During their intense duel, the Holy Son Zhao Wei suddenly formulated a plan and addressed his adversary with a measured tone:
"It seems both of us have suffered considerable injuries. Would it not be foolish to waste your rage merely to end my life? The woman you once held dear no longer occupies your heart, does she? Then why continue this futile struggle to kill me? Why not join forces instead?"
As Zhao Wei's words echoed, Chen Yunxiao's expression darkened. While his foe's reasoning held some merit, he could not bring himself to trust this cunning individual.
This man is renowned as the most devious and calculating among the Ten Sacred Lands, Chen Yunxiao thought to himself. Trusting him would be akin to walking into a trap.
With unwavering resolve, he firmly refused, saying, "I decline. Even if you were to offer guarantees, vows, or divine contracts, I would never ally myself with a schemer like you."
Struggling through his grievous wounds, Chen Yunxiao planted his sword into the ground before him, its blade pointing to the heavens. With his eyes closed, he steadied his breath, his hand forming a seal as he channeled his inner energy. Slowly, his eyes opened, their golden hue intensifying until they blazed with divine light.
Suddenly, an ethereal golden aura descended from the heavens, converging upon his sword and then enveloping his entire being. With a fierce roar, Chen Yunxiao unleashed a powerful strike, the energy erupting from his blade shaking the surrounding area. The space itself began to fracture and splinter like shattered glass.
Zhao Wei watched in disbelief, his lips curling into a faint smile despite the apparent danger.
"It seems I've underestimated him. His hatred for me burns brighter than I imagined. Even diplomacy cannot sway him. It appears I'll need to adjust my strategy."
Drawing his own blade, Zhao Wei produced an enigmatic sigil etched with ancient runes. Holding it aloft, he declared, "If you wish to battle me to the death, then so be it. I will not hold back!"
An overwhelming aura erupted from Zhao Wei, far surpassing the golden energy radiating from Chen Yunxiao. His power engulfed the sky, casting the entire battlefield into ominous darkness. Thunder roared, and arcs of lightning danced wildly, filling the air with their crackling menace.
"This is the Lightning Technique bestowed upon me by my ancestors—a legacy of the Thunder God himself! Though this domain is not the sacred grounds of the Thunder God, the environment here favors the manipulation of lightning. With this advantage, I shall demonstrate the true strength of my inheritance!"
As the storm intensified, Zhao Wei's voice boomed like a thunderclap, a declaration of his indomitable power. His aura surged, each bolt of lightning tearing through the void, threatening to annihilate everything in its path.
Master Chen Yunxiao sternly warned his disciple, "Do not underestimate this attack. This is no ordinary strike; it is the pure Lightning Art of the Thunder Deity. Though it appears to be a low-tier inheritance, even such a level is sufficient to cause severe injuries and immense destruction. You cannot withstand it in your current state. If you face it head-on, you will be torn apart by countless bolts of lightning until nothing remains of you but dust."
Perplexed, Chen Yunxiao turned to his master, "Then what should I do, Master? Please guide me."
After a moment of contemplation, the master seemed to have an idea. He leaned close and whispered a strategy into Chen Yunxiao's ear. However, upon hearing it, the young cultivator's face filled with shock and doubt. "Master, are you certain this will work? It sounds far too dangerous—it could lead to my demise!"
The master reassured him with calm confidence, "You won't fail if you follow my instructions. This plan is enough to guarantee your victory in a single move."
Trusting his master's conviction, Chen Yunxiao nodded resolutely and steeled himself for the upcoming confrontation.
---
Hovering in midair, surrounded by a storm of lightning, Zhao Wei shouted, "So, it seems you still don't comprehend the sheer power and majesty of the Lightning Arts. Very well, let me enlighten you!"
With a thunderous cry, he swung his sword, unleashing a massive wave of lightning that fused with the heavenly bolts crashing down from above. The devastating force surged toward Chen Yunxiao, who stood his ground, seemingly ready to absorb the full brunt of the attack.
Zhao Wei sneered inwardly, "What a fool! Does he truly believe he can endure this divine power? This battle is as good as over."
