The soul-tool light on the Detection Platform slowly faded. The last wisp of azure wind elemental energy withdrew from Feng Xiaotian's palm. He took a deep breath, turned, and stepped down from the white-jade platform.
Countless eyes fixed on him from below. Some held shock, others envy, and still others emotions too complicated to hide. Feng Xiaotian himself had yet to calm down.
Just then, two vast, weighty auras spread from either side of the mountain's foot.
The two Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beasts guarding Immortal Mountain—the Titan Giant Ape and the Sky Azure Bull Python—rested on opposite sides of the Ancient Path like silent mountains. They slowly opened their eyes, and their deep voices echoed through the world with awe-inspiring authority:
"Feng Xiaotian, congratulations. You have met Immortal Mountain's Apprenticeship Standard. Immortal has granted you permission to climb the mountain and seek him as your teacher. Go."
As their words fell, all of Immortal Mountain seemed to tremble.
The red maples covering the mountainside rustled and shook as though alive. A low, distant rumble rose from their interwoven branches.
A massive screen of mountainside slowly parted within the maple forest, like two ancient gates being pushed open by invisible hands.
A winding stairway emerged from the maple leaves. Thin spiritual mist lay over its bluestone steps, and faint golden patterns shimmered across each one. The sight was sacred and solemn.
A mountain breeze swept through, sending maple leaves down like rain. Not one landed on the steps, as though even nature were making way for those who sought a teacher.
Everyone looked up at the Ancient Path leading to the summit, longing in their eyes. Some held their breath. Others took an involuntary half-step forward, only to be driven back by an unseen pressure. From the clouds at the path's end