Li Rong found himself at the mouth of a pathway leading further inside the mountain after successfully breaching the array. The path extended before him, its meandering course vanishing into the obscurity up ahead. Without any torches to guide him, Li Rong continued forward and soon felt gravity pressing down on him with every stride, the air growing denser as though it were rejecting his advance.
Sensing the increasing opposition, he called upon his soul force and encircled himself with it as a shield to counteract the stifling power. Li Rong was not deterred and continued into the cavern's depths, the trail leading him further and further into the mountain's interior as it twisted and swirled like a serpent.
Li Rong's senses were sharp as he continued on his way, his eyes searching the area for any indication of danger. The cavern's walls were slippery with wetness, and the shadows they created in the low light were unsettling.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity of walking, Li Rong arrived at another cavern within the depths of the mountain. The atmosphere here was different—charged with a palpable energy that set his nerves on edge.
A feeling of unease overcame Li Rong as he stood in the dimly lighted cavern, staring at the strange lump of clay in front of him. The words carved into the clay block appeared to taunt him, playing in his thoughts like an unnerving refrain. It stated, cryptically, "One can only grow stronger after facing oneself," which made Li Rong nervous.
Li Rong tentatively extended his hand to touch the smooth surface of the clay, grazing it with his fingers. Suddenly, he felt a rush of energy that tugged at his inner Qi like a ravenous beast. Li Rong flinched back in disbelief, gasping for air as he tried to gather himself.
Li Rong quickly summoned his Qi condensing pill and swallowed it in one swift move after realising the danger. His strength and resolve returned as the pill began to work, bringing with it the reviving warmth of his Qi.
Li Rong returned his focus to the clay figure with a newfound resolve, marvelling as it slowly started to take shape in front of his eyes. Even while the likeness to himself was striking, there was something unnerving about the expression staring back at him, the lifeless eyes staring back.
As the transformation neared completion, Li Rong circled around the clay figure, studying it from every angle. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of discomfort at the sight of his own likeness—he could only be described as an etheral beauty.
But before he could fully process his thoughts, the clay figure's eyes snapped open, its gaze fixated on Li Rong with an intensity that sent shivers down his spine. Without warning, it lunged forward, its movements fluid and precise as it launched into a frenzied assault.
With lightning speed, the clay figure lunged at Li Rong, its movements fluid yet unnaturally stiff. Li Rong reacted instinctively, dodging the initial strike with a graceful sidestep.
"Stay back!" Li Rong commanded, his voice firm with resolve as he prepared to defend himself.
The clay figure pressed its assault, its attacks coming in rapid succession. Li Rong danced nimbly out of reach, his movements fluid and precise as he countered each blow with skillful precision.
Li Rong's mind raced as he analyzed his opponent's movements, seeking out its weaknesses with each passing moment. Despite the figure's relentless onslaught, Li Rong remained composed, his focus unwavering as he searched for an opening.
Summoning his inner Qi, Li Rong unleashed a flurry of strikes, his movements blurring as he rained blows upon the clay figure with unmatched speed and agility. Each strike landed with calculated precision, chipping away at the figure's form with relentless determination.
But the clay figure proved resilient, its form shifting and reforming with each blow, its eyes fixed on Li Rong with a cold, unyielding gaze. Frustration gnawed at Li Rong's resolve as he struggled to find a way to overcome his opponent's seemingly indestructible defenses.
With a sudden burst of inspiration, Li Rong remembered the inscription on the clay block and realized the true nature of his adversary. Instead of meeting force with force, he focused his energy inward, channeling his Qi with a newfound sense of purpose.
As the clay figure lunged forward once more, Li Rong met it head-on, grappling with it in a fierce struggle of wills. With each passing moment, Li Rong poured more and more of his Qi into the figure, overwhelming it with a surge of raw energy.
Finally, with a triumphant cry, Li Rong released his grip, stepping back to watch as the clay figure convulsed and spasmed, its form writhing with the excess energy. With a final burst of effort, the figure burst apart, scattering into a pile of clay at Li Rong's feet.
Exhausted but triumphant, Li Rong took a moment to catch his breath, his chest heaving with exertion. As he turned to leave, a faint creaking sound caught his attention, and he watched as a door at the far end of the cavern slowly swung open, revealing a path beyond.
With a sense of anticipation, Li Rong stepped through the doorway, leaving the cavern behind him as he ventured deeper into the heart of the mountain. What trials awaited him beyond, only time would tell.