Xuan Li sat cross-legged in the serene clearing, focusing all his energy inward. The spiritual energy residing within his soul trembled slightly, as though responding to an ancient call. He felt a sudden jolt, like a shockwave emanating from the depths of his being. A sharp pain stabbed through his head, forcing him to grit his teeth and brace himself. Despite the discomfort, he steadied his breathing, determined to follow the method outlined in the manual given by Verdris.
Hours passed as Xuan Li immersed himself in the training. Gradually, his body began to emit a vast amount of pure white spiritual energy, enveloping him in a radiant sphere. The glow grew brighter, illuminating the surroundings with a gentle yet intense brilliance. Xuan Li marveled at the sensation, his thoughts racing.
"So this is how spiritual energy feels," he thought. "It's as though my entire body is bathed in a warm, soft light." The comforting energy coursed through him, erasing the fatigue and pain he had endured.
But his task was not yet complete. Xuan Li inhaled deeply and prepared for the final step. With precise movements, he formed a series of hand signs, tapping several key points on his body. The spiritual energy surged, flowing through his entire being. He could feel it strengthening his muscles, bones, and meridians, fortifying him from within. The clearing itself seemed to respond to his awakening—the surrounding rocks began to float into the air, suspended by the force of his energy.
Opening his eyes, Xuan Li's gaze blazed with spiritual power. He willed the floating rocks to gather around him, and with a mental command, they shot forward. The rocks hurtled toward a nearby wall but struck it with only a soft thud. The speed was sluggish, and the impact was underwhelming.
Still, Xuan Li did not let this minor setback dampen his spirits. Instead, he smiled faintly, his voice filled with quiet determination. "Now that I've awakened as a Spiritual Master, I can also perform soul attacks."
As if in response to his declaration, a deep, resonant voice echoed in the clearing. "Disciple, to perform soul attacks, you must first make your spiritual energy sharper than your opponent's soul. With your current level, it is almost impossible."
Startled but not entirely surprised, Xuan Li turned to see his master, Verdris, emerging from the locket. His presence was as imposing as ever, carrying an air of cosmic authority. The faint glow of his figure radiated wisdom and power, yet his expression remained inscrutable.
"Master," Xuan Li said, bowing respectfully. His voice held a mix of reverence and eagerness. "Please guide me further. I will do whatever it takes to reach that level."
Verdris studied him for a moment, his piercing gaze seeming to penetrate Xuan Li's very soul. Finally, he nodded slightly. "Very well, disciple. You have taken the first steps on a long and arduous path. But be warned—the challenges ahead will test not only your strength but also your will and resolve. Are you prepared?"
Xuan Li's eyes burned with determination. "Yes, Master. I am ready."
Verdris's lips curved into the faintest hint of a smile. "Then let us continue."
Verdris stood calmly, his figure exuding an aura of cosmic authority. With a wave of his hand, the ground beneath Xuan Li trembled violently. Cracks spiderwebbed across the earth, and with a thunderous rumble, a metallic ore emerged, rising like a dark monolith. The ore reshaped itself, taking the form of a towering black pillar, 100 feet tall, etched with glowing gray runes. The pillar was divided into seven distinct blocks, each adorned with unique and intricate runes. The pillar radiated an ominous presence, and Xuan Li instinctively stepped back, his eyes widening in astonishment.
Standing before the colossal structure, Xuan Li couldn't help but ask, "Master, what do I do with this pillar?"
Verdris's expression remained unreadable as he replied, "Nothing. Just sit and endure it."
Baffled, Xuan Li's brows knitted in confusion. "Endure it? What is there to endure, Master?"
Verdris's voice was calm but commanding. "Infuse this pillar with your cosmic energy, and you will understand."
Though hesitant, Xuan Li nodded and extended his hands toward the pillar. Channeling his cosmic energy, he directed it into the pillar. As his energy flowed, the first block of the pillar began to shine, its gray runes lighting up. Moments later, the second and third blocks followed, glowing with an otherworldly light.
Suddenly, a deep resonating sound emanated from the pillar, like the groan of an ancient beast awakening. Without warning, a crushing mental pressure surged from the pillar, targeting Xuan Li. The force hit him like a tidal wave, and he felt as though his very soul was being torn apart. His vision blurred and spun, his ears and nose began to bleed, and his body crumpled to the ground.
Xuan Li screamed, clutching his head as the unbearable pressure bore down on him. It felt as if countless needles were piercing his mind, each one more excruciating than the last. Desperately, he ceased infusing the pillar with his energy. The moment his energy connection broke, the pillar's pressure subsided, and the glowing runes dimmed. Lying on the ground, drenched in sweat, Xuan Li gasped for air, his chest heaving as though he had just returned from the brink of death.
Verdris hovered in the air, his expression indifferent as he looked down at his disciple. "Now," he said, his voice cold yet instructive, "you should understand what to do with this pillar."
Xuan Li nodded weakly, too drained to speak. He wiped the blood from his face, his thoughts racing. This pillar is no ordinary training tool… it's a trial for the soul. Enduring it will push my mental resilience to its limits.
Verdris's voice broke his thoughts. "But mental preparation alone is not enough. To truly awaken your potential, you must also experience the crucible of physical combat."
With a flick of his wrist, Verdris conjured another item—a manual that radiated a brilliant light. He handed it to Xuan Li, who carefully took it with trembling hands. The cover glowed with a celestial brilliance, and the title shone in golden letters: Starfall Cleave Sword Technique. As Xuan Li opened the manual, countless runes shimmered within its pages, exuding an overwhelming sword intent that made his skin prickle. Just by looking at the runes, he felt as though a blade was pressing against his throat, a sensation so vivid it sent a chill down his spine.
Verdris's tone grew more urgent. "This technique is your next step. It requires precision, discipline, and unwavering resolve. Now go and practice. Every second is crucial."
Xuan Li bowed deeply, his respect for his master evident. "Yes, Master. I will not waste this opportunity."
Without hesitation, Xuan Li returned to the base of the pillar. Sitting cross-legged, he began to channel his cosmic energy once more. As the first block lit up again, the crushing mental pressure returned, threatening to overwhelm him. This time, Xuan Li clenched his teeth and endured, his body trembling as the pillar tested his limits.
Through the haze of pain, a wry smile crossed Xuan Li's face. The first level alone is almost unbearable. What will happen when I reach the seventh block? Haha, this is truly hellish training. Just the first block's power is enough to make my entire body tremble.
Despite the torment, Xuan Li's resolve burned brighter than ever. He knew that enduring this trial was the only way to grow stronger, to surpass his limits, and to claim the destiny that awaited him.