As countless lightning bolts converged on Chen Yunxiao, his figure vanished in an instant. Even Zhao Wei's spiritual senses failed to detect his presence, leaving him stunned. "Impossible! How could he move faster than I can perceive? Where did he go?" Zhao Wei's eyes darted around in a frenzy, scanning the battlefield for any trace of his opponent.
Suddenly, a brilliant explosion erupted right before him. The sheer force sent Zhao Wei hurtling into the ruins, where his body collided with the remnants of ancient structures, resulting in another violent detonation.
Coughing blood, Zhao Wei staggered to his feet, his injuries extending beyond the physical to his very soul. He muttered in disbelief, "That... that strike... it's far beyond the realm of mortal capabilities. It's as if it came from someone in the Eighth Realm or higher!"
As the dust settled, Zhao Wei locked eyes with Chen Yunxiao, now standing 30 meters away, his gaze unyielding. The two stared at each other in silence until Zhao Wei broke it with a wry smile. Dusting himself off, he remarked, "It seems I underestimated you. But know this: everything is within my calculations."
With that, Zhao Wei disappeared, and a spatial domain enveloped the battlefield, trapping Chen Yunxiao within. "This domain," Zhao Wei gloated from a distance, "is the same one I used to seal the Heavenly Soaring Earth Dragons. Stay here and enjoy your isolation while I claim the legacy of the Thunder Deity!"
As Zhao Wei vanished into the ancestral trial's gateway, Chen Yunxiao clenched his fists, his frustration mounting. Even his master was momentarily at a loss to discern the intricate layers of the domain's design.
Yet, the master's voice rang out with clarity, "This formation is not insurmountable. Zhao Wei crafted it, and as such, it bears his signature. With focus and understanding, you can unravel its structure and even create your own unique domain."
Encouraged, Chen Yunxiao sat cross-legged in meditation, seeking to grasp the formation's secrets. His master, meanwhile, floated nearby, his spectral form idly stroking his beard as he remained vigilant.
---
Elsewhere, a group of four cultivators approached the ruins. They marveled at the evidence of a fierce battle but were drawn to the mysterious gateway. One woman among them spoke with certainty, "This must be a trial site or an inheritance ground. The traces of battle are undeniable, and I can sense someone has already entered. We have no choice but to proceed."
As they stepped through the gate, the master of Chen Yunxiao sensed a foreboding presence in the distance—a dark, oppressive aura unlike anything he had ever encountered. Moments later, a cloaked figure emerged, exuding an overwhelming emptiness and solitude. The master could scarcely believe his senses; the mere existence of this figure was a testament to an abyssal loneliness beyond comprehension.
The cloaked figure paused, its dark eyes scanning the surroundings before entering the gateway without a word. Relieved but shaken, the master muttered, "This place is no longer simple. Even I, in all my years, have never witnessed a being of such darkness and isolation. Chen Yunxiao must tread carefully."
The two clashed fiercely, their speeds nearly matching each other. Yet, Zhao Wei remained slightly superior to her.
Yan Xiao smirked, her voice mocking yet tinged with provocation.
"Is this the strength of a Holy Son? How disappointing."
Zhao Wei replied casually, his tone nonchalant.
"Perhaps. Or maybe it's just enough for the likes of you."
"Tch!" Yan Xiao scoffed in frustration. Without hesitation, she unleashed the pinnacle of her current sword techniques, each strike carrying immense power.
Zhao Wei, however, was no less formidable. He activated his ultimate movement technique, evading every strike with precision and emerging unscathed, not even a scratch marring his form.
As they exchanged blows, Yan Xiao remarked with a mixture of frustration and admiration,
"It seems I underestimated you, Holy Son. You do possess some skill, after all."
Wei chuckled, his expression indifferent.
"Skill? Luck, perhaps. Don't overthink it."
Their battle raged on for a long while until both leapt back to create distance. Catching his breath, Wei looked toward Yan Xiao and spoke lightly,
"Well then, it seems this trial isn't much of a challenge. I believe it's time for me to move on to the next."
With that, Zhao Wei raised a hand and struck the air lightly. The space around them shattered like fragile glass, revealing an infinite void. Before anyone could react, both were abruptly transported elsewhere.
