The morning sun rose over Canghai City, painting the sky in shades of gold and orange. But nobody was looking at the sunrise. Everyone's eyes were fixed on the massive, misty silhouette of the Sacred Mountain. It was finally the day. The energy in the air was so thick it felt like static on the skin.
"Come, come! Buy something for your safety! The mountain is dangerous, and you don't want to go in empty-handed!" shouted a merchant standing near the main plaza. He was selling high-priced talismans and basic healing pills, taking advantage of the nervous energy of the young cultivators.
The city was a sea of people. Thousands of merchants, travelers, and warriors crowded the streets. You could see the different uniforms of various sects and the expensive silks of royal families.
High above on a stone platform, the leader of the Canghai Empire stood with his hands behind his back. His voice was reinforced by spirit energy, echoing through every corner of the city. "The mountain will open by mid-day! Everyone, get ready. This is your chance to change your destiny!"
Xiao Yan was walking through the crowd, flanked by Jinyao and Shi Lieya. He had his black cloak wrapped tightly around him, trying to keep a low profile despite the fame he had gained from the demon attack.
"Do you want to stay grouped, or should we head to different places once we're inside?" Shi Lieya asked, checking the straps on her gauntlets. She looked like she was ready to punch the mountain itself if it got in her way.
Xiao Yan looked at the distant peaks. "We don't know what's waiting for us in there yet. Let's try our best to stay together during the trip. The goal is for all of us to get out safely."
"I agree," Jinyao said with a bright, happy smile. She clutched her staff tightly, clearly glad that Xiao Yan wanted to keep them close. "Staying together is much smarter."
While they walked, someone was watching them from above. On a high balcony overlooking the street, Yan Bingxue stood silently. Her white veil fluttered in the breeze as she looked down at the group laughing and talking.
"Are you jealous, Your Highness?" her subordinate asked quietly from the shadows behind her.
Bingxue didn't turn around. Her voice was as cold as ice. "Don't be crazy. I'm just... worrying. The energy coming from the mountain is strange this time."
"Well, okay. I will be waiting here for you to come out safely," the subordinate replied, bowing low.
The rules of the Sacred Mountain were strict and ancient. Only young people between the ages of 14 and 20 were allowed to enter. More importantly, the mountain's seal would reject anyone who had already passed the Celestial Realm. It was a place for the rising stars, not the established masters.
Meanwhile, far away in the safety of the Frost-Wolf territory, Xiao Yan's siblings were sitting down for a meal. The atmosphere was peaceful, a total contrast to the chaotic city of Nansha.
"Brother, I feel safe for now," the younger sister, Yanxue, said as she took a bite of food. "I just hope big brother Xiao Yan is having a good time too."
Their brother, Yanfeng, nodded. He looked more relaxed than he had in years. "Well, you know big brother. Don't worry about him. We will meet up with him eventually at the academy. For now, let's stay here and maybe we can train ourselves a little. We can't let him do all the hard work."
From a nearby patch of trees, the Great Beast Shuanglang appeared. His massive form was intimidating, but his eyes were kind. "Well, kids, you can train here as long as you like. Make yourselves at home and get stronger before you leave. This forest is yours."
"Thank you, Shuanglang!" the sister answered in harmony, a beautiful smile appearing on her face.
Back in the city, the atmosphere was much darker. Haoran stood with his elite followers, gazing toward the mountain with a greedy expression. He wasn't thinking about safety; he was only thinking about the treasures he could steal.
"Young Master Haoran," one of his subordinates whispered, leaning in close. "While we are inside... can we finally end the life of your brother?"
Haoran let out a loud, mocking laugh. "Ahahaha! He's not even worth the effort. He's a loser. But," his eyes turned cold and cruel, "if I meet him in there, I'll kill him myself. It's time to settle that debt."
But Haoran wasn't the only threat. Near the city gates, a group of figures moved through the shadows. They looked like normal human cultivators, but their eyes were too dark, and their movements were too perfectly silent.
"You know your jobs," said She Mu, the third Demon Lord. She had disguised herself perfectly to drop them off without being noticed by the city guards. "Destroy the young talents. Don't leave a single 'genius' alive."
"Don't worry, Your Highness," answered the leader of the group. He was the son of Shen Yuan, and despite his young appearance, he was already at the Peak of the Divine Realm. "We will end their lives and break the spirit of humans."
"Good. Be well, all of you," She Mu whispered before vanishing into the wind.
Finally, midday arrived.
"Everyone... good luck!" the Empire leader shouted.
Suddenly, the mountain sent out a blinding, bright light. It seemed as though the light of the gods was descending. The ground beneath the city trembled, and a massive, invisible barrier finally shattered. The portal was open.
The crowd exploded. Thousands of cultivators rushed forward, shouting and pushing, desperate to be the first ones through the gates.
Xiao Yan watched the chaos and took a deep breath. "Well, adventure won't stop coming, huh, System?"
[Master, stop trying to be funny and get your head in the game,] Michael's voice snapped in his mind. [You have a job to do. The Dragon is waiting, and so are the demons. Don't get distracted.]
"Alright, alright," Xiao Yan whispered with a smirk.
With one flashy move, Xiao Yan's body flickered with red sparks. He disappeared through the air, moving like a bolt of lightning toward the entrance. Jinyao and Lieya didn't hesitate for a second, following right behind him as they plunged into the unknown.
TI BE CONTINUED!!!