Re-birth: The Beginning after the End

Li Hua left her room at dawn's first light as she and her brother had planned the night before. The sect grounds hummed with anticipation—today would determine the fate of many hopeful cultivators.

As she made her way through the morning mist, pavilions and courtyards seemed more alive than usual. Disciples of all ranks moved with purpose, many heading toward the grand ceremony grounds.

Unlike the previous days' observations, the Final Selection would take place in the sect's most impressive venue—an amphitheater carved directly into the mountainside behind the cultivation caves, its tiers decorated with ancient beast patterns that seemed to move in the early light. The massive structure had been strategically positioned to draw natural energy from the mountain's depths while remaining hidden from casual view by the network of cultivation caves that honeycombed the lower cliffs.

Li Wei waited for her at their agreed meeting point, his demeanor unable to completely mask his interest in witnessing this important sect ritual. Together, they joined the stream of disciples making their way to the upper tiers reserved for inner disciples.

She looked around and was amazed—there had to be at least six hundred disciples gathered in the amphitheater. She had never realized there were so many. Her eyes traced the differences in their attire; most wore the outer disciples' dark blue robes with light blue sashes, while the inner disciples, like herself and Li Wei, were clothed in the opposite—light blue robes with dark blue sashes. The inner disciples' robes looked noticeably finer, crafted from softer spiritual fabric and adorned with embroidered patterns.

The morning sun cast its rays across the gathering, glinting off the various spirit beasts that accompanied the current disciples. Some prowled restlessly at their masters' feet, others perched on shoulders or coiled around arms, while a few of the more ethereal ones seemed to float in the air around their cultivators. Each beast's presence added to the overwhelming display of spiritual energy that filled the amphitheater.

Below, the candidates stood in neat rows, their plain robes a stark contrast to the array of blues around them. Today would determine which colors they would wear—if any at all.

Elder Sun stepped onto the central platform, his presence commanding immediate silence throughout the amphitheater. Two other elders flanked him—one Li Hua recognized from the Character and Morality Tests, the other she hadn't seen before. Their robes, emblazoned with more intricate patterns than even the inner disciples', rippled with barely contained spiritual energy.

The formation arrays beneath their feet activated, carrying their voices clearly to every corner of the amphitheater. "Over these past days," Elder Sun began, his tone solemn, "we have tested not just your spiritual aptitude, but the very essence of who you are. A Beast Tamer's path requires more than mere power—it demands character, wisdom, and an understanding of the profound bond between cultivator and spirit beast."

He paused, his gaze sweeping across the candidates. "Of the three-hundred and fifty who sought entry to our sect, one hundred remained after the initial trials. Today, we will announce those who have proven themselves worthy of joining our ranks."

Li Hua felt the tension rise in the amphitheater. Even the spirit beasts seemed to still, sensing the gravity of the moment.

The second elder stepped forward, unrolling a jade-inscribed scroll that shimmered with spiritual light. Each name he called seemed to ripple through the formation array, resonating with a power that marked this moment as a turning point in the chosen candidates' lives.

As names were called, successful candidates moved forward to receive their sect robes. Those chosen as outer disciples received their dark blue robes with reverence, while the rare few selected for inner disciple status approached with trembling steps to accept their light blue robes.

Li Hua watched the proceedings with keen interest, noting how some of the candidates she'd observed during the previous days' tests were now receiving their rewards. The young woman who had maintained her composure during the Heart-Demon Test was among those granted inner disciple status, while several who had shown particular strength of character during the morality tests were welcomed as outer disciples.

The atmosphere in the amphitheater shifted between tension and joy as more names were called. Those not selected maintained their dignity, though disappointment showed clearly on their faces. They would need to seek their cultivation paths elsewhere, or perhaps try again in the future.

As the ceremony continued, Li Hua felt a mix of emotions watching the candidates' reactions. Some wept openly with joy upon hearing their names, while others tried to maintain composure even as their hands shook while accepting their robes. Each new inner disciple's selection drew particular attention—these few had demonstrated exceptional potential during the trials.

The unsuccessful candidates began quietly filing out of the amphitheater, their departures dignified despite their disappointment. Some were consoled by friends who had made it, promising to try again next time. Others left immediately, their steps heavy with the weight of shattered dreams.

The final names were being called now. When the jade scroll was finally rolled closed, Elder Sun stepped forward again to address the successful candidates, his voice carrying both congratulation and warning about the path that lay ahead of them.

Elder Sun's voice carried across the amphitheater, addressing both new and current disciples. "To those who have earned their places today—remember that this is not an end, but a beginning. Your true trial starts now, as you walk the path of beast tamers."

He turned slightly, including all disciples in his gaze. "To our current disciples who will guide these newcomers—remember your own first days. Share your knowledge, but also your understanding. The bond between senior and junior disciples strengthens our entire sect."

The formation arrays hummed as he continued, "In the coming days, new disciples will be assigned to their living quarters and receive their schedules. Current disciples, especially those of inner rank, are expected to maintain their standards and set proper examples."

His expression grew more serious. "Remember that every disciple, whether newly joined or long established, represents the Beast Tamer Sect. Your actions, your choices, your treatment of spirit beasts—all reflect upon our centuries of tradition."

The morning sun had risen fully now, its light catching on the various spirit beasts that filled the amphitheater, as if emphasizing the profound connection between cultivator and beast that formed the foundation of their sect.

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As Elder Sun finished speaking, a formation array activated around the central platform, sending a cascade of golden light over the new disciples. The light settled into their robes, marking them officially as members of the Beast Tamer Sect. The spirit beasts of current disciples responded to this surge of energy—some roared, others created impressive displays of their elements, turning the formal ceremony into a celebration of welcome.

The amphitheater began to empty gradually, with senior disciples approaching to guide their new juniors to their respective areas. The energy had shifted from tense anticipation to excited chatter as the newly accepted disciples began their first conversations with their seniors.

Li Wei turned to his sister. "Shall we head back? I wanted to head over to the Library."

Li Hua smiled knowingly, "Then, let's go."