Jiang Fan felt a tremendous force, and the next moment, he disappeared. When his eyes opened, he found himself no longer aboard the Spaceship but inside a pavilion.
Shocked at first, Jiang Fan quickly regained his composure. He glanced around and noticed a serene setting with a small lake shimmering in rare light blue hues, surrounded by diverse flora. The air was notably fresh, and Jiang Fan sensed a palpable shift in the atmosphere. This was no ordinary place; he concluded almost instantly.
"How is it?" A voice suddenly sounded behind Jiang Fan.
Turning to face the source, Jiang Fan saw an elderly man with a flowing white beard, smiling at him.
"Who are you?" Jiang Fan asked, eyeing the enigmatic figure with suspicion.
"You should be able to guess my identity," the old man chuckled.
"Are you... the Spirit of the Ancient Star?" Jiang Fan ventured after a moment of thought. The resemblance of the voice to that of the being within the Ancient Star was uncanny.
"Correct," the old man nodded. "This Trial is over."
"What about those Demons?" Jiang Fan inquired, recalling the sudden disappearance of the Demon Fortress above the Origin Planet before his teleportation.
"They've returned to their home," the Protoss replied casually.
Jiang Fan's pupils contracted slightly; although Protoss's tone was nonchalant, there was profound implication in his words.
"Re-sealed?" Jiang Fan probed.
"Indeed," The Protoss affirmed. "The loser is not entitled to remain. Do you understand why I orchestrated this trial?"
Jiang Fan pondered earnestly. While he had some guesses, the true purpose remained elusive. This Trial, a matter of life and death, tested the future of two colossal entities, the Abyss and the Endless Star Territory.
If not for him, if the Endless Star Territory had lost, all would have been lost. Jiang Fan thought. Yet, to the Protoss, it seemed akin to a game, with him as the referee overseeing it all. Jiang Fan found no disdain in this, if you have strength, you can do whatever you want.
"I do not know," Jiang Fan admitted, opting not to speculate beyond his certainty.
"Much energy was expended in this Trial," The Protoss observed. "But it was not solely to witness your conflict. The true aim was to identify the genuine genius. And you..."
"Me?" Jiang Fan interjected, mildly surprised.
"Yes," The Protoss affirmed. "Your unprecedented performance in the preceding trial set the stage for this one. The prerequisites for initiation are stringent, beyond the reach of mere prodigies. Yet, you surpassed them all."
"So, this Trial is primarily to select the most exceptional Planet Masters," Jiang Fan inferred.
"Indeed," The Protoss concurred. "Since time immemorial, the Ancient Star has traversed countless realms, observing trials in various territories. Most have faltered, unable to meet its standards, let alone pass. But you... you were the first."
Jiang Fan met the Protoss's gaze, registering the gravity of his words.
"What does this mean, elder?" Jiang Fan inquired, sensing a deeper significance behind the Ancient Star's trials.
"The Ancient Star seeks a successor," The Protoss explained. "You have witnessed its power; it is no ordinary Planet. Consequently, the criteria for succession are stringent."
"So, I have passed the test?" Jiang Fan queried, unfazed by the revelation.
"Indeed, a preliminary pass," The Protoss confirmed. "Yet, the Ancient Star is not yet yours, for your strength is lacking. You have not yet earned the right to inherit the Planet painstakingly crafted by my master."