Sin, Ariya and Alannah took their time travelling around throughout the day. Sin had lucky stars counting on him, no monstrous existence like Kyaku had shown up again.
In the later evening Sin had pitched camp, looking above Sin squinted his eyes. There was a towering figure being held up by the clouds.
As if there was somebody else looking down towards him. Sin felt a hand fall on his shoulder, while a voice made it's way to his mind.
"If you dare take the climb, you can increase your chances of survival greatly.
A series of steps formed leading up to the towering figure. Sin looked up to the clouds again, but the feeling of someone calling him had vanished.
Sin went back and set up camp, explaining everything to Ariya of what just happened. Alannah who had a mouthful of food was the first to reply.
"Papa you have to take the trial and go up those steps."
Sin had a look of confusion. "Why do you say that sweety?"
Alannah looked at Sin with a big smile on her face. "Because papa needs to become stronger to protect me and mom."
Sin smiled "Alright, I was going to do the trial anyways."
Sin finished eating before absorbing everything back into his Dimensional Bag.
Sin knelt down giving Alannah many handfuls of candy. "You be good for your auntie Ari okay my princess? Papa will be back soon."
Sin hugged and kissed Alannah, while she was unwilling to let go.
"I want to go with you papa, don't leave me alone with that bad woman!"
Sin smiled "Auntie Ari isn't a bad woman, she's very kind and loving. You will grow to like her, be good for your papa." Sin ruffled Alannahs hair before walking towards the steps.
Taking a deep breath, Sin took his first step. The moment his foot made contact with the step, a bolt of thunder struck down on Sin from above.
Sins fighting spirit got ignited. Looking up into the sky Sin yelled provocatively. "If that's all you got up your sleeves, your trial is going to be easy as fuck!"
As if to answer Sins provocation, a thunder dragon swirled around before launching down towards Sin.
Sin punched out, smashing the thunder Dragon into specks of light. Taking his next step, it lit up into a fiery inferno burning away at Sins body. Sin inhaled the fire swallowing it in one big gulp. The fire became absorbed by the Midnight Glory Sacred Flame with relish.
Sin took the next step, Sword Qi formed itself into rows of densely packed swords. They began raining down towards Sin from every direction. Sin unsheathed his Soul Weapon, using [Blood Dragon Blooming Lotus] Sin cut through the Sword Qi.
The Sword Qi became specks of light, being hungrily devoured by his Soul Weapons spirit.
Sin climbed the next 96 steps with ease, then after reaching the 100th step. A massive pressure weighed down on Sin, revealing the figure of a winged birdman.
Race: Harpy
Race rating: 47
Level: 40
Health: 125,000
Mana: 50,000
Strength: 150
Intelligence: 50
Agility: 175
Dexterity: 175
Sin thought to himself. "Seems like this a trial to make me overcome my limits. Kyaku was a devastating enemy, but my strengths will allow me to make up for the lack of stats compared to this Harpy."
Sin excitedly flew toward the Harpy. Before slashing out with his Soul Weapon, Sin twitched all his muscles creating a 'vibration' that formed with his weapon as the core. Clashing weapons with the Harpy, the vibration played it's part. The Harpy's hand became numb with a tingling sensation.
Sin dealt a critical hit, piercing the Harpy's lungs. Not willing to give his opponent time to recover. Sin jumped onto the back of the Harpy, grabbing both of its wings and using his legs as the spring board. Sin tore with all his strength, ripping the wings off of the Harpy.
Sins Soul Weapon blazed with [Phoenix Queen] before using [Spark Rush.] The Harpy was cleaved in half, with both halves of the body falling downwards. Sin gathered all the fire essence in the surrounding area. Punching downwards a massive flaming fist obliterated the Harpy.
Sin continued taking his trial, every 100 steps he took was empowering him in different ways. But it was in a custom set, made to build on his strengths.
The second guardian was a level 40 Naga with a race rating of 43, similar to the Water Nymph Kyaku.
Sin took much more time this time to defeat the Naga. The superior race rating was a heavy mental pressure on Sin, while the enemy was beatable. The hardest part to fight back was the instinctual fear of facing a higher race.
Throughout the fight, Sin was gradually adapting himself, the mental suppression became weaker, making Sin able to display more of his strength the more he fought. Finally after 30 minutes, Sin cut the Naga into pieces keeping them as 'yummy food' for Alannah.
The next 7 hours passed, Sin had defeated 5 guardians so far. The next guardian however, brought terror to Sin.
Race: Dragon
Race rating: 39
Level 40:
Health: 600,000
Mana: 600,000
Strength: 275
Intelligence: 275
Agility: 275
Dexterity: 275
The Dragon looked down on Sin with hard to conceal disdain, it spoke its degree.
"If you are able to lower my health to one third, the Mystic Blade Empress will be content with that and you can go on your way. However, I will kill you with any given opening you give me. Don't expect me to give you special treatment because that old hag favours you."
The dragon reached out with its claws. One claw formed the number zero, the other with its index finger pushing through the zero. The dragon cockily smiled before saying.
