The narrow mountain path twisted down through pine woods and rocky slopes. Lin Yan walked behind Elder Wu, careful not to trip on loose stones. His heart still raced from what he had seen — the glow of the jade pendant, the glimpse of scales on his skin.
He touched his arm through the sleeve. It felt normal now — just warm skin under thin cloth. But the memory stayed sharp and alive, impossible to ignore.
Ahead, Elder Wu's robe swayed as he walked, and the faint scent of herbs drifted on the breeze. Lin Yan had never seen someone so calm, as if the world's troubles couldn't touch him.
They walked for a long time. The sun rose higher, burning away the morning mist. Birds called from the treetops. Lin Yan's stomach growled softly, reminding him he hadn't eaten since the night before.
At last, Elder Wu slowed and glanced back. "Hungry?"
Lin Yan flushed, embarrassed. "A little, Elder."
Elder Wu reached into his sleeve and drew out a small cloth bundle. Inside lay two white steamed buns. The smell made Lin Yan's mouth water.
"Take them," Elder Wu said. "We have some way yet to go."
Lin Yan accepted them with both hands. "Thank you, Elder." He ate quickly but carefully, trying not to seem greedy. The buns were soft and warm, tasting better than anything he'd had in weeks.
As he ate, Elder Wu studied him. "You are not from a village nearby," he said, half a question.
"No, Elder," Lin Yan replied. "I grew up alone, with Master. We lived in a small hut at the foot of the mountains."
Elder Wu nodded. "And your parents?"
"I never knew them," Lin Yan said softly. "Master never spoke of them."
Elder Wu's gaze lingered for a breath. Then he turned and continued down the path.
---
The road grew wider as they descended, and soon Lin Yan saw a broad valley below. At its heart rose a mountain taller than any around, crowned with white clouds. From its slopes, golden roofs and tall towers shone in the sunlight.
Lin Yan stopped, staring in awe. "Is that…?"
"The Azure Phoenix Sect," Elder Wu confirmed. "One of the nine great sects of the Yunlong Realm."
Even from here, Lin Yan could see stairs cut into the rock, bridges arcing over ravines, and banners fluttering in red and gold. Spirit birds circled high above, their feathers glinting like flame.
"It's beautiful," Lin Yan breathed.
Elder Wu glanced at him, a small smile on his lips. "To some, yes. But remember, Lin Yan: beauty often hides danger. The sect is a place of learning and power — but also of rivalry and ambition."
Lin Yan nodded, though the words weighed heavy on his heart.
---
They reached the valley floor by midday, and Lin Yan followed Elder Wu across a stone bridge carved with phoenix patterns. Other travelers moved along the road — young men and women carrying bundles, wearing plain robes but with eyes full of hope and fear.
New disciples, Lin Yan guessed. Like him.
At the main gate, two disciples in azure robes stood guard, swords at their sides. They bowed to Elder Wu, who led Lin Yan into a courtyard paved with white stone.
"Wait here," Elder Wu said. "I must speak to the elders about your admission."
Lin Yan bowed. "Yes, Elder."
Left alone, Lin Yan looked around. The courtyard bustled with life — disciples sweeping, carrying baskets of herbs, or practicing movements with swords. Small flame illusions danced in shallow stone basins, casting shifting light.
Lin Yan touched the pendant under his robe, comforted by its weight. Master… I'm really here.
---
A voice cut through his thoughts. "Hey, you! What's your name?"
Lin Yan turned. A young man about his age stood a few steps away, wearing a clean robe and a thin, confident smile. Behind him, two others stood, eyes sharp.
"I'm Lin Yan," he said, cautious.
"I'm Wei Feng," the youth declared, chin lifting slightly. "From the Iron Sword Hall, here for the inner sect selection."
Lin Yan inclined his head politely. "It's good to meet you."
Wei Feng's gaze swept over Lin Yan's patched robe and dusty boots. "They're letting anyone in these days," he said softly, but loud enough for Lin Yan to hear. His friends snickered.
Lin Yan kept his face calm, though heat rose in his chest. "I came here to learn," he said simply.
Wei Feng stepped closer, lowering his voice. "Then learn this, peasant. In the sect, strength matters. Without it, you're nothing."
Before Lin Yan could answer, Elder Wu returned, his presence silencing the courtyard. Wei Feng and his friends stepped back, masks of respect settling on their faces.
"Come, Lin Yan," Elder Wu said. "It's time."
---
They walked through tall wooden gates into another courtyard, where a dozen young people waited. Boys and girls around Lin Yan's age, some dressed richly, others plainly. Among them, Lin Yan noticed a girl in a white robe embroidered with lotus flowers. Her long black hair was tied back neatly, and her gaze was calm and deep, like still water.
For a moment, her eyes met Lin Yan's. A strange feeling stirred in his chest — something between curiosity and a faint, unspoken sorrow.
Then she looked away, as if nothing had happened.
---
At the front of the courtyard stood three elders, robes marked with flame-shaped sigils. The eldest, with white eyebrows as long as a brush, spoke in a clear voice.
"You have come seeking the path of cultivation. But talent alone is not enough. In three days, you will enter the Flame Mirage Forest — your first trial."
A murmur ran through the group. Lin Yan listened, heart tightening.
"The forest is an ancient place," the elder continued. "It tests not only your strength, but your courage. Within, illusions will show your deepest fears and desires. Those who overcome them may remain. Those who fail… will be sent away."
His gaze swept over them, pausing briefly on Lin Yan. "Prepare your hearts."
---
After the announcement, the new disciples dispersed. Lin Yan lingered at the edge of the courtyard, staring at the distant peaks. His mind swirled with questions. The forest shows fears?He had many — of being alone, of failing Master's hope, of the strange power inside him.
"Are you afraid?"
The gentle voice made him turn. The girl in the white robe stood beside him, closer than he had noticed.
Lin Yan hesitated. "A little," he admitted.
She nodded. "That's normal."
"I'm Lin Yan," he offered.
"Bai Qian," she said softly.
He waited, expecting her to say more, but she simply looked at him, eyes unreadable.
"Thank you," Lin Yan said at last.
"For what?"
"For speaking to me," he said, feeling foolish even as he said it.
A hint of a smile touched her lips — fleeting, but real. "You shouldn't thank me for such a small thing."
Then she turned and walked away, her white robe swaying gently.
Lin Yan watched her go, heart strangely lighter.
---
That night, in a small shared dormitory, Lin Yan lay awake on a hard wooden bed. Moonlight spilled across the floor. He held the jade pendant, thumb tracing its curves.
His thoughts were a tangled mess: the forest trial, Wei Feng's cold warning, Bai Qian's calm kindness… and above all, the moment on Windspire Peak — the warmth, the scales.
What are you hiding from me? he silently asked the pendant.
Sleep finally claimed him, but dreams came quickly. Flames burned around him, and from the smoke stepped a woman with silver eyes and curved horns. Her face was sorrowful, and her voice low as wind through dry leaves.
"Find me… before they do."
Lin Yan jerked awake, heart pounding, the whisper still echoing in his ears.
Outside, the sky was just turning pale with dawn. The first trial awaited.