The mist parted before Liu Chen like an ethereal curtain, revealing an entirely new scene. The serene landscape of the Trial of Strength had vanished, replaced by a vast, unyielding desert. The ground beneath his feet was cracked and dry, and the air was thick with heat. The sky above him was a blood-red expanse, swirling with storm clouds that crackled with ominous energy. The very atmosphere felt oppressive, as if the weight of the world itself was pressing down on him.
Liu Chen's senses sharpened. He could feel it—the Trial of Will had begun.
System:
"The Trial of Will tests the strength of your heart, your resolve, and your determination. This is not a test of physical power. You will face illusions, temptations, and the darkest aspects of your soul. To succeed, you must remain steadfast and true to your path."
Liu Chen took a deep breath, steeling himself. He had already faced physical danger and emerged victorious, but the mental and emotional challenges would be a different beast entirely. If there was one thing Liu Chen had learned during his time cultivating, it was that the greatest battles were often fought in the heart and mind, not the body.
As he moved deeper into the desert, the ground began to tremble beneath him. A swirling vortex of sand rose in the distance, and from its center, a voice—soft yet commanding—echoed through the air.
"Liu Chen… you have come far, but this trial is more than you can bear. Turn back now, and you will be spared."
Liu Chen's heart skipped a beat as a figure materialized from the sandstorm. It was him—Liu Chen, but not the Liu Chen standing in the desert. This version of him was older, colder, and radiated an aura of ruthlessness that sent a chill down Liu Chen's spine. His dantian was a swirling vortex of chaotic energy, and his eyes gleamed with an unnatural, cruel light.
The version of Liu Chen that stood before him smirked. "I am everything you could become if you give in to anger, revenge, and the desire for absolute power. I am the reflection of your darkest potential. Will you fight me?"
The words cut deep. Liu Chen had always struggled with the balance between power and morality. His cultivation journey had been one of self-discovery, but sometimes the hunger for strength clouded his judgment. His darker thoughts, the ambition that had driven him to this point, lingered in the corners of his mind. To face this twisted version of himself was to confront the very essence of his fears.
System:
"This is a manifestation of your own will, Host. The Trial of Will will force you to face your deepest desires and regrets. Do not allow the illusion to sway you."
Liu Chen clenched his fists. He was no stranger to the temptation of power. In his previous life, he had been a powerful and arrogant cultivator, seeking to dominate the world. But in this life, he had vowed to change, to rise above the mistakes of his past.
He took a step forward. "I will not give in to you. You are nothing but a reflection of my doubts and fears. I am Liu Chen, and I will never let myself fall into darkness again."
The illusion of Liu Chen laughed, the sound cold and hollow. "Very noble of you. But you can never escape your own desires. They will always find a way to pull you back."
Before Liu Chen could respond, the world around him began to distort. The desert vanished, replaced by an overwhelming darkness. The sky turned black, and shadows twisted into monstrous shapes. The very air seemed to pulse with a malevolent energy, and Liu Chen could feel his resolve being tested.
Out of the darkness emerged several figures—people from his past life, people he had once known. They looked at him with disdain, accusing him of his mistakes. His father, his former friends, even old rivals—every failure, every regret, was now standing before him, each one condemning him for his actions.
"You left us behind," his father's voice boomed. "You chose power over family. You destroyed everything for your own selfish desires."
Liu Chen's chest tightened. He had long buried the guilt and regret of his past life. He had failed to protect those he loved, had chosen power over the ones who mattered most to him. The voices of his past echoed in his mind, their words like daggers piercing his heart.
But he would not allow them to control him. He had learned from his mistakes. The pain of his past would not define his future.
System:
"The Trial of Will is a test of your resolve. Ignore the illusions. Remember who you are now."
Liu Chen closed his eyes and took a deep breath. The words of his past could no longer sway him. He had made peace with his choices and had come to understand that true power was not about domination, but about growth, redemption, and the courage to change.
The darkness began to recede, the voices fading away. The figures of his past life crumbled into dust, leaving nothing but silence in their wake.
Liu Chen opened his eyes, his heart steady and unwavering. He had passed the Trial of Will, not by defeating illusions or enemies, but by confronting the deepest parts of his soul and emerging stronger.
System:
"Congratulations, Host. You have passed the Trial of Will. You have demonstrated true strength of heart. The next trial, the Trial of Spirit, will begin shortly."
Liu Chen took a moment to collect himself, breathing deeply. His heart still ached from the memories of his past, but now they were distant—like a storm that had passed. He had passed the Trial of Will, but there was still one more challenge awaiting him.
The Trial of Spirit was the final test. Unlike the previous trials, this would not test his body or his mind, but the very essence of his being. It would test the purity of his spirit.
He had no idea what awaited him, but Liu Chen knew one thing: he was ready. Whatever challenge came next, he would face it with everything he had.
The winds howled once more, and the desert faded away. The final trial awaited.