Xiao Chen stood at the edge of the rocky cliff, gazing out over the desolate land that stretched endlessly before him. His heart still pounded from his victory over the Essence Guardian. The thrill of success lingered, but it was quickly replaced by an eerie silence, as though the world itself was holding its breath.
The atmosphere felt charged, heavier than before. The pressure from the previous trial had not fully dissipated, and a new, more subtle weight pressed against his senses. It wasn't just the physical exertion that had drained him—it was the realization that each trial would push him further, not just in strength, but in every aspect of his being.
"Well done, Xiao Chen," the voice of the Primordial Life System echoed through his mind, soothing yet expectant. "You have passed the Essence Guardian's trial. But you have only just begun. The next trial awaits—one that will test not your body, but your mind."
Xiao Chen blinked, confusion flickering through his thoughts. "My mind?" he repeated softly, unsure of what the system meant.
"You will face a trial of the mind," the voice explained, its tone a little more somber. "A trial that will challenge your willpower, your clarity of thought, and your ability to see through deception. You will face illusions—hallucinations meant to distract and disorient you. Do not be fooled. Stay focused on your purpose."
A low rumble echoed across the land as the System's words hung in the air, their meaning sinking in. This trial would be different. It was not just about overcoming a powerful foe or mastering an aspect of cultivation—it was about his mind, his very perception of reality.
Xiao Chen took a steadying breath, his resolve hardening. "I am ready."
As soon as the words left his mouth, the world around him shifted. The rocky terrain before him wavered, the ground rippling like water disturbed by a stone. The sky above darkened, and the air grew thick, swirling with energy. Then, without warning, the landscape before him changed completely.
The barren wasteland dissolved, replaced by a lush, green forest. Towering trees with vibrant leaves surrounded him, their trunks thick and ancient. A gentle breeze rustled through the leaves, and the sound of distant birdsong filled the air. It was peaceful—too peaceful.
Xiao Chen frowned, his instincts screaming that something was wrong. This place felt... too perfect, like a dream.
"Stay focused," the system's voice rang out, breaking through the silence. "Do not let the illusion distract you."
Xiao Chen took a deep breath and began to walk. The air smelled fresh, the fragrance of flowers mixing with the scent of pine. His footsteps were light, almost inaudible against the soft, moss-covered ground. But as he walked deeper into the forest, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss.
He felt a presence—faint at first, but growing stronger with each step he took. It wasn't physical, like a person following him, but something deeper. An overwhelming sense of unease began to settle in his chest, the warmth of the forest air now feeling oppressive. The leaves rustled unnaturally, and shadows seemed to move at the edge of his vision.
Suddenly, a figure emerged from behind a tree, a woman clad in flowing white robes. Her long hair cascaded around her face, and her eyes shone with an unsettling brilliance. Xiao Chen halted, his heart racing as his senses screamed that this woman was not real.
"Xiao Chen," she said softly, her voice like the wind itself. "I have been waiting for you. Come, join me. There is no need to fight anymore. Let go of the burden of your clan and your responsibilities. We can escape together."
The woman stepped forward, her smile serene, yet it sent a chill down Xiao Chen's spine. Every instinct in him screamed that she was dangerous, that this was no ordinary woman. She was a part of the trial—a manifestation of his mind's temptation, the illusion the system had warned him about.
Xiao Chen clenched his fists. His cultivation hummed within him, his qi pulsing as he pushed aside the growing sense of doubt that threatened to cloud his judgment. He didn't need to turn around to know that something was off. The world around him was not real. This was another test.
"No," he said firmly, his voice cutting through the illusion like a blade. "I will not be distracted."
The woman's smile faltered, her form beginning to waver, as if her very existence was starting to fade. But before she disappeared completely, she spoke again.
"You think you can resist me?" she whispered, her voice now tinged with malice. "You are weak. Your past, your fears, they will always follow you. The Xiao Clan will never be restored. You will fail."
Xiao Chen's heart skipped a beat as a cold wave of doubt flooded his mind. The words felt too real, too familiar. He had been raised in the Xiao Clan, trained for greatness, but had always been in the shadow of his more talented peers. Had he ever truly believed he could restore the clan? Had he been fooling himself all along?
The whispers of doubt began to grow louder. Memories of failures, moments of weakness, and the impossible expectations of the Xiao Clan swirled around him. He had always been expected to achieve the impossible. What if he truly wasn't enough? What if the clan was doomed?
He stumbled, his mind clouded by the barrage of thoughts. The illusion was working—his focus was slipping. But just as it seemed he might lose himself to the doubts, he remembered the voice of the system, the promise of the trials, and his own resolve.
I am not weak. I will not let these illusions break me.
With that thought, Xiao Chen took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He focused inward, drawing on his qi to ground himself, pushing aside the chaos in his mind. His purpose was clear—he had to restore the Xiao Clan, no matter the cost.
When he opened his eyes, the forest was gone. The woman was gone. The illusion shattered, and the real world returned.
The landscape before him had shifted again, and he found himself standing on a battlefield, the stench of blood heavy in the air. But this time, he did not falter. He stood tall, his heart clear.
"You have passed the trial," the system's voice rang out, its tone approving. "Your mind is strong, Xiao Chen. You have resisted the illusion and remained true to your purpose."
Xiao Chen exhaled slowly, his heart still racing, but a new clarity settled within him. He had faced his fears, his doubts, and he had not let them control him.
But the journey was far from over.
---
System Notification:
Congratulations, Xiao Chen! You have successfully passed the Trial of the Mind.
You have gained the following rewards:
+200 EXP
+50 Qi Condensation (Small Success)
Mind Fortification (Passive Skill): Increases resistance to mental attacks and illusions.
Your cultivation has reached the next level!
---
System Panel:
1. Cultivation
Level: Qi Condensation (Small Success) [200/1000 Exp]
Next Level: Qi Condensation (Great Success)
Speed: +1.5x faster growth
2. Skills
Swordsmanship: Entry (EXP: 35/100)
Alchemy: Entry (EXP: 25/100)
Fist Techniques: Entry (EXP: 20/100)
EXP Gain: +5 per sparring, +10 per potion
3. Professions
Alchemy: Entry (EXP: 50/100)
Forging/Beast Taming/Formations: Unlearned
EXP Gain: +10 per potion, +2 per forging attempt
4. Binding
Bind Spots: 0
Condition: 1 spot every 3 realms
Rewards: 10,000x achievements of bound individuals
5. Descendants
Status: None
Celestial Talent: Unlocks top techniques for children
EXP: +5 per child with special bloodline
6. Quests
Main Task: Restore Xiao Clan
Side Tasks:
Explore (+20 EXP)
Train Allies (+15 EXP)
Defeat Rivals (+30 EXP)
Refine Materials (+25 EXP)