---
Zhao Wei found himself standing before the second trial. Before him loomed a massive stone tablet inscribed with profound runes. A voice echoed,
"Comprehend the truths before you and prove the depth of your wisdom. Only then shall you be deemed worthy to proceed to the second trial."
Zhao Wei seated himself cross-legged, closing his eyes to focus. His spirit merged with the runes, delving into their mysteries. He began unraveling the profound truths of life, death, and the cycles of creation and destruction. His deep understanding and accumulated knowledge allowed him to navigate these truths with relative ease.
Meanwhile, Yan Xiao's group had also arrived before a similar stone tablet. Despite their injuries, Yan Xiao urged her companions to recover quickly, while she herself sat in meditation to comprehend the inscriptions. As her mind connected with the profound runes, she felt the essence of human nature and the inevitable truths of life—birth, aging, sickness, and death.
These revelations, profound and universal, resonated deeply within her. Yan Xiao wasted no time, immersing herself further into understanding these eternal truths.
After a considerable time, Zhao Wei stood up and stretched, his expression one of satisfaction.
"This trial of comprehension was enlightening. It posed no challenge, yet the insights I gained are invaluable," he murmured to himself.
Suddenly, the space around him shifted, and a mysterious voice echoed,
"This is the third trial. It will test the resilience of your mind and spirit. To inherit my legacy, one must possess unyielding determination, for cowardice has no place here."
Wei's demeanor turned serious. Before he could fully prepare, his consciousness was assaulted. An endless torrent of emotions—suffering, malice, hope, despair, failure, triumph—poured into his mind. The relentless onslaught gnawed at his soul, tearing at his will.
"Argh! What is this madness?!" Zhao Wei screamed, clutching his head in agony. He writhed on the ground, his body convulsing as though consumed by invisible flames. Blood dripped from his mouth as he bit his lip to suppress his cries.
Clutching his chest tightly, he pressed against his heart, his nails digging into his skin in a futile attempt to redirect the overwhelming pain. Yet, the torrent of emotions did not abate.
If anyone had seen the Holy Son reduced to such a state, writhing and trembling, they would have laughed in disbelief. But were they to endure this trial themselves, they might either go mad or perish outright.
Meanwhile, Yan Xiao and her group faced a similar ordeal. Her companions lay writhing on the ground, their screams echoing in the void. Only Yan Xiao managed to maintain some semblance of composure. Seated in meditation, she fought to calm her mind, suppressing the torrent of emotions that sought to engulf her. At times, even she faltered, letting out an anguished cry.
As for Zhao Wei, his ordeal was nothing short of harrowing. His lips, bitten so hard they bled profusely, revealed glimpses of his teeth as he gritted them in sheer defiance. His fingers dug so deeply into his chest that blood seeped out. Yet, despite the unimaginable torment, he refused to scream. His unyielding determination blazed like a flame amidst the storm of emotions, enduring the relentless assault with an iron will.
The second trial had begun, and its severity was unlike anything they had faced before.
The scene shifted to a chamber filled with an overwhelming aura of destruction. This was the Third Trial, a test of physical endurance against an endless barrage of lightning conjured by the Primordial Thunder Ancestor. Failure in this trial meant not only disqualification but absolute annihilation, as the lightning showed no mercy. It would continue to strike relentlessly until the challenger either absorbed its essence to strengthen their body or perished, their form reduced to ashes.
Standing before this trial was none other than a mysterious man cloaked in shadows, his presence exuding an aura of solitude and darkness unmatched by any other. He stepped forward, entering the vast hall of the trial, his movements steady and unhurried. While others were still grappling with the second trial—or even the first—this enigmatic figure had already reached the third.
---
Meanwhile, back at the first trial, a newcomer had just arrived. Chen Yunxiao stood calmly, his eyes gleaming with profound understanding. The dimensional formation crafted by Wei, designed to thwart others, was swiftly decoded by Chen Yunxiao. With his mastery of the Dao of Space and Time, the formation posed little challenge to him.
