Hooked on Fate, Captivated by Heart

After the cry of the crane, the atmosphere before the Tianyan Sect's mountain gate turned tense. From amidst the swirling mists, a figure slowly descended—clad in white that rivaled snow, with hair flowing like a waterfall, and with an expression as cool and ethereal as frost. Her brows arched like distant mountains, her eyes deep and cold as a winter pond, skin fairer than snow, and lips as delicate as a touch of vermilion. A pale purple belt adorned with cloud patterns was tied around her waist, and the slight flutter of her sleeves made her appear as if a banished immortal had graced the mortal realm. 

The onlookers held their breath; The mountain breeze fell silent, and even the leaves held their breath.

"That's Senior Sister Lin Yushuang—the core disciple of Tianyan Sect!" someone murmured in the crowd, their voice brimming with awe and admiration.

"I've heard she has already reached the mid Core Formation stage, with unparalleled talent, and is one of the disciples most cherished by the Sect Leader," whispered another elegantly attired girl, her eyes sparkling with envy.

"And the most beautiful female disciple too!" declared a young man in a green robe, his gaze fixed on Lin Yushuang with eyes burning like fire.

Lin Yushuang stood at the pinnacle of the stone steps, looking down upon the crowd. Her cool, detached gaze swept over the assembled figures—as if searching for someone—before quickly retracting.

Then, with slender, jade-like fingers lightly brushing her hair, her measured voice resonated through the valley: "All of you who come seeking apprenticeship, do you know the rules of our Tianyan Sect?"

In unison, the crowd replied, "We know!" Their voices rose and fell, echoing throughout the valley.

"Do you also understand how stringent our Tianyan Sect is when accepting disciples?" she continued, her tone tinged with chill as her eyes swept across the crowd, causing many hearts to tremble and heads to bow involuntarily.

"Yes, we do!" came a somewhat subdued reply.

Lin Yushuang nodded slightly, a faint smile emerging as if ice and snow were beginning to melt. "Today, as the mountain gate is wide open, the eighteen-tiered stone steps shall choose those destined by fate. Those who ascend to the sixth tier may enter the outer gate; the twelfth tier grants entry to the inner gate; and the fifteenth tier bestows the status of core disciple. Yet, entering is no easy feat, and cultivation is even harder. Now, each of you must rely on your own abilities." Her finger traced gently through the air, leaving a streak of purple as though setting the stage for this selection.

Having spoken, she raised her hand and swept it gracefully; her pale purple sleeves traced an elegant arc in the air. The spirit light on the eighteen-tiered stone steps flared brilliantly—like a celestial pathway leading to the heavens, shimmering with an alluring radiance. These ancient steps, robust and austere, were approximately one meter wide and three meters long, their bluish-gray surface intricately inscribed with enigmatic runes. In response to Lin Yushuang's movement, the runes began to glow softly, like stars scattered across a night sky, dazzling in their beauty.

A few impatient young men from the crowd rushed toward the stone steps, their agile forms brimming with desire. One youth in red was particularly eager, a confident smile playing on his lips. Yet, the moment they stepped onto the first tier, it was as if an invisible barrier halted them; their limbs stiffened, preventing even a single step forward. The red-clad youth's expression shifted from confidence to astonishment, then to frustration, and finally to humiliation. Some were even flung back to the ground, landing sprawled in a comical heap, drawing raucous laughter from the onlookers.

"Lacking in cultivation and too impetuous—how can you possibly ascend these stone steps?" someone taunted softly, their voice laced with schadenfreude.

A burst of snickering arose from the crowd. The young men flushed and retreated dejectedly, heads bowed to avoid prying eyes—as though they wished to vanish into the earth.

"Ascending these steps requires the guidance of a cultivation method, not brute force," remarked a young gentleman in luxurious attire, his tone steeped in arrogance. Dressed in a silk robe, crowned with jade, and with a tinkling jade pendant at his waist—a picture of opulence—he strode toward the stone steps. Bowing courteously, he closed his eyes to steady his breath; a subtle halo of pale golden light shimmered around him. When his breathing evened and his eyes opened slightly, he slowly stepped onto the first tier. The runes on the steps glimmered faintly, yet did not bar his way.

A chorus of exclamations erupted from the crowd, with many whispering among themselves in animated discussion.

Beside me, Su Li nervously tugged at my sleeve, her delicate fingers trembling slightly, "Sister Wei, what should I do?" Her voice was as soft as a mosquito's whisper, her beautiful face etched with apprehension, and her clear eyes brimming with a complex blend of hope and fear.

I gently stroked the back of her hand, feeling the slight sweat on her palm, and murmured, "Steady your heart." My voice was calm and resolute, as if capable of imparting immense reassurance.