"This is me fucking your wife last night!"
Sin flashed out of existence, reappearing above the Dragon with both his fists lit up in brilliant flames. Sin smashed his fists down on the dragons horns, the horn issued loud cracking sounds but hardly any damage was done to it.
"You dare to jump on me like a monkey with such a pitiful physique like that? Get the fuck out of here!" The dragons claw opened up to a palm, grabbing Sins body and crushing with all its might.
Sins refinement method began circulating, the essence of the dragons Qi began flowing into Sins Dragon Scale Diagram. No scales formed, but Sin felt as if a empty reservoir was being filled.
Before the palm closed making Sin a bloody pancake. Sin pushed both his arms out, the dragon struggled to crush Sin out of existence.
Sin bellowed furiously. "This is me fucking your hand right now!" Sin Imbued his Soul Weapon with 3,000 points of Mana. Controlling his Soul Weapon, Sin stabbed it downwards into the dragons palm.
A magnificent cyan-black and golden-black flame burst out lightly scolding the dragons palm.
[Phoenix Queens Flame Array!]
The dragon let go of his grip on Sin, given this chance Sin took out a dagger from his combat boots. Imbuing 1,000 points of Mana, the dagger morphed into a Mana blade.
Sin engulfed it with both Phoenix Queen, and Midnight Glory Sacred Flames. Piercing through the hard scales, Sin ran up the dragons arm. Sin used the remaining 50 points of Mana to propel himself forward, piercing through the dragons eyes.
In a fit of fury and pain, the dragons tail swatted Sin like a fly. Sin was sent barreling backwards smashing through hundreds of trees.
Sin wiped the blood off the corner of his mouth
"How's that for fucking your mother!?" Sin yelled defiantly.
The dragon let out a baleful aura before changing shape into a humanoid figure. The humanoid dragon now dual wielded two swords, one red and the other green.
Sin launched himself towards the dragons left side, with its eye impaled and not yet recovered. Sin was done playing 'nice.'
Sin changed his Soul Weapon into its Great Sword form. Channeling all his Sword Qi into it, purple lightning wolves were soon created.
Sin rose his weapon into the air with both hands, locking onto the dragons aura. Sin slashed downwards with all his might.
[Wolf Kings Fenrir Slash!]
Sin then gathered the remaining Sword Qi forming a crescent wave. Swiping his Great Sword out, a massive tidal wave of howling Sword Qi rushed behind the Fenrirs.
[Wolf Kings Howling Crescent!]
Both attacks landed on the humanoid dragon without missing their mark. A roar of fury and humiliation sounded out.
"You goddamn human piece of trash!"
The humanoid flung itself at Sin blinded by it's own humiliation. Sin caught the dragons fist, pulling backwards Sins knee met the humanoids gut.
Sin kept tight hold onto the arm, back flipping Sin vibrated his muscles twisting forcefully.
The humanoid dragons arm ushered a loud 'SNAP"
Sin appeared behind the humanoid dragon, not forgetting to add more oil to the fire.
"So.... how was your trip to snap city?"
Ducking and just narrowly avoiding a sharp blade to his eyes. Sin whistled joyfully "Seems like the doctors are out of commission today."
Throwing himself to the ground, Sins hand lit up with Phoenix Queen. Forming a 'knife' with his hand, Sin slashed his hand across the humanoids Achilles tendon. Sins hand cut through the skin nicking the tendon, but was stopped by the dragons hard bones.
Sin punched out meeting fist with fist, the Dragon Diagram was hungrily eating the dragons essence. And Sins battle lust had been ignited. Both man and dragon were brawling to their hearts content.
The dragon had lost itself to rage and humiliation. Not only had it looked down upon this human, it had been injured and taunted on many occasions. It's left eye was the price to pay for it's over confidence. As a superior race and higher being, how could it not disdain a mere human?
Sin was full of energy, his body felt like it was on fire! The dragon was getting beat back more and more, just as it was about to gather all its dragon essence into its mouth. A jade white hand slapped the dragon unconscious.
A cool and mature womanly voice was heard
"You've gone past a third of your set health, not only that you were going to use your dragon breath on a 'pitiful' lower race being. Your pride and cockiness has defeated you."
The voice once more sounded in Sins ears.
"You have passed my trial with flying colours. You may proceed to my palace."
Sin looked at the unconscious dragon, leaving a note asking for a proper challenge in the future. Sin continued his way up the steps. While the offer was given to him, Sin didn't back down from the trial. There was still 2 more guardians left.
Sin spent 4 hours passing the next 100 steps, covered in blood from head to toe. With bated breaths and under significant pressure, Sin pushed forward meeting the 6th guardian.
Race: Primordial Chimera [Mutated]
Race rating: 43
Level: 30
Health 475,000
Mana: 375,000
Strength: 375
Intelligence: 325
Dexterity: 380
Agility: 400
Sin gulped, there was hesitation in his eyes. He had the good graces of his Dragon Diagram consuming the dragons essence, but this time, there would be no cheat to help him. Was it worth risking his life? Not to mention the 7th and final guardian must be an extraordinary being.
