As he ventured further, Shenlong began to feel the effects of the grounds' ancient energies. His mind grew foggy, his memories blurring together as visions of his past flickered before him. He saw himself as a child, surrounded by elders praising his talent; then the faces shifted to his former fiancée, her gaze cold and dismissive. The memories grew darker, his mind swirling with the doubts he had once fought to overcome.
Voices echoed around him, whispering every fear he had buried, each doubt he had tried to silence. "You were never destined for greatness," one voice sneered. "You're nothing more than a failed experiment."
Shenlong clenched his fists, refusing to give in. He focused on the pendant around his neck, feeling its ancient warmth. Slowly, he centered his mind, blocking out the doubts and anchoring himself in his resolve.
With a fierce determination, he called upon his Dragon Qi, its protective energy enveloping him. The voices fell silent, and the illusions faded, leaving him alone once more. He had passed the first trial—the trial of the mind.