The Void Temple shimmered faintly, its ancient runes pulsing in rhythm with Xiao Tian's slow, deliberate breaths. Seated cross-legged, the young boy's figure was still, yet the faint glow of his Void Core illuminated the cold, vast chamber. Elder Taixu observed from a distance, his spectral form flickering in and out of sight like a ghostly mirage.
"You've taken your first steps into cultivation," Taixu said, his voice breaking the silence. "But to truly progress, you must do more than absorb energy. You must fight, adapt, and overcome."
Xiao Tian opened his silver eyes, their glow sharper than before. He stood without hesitation, his small body steady but taut with readiness. "What must I do?"
Taixu smiled faintly. "Good. No questions, no complaints. That will serve you well."
With a flick of his wrist, Taixu summoned a spatial rift, the air warping as an entirely new realm formed before them. The desolate battlefield shimmered into existence—jagged rocks, swirling mist, and the faint sound of distant howls filled the air.
"This is the Void Hunting Grounds, a pocket dimension where creatures born of chaos roam freely," Taixu explained. "Here, you will face your first trial. Fight. Kill. Survive. This is how you grow."
Xiao Tian stepped into the rift without hesitation.
---
The Hunting Grounds
The air was heavy, dense with the energy of the Void. The ground beneath Xiao Tian's feet was uneven, the jagged stones digging into his bare soles. He moved carefully, his silver eyes scanning the shifting mist around him.
A low growl echoed through the air, sending a chill down his spine. Emerging from the shadows was a creature twisted and grotesque—a Void Wraith. Its body seemed to flicker, shifting between forms, its glowing red eyes locked onto Xiao Tian.
"Your first enemy," Taixu's voice echoed faintly in his mind. "Void Wraiths are creatures of chaos. Fast, cunning, and relentless. Do not hesitate. If you falter, it will kill you."
The beast lunged without warning, its claws slicing through the air with blinding speed. Xiao Tian barely managed to dodge, rolling across the ground as the Wraith's strike shattered the rocks where he had stood moments before.
Rising to his feet, Xiao Tian steadied his breathing. The beast was fast, its movements erratic. He would have to outthink it, not just overpower it.
The Wraith lunged again, but this time Xiao Tian activated Void Steps. His small figure flickered, reappearing behind the creature in a burst of silver light.
With a swift motion, he channeled Void Qi into his hand, forming a makeshift blade. The weapon slashed across the Wraith's side, eliciting a screech of pain.
"Good," Taixu's voice rang out. "You're learning."
The beast retaliated, its claws slashing wildly, but Xiao Tian dodged with precision. He darted to the side, his movements deliberate and calculated.
The Wraith lunged once more, and Xiao Tian activated Void Chains. Glowing tendrils of spatial energy wrapped around the creature's limbs, pinning it to the ground.
With a final, decisive motion, Xiao Tian drove his Void Qi blade into the Wraith's neck. The creature let out a guttural howl before collapsing, its body disintegrating into wisps of energy.
---
The Pack Approaches
Xiao Tian stood over the remains of the Wraith, his breathing heavy but controlled. The faint glow of his Void Core pulsed brighter, signaling his growth.
"Well done," Taixu said, appearing beside him. "You've survived your first encounter. But this is only the beginning."
As if on cue, the mist around them began to stir. Low growls filled the air, and Xiao Tian turned to see three more Void Wraiths emerging from the shadows. Their glowing red eyes burned with murderous intent.
"They hunt in packs," Taixu said. "You'll need more than brute force to survive."
Xiao Tian clenched his fists, his silver eyes narrowing. "I'm ready."
The first Wraith lunged, its claws aimed for his throat. Xiao Tian sidestepped, activating Void Steps to reposition himself. Reappearing behind the creature, he slashed with his Void Qi blade, but another Wraith intercepted, forcing him to retreat.
The three beasts circled him, their movements coordinated and relentless. Xiao Tian's mind raced. He couldn't afford to take them head-on.
Drawing a deep breath, he activated Void Chains, binding one of the Wraiths to the ground. With a burst of speed, he lunged at the second, his blade striking true and severing its spine.
The remaining Wraiths howled in fury, their attacks growing more aggressive. Xiao Tian dodged and weaved, using the jagged terrain to his advantage.
---
Victory Through Cunning
The second Wraith fell moments later, its body collapsing into ash. Xiao Tian turned to face the final beast, his breathing ragged but his stance firm.
The Wraith lunged, its claws flashing in the dim light. Xiao Tian activated Void Steps once more, flickering out of sight. Reappearing above the creature, he thrust his blade downward, driving it into the beast's skull.
The Wraith let out one final screech before falling silent, its body dissolving into nothingness.
Xiao Tian landed lightly on the ground, his small frame trembling with exhaustion. The glow of his Void Core pulsed steadily within him, a testament to his victory.
"Well done," Taixu said, his tone carrying a hint of approval. "You've proven that you can survive. But remember—this is only the beginning. The Void Hunting Grounds hold far more dangerous foes, and you will face them all."
Xiao Tian wiped the sweat from his brow, his silver eyes gleaming with quiet resolve. "Then let's continue," he said softly.
Taixu chuckled, his spectral form flickering. "Ambitious, aren't you? Very well. But first, rest. The next hunt will not be so forgiving."