Li Zhen stood before the shimmering Island of Metal, its gleaming surface reflecting the radiance of the bridge of light beneath him. Unlike the lush greenery of the Island of Wood or the fiery vibrance of the Island of Fire, the Island of Metal exuded an austere, almost intimidating aura. The island seemed to be forged from countless metals—silver rivers flowed through golden hills, and jagged spires of iron pierced the sky.
Each step toward the island sent a faint vibration up his legs, as though the ground resonated with the very essence of strength and resilience. Li Zhen's senses sharpened. He knew this trial would test his endurance, precision, and resolve.
As his feet touched the island's edge, a deep, resonant voice echoed around him.
"Who dares to tread upon the sacred grounds of Metal?"
From the tallest silver spire, a figure emerged, cloaked in armor that gleamed like polished steel. The figure carried an imposing halberd, its blade etched with ancient runes. Though the figure's face was obscured, its golden eyes pierced through the air, locking onto Li Zhen.
"I am Li Zhen," he declared, his voice steady. "I seek to master the essence of Metal and claim its blessing."
The armored figure tilted its head slightly before letting out a metallic chuckle. "Metal is the hardest of all essences. It is unyielding, unforgiving, and pure in its intent. Only those with a heart as sharp as a blade can claim its power. Are you prepared to face the trials?"
Li Zhen nodded without hesitation.
"Very well," the figure said, planting its halberd into the ground. "Let the trials begin."
Trial of Endurance
The ground beneath Li Zhen shifted, forming a vast, barren expanse of molten metal. Waves of heat radiated from the glowing surface, and the air shimmered with intense energy.
"To endure is to survive the forge," the figure said, its voice resonating from all directions. "Step into the crucible and prove your worth."
Li Zhen hesitated briefly before stepping forward. The molten surface didn't burn him outright, but each step felt like walking on a blade's edge. The heat was suffocating, pressing against his skin and threatening to sap his strength.
As he pressed on, the molten ground began to shift, forming spikes of molten metal that shot toward him. Li Zhen dodged the first few, but their speed increased with each strike. He focused his spiritual energy, forming a protective barrier around his body. Even then, the spikes struck with such force that he could feel his energy wavering.
"Is that all you've got?" he muttered, gritting his teeth.
He pushed forward, channeling the essence of the elements he had already mastered. The calming water cooled the searing heat, the stability of earth steadied his steps, and the resilience of wood replenished his vitality. Step by step, he advanced through the molten field until he reached solid ground.
The armored figure appeared before him, nodding in approval. "You have endured the forge. But endurance alone does not make a blade."
Trial of Precision
The next trial began immediately. The molten expanse transformed into a labyrinth of jagged metal, with narrow paths winding between sharp-edged walls. In the distance, Li Zhen could see a glowing orb of pure silver—the target of this trial.
"Precision is the mark of mastery," the figure said. "Reach the orb without faltering, and prove your control."
Li Zhen stepped into the labyrinth, careful not to touch the razor-sharp walls. The paths were narrow, often requiring him to balance on a single foot. As he advanced, mechanical traps activated—blades swung down from above, spikes shot out from the walls, and rotating saws emerged from the ground.
He moved with calculated precision, his movements guided by a combination of instinct and spiritual energy. When a blade swung toward him, he ducked at the last moment, feeling the wind of its edge brush against his hair. When spikes erupted from the walls, he twisted his body to avoid them, his steps never faltering.
The closer he got to the orb, the more intense the traps became. At one point, he found himself surrounded by a storm of flying blades. Summoning the essence of wind, he created a protective barrier that deflected the blades just long enough for him to slip through.
Finally, he reached the orb and touched it. The labyrinth dissolved, and the armored figure reappeared.
"You have demonstrated precision and control," the figure said. "But a true master of Metal must also wield its power."
Trial of the Blade
For the final trial, the figure stepped forward, drawing its halberd with a resounding clang. "A blade must be unyielding. Its edge must cut through all, and its wielder must show no hesitation. Face me in combat and prove your resolve."
Li Zhen drew his sword, its blade glowing faintly with the combined essence of the elements he had mastered. The two faced off, their weapons glinting in the metallic light.
The figure struck first, its halberd slicing through the air with terrifying speed. Li Zhen parried, the force of the blow reverberating through his arms. Before he could counter, the figure struck again, its movements a blur.
Li Zhen focused, channeling the essence of Metal into his blade. His strikes became sharper, his movements more precise. He dodged the halberd's sweeping arcs, countering with swift, calculated attacks.
The battle intensified, the clash of metal ringing across the island. Sparks flew as their weapons collided, and the ground cracked under the force of their strikes. Li Zhen felt his strength waning but refused to back down.
"You fight well," the figure said, its voice tinged with respect. "But can you truly wield the power of Metal?"
With a roar, Li Zhen unleashed the full force of his spiritual energy. His blade glowed brighter, infused with the essence of the elements. He struck with a precision and intensity that surpassed his previous limits, his blade cutting through the halberd and striking the figure's chest.
The figure staggered but did not fall. Instead, it laughed—a deep, resonant sound. "You have proven your worth, Li Zhen. You wield the essence of Metal with skill and resolve. You are worthy of its blessing."
The Blessing of Metal
The figure placed a hand over its chest, and a stream of golden light flowed into Li Zhen. He felt a surge of power as the essence of Metal integrated with his spiritual core, sharpening his senses and fortifying his body.
"You now bear the Blessing of Metal," the figure said. "May it guide your blade and strengthen your resolve."
The figure and the island began to fade, and Li Zhen found himself back on the bridge of light. Ahead, the final island shimmered with an ethereal glow, its surface reflecting the endless expanse of the heavens.
"The Island of Space," he murmured, his heart racing.
With five elemental blessings now part of him, Li Zhen felt closer than ever to unlocking the full potential of the Netherworld Pavilion. But he knew the trials were far from over.