The celestial arena shimmered with an ethereal glow, and the ground beneath Xiao Tian and his companions trembled. The Trial of Power was about to begin. Elder Yun stood in front of them, his expression stoic yet full of anticipation.
"Before you stands the Trial of Power," he announced, his voice resonating in the vast space. "This trial will test the physical and mental strength of each participant. Your individual might and ability to adapt to combat will be tested. Only those who survive will be worthy of continuing their path to divinity."
Xiao Tian stood tall, his eyes focused. He could feel the immense energy surrounding them—this would be their most challenging trial yet.
The arena shifted, and from the ground, four colossal figures emerged, each representing an aspect of divine strength. They were Divine Guardians, each a being of legendary power, created to challenge the hearts of the strongest warriors in the God Realm.
The first Guardian, a towering figure made of molten gold, radiated heat that scorched the very air. It was the Flame Guardian. The second was a gargantuan beast with an impenetrable stone hide—the Earth Guardian. The third Guardian was a towering beast made of water, with waves crashing around it as if it controlled the very ocean—the Water Guardian. Lastly, the fourth Guardian was an ethereal being of pure wind, its form flickering in and out of existence—the Wind Guardian.
"These Guardians are imbued with divine power. They will adapt to your attacks, countering with their own abilities," Elder Yun's voice echoed, a warning in his tone. "Each must be defeated individually. Only by proving your strength will you progress."
Xiao Tian stepped forward, his companions following suit. He turned to them, a solemn expression on his face. "We've come this far together. Trust each other and fight with everything you have."
Ling'er was the first to act, her icy aura flaring. She summoned her Glacial Tempest, directing it at the Flame Guardian. The air around them froze instantly, and the molten form of the Guardian began to slow as ice crystals formed around its body. But as Ling'er's attack intensified, the Guardian countered with a stream of molten fire, breaking through the ice and scorching the ground beneath.
"Ice alone can't stop it," Ling'er said, gritting her teeth as she held her ground. "It's too powerful!"
Xiao Tian turned to Renxue. "We need to attack together. Focus your strength on countering its fire."
Renxue nodded, her golden aura flaring. She summoned her Holy Flame Spear, its divine light clashing with the molten fire of the Flame Guardian. As the two powers collided, a burst of energy exploded, sending shockwaves through the arena.
Meanwhile, Yueling faced the Earth Guardian. She raised her hand, calling forth nature itself to bind the Guardian's massive form. Vines erupted from the ground, wrapping around the stone figure. However, the Guardian retaliated by slamming its fists into the earth, causing massive shockwaves that forced Yueling to retreat.
"It's too strong! We need to wear it down," Yueling said, panting.
Xiao Tian stepped in, his Celestial Dragon Strike glowing with divine light as he launched it toward the Earth Guardian. The strike was powerful, but the Guardian's stone form absorbed most of the damage. Still, cracks appeared along its body, signaling that their attacks were having an effect.
The Wind Guardian seemed almost intangible, flickering in and out of sight. Zhao Yue stepped forward, her eyes glowing with a shadowy light. "I'll handle this one. My shadows can track its movements."
Zhao Yue summoned her Shadow Illusion Domain, enveloping the entire area in darkness. The Wind Guardian became visible for a brief moment, allowing her to strike with precise speed. Her shadowy tendrils wrapped around the Guardian's ethereal form, immobilizing it.
One by one, the Guardians began to fall, their energy depleting from the coordinated onslaught. The group's unity and strength were evident, as each of them contributed to bringing down the titanic foes.
Finally, with a combined attack from Xiao Tian, Ling'er, Renxue, and Yueling, the Earth Guardian shattered into rubble, signaling the end of the trial.
---
[Trial Complete: Power Proven]
[Seventh Soul Ring Acquired!]
Type: Celestial Attribute
Year: 400,000 Years
Skill: Celestial Wrath (A surge of divine power that enhances strength and vitality for a short time).
---
"Congratulations," Elder Yun's voice rang out, his expression finally softening. "You have passed the Trial of Power. However, this is only the beginning."
Xiao Tian turned to his companions, pride swelling in his chest. "We did it, together."