enemies. He saw the energy inside him, swirling and consuming him, turning him into something unrecognizable. Something monstrous. Something that had lost control.
Is this who I am? the thought echoed in his mind. Am I just a fool who will never rise above this?
The pain intensified, a crushing weight on his chest. His breath became shallow, each inhale harder than the last. His vision blurred, the images warping and distorting around him. He felt himself slipping, losing control. The energy was too much—too powerful.
I'm not good enough... the thought continued to repeat, louder now. I'm not strong enough to be a cultivator. I don't deserve this.
"No," Lei Xian gasped, his voice barely a whisper. He clenched his fists, trying to push the thoughts away. But they clung to him, relentless, dragging him deeper into doubt.
"Don't give in," a voice broke through the noise, sharp and commanding. It was Zhao Min. "This is the trial. It's testing you. Your will. Your resolve. You must resist."
Lei Xian's mind snapped back to reality, the words echoing in his head. His eyes widened, the fog lifting slightly. He could feel the energy swirling inside him again, but now it wasn't crushing him—it was a part of him. He had to fight it. He had to control it.
With every ounce of strength he had left, Lei Xian focused. He closed his eyes and centered himself, drawing on every ounce of willpower he could muster. He wouldn't let this defeat him. He couldn't. He had come too far to give up now.
Slowly, the images began to fade. The pain subsided, and the overwhelming pressure lightened. It wasn't gone completely, but it was manageable. He had broken through.
The crystal before him pulsed again, and the energy that had been tormenting him seemed to recede, like a tide pulling back from the shore.
Lei Xian opened his eyes, gasping for air, but this time, the air didn't feel suffocating. He felt... different. Stronger. More in control.
He had done it. He had passed the first part of the trial.
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Zhao Min watched him from the doorway, his expression unreadable. "Well done," he said simply, his voice carrying a hint of approval. "That was only the beginning. But you've shown your resolve. You're not as weak as I thought."
Lei Xian swallowed hard, his throat dry, but a small smile tugged at his lips. He wasn't weak. Not anymore.
"Thank you," Lei Xian said, his voice steady now. He had passed the first test, but this was only the beginning. Whatever lay ahead, he knew one thing for certain: He wasn't giving up. Not now, not ever.
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