The sweet breeze of the blossoms wafting through the forest rustled the leaves of the tall trees, and their falling leaves created a serene yet captivating scene. A warmth, yet calm, permeated the crowd below, a sense of discipline permeating the atmosphere.
Master Fung Shu Rei's voice echoed across the field once again.
"The task is simple. Each of you must enter the 'Closed Cave of Spirits.' Inside, your 'Spiritual Beast' awaits you. You must first uncover your spirit animal and form a bond with it. Once you do, you will advance to the next stage of the test."
The crowd fell silent in an unspoken reverence. Everyone held their breath. But then, a mixture of excitement and anxiety spread throughout the crowd as everyone's eyes were fixed on the two princes.
From behind the disciple of the Fuzi Xion clan, a slender, tall, and strong young man named Duie, a cheerful boy with disheveled hair and a mischievous smile, stepped forward and placed his hand on Yu Sui's shoulder. He said in a deep voice.
"Yu, my brother," he looked Yu Sui in the eyes and said.
"Conquer this! And when you become king, make me the head of a clan or something! I don't care!"
Hearing this, Yu Sui narrowed his eyes. Yu Sui's eyes were silently taunting Duie, but he still smiled and said, "Only when you stop stealing from the Sect's kitchen."
Duie's smile froze. He hid the boiled potatoes he was holding behind his back and looked at Yu Sui with an embarrassed look. Duie then looked at Yu Sui, making a face, and then at Mo Yan. Suddenly, Duie's eyes met Mo Yan's cold, sharp eyes, staring at him like a ferocious lion. Duie slowly backed away.
On the other side, Lan Xiyu, a charming and handsome boy dressed in cool silver, stood next to Mo Yan. He placed a firm hand on Mo Yan's shoulder, causing Mo Yan to turn slightly toward him. Lan Xiyu spoke proudly. "Brother Mo Yan," his eyes met Mo Yan's.
"You are not just our pride. You are our future. You will conquer it."
At this cold confidence, Mo Yan silently nodded and looked straight ahead. There was a sharp, stern discipline in his eyes, which was evident even in the way he stood upright.
Just then, Master Fung Shu Ri announced, his voice booming. Mo Yan and Yu Sui immediately stood upright in dignity.
"Go ahead!"
Master Fung Shu Ri announced loudly.
Just then, Mo Yan and Yue walked together at the front of the crowd, walking down the vast path. The crowd followed behind them.
Some time later, everyone finally reached a rocky hill with a panoramic view. From there, they could see tall trees and the beautiful valleys below. High, green peaks could be seen everywhere. And ahead, before them lay the sealed Cave of Spirits. Shrouded in fog.
As they all drew closer, the fog began to clear, revealing the door to the Sealed Cave of Spirits. It looked black, wide, and terrifying, as if it hadn't been touched in centuries. Fog coiled around its mouth like silent serpents. Now, only one rule applied. The Master announced this rule:
"No one will follow them in." He looked at Mo Yan and Yu Sui and said, "Only Yu Sui and Mo Yan will enter."
The crowd held their breath. All eyes were now focused on Mo Yan and Yu Sui, standing side by side. The crowd's gaze settled into a quiet nature as the two rivals advanced shoulder to shoulder. For a moment, they paused at the threshold of darkness. Before entering, they looked each other in the eye, but with a slanted, almost piercing gaze. Then Mo Yan looked ahead and spoke with a slight arrogance.
"Try not to get lost in the darkness."
Hearing this sudden, frank remark, Yu Sui stared at him with wide eyes and spoke sharply.
"Worry about yourself, dry leaf. I know exactly where I am."
At this awkward response, Mo stared directly at him, glaring at Yu Sui with blazing eyes. This made Yu Sui look straight ahead, averting his eyes, and continue on, as if nothing had happened.
And with that, he retreated into the shadows. Even his shadow vanished as the cave swallowed him whole.
Outside, the forest and the crowd were quiet once again.