In the Peach Blossom Gardens of Xuemo Sect
As dawn broke, the vast and sacred Peach Blossom Garden of Xuemo Sect shimmered with ethereal beauty. Thousands of disciples sat cross-legged on the soft ground, deep in peach blossom meditation.
Above them, immense peach trees swayed gently in the breeze, so densely covered in blossoms that the green of their leaves had all but vanished. The sweet fragrance of the flowers filled the entire space, calming every heart and soothing every mind.
Numerous instructors wandered silently among the students, observing the Peach Blossom Meditation, yet even their hearts remained still, quieted by the divine serenity of the moment.
Petals rained softly from above, like blessings from heaven....falling upon each meditating disciple.
The air, heavy with sweetness, was enough to bring tears of peace even to a stone.
Every soul was quiet, as if resting deeply after lifetimes of turmoil.
Every face bore a serene, sacred smile.....pure, unfiltered, radiating the quiet bliss blooming within their souls.
Even Wang Gung, sitting in the distance, could not resist the power of this sacred beauty.
A gentle, involuntary smile curved on his lips.
His heart, always burdened, was calm at last…
As if it had become one with the drifting petals.
This was no ordinary meditation.
It was essential.
A spiritual beast does not choose its master based on appearance or power.
It sees only the purity of the heart.
That is why absolute inner stillness, a calm heart and a stable mind, are required.
Just that morning, all students' swords had been confiscated....so as not to pollute the sacredness of the moment with thoughts of battle.
---
Four Hours Later…
The peach blossom meditation is over now
The heads of the Mailan Clan and Yanlog Clan arrived at the garden.
The sight before them was breathtaking...
The sweetness in the air, the petals drifting in spirals through shafts of golden light...
It was nature's most divine artwork.
Their minds quieted, their hearts melted,
And it felt as though their souls were touched by something truly celestial.
Their glowing faces said everything...without a word.
Among them stood Master Zu Gushion, head of the Mailan Clan, and Master Chang Shi, a revered figure of the Yanlog Clan.
Master Zu Gushion's voice rang out, proud and resonant across the field:
"For centuries, this sacred tradition has been followed....where each must find and bond with their spiritual beast.
But it was not always so.
Two hundred years ago, only princes and high-ranking Grandmasters were granted this divine right.
However, after witnessing the catastrophe that followed…
That tradition was abolished.
Now, everyone....regardless of bloodline or rank....must find their spiritual beast.
It has become necessary for all.
So that the world may never again suffer what it once did."
As his voice faded into the breeze, another rang out.....clear and commanding.
It was Master Chang Shi, his chest swelling with pride:
"But before that, you must discover your spiritual element.
We will present to you the five elemental stones...
Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, and Sky.
These five elements form the body.
But the soul…
The soul belongs to no element. It is pure energy.
However, in every body, one element always dominates....vibrant and alive.
That element becomes your true spiritual essence.
And it is that essence which you must seek....because your spiritual beast will only reside within it."
---
Master Chang Shi explains the importance of the Five Elements
"The Five Elemental Meanings:
Earth .. Represents solidity, structure, stillness, and density.
Yet it also bestows beauty, peace, deep thought, and a powerful connection to animals and nature.
Water ....Represents fluidity, coolness, adaptability, and calm motion.
It gifts sharp intellect, serene nature, emotional versatility, and profound understanding.
Fire .. Represents heat, transformation, radiance, and energy.
It offers unbreakable bonds, intense love, inner harmony, and a peace that hides the power of destruction.
Wind .... Represents breath, speed, change, and lightness.
It brings irresistible charm, pure speech, an open heart, and a soul that listens.
Sky .... Represents space, infinity, and the void.
It offers deep wisdom, divine insight, unwavering belief, and a beauty that feels otherworldly."
---
Then Master Zu Gushen explained :
"The Spiritual Impact of the Five Elements on the Human Body and Soul:
It is said that all five elements can be awakened at once...
But for that, the body must hold vast energy and ancient knowledge.
Still, within every being, one element is most potent.
It nourishes both soul and body.
And so, it is that essence you must meditate upon
Because your spiritual beast will dwell within that element alone."