Su Li took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and her long lashes quivered slightly as she began to regulate her breathing. Her chest rose and fell in a steady rhythm, and her complexion gradually shifted from pallid to rosy. Meanwhile, I quietly observed the activities at the mountain gate, silently scrutinizing the competitors around me and making my own assessments.

The well-dressed young man had already ascended to the fifth tier, and with each level, a burst of spiritual light enveloped him, as if draped in resplendent brocade. His handsome features and light steps had earned him the envious glances of many young women. However, upon reaching the sixth tier, it was evident that he was struggling—sweat beaded on his forehead, his steps faltered, and his breathing grew labored. Waves of spiritual energy surged from within him, clashing with the runes on the steps in a standoff. By the seventh tier, his forehead was marked with bulging veins, and with gritted teeth, he could no longer hold on, ultimately being repelled by an unseen force that sent him crashing to the ground with a dull thud.

"The seventh tier is passable," Lin Yushuang remarked coolly, her tone ambiguous—neither full of praise nor criticism—"and sufficient for entry into the outer gate."

The young gentleman in elegant attire managed a strained smile, bowed in retreat, his expression a blend of disappointment yet retaining dignity.

Next, more people began attempting the ascent. A few white clouds drifted in the sky as the gentle mountain breeze carried the fresh scent of distant pine forests. In the clearing before the stone steps, the area buzzed with voices and lively activity. Some could not even muster the strength to climb the first tier and withdrew in embarrassment; others halted at the third tier with complex expressions; only a few managed to reach beyond the sixth tier—mostly those born into illustrious families, groomed from childhood under excellent mentorship. Occasionally, someone who reached the tenth tier would be met with a chorus of cheers, and would proudly glance around, basking in the admiring stares of the crowd.

At that moment, Su Li beside me was ready. She adjusted her dress, smoothed her bosom, took a deep breath, and cast a determined glance in my direction—her eyes filled with both anticipation and nervousness—before gracefully striding toward the stone steps.

Su Li paused before the stone steps, her delicate figure appearing especially petite in the sunlight. With her hands pressed together and softly reciting incantations, her lips trembling ever so slightly, she then slowly lifted her foot and stepped onto the first tier.

The runes on the stone steps glowed softly, gently enveloping her toes without repelling her. A hint of delight curved Su Li's lips, and joyful tears sparkled in her eyes. She continued upward—second tier, third tier… Her steps were so light it seemed as if she exerted no effort at all, with the hem of her dress fluttering in harmony, much like a dancing butterfly. The crowd erupted in astonishment; no one had expected this seemingly fragile girl to progress so effortlessly.

However, upon reaching the ninth tier, her movements noticeably slowed. A trace of pain appeared on her delicate face as fine beads of sweat gathered on her forehead, and her breathing grew labored.

Su Li bit her cherry lips as fine beads of sweat formed on her forehead, and her beautiful features twisted slightly in pain. Just then, the jade pendant she wore on her chest suddenly burst forth with a vibrant green light, like a small green sun illuminating the space around her. The light was gentle yet resolute, as if some mysterious force were guiding her. The onlookers stared in amazement at the seemingly ordinary pendant, murmuring amongst themselves with eyes filled with curiosity and wonder.

"What sort of treasure is that?"

"Such a powerful surge of spiritual energy!"

"This girl appears to have an extraordinary background!"

Under the blessing of this mysterious light, Su Li seemed to gain newfound strength; her breathing steadied and her complexion regained a healthy flush. A gentle smile appeared as she continued upward, easily stepping onto the tenth tier. However, starting from the tenth tier, the nature of the trial appeared to change. Su Li's steps suddenly faltered, a fleeting look of confusion crossing her eyes before she seemed to fall into an illusion—her gaze vacant and her lips trembling slightly.

"What is happening? Could it be... an illusion?" I murmured softly, recalling my father's words about an art capable of ensnaring one's mind, plunging them into a world created by another practitioner.

At that moment, an elderly man in the crowd spoke, "It is said that the eighteen-tiered stone steps of the Tianyan Sect test one's spiritual root and foundation in the first nine tiers, while the latter nine assess character. Those who ascend these steps will be plunged into an illusion, forced to confront their deepest fears and desires. Only those with steadfast hearts can break free and continue onward."

The crowd collectively realized the truth of it. As their eyes returned to Su Li, they noticed more sweat on her forehead, her face alternating between pallor and flush, with tears slowly streaming from the corners of her eyes—clearly, she was struggling within the illusion.

