Lin Feng's eyes fluttered open, but the world around him was a blur. He tried to remember how he got there, but his memories were hazy. The last thing he recalled was being beaten by his half-brother, Jiang Yun, in the Azure Dragon Sect's training grounds. The pain, the humiliation, and the feeling of worthlessness had become all too familiar.
As he struggled to sit up, a wave of dizziness washed over him, forcing him to clutch his head. The air was thick with the scent of incense and something else... something metallic. Lin Feng's stomach churned, and he felt a bitter taste in his mouth.
A figure emerged from the shadows, an old man with a long white beard and piercing eyes that seemed to see right through Lin Feng. The old man's presence was imposing, yet strangely calming.
"Another failure," the old man muttered, shaking his head. "You should not have been chosen."
Lin Feng's mind reeled as the old man's words struck a chord. Chosen? What did he mean? And what was this place? The walls seemed to close in around him, making him feel trapped and anxious.
The old man's eyes flashed with a fierce light. "But it's not too late. You can still prove yourself. The Sect Selection Ceremony is about to begin. If you can survive the mountain, you might just have a chance to redeem yourself."
Lin Feng's heart racing, he stumbled to his feet. What was the Sect Selection Ceremony? And what lay ahead on the mountain? The thought of facing unknown dangers sent a shiver down his spine.
As he looked around, he saw other figures emerging from the shadows. Some were young, others old, but all shared a determined look in their eyes. They were all here for the same reason – to prove themselves and earn a place in one of the six prestigious sects.
The old man's voice echoed in Lin Feng's mind. "Remember, the mountain is unforgiving. Only the strongest will survive."
The sound of drums echoed through the mountains, growing louder with each passing moment. The Sect Selection Ce
remony had begun.