The grove pulsed with energy, the atmosphere thick with tension. The old man's spectral form hovered before Makoto, his translucent features etched with both curiosity and challenge.
"You stand on sacred ground," the figure intoned. "This place holds the essence of an ancient legacy. To claim its treasures, you must face the trial of the grove."
Makoto's gaze remained steady. He had faced countless trials in his past life, many far more dangerous than this, yet he did not underestimate the grove's power. Every challenge in this lower realm may still have echoes of forgotten times, he thought.
"What is this trial?" Makoto asked, his voice calm but resolute.
The figure smiled faintly, raising a hand. The ground rumbled as the shrine at the grove's center transformed. The vines fell away, revealing a glowing crystal pedestal. Atop it rested an orb, its surface swirling with golden and purple hues.
"This orb contains the ancient Qi of the Moonlit Forest," the figure explained. "But to claim it, you must prove your will, strength, and spirit are unshakable. Three trials await you—each harder than the last. Should you fail, the grove will claim your life."
Makoto smirked faintly. "Then let's begin. I don't plan on failing."
---
The First Trial: The Beast's Fury
The ground beneath Makoto shifted, and the grove dissolved into a vast arena. A deafening roar echoed as a massive spirit beast materialized—a Crimson-Eyed Basilisk, its Qi aura vibrating at the Fourth Stage of Qi Refining. Its scales glimmered like molten iron, and its crimson eyes burned with an almost hypnotic intensity.
Makoto's instincts flared as the beast lunged. Its speed belied its massive size, and the air around it shimmered with raw Qi energy. Makoto dodged nimbly, his movements fluid as water. He circled the beast, observing its patterns.
The basilisk's tail whipped toward him with blinding speed. He crouched low, his sword flashing as he deflected the blow. The clash sent shockwaves rippling through the arena, but Makoto's grip remained firm.
"Impressive," Makoto muttered, eyeing the beast. "But brute strength alone won't defeat me."
The basilisk roared again, its Qi surging as it launched a barrage of attacks. Makoto dodged and countered with precision, his movements growing more fluid with each exchange. Finally, he saw an opening.
With a swift leap, he closed the distance, his blade striking true. The basilisk let out a final roar before collapsing, its massive form dissolving into golden light.
The arena shimmered, and the grove reappeared. The old man nodded approvingly.
"The first trial is complete. Your strength is commendable, but willpower is another matter entirely."
---
The Second Trial: The Mirror of Memories
The grove shifted again, and Makoto found himself standing in a void of swirling light. Before him stood a massive, floating mirror. As he approached, the surface rippled, and his reflection took shape—only it wasn't him. It was Makoto of the past, at the peak of his power.
The reflection smirked arrogantly. "So, this is what you've become? A shadow of your former self?"
Makoto's fists clenched, but he kept his composure. "I know what I've lost. That doesn't mean I'll stay like this."
The reflection stepped out of the mirror, its aura flaring with overwhelming power. "Prove it," it said, drawing a sword identical to Makoto's.
The battle that followed was unlike any Makoto had faced. His reflection moved with the same precision and skill he once commanded. Each strike was a reminder of what he had been—and what he now lacked.
As their swords clashed, Makoto's frustration mounted. How can I defeat an opponent who knows my every move?
But then it hit him. His reflection represented his past, a version of himself bound by old habits and techniques. I'm not the same as I was before. I've learned from my weaknesses.
Makoto's stance shifted, his movements adopting a fluid unpredictability. He began to anticipate the reflection's strikes, countering with techniques he hadn't used in his past life. With a final, decisive blow, he shattered the reflection, the mirror dissolving into light.
The void faded, and the grove returned. The old man's expression was unreadable.
"You've faced your past and emerged stronger. But the final trial will test the very core of your soul."
---
The Third Trial: The Spirit's Judgement
The grove fell silent as an oppressive aura descended. Makoto felt a heavy weight press against his soul, and a figure emerged from the shadows—a massive humanoid form cloaked in black flames, its eyes glowing like embers.
"I am the spirit of this grove," the figure rumbled. "Your soul is powerful, but power alone is not enough. Show me your resolve, your unyielding determination."
Makoto felt the pressure intensify as the spirit raised its hand. Chains of fire erupted from the ground, wrapping around him. They burned not his flesh, but his very essence.
The pain was excruciating, unlike anything Makoto had endured before. Memories of his past life surfaced—his triumphs, his betrayals, his fall. The spirit's voice echoed in his mind.
"Do you regret your past? Will you crumble under its weight?"
Makoto's breathing was ragged, but his eyes burned with defiance. "Regret? No. My past is what made me who I am. I've fallen, but I will rise again—stronger than ever."
The chains tightened, the flames intensifying, but Makoto's resolve only grew. He focused inward, drawing on the Primal Qi coursing through him. The chains began to crack, and with a roar, he shattered them entirely.
The spirit paused, its fiery form flickering. "You have proven yourself. The treasures of this grove are yours to claim."
---
A Gift of Power
The grove brightened as the spirit faded. The orb on the pedestal glowed, its energy surging outward. Makoto approached, feeling its immense power calling to him. As he touched the orb, a surge of energy flowed into his body, refining his Qi and strengthening his foundation.
He closed his eyes, feeling his cultivation rise to the Third Stage of Qi Refining. But more importantly, the orb had left behind a trace of Primal Qi, enhancing his body and soul far beyond what ordinary cultivation could achieve.
Makoto opened his eyes, a faint glow surrounding him. The grove was silent once more, its treasures claimed. But Makoto knew this was only the beginning.
"Thank you," he murmured to the grove, turning to leave. His journey was far from over, but he had taken a significant step forward.