The chimera showed a knowing smile before talking.
"It's your decision to make, but you must know. Everyone in the vast galaxies must own up to their decisions, are you willing to lose your life? Or do you think you'll be able to defeat me? I'm not like that stupid serpent who loses itself to rage and humiliation. I've watched your previous fights, you are NO match for me in your current state."
Sin also agreed, but he couldn't help but ask. "So if I bring you down to half health it is considered my win?"
The Primordial Chimera replied nodding its head. "That is correct, but I implore you not to cross that step. You must know, for a human you are rather impressive. You could be a future emperor ranked warrior of humans with your vast and untapped potential. Give up your pride to live another day, a man must know when to take setbacks and improve himself."
Sin clenched his fists, there was nothing he hated more than being powerless. But the Chimera was right, as a man who is responsible for the lives of over 7 million people. Taking the necessary setbacks was essential.
Sin sighed before sheathing his weapon. "I will be back in the future for a proper fight. However, don't you dare hide your true power from me when that time comes!"
The Chimera was stunned, but it also smiled with an expecting look towards the future. "Very well, human you may leave me with your name."
"Sin" Sin said before walking away.
The Primordial Chimera looked behind himself. "You seem to have found yourself a proper disciple empress."
The empress's voice sounded out. "It's a miracle, with your curse he was able to fight back the urge to throw himself into the gates of hell."
The Chimera nodded its head. "Not bad for a human. It's a shame his ancestor perished the moment he ascended. The Wolf King Ancestor was truly a capable man, is this your way of paying him back for saving your life as a child?"
The womens voice turned cold. "That man was a father to me. He raised me as if I were his own daughter, I swear I will one day ascend and kill those mother fuckers that took my fathers life!"
----------------------------
Sin made his way towards the palace. When it finally came into his sight, it was a majestic crimson palace, it had far too many scars across its exterior. It was surprising that it was still able to stand, Sin pushed open the palace doors. What entered his view was a world made out of fairytale, there were lush green forests, waterfalls, rainbows and so on.
Sins eyes were inevitably attracted to a purple robed women, her black hair cascaded like the hidden beauty behind the night sky. Her eyes were profound like the deep cosmos, with smooth milky white skin, and a phoenix feather in her hair. Sins analyze had shocked the living daylights out of him.
Name: Mystic Blade Empress
Race: Mystic Chaos Divine Beast
Race rating: 7
Level: 650
Health: 75,240,000
Mana: 55,000,000
Strength: 4,500
Intelligence: 3,250
Dexterity: 4,700
Agility: 4,700
Sins body dropped hugging the ground. After his shock had nearly shut his body down. The Mystic Blade Empresses aura as a higher being nearly killed Sin by him making eye contact with her.
Seeing this scene the Mystic Blade Empress apologized to Sin.
"Sorry young one, it is very rare I meet humans. I am normally used to dealing with beings that are able to withstand my aura."
Sin felt like his existence was worth nothing more than specks of dust floating in the cosmos when being in front of this existence. Just from that once quick look, Sins brain had nearly shut down as a defensive mechanism to protect him.
Sin dared not be rude, going onto both knees Sin kowtowed in front of the Mystic Blade Empress.
"I am grateful for just being able to meet such a great being as yourself. I hope this show of respect is enough."
The Mystic Blade Empress sent out Mana raising Sins body.
"There is no need to behave in such a way when in my presence. I will not waste your time, you have 8 days remaining before you're sent out of here. I have picked you to be my disciple, the day I transcend is nearing. I will no longer be in this 'realm' So I want you to be the one to inherit and carry on my legend when I transcend."
The Mystic Blade Empresses aura increased to a tremendous amount. A crystalline blue and white aura raged, placing her hand over top Sins heart, the Mystic Blade Empress began the inheritance ceremony. The crystalline blue-white energy formed a cocoon around Sins body.
When this power mixed with Sins body, an unknown rainbow aura mixed within. The Mystic Blade Empress was taken back, for the slight second she saw the rainbow aura, it felt as if her entire being had been washed over by the cool breeze during a humid summer day. It felt as if the once closed doors in her path of cultivation had opened up.
The Mystic Blade Empress saw the figure of the Wolf King Ancestor wink out of existence, tears came to the Mystic Blade Empresses eyes. She heard the loving voice that had been missing for hundreds of thousands of years.
"My daughter do not ascend! There is only deat-"
The voice cut out when the Wolf King Ancestors remnant soul lost power. Seeing his daughter after ascending more than 350,000 years ago had completed the last wish in life. The relief had no longer given the remnant soul 'power' to remain.
"Father you've suffered so long, now your remnant soul has finally passed along. Just how long have you been transporting these seeded people from different worlds? Did seeing me finally exhaust what was left of your being?"
The Mystic Blade Empress looked at the cocoon holding Sins body within.
"This is all I can do on my end, how much you gain from this depends on yourself."