Chapter Four: The Trial Begins

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In the early morning, the sunlight poured down from the horizon, filtering through the thick branches and leaves to cast dappled shadows upon the ground.

At such a time, the front courtyard of the Ye family was already densely packed with people. The younger generation of the Ye clan stood in neat, straight rows—nearly a hundred in number—while around them, black-clad guards maintained a stern vigil. Many of the clan elders wore grave expressions. Such a formation made it clear that something of great significance was about to take place.

At the forefront of the gathering stood three middle-aged men in ornate robes, their gaze fixed upon the assembled juniors. Under the weight of their eyes, not one among the younger disciples dared to utter a sound.

Those who possessed such authority could only be the three patriarchs of the Ye family.

“As you all know, today is the Ye family’s annual clan trial,” Ye Aotian spoke, his eyes calm as they swept across the faces before him. “As for the details and rules of the trial, I trust your mentors have already explained them to you, so I shall not waste words. The trial is fraught with danger. If you are lacking in strength and misfortune befalls you, you have no one to blame but yourselves for neglecting your training.”

He paused here, casting a deep glance at Ye Zihan, who stood quietly at the back of the crowd, before continuing: “Though perilous, this journey holds many rewards. Not only will you gain battle experience and improve your strength, but with a stroke of luck, you may encounter some fortuitous event that will greatly enhance your abilities. Moreover, the first three to return to the clan will each be granted a Wind-rank technique corresponding to their elemental affinity, as a reward!”

At these words, a commotion broke out among the younger members of the Ye family.

“A Wind-rank technique? Techniques are divided into the ranks of Shadow, Night, Wind, Moon, and Blood. Even for a great clan like ours, there can’t be many of such high rank!”

“To offer a Wind-rank technique as a reward, the clan must truly value this trial.”

“I’m only practicing the Shadow-rank ‘Blazing Fury Blade’ now. If I could switch to the Wind-rank ‘Flame Edge,’ my power would surely soar!”

“I must be among the top three and claim a Wind-rank technique!”

Though the prospect of an unexpected encounter was distant and uncertain, the promise of a Wind-rank technique for the top three was enough to make the clan’s youth covetous and eager.

Seeing how the promise of a Wind-rank technique had stirred the young blood of the family, Ye Aotian smiled faintly and said, “It’s getting late. Set out now. I shall await here for the triumphant return of the sons of the Ye family!”

The crowd responded in unison, their spirits high as they rubbed their hands in anticipation.

A shrill whistle sounded.

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At the side, a black-clad guard blew a piercing whistle. Moments later, more than a dozen robust gryphons soared out from behind the Ye family’s mountain, swooping toward the front courtyard and finally landing before the assembled disciples.

These gryphons stood nearly thirty feet tall, their bodies jet black, with sharp beaks and talons, and wings hard as steel. In form, they were much like ordinary raptors, but nearly ten times larger and far more ferocious—formidable fourth-tier beasts of prey.

Such powerful beasts had been captured and tamed by the Ye family, serving as flying mounts—a testament to the clan’s underlying strength.

“Five to a group. Each group will ride one gryphon. Up you go,” called out a gray-robed elder as the gryphons landed.

This was Ye Xuan, one of the Ye family’s ten great elders, a practitioner of the fire element, formidable in power, already at the advanced stage of the Five Elements. He was in charge of this year’s clan trial.

At his command, the crowd quickly organized themselves into teams and vaulted onto the backs of the gryphons in swift succession.

A height of thirty feet was nothing to the Ye family’s youth, all of whom had been training since childhood.

All except Ye Zihan.

Pacing anxiously beneath the gryphon, Ye Zihan found himself at a loss—unable to jump up as the others had, and unable to climb, for the gryphon’s feathers were too sleek to grasp, and it had not crouched to help. He could find no foothold.

Seeing his distress, the other disciples, already atop their gryphons, burst into mocking laughter. “Trash is trash—can’t even leap thirty feet.”

“Exactly. Most people can clear fifty feet by the age of ten.”

“Thank goodness he’s not in my group, or I’d be mortified.”

Nearby, Ye Xuan frowned at the scene and instructed a black-clad guard, “Go give him a hand.”

“Yes, sir,” the guard replied, then strode over to Ye Zihan, grasping his back with one hand and his waist with the other. With a swift, powerful heave, he flung Ye Zihan onto the gryphon’s back.

With a thud, Ye Zihan landed hard, nearly slipping off entirely. In panic, he clung desperately to the gryphon’s neck, prompting another round of laughter from the crowd.

“Set out!” Ye Xuan commanded once all were mounted.

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The whistle sounded again. The gryphons spread their massive wings, lifted off slowly, then shot forward at incredible speed.

Ye Zihan lay flat on the gryphon’s back, clutching its neck feathers for dear life, terrified of falling. The gryphon’s speed was dizzying; the wind howled past his ears, making it impossible even to open his eyes.

After the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, the gryphons finally slowed and landed in a clearing.

The disciples dismounted one after another, each wearing an expression of curiosity as they surveyed the unfamiliar surroundings.

Ye Zihan opened his eyes, let go, and slid down the gryphon’s smooth back. Looking around, he was stunned speechless by the sight before him.

An immense mountain range stretched out, high, wide, and endless, winding away like a colossal dragon coiled across the land. The mountains teemed with flourishing trees, flowers, and medicinal herbs, and countless beasts of all ranks prowled their depths. Even from outside, the oppressive, savage aura of the wild could be felt.

“This is our trial ground—the Beast Mountain Range,” Ye Xuan declared, standing before the crowd. “As the name suggests, this is the domain of beasts, marking the boundary between the human world and the beast realm. Countless beasts roam these mountains, and the deeper you go, the stronger they become. If you encounter them during the trial, judge your strength wisely: fight if you can, flee if you must, but never act recklessly. Disaster awaits those who overreach.”

His gaze swept sharply over the group, and only after they nodded in nervous assent did he continue, “Ten miles within the range lies a clearing with wooden stakes—the final destination of your trial. Upon each stake hangs a token with your name. Your goal is to reach the clearing, retrieve your token, and return to the clan. The first three to return will receive the Wind-rank technique as a reward.”

He paused, then added, “But remember—once you reach the clearing, you must not go deeper. If you do, you bear the consequences yourself. If you find yourself in mortal danger along the way, set off the clan’s signal. The elders will come to your aid at once. Did you all bring your smoke signals?”

After the disciples nodded their confirmation, Ye Xuan waved his hand. “The trial begins!”

At his command, the crowd surged into the mountains like a tide—each intent on claiming their token and returning home in time to claim the Wind-rank technique.

Only Ye Zihan walked at a leisurely pace. He knew himself well; there was no chance of making it back among the first three, so he felt no urgency. Since he was here, he might as well experience the renowned Beast Mountain Range and its denizens. With the elders shadowing them from afar, there should be no great danger.

What Ye Zihan could never have imagined was that this very place would forever alter his fate, setting him on a path of cultivation utterly unlike any other.