Re-birth: The Beginning after the End

The training fields stretched out before them like a series of interconnected plateaus, each designed for different aspects of beast taming. The first field they approached was massive, bordered by trees whose branches created natural barriers. Various spirit beasts and their masters were scattered across the space, some practicing basic communication techniques while others engaged in more complex resonance training.

"This is the Primary Field," Senior Ming explained, her falcon spreading its wings briefly as if to emphasize her words. "It's where most initial bonding takes place. The spiritual energy here is particularly dense, making it easier for newly formed connections to stabilize."

"The formations embedded in the ground help regulate both beast and cultivator energy," Senior Chen added, gesturing to barely visible patterns that occasionally flickered with power. "They also provide protection in case a beast's power becomes unstable during training."

They moved to a second area where the ground was sectioned into different elemental zones—pools of water, patches of burning earth, areas where wind howled constantly, and regions crackling with lightning.

"The Elemental Fields," Senior Ming continued. "Once you've established a basic bond, you'll train here to strengthen your connection through different elemental challenges. Inner disciples have priority access to the more advanced sections."

Li Hua noticed how some of the training cultivators seamlessly matched their energy with their beast companions, creating impressive displays of synchronized power. In one corner, a disciple and his wind serpent generated a perfect spiral of air, while nearby, another practitioner merged her water essence with her azure-scaled fish to create complex patterns in a hovering sphere of water.

They headed north, where massive stone formations rose from the earth like ancient guardians. Here, the air grew noticeably thicker with spiritual energy, making even breathing feel like a form of cultivation.

"The Cultivation Caves," Senior Chen explained, his serpent familiar coiling tighter around his arm in response to the concentrated essence. "Each cave system resonates with different types of energy. Some amplify spiritual connections between beast and tamer, others enhance specific elemental affinities."

Senior Ming pointed to a series of glowing formations carved into the cave entrances. "The deeper you go, the more intense the spiritual pressure becomes. Inner disciples have access to the third level and below, but we recommend starting with the outer chambers until you've adjusted to the energy density."

"How many levels are there in total?" Li Wei asked, his scholarly curiosity evident in his tone.

"Eight levels in total," Senior Chen replied, his serpent familiar raising its head with interest. "The eighth level is reserved for the Sect Master and Elders. Even most inner disciples rarely venture past the fifth level—the spiritual pressure there can overwhelm even advanced cultivators if they're not properly prepared."

Li Wei nodded and began to study the formation scripts with interest while Li Hua noted that despite the cave's reputation, its spiritual essence wasn't as concentrated as what she'd grown accustomed to in her inner space. Still, she could appreciate how the natural energy here flowed differently—more wild and primal, suited perfectly for beast taming.

"The caves also serve as meditation spaces," Senior Ming added. "Each one has protective arrays that prevent outside interference. Perfect for deep cultivation sessions or strengthening bonds with your future spirit beasts."

Heading west, they approached a cluster of interconnected buildings, their architecture more refined than the rugged training grounds. Senior Ming gestured to the largest structure, its entrance flanked by stone beast statues whose eyes seemed to follow their movement.

"The main library," she explained. "Five floors of texts on beast taming, from basic theory to advanced resonance techniques. The restricted sections on the third and fourth floors are accessible to inner disciples, though some texts require special permission from the elders."

Next to it stood a slightly smaller building, the air around it fragrant with medicinal herbs. "The medicine hall," Senior Chen said. "Essential for learning to treat spirit beast injuries and ailments. You'll find herbs specifically cultivated for different beast types, and the dispensary is always staffed by experienced healers."

They passed several courtyard-style buildings where disciples sat in focused study. "These are the lecture halls," Senior Ming continued. "Classes on theory are held here, though as inner disciples, you'll mostly attend smaller, specialized sessions with the elite instructors."

A series of chimes rang out across the grounds, their tone carrying traces of spiritual energy. "That's the midday meal signal," Senior Chen noted. "Shall we show you to the dining hall? You can see how the different ranked areas are arranged."

Li Wei and Li Hua nodded, exchanging glances.

The dining hall was a vast, open-air pavilion supported by columns carved with twining beast motifs. Multiple levels of raised platforms created natural divisions between the different ranks of disciples, with the inner disciples' area positioned near a serene water garden.

"The dining schedule is posted daily," Senior Ming explained, gesturing to a shimmering formation board near the entrance. "Though as inner disciples, you have more flexibility with meal times. The kitchens incorporate spirit herbs and beast cores into the food—each dish is designed to aid cultivation."

Senior Chen's serpent familiar flicked its tongue toward the kitchen area. "The spirit rice is grown in fields blessed by earth-attribute beasts, and the water used in cooking comes from the same sacred springs that feed your living quarters. Even the simplest meal here supports your cultivation progress."

Li Hua noticed how some disciples dined with their spirit beasts, while others sat in small groups discussing cultivation techniques or comparing notes from their training sessions. The atmosphere was surprisingly relaxed despite the clear hierarchy in seating arrangements.

"You'll find the inner disciple section quite comfortable," Senior Ming added, leading them to a quieter area with private tables carved from spirit wood. "The formations here help maintain food temperature and freshness, and you can request specific dishes to support your cultivation path."

Their next stop took them to the southern section of the sect, where multiple arena-style platforms of varying sizes rose from the ground. Some were simple circular stages for basic sparring, while others featured complex terrain designs and barrier formations that shimmered with protective energy.

Li Wei's eyes lit up with unconcealed excitement—of all the facilities they'd seen, the sophisticated array of training grounds seemed to impress him the most. His fingers twitched slightly, as if already eager to study the intricate formation patterns that powered the arenas.

"The combat arenas," Senior Ming explained, as they watched two senior disciples engaged in a practice match, their spirit beasts moving in perfect synchronization with their masters' techniques. "Here, you'll learn to merge combat arts with beast taming. The smaller arenas are for basic training, but those—" she pointed to the larger platforms surrounded by tiered seating, "—are where we hold tournaments and advancement trials."

"Each arena has different formation settings," Senior Chen added, gesturing to the control arrays at the platform bases. "You can simulate various environments or activate specific restrictions. Some even recreate weather conditions to test how well you and your spirit beast perform under pressure."

A massive barrier suddenly flared to life around one of the distant arenas, containing a powerful burst of combined beast and cultivator energy. Neither senior disciple seemed concerned by the display, suggesting such intense exchanges were commonplace.