Leaving the Lake of Rebirth behind, Li Feng and his companions followed the path deeper into the Celestial Abyss. The air became heavier, and the tunnel narrowed, lit only by the faint glow of luminescent stones embedded in the walls. Each step they took echoed, and the silence was filled with an uneasy tension.
"This place feels different," Mei Lin remarked, her eyes scanning their surroundings. "The energy here is... sharp."
Li Feng nodded, sensing it as well. The cosmic energy within him pulsed, responding to the atmosphere. "It's not like the previous trials. This is something else—a test of combat, perhaps."
As they continued forward, the tunnel opened into a massive hall. The walls were lined with ancient murals, depicting battles fought by celestial warriors wielding weapons that glowed with divine light. At the far end of the hall stood a large gate, adorned with intricate patterns of swords and shields.
Xin Ling eyed the gate with suspicion. "It looks like another challenge, but this one's different from the others. There's no water, mist, or illusions—just cold steel."
Chen approached one of the murals, studying it carefully. "These murals tell the story of the Celestial Monarch's conquests. Each blade represents a battle fought and a trial overcome."
Li Feng examined the gate closely. "This trial is called 'The Whispering Blades.' According to the Celestial Monarch's memories, it's a test of one's combat skills, but there's more to it. The blades whisper truths and lies, trying to break one's focus."
The group exchanged determined glances. They had faced illusions, shadows, and soul reflections, but this time, it was a battle against steel and deception.
Li Feng placed his hand on the gate, and the intricate patterns of swords and shields glowed, releasing a resonating hum. The gate slowly opened, revealing a vast arena. Floating above the arena were dozens of swords, each one emanating a faint, ethereal glow. The swords hovered, their edges gleaming with energy.
As the group stepped into the arena, the gate closed behind them, sealing them within. The swords began to move, circling the arena like a swarm of restless spirits. The air was filled with a chorus of whispers—some promising power, others taunting them with doubts.
"This is it," Li Feng said, summoning his cosmic sword. "Prepare yourselves. These swords aren't just physical; they're infused with the power of the Celestial Monarch's trials."
The swords descended upon them in a flurry, moving with unnatural speed. Li Feng deflected the first wave, the clash of metal ringing out as he parried and dodged. Xin Ling danced through the air, her agility allowing her to evade the blades as she struck at them with precision. Chen spun his staff, creating a barrier of wind that deflected the swords, while Mei Lin used her water arts to form protective shields, blocking the attacks aimed at her.
But as the battle raged on, the whispers grew louder, echoing in their minds. Li Feng heard a voice mocking him, telling him he was destined to fail, that no matter how strong he became, he would always be alone.
He gritted his teeth, focusing on the rhythm of his movements. "These whispers are trying to distract us—ignore them!"
Xin Ling was surrounded by blades, the whispers taunting her past betrayals. "You don't deserve the trust of your companions," they hissed. "You'll betray them like you did before."
She pushed the voices aside, her eyes cold and focused. "I've chosen a new path. I won't let the past define me."
Chen's winds faltered as the voices attacked his insecurities. "You're weak, a burden to your friends. They will surpass you, and you will be left behind."
But Chen's resolve held firm. "We rise together. I'm not alone in this fight."
Mei Lin felt her energy waver as the whispers reminded her of those she couldn't save. "No matter how hard you try, you will always fail."
Her water barrier trembled, but she steadied herself, letting her inner strength shine through. "I will keep trying. That's what makes me stronger."
The companions pushed forward, their determination cutting through the illusionary whispers. One by one, they shattered the swords attacking them. Li Feng's cosmic sword glowed with a brilliant light as he infused it with energy, slicing through a wave of blades that rushed toward him.
As they fought, Li Feng realized that the trial wasn't just about defeating the swords; it was about resisting the whispers, maintaining focus even when faced with doubts and fears. The swords were a test of both strength and conviction.
Together, the group formed a tight formation. Xin Ling, with her speed and precision, darted between the blades, taking them out with quick strikes. Chen's wind techniques provided a shield for the group, deflecting incoming swords. Mei Lin supported them with her water arts, creating defensive barriers and counterattacking when she saw an opening. Li Feng led the charge, his cosmic energy flaring as he struck down the remaining swords.
The whispers grew fainter as the last of the blades shattered, and the arena was filled with silence once more. The glowing remnants of the broken swords dissolved, and the energy within the arena began to shift. The light from the walls intensified, and the gate at the far end opened, revealing a pathway that glowed with an inviting golden light.
"We did it," Mei Lin said, her voice filled with relief. "We silenced the whispers."
Li Feng nodded, his expression resolute. "The trial wasn't just about combat. It was about overcoming our own doubts and fears."
Chen smiled, lowering his staff. "And we faced them together. We've grown stronger as a team."
Xin Ling sheathed her daggers, her eyes reflecting the determination in her heart. "Every trial is a step closer to the legacy. No matter what comes next, we'll face it side by side."
As they walked through the gate, Li Feng felt the cosmic energy within him surge. He knew that the trials of the Celestial Monarch were not just about power—they were about refining the spirit, testing the resolve of those who sought the legacy.
"We're getting closer," he said, looking ahead. "The Celestial Monarch's power is within reach, but the hardest trials are yet to come."
With their bond strengthened and their spirits resolved, the companions stepped forward, ready to face the next challenge awaiting them in the Celestial Abyss.