Li Feng's eyes snapped open as he felt the soft hum of energy resonating within the cave. The chamber had changed since he began his meditation. The walls glowed faintly, etched with ancient symbols and constellations that mirrored the night sky. The air was thick with cosmic energy, pulsating as if the very cave was alive, waiting for him to take the next step.
Elder Yun's voice echoed through the chamber, breaking the silence. "You have progressed faster than I anticipated, but this trial will not be so simple, Li Feng. To understand the power within you, you must first face the past that binds you."
Li Feng's brow furrowed. "The past? You mean the Celestial Monarch?"
Elder Yun's form shimmered, like a mirage within the cave's ethereal light. "The one you were and the one you are now are connected, but they are not the same. The cosmos remembers. It's time for you to witness those memories."
Suddenly, the cave's light intensified, and Li Feng felt himself pulled into a swirling vortex of stars. His surroundings blurred, and he was no longer in the cave but standing atop a mountain peak under a vast night sky. The stars shone brighter than he had ever seen, forming intricate patterns that moved like living beings.
In the center of this celestial stage stood a figure clad in silver robes that sparkled like the stars themselves—a man who radiated power and authority. Li Feng's heart pounded as he recognized the figure: the Celestial Monarch, his past self.
The Celestial Monarch stood with his back to Li Feng, surveying the cosmos. His expression was a mix of pride and sorrow, as if the weight of the universe rested on his shoulders. Li Feng tried to speak, but his voice caught in his throat. He felt like an intruder in his own memory.
"Do you see it?" the Celestial Monarch said, his voice echoing through the night. "The cosmos is both infinite and fragile. A single action can ripple across worlds, changing fates. I sought to protect it all... and in doing so, I shattered everything."
Li Feng's vision shifted, and he saw the Celestial Monarch leading a vast army of cultivators. They clashed with monstrous entities that seemed born of darkness itself. The battle was fierce, with stars falling from the sky and realms crumbling under the impact of their power. The Celestial Monarch wielded his cosmic energy like a tempest, his every move tearing through his enemies—but also fracturing the fabric of reality.
The scene shifted again. This time, the Celestial Monarch stood alone amidst the ruins of a once-great city. His expression was one of defeat as he gazed upon the destruction he had caused. Li Feng's heart ached, feeling the weight of his past self's despair.
"Do you understand, Li Feng?" Elder Yun's voice whispered. "This is the truth of your power. It has the potential to create and to destroy. It is not enough to be strong; you must also learn restraint and wisdom."
The scene faded, and Li Feng found himself back in the cave, his breathing heavy as the echoes of the memory lingered. His fists clenched, and he felt a surge of anger—anger at the Celestial Monarch for his recklessness and at himself for being bound to a legacy so fraught with destruction.
"How am I supposed to control this?" Li Feng muttered, his voice filled with frustration. "If the Celestial Monarch couldn't prevent the Shattered Cosmos, how can I?"
Elder Yun's form reappeared, his eyes calm and knowing. "The Celestial Monarch was powerful, but power alone does not grant wisdom. You have the chance to learn from his mistakes, to become something more. But you must decide—will you be guided by his legacy, or will you forge your own path?"
Li Feng's mind raced. The weight of his past life was like a shadow looming over him, but he felt a spark of defiance. He was not just a reincarnation—he was his own person. He had his friends, his sect, and the people he swore to protect. He would not let the Celestial Monarch's mistakes define him.
Taking a deep breath, Li Feng stood up. The cosmic energy within the cave responded, swirling around him like a gentle breeze. "I won't be bound by the past. I'll use this power to protect those I care about, but I won't make the same mistakes."
Elder Yun nodded, a faint smile appearing on his lips. "Good. Remember this moment, Li Feng. It is the first step toward mastering your power."
As Li Feng prepared to leave the cave, he felt the cosmic energy settle within him, not as a burden, but as a source of strength. The echoes of the past would not dictate his future. Instead, they would guide him as he carved his own legacy—a legacy that would not shatter the cosmos, but one that would heal it.
With renewed determination, Li Feng stepped out of the cave, ready for whatever lay ahead. The stars above seemed to shine brighter, as if acknowledging his resolve.