He stepped through, seamlessly entering the first trial, where he encountered its test. Guided by his master's wisdom, he overcame the challenges with remarkable ease and advanced to the second trial. At the threshold, his master spoke with a grave tone:
"This trial, you must face alone. I cannot assist you. Should you rely on me now, you will become weak in the future. Strength comes from within."
Accepting these words, Chen Yunxiao braced himself for the second trial. However, as he delved into it, he realized its severity surpassed even the worst tortures imaginable. The torment was akin to being consumed by an eternal inferno—an ordeal he endured with clenched teeth and unwavering determination, much like the other challengers scattered across the trials.
---
Back in the third trial, the mysterious man strode forward, stepping onto a lone stone platform. The atmosphere crackled ominously. Blue lightning, coiled like serpents of destruction, began to materialize from the void.
The man, shrouded in his black robes, sat cross-legged upon the platform, his demeanor calm and composed. He showed no fear, even as the violent arcs of lightning writhed and prepared to descend.
Suddenly, the first bolt struck, crashing into his body with deafening force. The initial impact caused his robes to ripple and spark. Yet he remained still, his expression hidden beneath the shadows of his hood.
Each second, another bolt of lightning descended, and with every passing moment, the intensity grew. After ten minutes, the strikes increased exponentially in both number and power, forming a relentless cascade of destruction.
Beneath the relentless assault, the man's robes began to disintegrate, torn apart by the sheer force of the lightning. His clenched jaw and steely resolve were hidden beneath his hood, but the air around him crackled with tension. Piece by piece, his cloak fell away, revealing a body tempered to withstand the heavens themselves.
At last, as the final shreds of his garments were incinerated, the man's true identity was laid bare: Xiao Tian, the enigmatic warrior whose name was whispered in both reverence and fear.
Even as his skin glowed with the searing marks of thunder's fury, his gaze remained unyielding, as though the lightning itself bowed before his indomitable will.
Xiao Tian gritted his teeth, enduring the relentless barrage of lightning that struck without end, its intensity increasing with every passing moment. Yet, even amidst this merciless storm, he remained resolute. Each bolt of lightning he absorbed was painstakingly refined and harmonized with his body.
For two years, Xiao Tian had trained with a fervor unmatched by others, pushing himself ten, even a hundred times harder than his peers. Every day, he toiled relentlessly, balancing grueling training with carefully planned rest to maintain his strength.
During these years, he subjected himself to harrowing trials. He engaged in battles against demonic beasts far above his cultivation level, honing his combat techniques, endurance, and willpower. His body bore countless scars from the claws and fangs of these beasts, each wound left to heal naturally, tempering him further against pain and hardship.
Death had loomed over him many times, yet he had survived through sheer tenacity. Even the will of the heavens seemed intent on crushing him, orchestrating trials to test his resolve.
Now, as the lightning ravaged his body, Xiao Tian realized that the ferocity of those beasts was nothing compared to this. The thunder's might was beyond imagination, each strike searing his flesh and spirit alike. Yet, he did not falter.
Summoning his origin power, he began to absorb and refine the lightning, polishing his will and tempering his body simultaneously. Though the pain was excruciating, this method lessened its intensity and allowed him to persevere. Over the past two years, Xiao Tian had also cultivated a Realm of Will, a vast and boundless world within his soul. Now, this realm served as a vessel, capable of containing even the fearsome power of lightning.
However, this was no ordinary lightning—it was the divine power of the Thunder Ancestor. Yet, as Xiao Tian refined it, the energy transformed, becoming indistinguishable from his own. Channeling it into his Realm of Will, he ensured the energy was entirely under his control.
In those two years, Xiao Tian had forged 355 realms within his soul. Although each realm brimmed with energy, he continued to cycle it, releasing excess power to form an aura that enveloped his body, shielding it temporarily. This process allowed him to heal minor wounds and continue his relentless absorption of the divine lightning.
...
Meanwhile, in the second trial, Holy Son Zhao Wei had barely escaped the torment of endless mental and spiritual agony. Blood dripped from his lips as he muttered, "At last... I've barely managed to survive." With a deep sigh of relief, he clutched his chest, where his robes were torn and his body bore the imprints of his struggle.
