The Celestial Sect, with its towering mountains and shimmering temples, soon disappeared behind them as Lin Hai and his friends ventured beyond the protective walls. The distant hum of spiritual energy, once a constant in their lives, faded as the group walked into the unknown.
"Do you realize we're really out?" Lei Fan asked, his voice tinged with excitement as they marched through the lush forests bordering the sect's grounds.
"I've been out before, but this… feels different," Xu Min replied, his eyes scanning the surroundings. He had cultivated long enough to know the risks of venturing into unknown territories, even on their own planet. "We've left the comfort of the sect behind. The real test begins now."
Qing Zhi remained silent, her sharp gaze piercing the horizon. Though calm on the surface, she could feel the change in the air. The Celestial Planet was alive, but also dangerous.
Lin Hai adjusted his pack, the weight of the journey settling into his bones. "We need to stick together. No matter what happens, we keep an eye on each other."
"Agreed," Qing Zhi said softly, her usual cool demeanor steadying the others.
The path they had chosen led them through dense woods, thick with spiritual plants and hidden dangers. As they walked, the distant sound of rushing water grew louder. Soon, they came upon a wide river, its waters shimmering with an unnatural blue glow.
Xu Min stepped forward, examining the river. "This is the Moonlit River. It's said to be filled with rare spiritual fish that can heal wounds, but only the most skilled cultivators can fish them."
"Sounds like a nice distraction," Lei Fan grinned, eager for a little adventure, but Lin Hai held up his hand to stop him.
"No time for that," Lin Hai said, his voice firm. "We have a mission. Focus."
"True…" Xu Min sighed, but he didn't press the matter further. The group crossed the river using a narrow bridge made of vine and stone, continuing their trek deeper into the wildlands of the Celestial Planet.
---
By the time night began to fall, the group found a secluded clearing, safe from any wandering beasts. The stars were particularly bright in this region, more vivid than anything they'd seen in the sect's cultivated land.
Qing Zhi took the first watch while the others set up camp. The crackling of their small fire was a soothing sound, a reminder of how far they had come from their comfortable lives within the sect.
"I'm surprised you're taking the first watch," Xu Min said to Qing Zhi, pulling his blanket over himself. "Usually, you're the last to offer."
She smirked slightly. "Someone has to make sure you don't get eaten in your sleep."
"Ha-ha, very funny," Lei Fan chimed in, already half asleep. "Just don't let anything sneak up on us, alright?"
Qing Zhi said nothing, her eyes fixed on the flickering shadows beyond the clearing. Though her expression was neutral, the faintest glint of concern flashed across her face. The world beyond the sect was dangerous... and tonight, they would be tested.
Lin Hai was lost in thought as he prepared his own resting space by the fire. He couldn't help but reflect on their recent discussions.
"I wonder if I'll ever understand what Elder Yun Yi meant," Lin Hai muttered under his breath, glancing at the starry sky above. "'Understanding the heart of cultivation,'" he whispered, repeating the words Elder Yun Yi had spoken so many times. "What did he mean?"
Xu Min, still awake and hearing the murmur, turned to him with a sleepy smile. "You're thinking about that again, huh? You're not going to get the answer from stargazing, Lin Hai."
"I know," Lin Hai sighed. "I just feel like I'm missing something. Something I can't see."
"You'll find it," Xu Min said with quiet certainty. "Maybe not right away, but you will. Cultivation isn't just about mastering techniques—it's about understanding yourself and the world around you. The journey itself is the key."
"Sometimes, I wish I could skip the journey and get straight to the answers," Lin Hai replied with a wry smile.
Xu Min chuckled. "Then what would be the point of the journey?"
Lin Hai fell silent, taking in the words. He knew Xu Min was right, but it didn't make the frustration of being stuck in his cultivation any easier to bear.
---
The night passed without incident, though it was restless for some. The forest seemed to come alive in the darkness—strange sounds echoing through the trees, unseen creatures rustling in the underbrush. Lin Hai could feel it, too. The Celestial Planet wasn't just a beautiful place—it was a living, breathing entity, with its own heart and its own dangers.
By morning, the group packed up and continued their journey. They had no fixed destination, just a vague idea of reaching the Azure Coast, where the Deep Sea Kangaroo was said to reside. But first, they needed to navigate the vast wilderness.
The forest gradually thinned out, giving way to rolling hills and valleys. The air became heavier with spiritual energy as they neared a small village. It was surrounded by a towering stone wall, and the scent of food filled the air.
"What is this place?" Lin Hai asked as they approached the gate.
"It's a farming village," Xu Min explained. "One of many scattered across the Celestial Planet. The people here live simple lives, but they often trade spiritual herbs and medicinal plants."
As they entered the village, they were greeted by friendly villagers who were quick to offer food and shelter. The kindness of the people was unexpected, and it made Lin Hai's heart feel lighter.
Over a meal of roasted meat and spirit rice, Lin Hai and his friends learned that the village was struggling with a series of attacks from spirit beasts. A group of them had been raiding their fields at night, destroying crops and leaving chaos in their wake.
"We need your help," an elderly man said, his voice desperate. "Our cultivators aren't strong enough to defend the village. If this keeps up, we won't survive the coming winter."
Lin Hai exchanged a look with his friends. This wasn't part of their plan, but helping others was a core principle of the Celestial Sect.
"We'll help," Lin Hai said without hesitation. "Tell us where the beasts are coming from."
The villagers led them to the edge of the village, where the tracks of spirit beasts were still visible in the dirt. The group, now more alert, followed the trail into the forest.
---
As they ventured deeper into the woods, the mood shifted. The air became thick with tension, and the forest seemed to close in on them.
"They're close," Xu Min said, his hand on the hilt of his sword. His eyes were sharp, scanning every shadow.
"I can feel them, too," Lin Hai said. His senses were heightened, the energy of the forest almost palpable.
A rustling sound broke the silence, followed by a low growl. Lin Hai raised his hand, signaling for the group to stop.
They waited in the stillness, and then, the first of the beasts emerged from the trees.
A Spirit Panther, its eyes glowing a fierce red, crept out, followed by another and then more. The beasts were large, powerful, and clearly territorial.
The group stepped forward, ready for combat.
"Remember, we're not here to kill," Lin Hai said firmly. "We're protecting the village, not picking fights."
Qing Zhi unsheathed her sword with a practiced flick. "Understood. Let's keep them contained."
The first battle on the Celestial Planet had begun. But for Lin Hai and his friends, it was more than just a test of strength—it was a trial of character.