My Guardians

"Awake?" Wutong Zi's voice came from nearby.

Chu Yang quickly got up and saw Wutong Zi standing beneath a massive wutong tree. The tree was covered in golden blossoms that gave off a faint fragrance.

"Good morning, Senior." Chu Yang bowed respectfully. "Thank you for your guidance last night."

Wutong Zi waved a hand. "No need to be so polite. How did you rest? Are you ready to begin your formal cultivation?"

Chu Yang nodded. "This junior is ready. Please instruct me, Senior."

"Very good." Wutong Zi nodded in satisfaction. "Then we shall begin now. However, before going to the Phoenix Nirvana Platform, I need to test your actual combat ability."

Chu Yang was somewhat puzzled. "Test my combat ability?"

Wutong Zi explained, "In the Extraterrestrial Starry Sky, powerful spiritual power alone is not enough. You must also possess solid combat skills. Especially in a dangerous place like the Flame Star Region, you may encounter life-and-death battles at any moment."

"I understand." Chu Yang spoke seriously. "Please guide me, Senior."

Wutong Zi shook his head. "If I personally attacked, you would not even be able to take a single move. So, I have prepared other opponents for you."

As he spoke, Wutong Zi slowly raised his right hand and softly chanted an ancient incantation. As the chant rang out, the surrounding wutong trees began to sway slightly, as if responding to something.

"Tree Spirit Summoning Art—appear, my guardians!"

As soon as Wutong Zi finished speaking, several nearby wutong trees suddenly erupted with brilliant light. Within that radiance, humanoid figures slowly condensed into form.

Chu Yang stared at the sight before him in shock. Five tree spirits, each over ten feet tall, had appeared before him. Their bodies were made of wood, yet they were lifelike, like genuine living beings. What