The sun rose slowly over the horizon, casting its first rays upon the Azure Sky Realm. The golden light bathed the world in a soft, warm glow, illuminating the vast landscape that stretched endlessly before Yu Tian. The once peaceful environment now felt different to him—more alive, more vivid. His senses were sharper than ever, and every detail seemed more pronounced, more significant. The air itself seemed to hum with energy, each gust of wind carrying whispers of unseen forces.
Yu Tian stood at the edge of a cliff overlooking a sprawling valley, his thoughts adrift. He had spent several days refining his Qi and becoming familiar with the sensations of his newfound cultivation. The Celestial Ascension System had guided him through the steps, but despite his progress, he knew that this was only the beginning. The path to true power would be long and fraught with danger.
But beyond the immediate focus on cultivation, there were more pressing matters weighing on his mind. His past life—the betrayal, the pain, the memories—haunted him still. The face of the person who had condemned him to die flashed in his mind, and a familiar, burning desire for vengeance surged within him.
"Focus on the present," the Celestial Ascension System's voice intruded upon his thoughts, offering a moment of clarity. "The past will only hinder your progress. The future lies before you, and it is within your grasp."
Yu Tian clenched his fists, grounding himself in the present. The system was right. Dwelling on his past would only delay his ascent. He had been reborn in this new world for a reason, and that reason was to rise beyond the limitations of both his previous life and this realm. He could not afford to be distracted by old ghosts.
"There is one more task that you must complete before moving forward," the system continued, its tone steady and informative. "You must strengthen your connection with your Origin Bloodline. It is the key to your potential in this world. To do so, you must undergo the Trial of the Origin."
Yu Tian's eyes narrowed, and a sense of foreboding filled the air. He had heard whispers of the Trial of the Origin in the past—an ancient rite, a test to awaken the deepest aspects of one's bloodline. Few had succeeded in completing it, and those who failed were never seen again.
"What is this trial?" Yu Tian asked, his voice steady but laced with suspicion.
"The Trial of the Origin will test the very limits of your bloodline," the system explained. "It will force you to confront the dormant powers that reside within your veins, unlocking abilities that are directly tied to the Origin Core of Earth. But be warned: the trial is perilous, and failure will result in irreversible consequences."
Yu Tian took a deep breath. This was a test he could not afford to fail. The Origin Core of Earth was no trivial matter—it was the heart of all creation in the Infinite Heavens, a source of unfathomable power that could alter the very fabric of reality. If his bloodline was truly connected to it, then unlocking its potential could be the key to his rise. But the risks were daunting.
"When does the trial begin?" Yu Tian asked, his tone resolute.
"It begins now," the system replied simply. "Focus your mind and call upon your bloodline. The trial will manifest as a manifestation of your deepest fears and desires. Only by overcoming them will you awaken the true power of your origin."
Yu Tian closed his eyes and took a slow, deliberate breath. The world around him seemed to fade into the background as his mind focused inward. He could feel the pulse of his blood, the subtle flow of energy that had been awakened within him ever since his rebirth. It was faint at first, but the more he concentrated, the stronger the sensation became.
He reached deep within himself, calling upon the power tied to his bloodline—the power that was linked to the Origin Core. It was like grasping at something intangible, something ancient and infinite. His pulse quickened as the energy began to respond, growing stronger and more volatile by the second.
Suddenly, a wave of intense pain surged through his body. Yu Tian staggered, barely keeping his footing. His vision blurred, and his head throbbed with the force of the pain. It felt as if his very soul were being pulled apart, torn by invisible forces. He gritted his teeth, fighting against the overwhelming sensation, but it was no use. The trial had begun in full force.
Images flashed before his eyes—memories of his past life, his betrayal, his death. But these were not just memories; they were projections, illusions created by the trial itself. They twisted and distorted the truth, showing him versions of his life that had never existed, alternate realities where he had made different choices. Each illusion was a different path, a different version of himself.
In one vision, he saw himself as a powerful ruler, conquering vast lands, admired by all. But this version of him was ruthless, driven solely by power and ambition, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake. His heart twisted with disgust as he watched this version of himself.
In another vision, he saw himself as a broken man, abandoned and betrayed by those closest to him, wallowing in despair. This version of him was weak, helpless, consumed by bitterness and regret.
The trial forced him to confront these versions of himself—his greatest fears, his deepest regrets, and his darkest desires. It was a battle of the mind, one that tested his willpower and resolve. Would he give in to the fear of failure? Would he let his past define him? Or would he rise above it all and claim the power within?
With every ounce of strength he could muster, Yu Tian focused on his true self—the man who had been reborn for a purpose. He rejected the illusions, rejecting the path of destruction and despair that they offered. Instead, he clung to his determination to rise above it all, to forge his own destiny.
Slowly, the pain began to subside. The visions faded, and the pressure on his mind eased. He could feel the power of his bloodline awakening, its energy swirling within him like a storm. His heart pounded with excitement and fear, but he was ready. He had overcome the trial, and in doing so, he had unlocked a new level of power.
"Congratulations," the system's voice echoed in his mind. "You have passed the Trial of the Origin. Your bloodline is now fully awakened. You may now access the powers tied to the Origin Core. Your path forward has been solidified."
Yu Tian opened his eyes, taking in the world around him. The sky was still clear, the sun still shining. But to him, everything had changed. The power within him was now stronger, deeper. He had passed the first major test of his new life, and there was no turning back.
As he turned to leave the cliff, his heart burned with a new sense of purpose. The future was waiting for him, filled with untold possibilities. His enemies would soon know the wrath of the man who had transcended his past, and he would not rest until he had unlocked the full extent of his power.
The journey ahead would be filled with trials, and many would fall before him. But Yu Tian was no longer a weak, ordinary man. He was something far greater—a being who would ascend to the heavens, and perhaps, one day, rewrite the very fabric of reality.