Xiao Chen stood at the edge of the unknown, his heart beating in sync with the mysterious energy that enveloped the Primordial Nexus. The Trials had shaped him in ways he never imagined, testing him physically, mentally, and spiritually. Each test had carved away the parts of him that once held him back, revealing a stronger, more determined individual.
The trials were over, but the true challenge was just beginning.
"Xiao Chen," the voice of the Primordial Life System echoed in his mind once more, deep and commanding, yet strangely reassuring. "You have passed the three trials. Your body has been tempered, your heart steeled, and your mind sharpened. Now, you are ready for the next stage of your cultivation. Welcome to the Core Formation Realm."
Xiao Chen's breath caught in his throat. Core Formation. The very name sounded like an awakening, a rebirth. A whole new level of power, a new threshold to cross.
"You have done well, Xiao Chen," the voice continued. "Your cultivation will now advance to the Core Formation stage. However, this is not a simple process. To fully awaken your core, you must undergo the Trial of the Core. Your very soul will be tested. Only when you have succeeded in this trial will your true power be unlocked."
Xiao Chen felt a rush of adrenaline, his heart pounding with anticipation. He had already faced the trials of the body and the mind, but this—the Trial of the Core—would test the very essence of who he was.
Suddenly, the world around him began to shift. The ethereal landscape of the Nexus warped and distorted, swirling in patterns that made Xiao Chen dizzy. A massive, radiant sphere appeared in front of him, a swirling vortex of energy. It seemed to pulse with life, every beat of its energy resonating within his chest.
"This is the Core of the Nexus," the system explained. "To pass this trial, you must synchronize your energy with the core, unlocking its power. This will test your mastery of the Qi you have accumulated. It is a trial of balance, control, and understanding."
Xiao Chen stepped forward, feeling the gravitational pull of the core's energy. It was overwhelming—like standing in the presence of a god. The energy radiating from it was almost too much to bear. He could feel his body struggling to keep up, his qi in turmoil, battling the sheer force surrounding him.
The System's voice continued, now more urgent. "Focus, Xiao Chen. Channel your Qi. Let it flow freely, but do not let it overwhelm you. If you lose control, the trial will fail, and your progress will be halted."
Xiao Chen took a deep breath, steadying himself. He closed his eyes, tuning out the chaotic energy that swirled around him. The time for fear was over. He had learned to master his Qi, but this was different—this was the true test of his control. He needed to synchronize his very being with the Core.
The energy in his body began to stir, as if it had a mind of its own. He felt his qi rise up from his dantian, coiling like a serpent, ready to strike. But Xiao Chen remained calm. He was no longer the boy who doubted his strength. He was no longer the child of the Xiao Clan who feared failure.
His heart and soul aligned with the core's energy, flowing in unison. The chaos of the Nexus faded away, and all that remained was the perfect harmony of his own cultivation and the Core's power.
Suddenly, he felt a surge of energy, his body glowing with a brilliant light. The core's energy enveloped him, and for a moment, Xiao Chen felt as if he was one with the universe itself. His body pulsed with newfound strength, the Qi inside him reaching levels he had never dreamed possible.
System Notification:
Congratulations, Xiao Chen! You have passed the Trial of the Core.
You have gained the following rewards:
+5000 EXP
Core Formation Realm Unlocked
+200 Strength
Mastery of Qi: Enhanced control over energy, faster Qi circulation, and increased potency in all techniques.
---
Xiao Chen's eyes snapped open, his body tingling with power. He could feel the shift within him, the core of his cultivation now awakened, pulsating with energy. His Qi surged through his body with more force than ever before, each movement smoother, more precise.
He raised his hand, and in that moment, he understood. His Qi was now an extension of himself, no longer something he had to struggle to control. It was as natural as breathing. With a thought, he could command it, shaping it to his will.
The power was intoxicating, yet Xiao Chen knew this was only the beginning. The journey to restore the Xiao Clan required more than strength—it required wisdom, courage, and unwavering resolve. And he was ready.
System Panel:
1. Cultivation
Level: Core Formation [0/5000 Exp]
Next Level: Core Strengthening
Speed: +3x faster growth
2. Skills
Swordsmanship: Entry (EXP: 100/100)
Alchemy: Entry (EXP: 80/100)
Fist Techniques: Entry (EXP: 70/100)
EXP Gain: +5 per sparring, +10 per potion
3. Professions
Alchemy: Entry (EXP: 100/100)
Forging/Beast Taming/Formations: Unlearned
EXP Gain: +10 per potion, +2 per forging attempt
4. Quests
Main Task: Restore Xiao Clan
Side Tasks:
Explore (+20 EXP)
Train Allies (+15 EXP)
Defeat Rivals (+30 EXP)
Refine Materials (+25 EXP)
Xiao Chen stared at the glowing panel before him, the details of his progress clear and concise. Core Formation. The words filled him with pride, but also with determination. The trials had tested his resolve, but his true journey had just begun.
He clenched his fists, the power of the core now coursing through his veins. There would be no turning back. The Xiao Clan would rise again, and he would be the one to lead it to its glory.