"I must heal these wounds quickly," he thought, his expression grim. "If I enter the third trial unprepared, it will surely mean my death."
Sitting cross-legged, Zhao Wei began circulating his energy, allowing it to flow through his meridians and repair his battered body and will. From his spatial ring, he retrieved rare treasures and medicines, consuming them to expedite his recovery.
Elsewhere, within the same trial, Yan Xiao, the leader of her group, collapsed to the ground, gasping for air as if she had been suffocating. Though she had endured the relentless mental torment, she lagged behind Zhao Wei by three hours.
Her limbs trembled, her body felt unbearably heavy, and unconsciousness threatened to overtake her. Yet, with sheer willpower, she forced herself to consume a Yuan Pill, its restorative energy revitalizing her body. Sitting upright, she entered a meditative state to stabilize her will.
Glancing at her team members, she found them all unconscious. Calling out to one of them, she shouted, "Zhang Dalei, wake up!" Her voice carried urgency, and eventually, Zhang Dalei stirred, rubbing his eyes groggily as drool trailed down his chin.
"What's going on?" he mumbled, his voice thick with exhaustion.
"You barely survived the second trial," Yan Xiao said firmly. "The others are worse off—they won't recover in time for the next test. Take them out of here. The third trial is too dangerous for them."
Zhang Dalei nodded without protest. He hoisted the two unconscious members, Xiao Shan and Zhang Bai, onto his back and began making his way out. Watching them leave, Yan Xiao steeled herself, knowing full well the peril that awaited her in the next trial.
.....
Back with Zhao Wei, having completed his recovery, he read the stone tablet describing the third trial. His eyes widened in disbelief. "Endless lightning?" he muttered, his voice trembling. "I must endure it until I purify and absorb its power? This is madness!"
Yet, he had no choice. The hopes of his ancestors rested upon him. If he failed, he would never be acknowledged as their successor. Resigned, Zhao Wei stepped into the third trial, the doors sealing shut behind him.
Finally, Chen Yunxiao, the last to arrive at the trials, stumbled forward, muttering bitterly, "This is absurd! Master, you nearly got me killed!" His voice carried a mix of exhaustion and frustration.
From the void, his master's voice rang out sternly. "Silence your complaints. If you continue to bemoan your hardships, you will lack the endurance needed for the future. Focus on what lies ahead. The third trial will not be forgiving, even for the Holy Son Zhao Wei."
Hearing this, Chen Yunxiao's expression turned solemn. Gritting his teeth, he began preparing himself for the next trial, his determination reignited despite the lingering fatigue in his soul and body.
As for Xiao Tian:
Enduring the endless and ever-intensifying lightning, Xiao Tian had persevered for over three to four hours. The ferocity of the lightning increased every ten minutes, and now, after hours of relentless bombardment, the sheer volume and force were beyond comprehension. The chamber where he sat had transformed into a cascading torrent of thunderous arcs, leaving no space untouched, no refuge unscathed.
Every part of his body, from the soles of his feet to even the most private areas, was struck without mercy. The searing agony brought him to the brink of collapse, his lips trembling with the urge to scream. Yet, Xiao Tian clenched his teeth tightly, for he knew- should he cry out, the lightning would surge into his mouth, wreaking havoc on his internal organs. Thus, he bore the torment silently, enduring as bolts pierced every pore, invading even his eyes, ears, and nostrils.
His current state resembled that of a madman-his clothes in tatters, his flesh revealing veins taut and pulsing with power. His entire being absorbed the boundless lightning essence, his body greedily devouring the celestial energy as though the suffering no longer mattered.
The immense energy coursing through him flowed into every corner of his body. Xiao Tian channeled it with precision, guiding the power into his meridians, veins, and even his bone marrow. He fortified his flesh, honed his blood, and tempered his skeletal structure until finally- success!
"Break through the shackles!" he roared, his voice echoing like a divine proclamation.
The deafening shout reverberated throughout the chamber, momentarily diverting the path of the descending bolts. Then, Xiao Tian unleashed a torrent of energy, his aura erupting like a tidal wave, shaking the room to its core. Cracks webbed across the walls as his cultivation base soared-ascending to the peak of the Fifth Stage of the Creation Realm.
