The morning light filtered through the windows of Shiv's (Yang Kai's) quarters, illuminating the peaceful scene that had settled over the Yang Family estate. The surge in his cultivation from the night before left him with a sense of renewed strength and confidence. Su Yan was still resting nearby, her presence a quiet reminder of the bond they had deepened, and the power that came from being united with those he cared about.
But the quiet moment wouldn't last long. Outside the estate walls, the Inheritance War was far from over, and Shiv knew that the next phase would soon begin. His rapid rise in cultivation had set him apart from many of the other heirs, but it had also drawn the attention of powerful forces—both allies and enemies.
He had no intention of slowing down.
---
Strategic Planning
After leaving Su Yan to rest, Shiv stepped outside into the estate's gardens, where he found Xia Ning Chang sitting quietly, meditating under the shade of a large tree. Her soft aura filled the space with a sense of calm, and as soon as she sensed his approach, she opened her eyes and smiled warmly.
"Good morning, Yang Kai," she greeted him, her voice as soft and soothing as ever.
"Good morning, Ning Chang," Shiv replied, his voice steady but filled with determination. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm well," she said, standing up gracefully. "I've been thinking about the next steps for you in the Inheritance War. Things are only going to get more difficult from here."
Shiv nodded. "I've thought about that too. The trials will become more intense, and I'll need to be prepared for whatever comes next."
It was true—the further he advanced in the Inheritance War, the more dangerous it would become. His rapid rise had placed a target on his back, and he couldn't afford to let his guard down. But with his newly strengthened abilities, and the support of Su Yan and Xia Ning Chang, Shiv felt ready to face the challenges ahead.
"We should speak with your parents," Xia Ning Chang suggested. "There may be more information about the next phase of the war."
---
Meeting with His Parents
Not long after, Shiv and Xia Ning Chang made their way to the main hall of the estate, where Yang Zhen and Su Yu Ting awaited them. Both of his parents had been keeping a close eye on the progress of the Inheritance War, and they were proud of how far Shiv had come.
When they entered the hall, Yang Zhen looked up, his expression as stern as ever, but with a hint of pride in his eyes. Su Yu Ting greeted them with a warm smile, clearly pleased to see her son and his companions united in their cause.
"You've done well, Yang Kai," Yang Zhen said, his voice firm but approving. "But the war isn't over yet. The next trial will be even more dangerous. Your brothers have also been preparing, and there are others who are watching your every move."
"I'm aware," Shiv replied confidently. "I'm ready for whatever comes next."
Yang Zhen nodded. "The next phase will take place in the Thousand Layered Peaks. It's a place filled with treacherous terrain and hidden dangers. You'll need to be cautious—but also ruthless. Only those who can dominate will survive."
"The Thousand Layered Peaks," Shiv muttered, considering the name. It was a place he had heard of—an ancient region filled with dangerous creatures, traps, and powerful competitors. It was said to be a test of both strength and strategy.
"Your opponents will be looking for any weakness to exploit," Yang Zhen continued. "You've already made a name for yourself, but that means you're a target now."
"Let them come," Shiv said, his resolve unshakable. "I'll be ready."
---
Preparation for the Next Trial
With the information from his father, Shiv began to prepare for the trial ahead. The Thousand Layered Peaks was known for its complex and dangerous environment, and he would need to be at the top of his game to navigate its many challenges.
He spent the next few days training relentlessly, sharpening his techniques and focusing his mind. Su Yan and Xia Ning Chang stayed by his side, offering their support in different ways. Su Yan sparred with him, her ice techniques pushing him to refine his own skills, while Xia Ning Chang provided alchemical potions and elixirs to enhance his strength and recovery.
Despite the intensity of the training, there was a sense of peace that came from their presence. Shiv knew that with their support, he could handle whatever the Thousand Layered Peaks threw at him.
---
The Path to the Thousand Layered Peaks
The day of the next trial arrived, and Shiv stood at the gates of the Yang Family estate, ready to embark on the journey to the Thousand Layered Peaks. Su Yan and Xia Ning Chang were with him, both prepared to offer their support, though they knew that the final trial would be something Shiv had to face alone.
As they stood together, the wind carrying the distant sounds of the war still raging on, Shiv turned to face them.
"Thank you both for standing by my side," he said, his voice calm but filled with emotion. "I know this trial will be dangerous, but with your support, I feel more prepared than ever."
Su Yan stepped forward, her icy aura swirling around her. "You're strong, Yang Kai. Stronger than you've ever been. But remember—your strength doesn't just come from your cultivation. It comes from the people who care about you. We'll be waiting for you."
Xia Ning Chang smiled softly. "We believe in you, Yang Kai. You've come so far, and we know you'll succeed."
With their words in his heart, Shiv nodded, his resolve hardening. He was ready.
Turning toward the horizon, where the Thousand Layered Peaks loomed in the distance, Shiv took his first step toward the next phase of the Inheritance War, fully prepared to face whatever lay ahead.
---
The Dangerous Terrain of the Thousand Layered Peaks
The journey to the Thousand Layered Peaks was long and treacherous. The towering cliffs and deep ravines that filled the region were known to swallow up even the strongest cultivators, and the creatures that roamed the peaks were merciless in their pursuit of prey.
But Shiv was undeterred. With his cultivation at the Ninth Stage of the True Element Boundary, he felt stronger than ever. His Eternal Life ability was fully under his control, and he knew that if necessary, he could push his limits once again.
As he entered the peaks, the air grew colder, and the ground beneath his feet became uneven and jagged. He could sense the presence of other competitors—he wasn't the only one here. The Thousand Layered Peaks was a place where alliances were forged and broken, where betrayal was as common as breathing.
But Shiv had no intention of forming alliances with anyone outside of his close circle. He had learned long ago that in the Inheritance War, trusting the wrong person could be deadly.
---
The Battle Begins
The trial in the Thousand Layered Peaks began almost immediately. As soon as Shiv entered the deeper parts of the peaks, he was confronted by other heirs—those who had been lying in wait, hoping to take him down early.
But they had underestimated him.
With a single surge of his energy, Shiv unleashed a powerful wave of force, scattering his attackers and leaving them dazed. He moved with precision, his strikes swift and deadly, each blow sending his opponents crashing to the ground.
The battle was fierce, but Shiv was relentless. His cultivation had reached new heights, and the strength he had gained from his bond with Su Yan fueled him with even more determination.
One by one, his opponents fell, unable to match his power. The Thousand Layered Peaks was a dangerous place, but for Shiv, it was just another step on his path to victory.