Beneath the moonlit sky of the Thousand Spirit Plateau, Xiao Fan's white robes whispered against the grass as he walked. Each step seemed to leave a faint glow upon the earth, as though the land itself acknowledged his passage. Beside him, Fairy Lin Yue moved with silent grace, her eyes alert to the shifting air.
"Do you feel it?" Lin Yue asked softly. "A presence older than any record."
Xiao Fan closed his eyes. The power of the Eternal Slap pulsed within him, yet tonight it spoke in riddles. "I sense something… watching."
Ahead, a moss‑covered pavilion appeared—its jade pillars cracked, its red lacquer faded by centuries. At its entrance sat a lean old man, his robes threadbare and his long hair white as frost. He stirred a clay teacup, the steam curling like dragon's breath.
"Xiao Fan," the old man croaked, "you have drawn the attention of the Hidden Council." He bowed his head. "I serve as guardian of this place."
Lin Yue's brow furrowed. "Hidden Council?"
"Their task is to preserve the balance of heaven and earth," the old man replied. "When a mortal wields power beyond measure, they intervene."
Xiao Fan raised an eyebrow. "So the Council fears me?"
The old man chuckled, revealing surprisingly sharp teeth. "Fear is too strong a word. They are… curious. And cautious."
Suddenly, a rustling behind them. Lin Yue spun—only to receive a light tap across the cheek from Xiao Fan's own hand. "Hey!" she exclaimed, more surprised than hurt.
Xiao Fan smirked. "Practicing my slap." He offered her a playful bow. "A humble demonstration."
Lin Yue shook her head, trying not to smile. "Very… subtle."
The old man cleared his throat. "Enough comedy. You stand at the threshold of the Council's trial. Inside this pavilion lies the Mirror of Paths—an ancient bronze disk that reveals one's true intent."
Xiao Fan pushed open the pavilion doors. Within, the air was cool as a mountain spring. At the center stood the Mirror, its surface rippling like water. Three characters were etched upon its frame: 玄 (Mystery), 德 (Virtue), and 道 (Way).
The old man explained, "Place your palm upon the character that calls to your heart. The Mirror will show you what you most need to see."
Xiao Fan approached, hand hovering. He hesitated, then slapped the character 德 lightly—with a grin. The Mirror quivered, then shone.
In its depths, he saw himself: once a nameless boy, shivering in the rain as nobles passed him by. Then, the countless battles, the endless training, and finally the moment he shattered the Void's darkness. And after—him laughing alone atop a ruined pagoda, holding his stomach from laughter… until a stray chicken feather floated down and tickled his nose, making him sneeze so hard he nearly toppled off. Even in that vision, life found a way to tease him.
Lin Yue stifled a laugh. "A reminder that even the gravest journey deserves a moment of levity."
Xiao Fan shook his head, amusement lighting his eyes. "Balance, then. Strength and humor, hand in hand."
The Mirror dimmed, and the pavilion doors swung open to reveal the night sky once more. The old man stood, smiling. "You have passed the first trial. The Council will observe, but they will not hinder your path."
Xiao Fan bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Master."
As they stepped away, he turned to Lin Yue. "Next time, I'll practice my slap on a training dummy—less risk of comedic mishap."
Lin Yue laughed freely. "I'll look forward to it."
Beyond the plateau, unseen eyes watched—and somewhere in the quiet night, a pair of lips curved into a knowing smile. The next test awaited.