Chapter 44: Visiting Ryūchi Cave
After returning home and quickly freshening up, Uchiha Douhuan retreated to his room, bit his finger, and made the hand signs for Summoning Jutsu.
With a puff of smoke, a small white snake appeared before him.
"Please convey my message to Ryūchi Cave—Uchiha Douhuan wishes to visit," Douhuan said, casually stroking the small snake's head. The snake vanished instantly.
Moments later, Douhuan sensed a spatial disturbance—a sign of Reverse Summoning. Relaxing his mind, he allowed himself to be transported.
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Arrival at Ryūchi Cave
When the smoke cleared, Douhuan found himself in a place resembling an ancient town, with rows of traditional buildings stretching into the distance. At the center stood a grand archway with the words "Ryūchi Cave" inscribed on it.
Standing beneath the archway was Orochimaru, accompanied by a woman wearing a shrine maiden's attire and a necklace adorned with jade beads.
"Douhuan-sama," Orochimaru greeted respectfully. The woman beside him eyed Douhuan curiously.
After a moment of observation, she spoke. "Uchiha Douhuan, welcome to Ryūchi Cave."
Douhuan smiled and nodded. "May I know your name?"
The woman chuckled softly. "I am Tashin Kamihime. The White Snake Sage has already sensed your arrival. However, to meet the sage, you must first pass the Ryūchi Cave's trial."
Douhuan nodded in understanding. "I see. Then let's begin."
Tashin Kamihime led the way, while Orochimaru made a hand sign and dispelled his summoning, leaving Douhuan to follow Kamihime alone.
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As they walked deeper into the ancient-looking town, Douhuan couldn't help but inquire, "Why didn't Orochimaru come along?"
Kamihime glanced back and explained, "This path can only be walked once in a lifetime. Orochimaru-sama attempted it before and failed. Therefore, he has no further qualification to proceed."
Douhuan raised an eyebrow. "I see. You seem very certain of my purpose here. How did you know?"
Kamihime smiled faintly. "It's not hard to guess. Over thousands of years, people come to Ryūchi Cave for two main reasons—either to form a contract with the snakes or to learn Sage Mode. Considering your combat style, which is already set, ordinary snakes wouldn't suit you. Therefore, your purpose can only be the latter."
Douhuan smirked. "Fair enough. So, what kind of test should I expect? Is it about character or moral integrity? If that's the case, I might be in trouble."
Kamihime let out a light laugh. "You jest, Douhuan-sama. Ryūchi Cave doesn't judge by moral standards like humans do. The only thing that matters is whether you can master natural energy. Character and intentions mean nothing to us."
Douhuan nodded, impressed. "No wonder it's called the place where only madmen seeking power would come."
Kamihime stopped at a grand hall, resembling a restaurant, and clapped her hands. Immediately, several young women appeared, bringing out luxurious dishes and delicacies.
"Before the trial, please enjoy the hospitality of Ryūchi Cave," Kamihime said with a smile.
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Douhuan didn't hesitate, sitting at the table and reaching for his chopsticks. Kamihime maintained a subtle smile, but when she blinked again, Douhuan had vanished. Suddenly, a cold blade rested against her neck.
Kamihime remained calm, only slightly startled. "What is the meaning of this, Douhuan-sama?"
Douhuan's Mangekyō Sharingan spun, its lightning-shaped tomoe pulsing with power. "An illusion, huh? It was well done, but my eyes see through absolute reality."
Kamihime's form shifted, and the ornate hall faded away, replaced by a dark, eerie cave. The luxurious meal transformed into scattered bones and remains. Even Kamihime's appearance warped, revealing her true form—a serpent-like being with sharp fangs and cold, vertical pupils.
Kamihime's chakra surged with a peculiar nature, something Douhuan immediately recognized.
"Is this Sage Chakra?" Douhuan mused, gripping his blade tighter.
Just then, a voice echoed from the depths of the cave.
"Kamihime, bring him here. There is no point in testing him further—his eyes already see beyond our illusions."
Kamihime bowed her head in acknowledgment. "Understood, White Snake Sage." She then looked back at Douhuan with a softer gaze. "My apologies, Douhuan-sama. It was part of the trial."
Douhuan sheathed his sword, his demeanor relaxed. "I get it. Lead the way."
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Kamihime guided Douhuan deeper into the cave, where the air grew thick with natural energy. Finally, they reached a vast chamber where an enormous pale white serpent rested, its body coiled like a massive mountain of scales. Its eyes glowed with a dull, ancient wisdom.
The White Snake Sage raised its head, staring directly at Douhuan.
"Human, you possess eyes that see the truth, and a heart not easily swayed. What is it you seek here?"
Douhuan met its gaze fearlessly. "I seek Sage Mode—the power to manipulate natural energy and merge it with my chakra. Not for glory, but to strengthen myself for the future."
The Sage chuckled, its laughter sending vibrations through the cave walls.
"You speak honestly. Those who come seeking power often lie to themselves. Very well, I will allow you to attempt to learn Sage Mode. But be warned, mastering it is no simple feat. Failure means petrification or death."
Douhuan nodded, unwavering. "I am prepared."
Kamihime smiled faintly. "Then follow me to the Spring of Natural Energy. Your trial begins now."
As they proceeded deeper into the cave, Douhuan felt the dense natural energy pressing against his skin, almost suffocating. But his determination remained unshaken.
The path to becoming a Sage had finally begun.