Even then, Xiao Tian refused to relent. He continued to endure the lightning, channeling its energy to solidify his newfound foundation.
Meanwhile, the Holy Son Zhao Wei, Chen Yunxiao, and Xiao Hanyan:
The three cultivators faced the same trial, yet their outcomes paled in comparison. The unrelenting bolts tore their flesh, splattering blood across the ground. Despite their agony, none of them conceded defeat. Zhao Wei gritted his teeth with unyielding determination, while Chen Yunxiao frantically employed treasures and resources from his spatial ring to mend his wounds.
As for Xiao Hanyan, though her body bore unimaginable injuries- some areas stripped of flesh, revealing raw bone-her resolve never wavered. Her screams of anguish echoed, yet amidst her madness, she absorbed the lightning's energy, converting it into life force to heal herself and strengthen her cultivation.
"ΑΗΗΗΗΗΗΗ!" Their cries of pain resounded but gradually faded into silence.
Returning to Xiao Tian:
Having completed the third trial, a voice suddenly resonated in the void:
"Ah, I cannot believe it! To think someone could pass my third trial unscathed-truly astonishing!"
Startled, Xiao Tian glanced around, but found nothing but emptiness. The voice continued with a tone of amusement, "No need to be alarmed, little one. You are the challenger of my trials- why fear me? Surely, you understand."
Recognizing the voice, Xiao Tian's expression shifted. "Could it be... the Thunder Ancestor, Yu Cheng Leixia?"
A hearty laugh echoed in response. "Even after countless millennia, my name remains known-how delightful! Indeed, I am Yu Cheng Leixia. You are the first to conquer my third trial since its creation."
Xiao Tian's eyes widened in disbelief. "What? That cannot be! I have heard tales of others passing this trial. Am I not the second to achieve this feat?"
The Thunder Ancestor chuckled. "Oh, those tales? Mere fabrications! None have endured my third trial before you. Many reached it, yes, but none survived long enough to claim victory. This trial has remained unconquered for countless epochs-until now."
Xiao Tian was stunned. To be the first to triumph over such a harrowing ordeal was beyond his expectations. He asked hesitantly, "Now that I have passed the third trial, must I face a fourth?"
"Haha, there was no fourth trial," Yu Cheng Leixia replied. "But since you've brought it up, I might as well create one! I suddenly recall something I wish to test."
Xiao Tian's heart sank. Why did I even ask?!
"Fear not," Yu Cheng Leixia reassured. "I shall guide you to a hidden path. Step through, and you will encounter my manifested form. It is but a shadow of my former self, yet it shall suffice."
A portal materialized before Xiao Tian. Reluctantly, he stepped through, emerging into a breathtaking realm of verdant meadows, blooming flowers, and tranquil streams. On a small hill stood a modest cottage, where an elderly man sipped tea under the gentle sunlight.
Approaching the cottage, Xiao Tian found himself before the Thunder Ancestor-a frail-looking elder with a snow-white beard. The man gestured toward an empty seat, inviting Xiao Tian to sit.
"Will you not introduce yourself?" the elder asked with a curious smile.
Xiao Tian replied calmly, "Should it not be you, the host, who introduces himself first?"
The elder laughed heartily. "You're an intriguing one, indeed. Very well-l am Yu Cheng Leixia, the Thunder Ancestor."
Standing, Xiao Tian clasped his hands respectfully and bowed slightly. "This junior, Xiao Tian, greets Senior Yu Cheng Leixia."
The elder's brows rose in surprise. "What an unusual gesture. Is this your homeland's custom?"
Xiao Tian nodded. "It is a mark of respect toward elders and those of higher standing where I come from."
Yu Cheng Leixia smiled faintly. "Fascinating. Despite all my journeys across countless realms, I have never encountered such a greeting. You are a peculiar one, Xiao Tian."
~~~
Pouring tea for both of them, Xiao Tian handed a cup to the elder. Together, they sipped in tranquil silence, the mountain winds carrying fallen leaves through the serene landscape.~~