The breakthrough was flashy, but Reece had no idea what he had caused as he was still deep in his meditation. With the sky split into half the tremors in the heavens could be heard as the tribulations fast approached.
"Hey wake up, Reece, wake up. You going to be fried by the tribulations you dummy, wake up!" Katia came rushing forward to try and wake him from his meditative state as she sounded worried.
The persistent shaking finally worked out as she snapped Reece from his meditation just in the nick of time before the tribulations gathered enough strength to strike. Reece snapped out only to see several eyes staring at him with wonder and fear at the same time. All over the continent countless cultivators who had sensed the phenomenon rushed over to the demon forest's barrier to get a glimpse and try to get the genius who had caused such a feat.
"WELCOME TO TIANXUN MOUNTAINS, THE LAST HOME OF THE PAST AND BRIDGE TO THE FUTURE. MY NAME IS LANDIA THE GUARDIAN OF TIANXUN MOUNTAINS, AND CONGRATULATIONS ON PASSING THE FIRST HUDDLE ON THE PATH. AS YOU CLIMB UP ON THESE STEPS, YOU'LL ENCOUTER COUNTLESS CHALLENGES, SEE MANY APPARITIONS AND VISIONS. IF YOU SEEK TREASURES, YOU'LL HAVE TO GET TO THE EACH MOUNTAIN PEAK AS THEY CONTAIN COUNTLESS TREASURES, WHILE THE ONE WHO REACHES THE TOP AMONG YOU CAN GET FULL ACCESS AND CONTROL TO THE ENTIRE MOUNTAIN AND THE TREASURES WITHIN IT. GOODLUCK ON YOUR CLIMB AND ALL THE BEST TO THOSE WHO SUCCEED IN THIS TEST OF DESTINY." A voice resounded from the top of the mountain as the phenomena subsided and everyone watched the top of the mountain as another bright light shone above.
As the light illuminated the steps and they suddenly transformed into steep staircases and the pressure multiplied. The light above suddenly changed again and this time it was a crystal mirror that appeared. It projected them and they could see themselves through it. Just as they stood admiring it, it disappeared all of a sudden from their sight and it was gone just as it appeared.
"THE RACE NOW BEGINS, THE FIRST TO REACH THE TOP GETS ALL THE TREASURES THAT I'VE BEEN GUARDING. NOW DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE MIRROR IT'S GONE TO THE BARRIER TO ALLOW THOSE OUTSIDE TO SEE WHAT'S HAPPENING. I'LL WAIT AT THE TOP FOR THE CHAMPION." The voice resounded again as it pressured them to get a move on and begin climbing the steep staircases.
The temptation of getting countless treasures was too great that it almost drove everyone crazy as the begin rushing through the stairs. The pressure kept on multiplying with each step but the temptation and greed in some of the disciples supplied them with constant strength to climb up, battle the pressure and each other.
Just as they were climbing through the path they were distracted by the thought of treasure, the Martial Asura sect which had been watching from a distance decided to take action and participate. With their orders they had no interest in the treasure they lurked in everybody's shadow.
"You're late Buretiger, what took you so long? You were supposed to take actions after they killed the beast. Or did you forget your tasks?" Li Dao asked furiously as Buretiger appeared in his shadow.
"Sorry we were held up by the guy who just broke through right now, we tried to kill him first but there were some unexpected hitches along. But we haven't forgotten the master's orders." Buretiger assure Li Dao who was furious since they were late and almost missed out on carrying their orders.
"I'll expect you to do your tasks as soon as when we reach the first peak," Li Dao gave out his orders as he tried to rush up bearing the pressure to catch to Andrea Lariel.
"Yes sir." Buretiger retreated to the shadow of another disciple who he had claimed to be his first catch of the day.
With every step, the pressure intensified, as though the very heavens were testing their resolve. Reece, at the forefront, led the Jao sect disciples helping them when the pressure got to hard for them to bear. He had a hard task on his hands, helping his fellow disciples withstand the pressure while enduring his quadrupling pressure.
As they progressed, Reece would often pause, sit down on the ancient stone steps to meditate. It was during these moments of meditation that he would contemplate on his new martial art technique, seeking to improve its skills and try to learn to use it. His mind became a calm lake, reflecting the wisdom of Terraria. He channeled his internal energy, allowing it to flow through him, harmonizing with the laws of heaven and earth he had begun to understand during his previous meditation.
After what felt like an eternity climbing the steps, they managed to reach the first peak of Tianxun Mountains only leaving seven more to finally reach the top, desperation swept over their faces and tired bodies as they watched the flowing rivers from the top of the mountain flow down them. The oppressive pressure that had accompanied their climb finally subsided, and they stood before a magnificent temple nestled amidst the rugged terrain.
The temple's architecture was a testament to the ancient nature of this place. Intricate carvings accompanied by crystals adorned the walls, and massive stone pillars framed the entrance, hinting at the treasures that might lie within. Eager to discover the riches hidden in this sacred space, they rushed inside, their eyes wide with anticipation.
Within the temple, their eyes widened as they beheld a sight beyond their wildest dreams. Shelves and cabinets were filled with ancient scrolls, rare herbs, and mystical artifacts. The air was thick with the scent of incense, and the soft glow of spiritual lamps illuminated the treasures that lay before them. Countless elemental essence crystals, spirit stones, valuable golden demon cores that they only saw in record books in the sects all lay Infront of them.
Excitement and greed stirred within the group as they gazed at the wealth of resources. The promise of power and enlightenment hung in the air like a tangible force, tempting each of them. Reece, urged caution among the Jao sect disciples, reminding them to take priority over their lives first as even him could not protect each and single one of them if they got caught up in a fight over the treasures.
However, the allure of the treasures proved too strong for some. A heated argument erupted as some disciples of the other sects and families, driven by their desires, began to lay claim to specific items. Reece, trying to calm the situation, turned into the mad crimson eyed devil and subdued them using his killing intent. He put his foot forward and proceeded to take his first pick of the treasure.
The rest could do nothing but just pave way as they didn't want to get caught in what they thought was his rampage state. They went over to other sides of the temple to try and look for treasure and trying to stay clear of the Jao Sect and Reece altogether.
"CONGRATULATION ON REACHING THE FIRST PEAK, WELCOME TO THE ALCHEMY ROOM. YOUR TEST HERE IS SIMPLE, TO FIND A TREASURE THAT WILL ALLOW YOU TO OPEN THE DOORS TO TAKE YOU ONTO THE SECOND PHASE OF THE STAIRCASE AND REACH THE SECOND PEAK. AND REMEMBER AS YOU CHOOSE THE TREASURE IT WILL ACCOMPANY YOU TILL THE END AND IF YOU CHOOSE WISELY, IT WILL HELP NEGATE THE EFFECTS OF THE PRESSURE ON THE STAIR.YOU TILL THE INCENSE STICK BURNS OUT TO MAKE YOUR CHOICE." The same voice echoed through the temple walls only this time there was a humanoid feature that accompanied it and it soared above their heads on the front part of the temple in front of a stature.