As soon as Lester stepped through the massive gate, a resounding boom echoed behind him, sealing the entrance shut.
At that very moment, the air trembled with an ancient force, and a powerful energy surged from the ground.
A moment later, three figures—Lester, Lei of the Thunderclap Mountain Sect, and Stela, the princess of the Sun Empire—were forcefully teleported into a vast, ancient arena.
The walls of the arena were engraved with mysterious runes, glowing faintly in the dim light.
Despite the eerie stillness, an overwhelming pressure filled the air, making it clear that this was no ordinary place.
It was a trial ground, a place where only the worthy could advance.
Before any of them could react, an ancient, ethereal voice echoed through the arena.
"The path to true inheritance requires three individuals with sufficient attainment in physical cultivation. Now that the conditions have been met, the road shall open. Step forward… if you dare."
As the voice faded into the abyss, the ground before them shifted.
A long, winding road stretched into the darkness, leading toward an unknown destination.
The path was illuminated only by flickering torches that barely revealed its depth, hinting at the countless dangers ahead.
Lei, the senior brother of the Thunderclap Mountain Sect, turned his gaze toward Stela.
His eyes burned with desire and arrogance.
He had already known that she was inside this inheritance ground.
After all, the Sun Empire's forces had tried to prevent him from entering, and he had slaughtered them in his anger.
Now, his gaze lingered on her, not just because she was a princess, but because of the potential benefits.
If he could subjugate her here, right inside the inheritance ground, it would be a great humiliation for the Sun Empire.
Not to mention, if he obtained the inheritance and took her as his own, his prestige in the Thunderclap Mountain Sect would soar to new heights.
However, his excitement faltered when he turned his attention to the third person—Lester.
At first, Lei was about to dismiss him as another pest, but his clothing made him stop in his tracks.
Eclipse Shadow Sect.
Lei's expression darkened.
The Thunderclap Mountain Sect was a powerhouse, but the Eclipse Shadow Sect was not inferior.
In fact, they were notorious for their ruthlessness.
Killing one of their members wasn't as simple as eliminating a rival—if an Eclipse Shadow Sect disciple was killed, their elders would hunt down the perpetrator without hesitation, ignoring all martial ethics.
Lei knew this well, and he couldn't afford to make a reckless move.
Still, displeasure flickered across his face.
Lei didn't like having obstacles in his way.
He was supposed to be the dominant force in this inheritance ground, yet now, he had to be cautious because of some shadow cultivator? His hands clenched into fists.
Unlike Lei, who was filled with arrogant desire, Stela remained calm despite the oppressive atmosphere.
She was no fool—she had long understood Lei's nature.
The moment she saw him here, she already knew that the condition of her followers outside must be tragic.
Lei had most likely killed them in cold blood.
Still, she didn't let her emotions surface.
Instead, she observed the situation carefully.
On one side, there was Lei, a violent brute who only thought with his fists and desires.
On the other, there was Lester, a supposed Eclipse Shadow Sect disciple, someone who was shrouded in mystery.
"What is he thinking?" she wondered, glancing at Lester.
Unlike Lei, who was clearly displaying his hostility and desires, Lester remained amused by the entire situation.
He stood there, arms crossed, a faint smirk on his lips, as if he had already predicted everything that was happening.
His presence was unsettling.
The Eclipse Shadow Sect was known for their calculating and unpredictable nature.
Their disciples never showed their true emotions, never revealed their intentions.
They were like assassins, striking only when the time was right.
And this Lester… he was giving off the same elusive, unreadable aura.
Lester, in truth, wasn't worried at all.
He had already seen this scenario play out in his mind.
Even if he hadn't arrived, Alistair would have eventually entered the inheritance ground. And what would have happened?
Lei would lust after Stela, seeking to claim both her and the inheritance.
Alistair, despite being in the 3rd layer of Energy Accumulation Realm, would challenge Lei, who was in the 5th layer.
After a hard-fought battle, Alistair would miraculously triumph, saving Stela and earning her admiration.
Another princess from a rival empire would be impressed by Alistair Charisma.
A classic scenario of heroic triumph.
Lester chuckled inwardly.
How amusing.
But now, with his presence here, the script had changed.
Alistair wasn't here yet, and instead, he was the wildcard in this situation.
As he watched Lei and Stela, Lester made his decision.
Why should he follow the expected script?
He was already disguised as a member of the Eclipse Shadow Sect.
If he played his cards right, he could stir up chaos between the four-star sects while avoiding direct confrontation.
A dangerous smirk crossed his face.
He glanced at Lei, who was still sizing him up with suspicion, and then at Stela, who was carefully controlling her expressions.
The game had just begun.
The ancient voice returned once more, interrupting their thoughts.
"The path awaits. Those who seek the inheritance, step forward."
The air vibrated with power.
Lei gritted his teeth.
He would not allow this inheritance to slip from his grasp.
Even if he had to work alongside these two, he would find a way to claim it for himself.
Stela, maintaining her composure, took a deep breath.
She knew that this was just the beginning. Her goal was survival and strength.
Lester, still amused, simply took the first step onto the road.
As the three of them moved forward, the dark passage trembled, and the runes on the walls began to glow.
A trial awaited them—one that would test not only their strength, but their determination, strategy, and will to survive.
And for Lester, it was the perfect stage to disrupt the balance of power.
With a single, deliberate step, he plunged into the unknown.