At last, Su Li seemed to find a breakthrough; her gaze cleared once more, and the green light from her pendant grew even brighter, like a beacon guiding her way. Under its protective glow, she ascended two more tiers, reaching the twelfth. However, upon the thirteenth tier, she could no longer hold on—her legs buckled, nearly causing her to fall.

"The twelfth tier grants entry to the inner gate," Lin Yushuang remarked with a hint of surprise, her beautiful eyes widening slightly—clearly not expecting this seemingly fragile girl to come so far.

Su Li withdrew in delight, her cheeks flushed with excitement and her eyes sparkling as she regarded the jade pendant in her hand thoughtfully. She trotted back to me, her breathing still a bit rapid, her lovely face radiating uncontainable joy.

I caressed the sword scabbard left by my father at my waist, met Su Li's gaze, and whispered, "The twelfth tier is extraordinary—truly worth celebrating." Witnessing her success, a warmth stirred within me.

With excitement, Su Li laughed, her voice as clear as silver bells, "Sister Wei, now it's your turn." Her eyes brimmed with anticipation, as if bursting with confidence in my abilities.

Just as I was about to step forward, a commotion suddenly arose from the crowd.

"Please make way—the Young Lord of Five Peaks has arrived!" several attendants in matching uniforms shouted, forcefully carving a path through the throng.

The crowd parted on its own to form a clear pathway, punctuated by murmurs. A strikingly handsome young man strolled forward, clad in a dark azure brocade robe embroidered with cloud and dragon motifs, his jade pendant tinkling at his waist, moving with unhurried composure. His features were extraordinarily refined—sword-like brows, starry eyes, a prominent nose, and lips like a touch of vermilion—every gesture exuding the bearing of a noble scion. Trailing behind him were seven or eight attendants, each with an air of haughty disdain toward those around them.

"So it is Young Master Ye Ming; I've heard he is the only son of the Five Peaks Master, with unparalleled talent," an elderly man murmured to his companion, his pale beard trembling slightly with each word.

"Indeed, it is said that he had already reached the late Foundation Establishment stage back home; his appearance at Tianyan Sect is merely a formality," replied a middle-aged man in a green robe, his eyes filled with envy.

While the crowd buzzed with whispers, Ye Ming paid no heed—only a faint smile gracing his lips and a trace of arrogance in his eyes—as he strode directly toward the stone steps. Bathed in sunlight that cast a golden glow upon him, he looked even more extraordinary. With a slight bow directed at Lin Yushuang and receiving a subtle nod in return, he stepped onto the first tier. Unlike the others before him, he ascended as effortlessly as if treading on level ground, his body shimmering with a soft golden light, and in no time, he had reached the tenth tier.

"Excellent!" the crowd erupted in cheers, their applause like thunder.

"That is a true genius!" the red-clad youth who had failed earlier clenched his fist passionately, his eyes filled with admiration.

At that moment, he paused briefly before continuing onward, as though the illusion had not affected him at all.

A self-satisfied smile played on Ye Ming's lips as he slightly raised his chin, his gaze sweeping over the crowd as if relishing their admiration. He continued ascending—twelfth, thirteenth, fourteenth tiers—with each level posing no obstacle. However, upon reaching the fifteenth tier, his steps finally slowed; a trace of pain marred his handsome features as sweat dotted his forehead. His breathing grew rapid, and the aura of spiritual light around him flickered unsteadily.

"The fifteenth tier! Simply incredible!" the elderly man who had been explaining to the crowd clapped his hands in astonishment, his wrinkled face expressing disbelief.

"I heard that even ten years ago, the highest level reached during the disciple selection was only the fourteenth tier!" exclaimed a young lady in elegant attire, her eyes wide with surprise.

The crowd was awash with envy and awe, with some even applauding as the scene grew raucously lively. Ye Ming's pace slowed slightly, with fine sweat beading on his forehead, yet the determination in his eyes remained undiminished—as if he were gathering strength for a challenge to the sixteenth tier. He took a deep breath; his aura of spiritual light steadied once more, and the look of pain on his face faded into resolute determination. However, after several attempts, his limbs grew cold and sweat poured from his forehead, and finally, he withdrew, offering Lin Yushuang a faint smile that mingled reluctance with resignation.

"Disciple Ye, your talent is extraordinary—surely the Sect Leader will personally take you as his disciple," Lin Yushuang said, her tone softening with a touch of admiration in her eyes.

Ye Ming offered a slight bow and humbly replied, "Senior Sister Lin, you flatter me."

I silently mused to myself: Ye Ming must be someone of significant caliber—if even Lin Yushuang treats him with such deference, it appears that this selection has already been predetermined.

I caressed the sword scabbard at my waist, a look of resolve flashing in my eyes. No matter what, I must gain entry and uncover the truth behind my father's death.