The Elder's Test, Displaying Unique Strength

Grains of sand slipped from his collar down his neck, their texture rough and gritty.

Chen Wuya followed the old man through a narrow passage deep within the gorge. The rock walls on either side gradually drew together, until only a thread of gray-white sky remained overhead. The ground beneath his feet changed from loose sand to packed yellow earth, producing a faint echo with every step. He said nothing more, merely noting the feedback from the ground each time he set foot down—too solid, and there might be stakes buried beneath; too hollow, and there could be a pit. Yet the old man's steps remained steady, as though he had walked this path a thousand times.

The way suddenly opened up before them.

A circular clearing lay between two opposing mountains, its ground rammed hard. Several broken weapon shafts stood planted around its edges, thick with rust. Three guards were already waiting in the middle of the field. One held a pair of axes, another gripped a chain hammer, and the last stood empty-handed—yet somehow made the very air feel heavier.

The old man halted and turned to Chen Wuya. "If you want to enter the tribe, get past these three first."

Chen Wuya grinned, took the pack off his shoulder, and casually set it on a stone. He rolled his wrists, then turned to Bai Zhi. "Don't move."

She frowned. "What did you say?"

"I said don't make a move." He smiled. "These are their rules. I'll take this trip myself."

Bai Zhi stared at him for two breaths before finally stepping half a pace back. Her hand remained on her sword hilt as her gaze swept over the three men.

The old man raised a hand and gave it a light wave.

The man wielding the twin