The morning mist still hung low over the frosted valley as the sun slowly climbed behind the distant peaks. A golden light spread across the training grounds of Frost Land, touching the vast arena where more than five hundred cultivators had gathered for the long-awaited Power Testing.
It was a sea of energy and ambition — cultivators from every corner of the realm had come to prove themselves, to take their first step toward the title of warrior. The sound of murmuring voices, the hum of spirit tools, and the faint roar of aura power filled the air like thunder trapped beneath the clouds.
Tang Xan stood among them, his expression half-curious, half-nervous. His long black hair swayed in the cold breeze as he looked around at the endless line of people waiting for their turn.
"Lion…" he muttered under his breath. "Are you sure this is the right place? It looks like a festival, not a tournament."
A deep, amused voice echoed in his mind — the voice of the Ancient Lion Spirit, his eternal companion."Ha ha! Tang Xan, this is the right place. Don't be impatient. Great warriors are not made in empty fields but among the roar of thousands. Look around — these are your future rivals, allies, and enemies."
Tang Xan sighed. "Enemies? I just want to finish my test before I die of boredom."
The lion laughed heartily. "Don't tire yourself so soon. Drink water, rest your feet — you'll need all your strength when it's your turn."
After some time, Tang Xan finally stepped into the registration hall. The air inside shimmered with spirit energy — glowing orbs floated midair, scanning cultivators and recording their aura signatures.
When it was his turn, Tang Xan placed his hand on the crystal slab. It shone briefly before showing a number.
"Number 568."
Tang Xan's face froze. "Wait… WHAT? Five hundred sixty-eight?! Are you serious?!"
The clerk looked at him dryly. "Next!"
Tang Xan's jaw dropped as he stepped aside. "This is going to take forever," he groaned. "How will they finish so many in a single day?"
The lion's calm voice answered, "There are ten stages running at once. They test ten people together, so it moves faster. If it takes too long, they'll extend the tournament hours — even through the night if they must."
Tang Xan sighed again. "Great. So I'll just grow a beard by the time my turn comes."
"Or you can use this time to study," the lion said. "Observe others. Learn from them. Some have cultivated for decades — you might catch a glimpse of techniques or aura types you've never seen before."
Tang Xan was about to answer when a cheerful voice called from behind, "Hello, Tang!"
He turned around — it was Rose, smiling brightly as she approached. Her crimson robes fluttered gently, and the mark of her spirit beast shimmered faintly on her hand.
"Rose!" Tang Xan said with surprise. "You're here too?"
She nodded. "Of course! I couldn't miss the Power Testing. Did you register?"
"Yeah," Tang Xan said with a sigh. "I got number 568."
Rose giggled softly. "Oh, that's far behind me. My number is 105."
Tang Xan clutched his head dramatically. "One hundred and five?! That's so close! Why does fate hate me this much?"
Rose laughed again, covering her mouth. "Maybe it's testing your patience."
Tang Xan leaned against a nearby wall. "I don't think patience was included in my cultivation training…"
After a moment, he looked up at her. "By the way, where's the place to sit? I might fall asleep standing here."
The lion's voice came again. "You could cultivate while you wait. Sitting idly won't help your power."
Rose noticed his distant stare. "Tang Xan?"
He blinked. "Huh? Oh, sorry — talking to my… uh, inner voice."
Rose tilted her head. "Your spirit beast?"
He smiled nervously. "Yeah, something like that."
She smiled kindly. "You can sit in the courts near the arena. There's food, shade, and a viewing area. You can rest, watch others, or even meditate. It's going to be a long day."
Tang Xan stood straight again, stretching his arms. "Oh, thank you, Rose. I'll go there for now. Maybe we'll meet again after your test."
Rose gave him a playful look. "Don't get lost before your number is called."
He grinned. "I'll try."
She waved her hand gracefully, her face glowing under the morning light. "See you later, Tang Xan."
"Yeah," he said, smiling faintly, before turning away.
As he walked toward the courts, lost in thought, someone suddenly collided with him hard enough to make him stumble.
"Ah! Sorry! Sorry, my mistake!" cried a small boy's voice.
Tang Xan steadied himself. The boy looked about twelve or thirteen, with messy brown hair and a spirit stone hanging from his neck.
"It's fine," Tang Xan said, brushing off his sleeve. "No harm done."
The boy looked up with wide eyes. "Thank you! I didn't see where I was going. My name is Luo Wang."
Tang Xan nodded. "Nice to meet you, Luo Wang. You're here for the tournament too?"
"Yes!" Luo Wang said excitedly. "But I can't find where my court is. I've been walking in circles for an hour!"
Tang Xan laughed quietly. "You too? I've been wandering around since registration."
Luo's eyes lit up. "Then let's find it together!"
Tang Xan sighed. "Why do I feel like this is going to take even longer…"
The lion chuckled in his mind. "He's young, maybe thirteen at most. Help him. Every hero starts somewhere, even lost in a crowd."
Tang Xan smiled faintly. "Yeah, yeah… I know."
As the two of them walked, the crowd around them thickened. Some people released their aura in arrogance, trying to intimidate others. The air buzzed with raw power.
Tang Xan felt a familiar fire stir within him. "Lion, everyone here… they're strong."
The lion's voice softened. "Yes, and that's why you're here — to learn, to grow, and to surpass them. Remember, Tang Xan — strength is not only in fists, but in patience and purpose."
Tang Xan nodded slowly. He glanced at Luo Wang, who was hopping over a step trying to peek through the crowd. The kid's energy was pure — untainted by ego or fear.
For a moment, Tang Xan saw himself — the version of him that existed before fate twisted his destiny with power, beasts, and endless battles.
"Hey, Luo," Tang Xan said quietly. "Why did you join this tournament?"
Luo looked surprised. "I… I want to become strong enough to protect my sister. She's sick, and medicine costs a lot of spirit coins. If I win, I can become commander for the king — and they said commanders get gold and protection for their families."
Tang Xan's expression softened. "You're fighting for someone else, not yourself… that's brave."
Luo grinned. "What about you, big brother Tang? Why are you here?"
Tang Xan looked up at the sky. The clouds drifted slowly across the sun, casting shadows over the land. His hand clenched slightly.
"Because I have to be stronger and stronger to be powerful. I don't need money," Tang Xan said, his eyes gleaming with quiet fire.
The lion said nothing — only a low hum of approval echoed in Tang Xan's mind.
Luo looked up at him with innocent curiosity, not fully understanding the depth of those words. "Then I'll cheer for you when your turn comes!"
Tang Xan smiled. "Deal."
As the afternoon sun began to set, the sky turned orange and gold. The loudspeakers around the arena echoed, calling out the next batches of contestants.
"Participant numbers 500 to 510, please prepare for your test!"
Tang Xan took a deep breath. "Still a long way to go," he muttered.
The lion's deep voice rumbled warmly. "Every great journey begins with a long wait. Endure it — your path is only beginning."
Tang Xan looked around the crowd once more — the hundreds of cultivators glowing with power, each dreaming of victory. He closed his eyes briefly, feeling the steady pulse of his own aura rising slowly in his veins.
Somewhere deep inside, beyond all the noise and the lights, he could feel the faint beating of two hearts — his own, and the lion's.Bound together by fate.
And as the first night of the tournament descended over Frost Land, Tang Xan sat quietly in meditation, preparing for the trials to come.
End Of Chapter 11