[There were rumors of a series of temples, one for each cardinal direction. These temples were dedicated to four powerful gods known as 'the four guardian beasts'. One could visit any of the four temples and seek the blessing of that temple's guardian beast, but the trials needed to earn that blessing were rumored to be quite deadly. Most failed, and the rumors of their painful deaths were enough to scare off all but the most daring of cultivators. But the promise of power and longevity were enough to tempt some to try.
The White Tiger, Baihu, was the guardian beast of the West. It's temple was situated deep in the heart of a secluded forest, one that was full of animals dangerous in their own right. Even surviving the two-day trek through the dense forest was proof enough of someone's strength. The local cultivation sect included that journey as part of their rite to finish their initial training, even. Members didn't have to go into the temple, but they had to go there, pray at the entrance, and then bring back proof that they had made it.
Jiang Cheng was well-warned of the dangers when he reached the town near the jungle. Take plenty of supplies, and don't rush the trip. Safety and awareness of one's surroundings were key to survival in the forest. But he was also encouraged to not enter the temple at all. Nobody had passed Baihu's trial in over 100 years, and the locals doubted that anyone ever would. Nobody alive could even remember what the trial contained, because it had been so long since anyone had succeeded. The only advice anyone could remember was 'don't rush it' and 'be aware of one's surroundings'.
Still, nobody was actually at the large temple to stop Jiang Cheng from entering. He would see the small altar outside where people prayed, as well as evidence of fires built and camps kept for the night before people started their journey back. But nobody was at the temple on that day, so Jiang Cheng was free to do as he wished.
Would he climb the winding stone stairs and enter the temple, seeking the power hidden within? Or would he chicken out at the last moment?]
JC come get your tiger friend
The White Tiger, Baihu, was the guardian beast of the West. It's temple was situated deep in the heart of a secluded forest, one that was full of animals dangerous in their own right. Even surviving the two-day trek through the dense forest was proof enough of someone's strength. The local cultivation sect included that journey as part of their rite to finish their initial training, even. Members didn't have to go into the temple, but they had to go there, pray at the entrance, and then bring back proof that they had made it.
Jiang Cheng was well-warned of the dangers when he reached the town near the jungle. Take plenty of supplies, and don't rush the trip. Safety and awareness of one's surroundings were key to survival in the forest. But he was also encouraged to not enter the temple at all. Nobody had passed Baihu's trial in over 100 years, and the locals doubted that anyone ever would. Nobody alive could even remember what the trial contained, because it had been so long since anyone had succeeded. The only advice anyone could remember was 'don't rush it' and 'be aware of one's surroundings'.
Still, nobody was actually at the large temple to stop Jiang Cheng from entering. He would see the small altar outside where people prayed, as well as evidence of fires built and camps kept for the night before people started their journey back. But nobody was at the temple on that day, so Jiang Cheng was free to do as he wished.
Would he climb the winding stone stairs and enter the temple, seeking the power hidden within? Or would he chicken out at the last moment?]