Zhong Rui: "The 'Eye of Truth'... the power to see through lies. If I had this ability before, my mother..."
Spirit of the War Goddess Empress: "Indeed, the 'Eye of Truth' is a formidable ability, especially for those in positions of power and leadership. However, to inherit my legacy, you must prove yourself worthy through a trial."
As the finger of the War Goddess Empress touched Zhong Rui's forehead, her eyes closed, and she felt as if she had been transported to another realm. When she opened her eyes, she found herself standing on the surface of tranquil waters. The surroundings were serene, with only the vast expanse of the sky on the horizon.
Suddenly, a figure emerged from beneath the water, shaping the waters until it became an identical version of Zhong Rui herself. Her doppelgänger stood before her, mirroring her every move.
Zhong Rui: "So, I am the first test!"
Both Zhong Ruis drew their swords simultaneously, their expressions serious and cold. The atmosphere was charged with intensity as they began their duel. Their movements were fluid, reflecting their deep understanding of the art of the sword.
With each strike, their blades clashed with a resounding force. It was a battle not just of physical strength. Each Zhong Rui sought to overcome her own weaknesses, pushing herself to the limit.
As the fight progressed, their swords became a blur of steel, and they seemed to dance over the waters, leaving ripples in their wake. It was a captivating display of swordsmanship and inner conflict, a personification of Zhong Rui's struggle with herself.
Time seemed to stretch as the battle intensified, their movements becoming more precise and calculated. In a moment of perfect synchronization, both Zhong Ruis advanced, their blades meeting in a powerful clash. Their eyes met, reflecting a fierce determination to overcome their own weaknesses.
Zhong Rui: "If you are truly a version of me, then you must know that what I hate the most is wasting time."
At that decisive moment, they made the same move simultaneously, a strike so swift and strong that it echoed throughout the place, and the calm waters split in half. Their swords connected with a thunderous impact, and in that instant, the battle came to an end.
Their blades locked in a standoff, and they stood face to face, both gasping for breath, their expressions unwavering. It was a draw, and the doppelgänger version of Zhong Rui vanished, returning to the waters.
Zhong Rui's heart swelled with pride. She knew that the battle with herself had not just been a test of strength but an opportunity to see all the flaws in her movements and improve upon them.
As the War Goddess Empress observed Zhong Rui's progress from outside, she couldn't help but be impressed. "It was a good battle. The last heir took an entire week to complete the first trial. This time, she finished in just two days. Perhaps she might survive that trial," she pondered.
With a wave of her hand, the surroundings around Zhong Rui changed, and she found herself in a simplistic room with minimal details. There were no doors or windows, just emptiness. She looked around for her next opponent, waiting for something to happen. Hours passed, but nothing occurred.
Zhong Rui tried to communicate with the War Goddess Empress, but there was only silence. Turning her gaze, she noticed a cushion placed on the floor. She sat down in a lotus position and began to cultivate.
Zhong Rui: "So, the test is simply to advance to the next level. Easier than I thought. After this battle, I feel I will progress soon."
As Zhong Rui continued her cultivation in the seemingly endless room, time lost all meaning. Days turned into weeks, months into years, and she diligently advanced through the levels of her cultivation. With each advancement, her strength grew, but she couldn't shake the feeling of discomfort and confusion. Her memories slowly faded, and she began to forget even her own name.
On the walls of the room, strange marks and drawings began to appear, indicating the passage of time. A meticulous record of accumulated days and years, but Zhong Rui couldn't understand. Alongside the marks, she found drawings of a boy with a rabbit in his arms, and even as her memory faded, she couldn't forget that face.
Zhong Rui: "Why did I forget everything, even my own identity? Why is that boy the only thing I can vaguely remember?"
As each passing year weighed on her heart, the burden of forgotten memories overwhelmed her. She couldn't comprehend why she was trapped in this place or what purpose the War Goddess Empress had in mind for her. Time seemed to stretch forever, and Zhong Rui's determination wavered.
In her moments of despair, she often looked at the drawings on the walls, the smiling face of the boy, and the adorable bunny giving her a sense of comfort she couldn't explain.
After breaking through the Soul Transformation Level, Zhong Rui opened her eyes and looked around the illusory room. With a cold and determined voice, she commanded, "Break." Everything around her shattered like a mirror, dispelling the illusion. Having reached this level of cultivation, she could now identify and undo any illusion presented before her.
Before her stood the figure of the War Goddess Empress with a faint smile on her lips. "You have passed," said the War Goddess Empress. "Thirty years to break the illusion... you were the quickest to complete the trial."
Zhong Rui maintained her serious demeanor, but inside, a whirlwind of emotions washed over her. Thirty years had passed in an instant while she was immersed in the illusion. During that time, she had lost her memory and even forgotten her own name. Only the image of the boy carrying the rabbit remained in her mind as a fragmented memory.
"Why did I forget everything, even who I am, but still remember him?" she questioned herself in a melancholic murmur. She felt disconnected from her former identity, yet the face of that boy continued to echo in her mind as a persistent memory.
The War Goddess Empress nodded approvingly. "Forgetting oneself, yet retaining sanity... you have passed the test with flying colors."
Zhong Rui lowered her head, contemplating the marks on the walls that indicated the days and years that had passed in the illusion. Alongside the marks, drawings of the boy with the rabbit reinforced the memory that had accompanied her throughout the time.
The Empress continued, explaining the purpose of the test. "This trial was an evaluation of your mental and spiritual strength. Through this illusion, you were tested in your ability to resist the temptation of madness. Only those with unwavering willpower or a great purpose can pass this test."
Zhong Rui nodded, understanding the significance of the trial she had faced. "And now, what is the next test?"
The War Goddess Empress smiled, exuding an aura of wisdom and power. "You now have access to the Eye of Truth and the Mirror that Sees All."