After Gui Ling, the Sacred Turtle Mother, led them along the golden light path to Jin'ao Island, the scenery gradually shifted. The wind and waves vanished as if tamed by an unseen hand, leaving the sea smooth like a polished mirror. The sky reflected in the water, soft morning light dancing across the calm surface. The three of them moved steadily forward, guided by Gui Ling, until they reached a magnificent floating grotto suspended above the sea. The structure was crafted of white jade as its foundation, adorned with shells, and supported by coral beams. It glimmered with a tranquil elegance, resembling a serene palace built from the heart of the ocean itself.
"This is my grotto, where I reside," Gui Ling announced, her robes flowing like water around her as she stepped inside, motioning for Red and Snow to follow.
Upon entering, they found themselves in a hidden sanctuary. The walls were embedded with natural luminous pearls, casting a soft glow throughout the chamber. The surrounding sea, trapped within protective spiritual arrays, formed a transparent curtain, through which occasional spirit fish could be seen swimming gracefully. Snow's eyes widened in amazement, her paws almost trembling. "Master, this place… it is incredible," she whispered. Red, equally impressed, could not hide his awe. "Master, your grotto… it is truly extraordinary."
Gui Ling gave a faint smile. "Although Jin'ao Island lies in the outer sea, it is abundant in spiritual energy. This is a central place for disciples of the Jie Sect to cultivate their skills. Now that you have become my disciples, I will first explain the core teachings of the Jie Sect."
She gestured for them to kneel on the jade platform, her tone calm yet imbued with authority. "The Jie Sect was established to gather those with affinity from across the lands. Whether human, spirit, beast, or soul, as long as the heart is sincere and righteous, anyone may join our ranks. We do not contend for fame or position, nor do we question destiny. The word 'Jie' signifies seizing a sliver of life, striving against the heavens, and walking one's own path."
Snow whispered to Red, her ears twitching with curiosity. "Master… will we meet many senior disciples?"
Gui Ling chuckled lightly. "The Jie Sect spans the four seas; you will encounter many. We accept all with potential, but indulgence in wrongdoing is not tolerated. Every disciple must observe three precepts: do not bully the weak, do not covet profit, and do not betray loyalty. Those who uphold these may be considered true disciples."
Red and Snow bowed their heads simultaneously. "Disciple remembers the precepts."
"Very good," Gui Ling said, and with a wave of her sleeve, two spheres of light appeared in the center of the grotto. One glowed red, the other a deep green. Spiritual pressure surged from them, and the air itself seemed to hum with energy.
"Red, your nature is agile and perceptive, adept at controlling fire energy. I will teach you the True Art of Fire, the Samadhi Flame."
Red's eyes sparkled like burning embers. "The Samadhi Flame… it is the legendary immortal fire, isn't it?"
Gui Ling's voice remained calm, but her presence carried an irresistible weight. "The Samadhi Flame is born from the union of essence, energy, and spirit. No ordinary flame can compare. Once mastered, it can incinerate evil, dispel darkness, break arrays, and overcome most defenses. But the path is difficult. If your mind wavers, the fire will turn upon you."
Red straightened his back, determination shining in his gaze. "Disciple wishes to learn."
Gui Ling extended a finger toward the red sphere. The fire surged forth, entering Red's chest with a low hum. He grunted as it coursed through him, his back glowing with fiery patterns. Sweat poured down his face, and his muscles tensed under the searing heat.
"Red, calm your mind, regulate your breathing, and contain the fire within your middle dantian," Gui Ling instructed, pressing her hand lightly against his back. A cool spiritual force counteracted the intense heat, stabilizing the flame.
Red gritted his teeth, enduring the discomfort as the sweat dripped from his forehead. Snow's ears were upright, her paws hovering nervously. "Red, can you manage it?"
Gui Ling's voice was steady. "If, by the time one incense stick burns, he can maintain the flame's root, he will have entered the path."
Indeed, after a single incense cycle, Red exhaled, his breath a wisp of smoke-like flame. The fiery patterns in his body gradually calmed, forming stable channels of power. He lifted his head, eyes now holding a persistent spark.
"Disciple… has succeeded!"
Snow's joy bubbled over, and she almost leapt into the air. "Red is amazing!"
Gui Ling nodded slightly. "The fire root is now stable. I will next instruct you in controlling and shaping the fire."
She then turned her attention to Snow.
"As for you, Snow, your talent is not in martial methods but in spirit. Your heart is kind and pure, making you suited to the Art of Spirit Control."
"Spirit Control?" Snow blinked, ears twitching.
"This art allows you to temporarily command spiritual beasts weaker than your cultivation level. They may assist in combat, search for objects, or perform labor. It is practical, but requires a calm heart. If your mind falters, the spirit scatters and may even lash back."
She extended her hand, and the green sphere floated gently before Snow.
"Close your eyes. I will open your spiritual perception."
The light touched Snow's forehead, sending a cool, tingling sensation. "Ah! So cold… wait, itchy!"
Gui Ling's voice soothed her. "Calm your mind, breathe, and sense the surrounding spiritual energy."
Gradually, Snow quieted. Her consciousness expanded, and she could perceive the faint pulses of nearby spiritual creatures. Tiny light points formed outside the grotto as sea spirits and coral spirits drifted in her awareness.
"I… I can hear them… speaking?" Snow whispered in amazement.
"This is spiritual empathy. Extend your mind and focus," Gui Ling instructed.
Snow gently thought toward a small sea turtle resting on a nearby rock. It trembled and then obediently slid into the grotto, curling at her feet.
Snow's ears shot straight up. "It… it really came!"
Red laughed softly. "My little rabbit has become the commander of spiritual beasts."
Gui Ling nodded approvingly. "You have entered the path. With diligence, commanding five spiritual beasts will not be difficult in the future."
Snow hugged the tiny turtle, eyes sparkling. "Master! I will practice hard!"
Gui Ling looked at both of them, her expression now gentler. "As my disciples, you now have a place on Jin'ao Island. Train diligently and do not bring dishonor to the Jie Sect."
Outside, the sea breeze whispered through the grotto, spiritual lights shimmered softly, and the first true lessons of cultivation had begun. Red felt the Samadhi Flame ignite within him, while Snow called forth her first obedient spirit.
Thus began their journey of cultivation on Jin'ao Island, a path of trials, growth, and bonds yet to be forged. The two young disciples exchanged a glance, excitement and determination mingling in their eyes. Together, they would explore the wonders of this new world, their adventures only just beginning.
The waves outside reflected the golden morning sun, the grotto calm and sacred. Red and Snow, guided by Gui Ling, stepped forward into their future, each heartbeat marking the start of a life intertwined with magic, courage, and the mysteries of the sea.