Source of Eternity

Chapter 10

After walking for miles, we came upon the mountains. Atop that mountain, we saw a beautiful temple. "Wow..." I breathed. "Come on..." I said as I grabbed Huo Rong by the hand and we climbed the mountain. When we reached the top by sunset, we came to a gate. I furrowed my eyebrows. "That's strange. You'd think that a place as famous as the Mysterious City would have at least a couple guards..." I said as I shrugged my shoulders and hesitantly tip-toed inside. 

Suddenly, the walls spit arrows at me. I jumped and spun in all directions to avoid getting pierced. Then, I walked a little farther, and then columns came up from the ground with swords protruding from them. The swords started to spin, and they spun in circles towards me. My eyes widened as I jumped over the first one that came to me, then ducked under the next. I continued to do that until I came to the end of the swords. My heart was beating fast and my breathing was hard.

"No one has been able to break that formation in years..." said a voice behind me as the columns disappeared. I quickly turned my gaze. There, standing before me, was a middle-aged man with imperial-looking clothing, long gray-streaked hair and blue eyes.

I bowed low. "Sir, forgive me for my ignorance. I thought that, since I came here, I could learn from a temple master. I meant no offense by-"

"I know..." the man said with a smirk. "I've seen people like you. Ignorant until they fail and eventually die, thus achieving their purpose..." I swallowed. "But, since you are so bold, at least inform me of your name, miss."

"I am Princess Meifeng of the Zhou Dynasty," I said. "I'd hoped to study here. But, seeing as you won't accept me..." I trailed off with a small smirk as I started walking through the door. Huo Rong started to follow me.

"Wait," commanded the man. We stopped on the spot. I cast a glance and a smirk at Huo Rong as we turned around to face the man. "I've heard of you. It was foretold that you would arrive here. You have a great burden on your shoulders. I'd be honored to train you, Meifeng. And your friend, if he so wishes."

Huo Rong and I gasped. "Really...?" we asked with smiles.

"Of course," he said as he stepped closer and put his hands behind his back.

"Sir... I have already told you my name. What may I call you?" I asked. The old man smiled.

"Master," he said as he put a hand on my shoulder. I bowed my head. "From now on, you are my students, and I your master. I will teach you both in the Taoist ways. You will become great. Then, when it is time, you will save the world from destruction."

"Yes, Master," Huo Rong and I said as we knelt at his feet.

"Come, my students," he said as we rose and followed him into the temple.