Part 1: A New Dawn of Power
The forest around Lin Tian had grown eerily silent after the battle with the Shadowfang Sentinel. The oppressive mist that once shrouded the trees seemed to retreat slightly, as if bowing to his newfound strength. With the Greater Spirit Core absorbed, his soul felt more stable, his senses sharper, and his body brimming with energy.
Yet, Lin Tian knew his journey was far from over. The system's tasks were unforgiving, and while he had survived this far, he had barely scratched the surface of the challenges to come.
"System," he called out, his voice calm but firm. "Explain the new ability, Shadowstep."
The familiar mechanical voice responded immediately.
"Shadowstep: A Tier-2 Soul Ability. The Host can momentarily blend into the shadows, moving at an accelerated speed and evading detection. Current duration: 3 seconds. Cooldown: 10 minutes. Warning: Excessive use will drain soul energy."
Lin Tian's lips curved into a slight smile. A movement-based ability was exactly what he needed to survive in this hostile world. "Three seconds might not seem like much, but in a fight, even a moment can make all the difference."
The system chimed again, displaying a new notification.
---
[Mission Update]
Objective Complete: Obtain the Spirit Core.
New Objective: Locate the Ancient Obelisk.
Time Remaining: 65 hours.
---
Lin Tian frowned as he read the update. "Ancient Obelisk? Is this going to be another trial?"
The system didn't respond, leaving him to decipher the meaning of the new objective. Shaking his head, he began walking toward the direction his instincts guided him. The Spirit Core's absorption had heightened his senses, and though he couldn't explain it, he felt a faint pull—a guiding force that seemed to call him forward.
---
The Forest's Secret Path
The terrain grew more treacherous as Lin Tian ventured deeper into the Wasteland. The towering trees became gnarled and twisted, their roots forming natural obstacles that forced him to move carefully. Every so often, he would hear faint rustlings in the underbrush, reminding him that predators still roamed the area.
As he pressed on, a soft glow caught his attention. He crouched low, creeping toward the source of the light. Peering through the foliage, he saw a small clearing where a shimmering pool of water lay undisturbed. The water emitted a faint blue light, and its surface rippled gently despite the absence of wind.
"System, what is this?" Lin Tian asked.
"Detected: Soul Spring. A natural phenomenon containing pure soul energy. Consumption will replenish the Host's energy reserves and may enhance soul strength. Warning: Rare resource—approach with caution."
Lin Tian's eyes narrowed. The Soul Spring was a treasure, no doubt about it, but the system's warning suggested that it wouldn't be so easily claimed. His instincts screamed at him to stay alert.
As he approached the spring, the ground suddenly quaked, and a deep, guttural roar echoed from the surrounding trees. From the shadows emerged another beast, this one even larger than the Shadowfang Sentinel. Its body was covered in a thick, stone-like hide, and its eyes glowed with a pale green light.
"Earthshard Behemoth detected. Estimated strength: Tier-2 Guardian."
Lin Tian's heart sank. A Tier-2 Guardian was leagues beyond anything he had faced so far. The Behemoth's sheer size and the way it moved with heavy, deliberate steps made it clear that this was no ordinary creature.
But the Soul Spring's energy was vital. Lin Tian could feel the strain on his body from the battles and the Spirit Core's absorption. If he wanted to stand a chance against whatever lay ahead, he needed the spring's power.
Taking a deep breath, he prepared for the fight of his life.
---
A Battle of Wits
The Earthshard Behemoth let out a thunderous roar, its massive body charging toward Lin Tian like an avalanche. The ground shook with each step, and the air seemed to vibrate with its presence.
Lin Tian activated Shadowstep, his body melting into the shadows as he darted to the side. The Behemoth's claws slammed into the spot where he had been standing, tearing through the earth with terrifying force.
Reappearing a few meters away, Lin Tian immediately launched a Spirit Pulse Strike, aiming for the Behemoth's head. The golden shockwave hit its mark, but the creature's stone-like hide absorbed most of the impact, leaving only a faint crack.
"It's too tough," Lin Tian muttered, his mind racing for a strategy.
The Behemoth turned toward him, its green eyes glowing with fury. It raised one massive claw and slammed it into the ground, sending a shockwave of earth and debris flying toward Lin Tian.
He leaped to the side, narrowly avoiding the attack. His eyes scanned the clearing, searching for any weaknesses in the Behemoth's movements. That's when he noticed it—a faint glow emanating from the cracks in its hide, centered around its chest.
"The core," Lin Tian realized. "That must be its weak spot."
But getting close enough to strike the core would be nearly impossible with the Behemoth's size and strength. He needed a way to immobilize it, even if only for a moment.
His gaze shifted to the Soul Spring. The pool's energy was immense, and he wondered if he could use it to amplify his abilities. "System, can I tap into the Soul Spring's power?"
"Direct consumption is recommended. However, the Host may also attempt to channel the spring's energy for temporary enhancement. Warning: This method is unstable and may result in backlash."
Lin Tian clenched his fists. Backlash or not, it was his only chance. He sprinted toward the Soul Spring, the Behemoth hot on his heels. As he reached the edge of the pool, he knelt and plunged his hands into the glowing water.
A surge of energy flooded his body, so intense that he cried out in pain. His veins burned as the raw power coursed through him, but he gritted his teeth and forced himself to stand.
The system's voice echoed in his mind.
"Host's abilities temporarily enhanced. Soul Energy: +30%. Warning: Overuse may destabilize soul."
Lin Tian turned to face the charging Behemoth, his body now radiating a golden light. He raised his hand, gathering the amplified energy into a single, concentrated pulse.
"Let's see if you can handle this!" he shouted, releasing the attack.
The Spirit Pulse Strike exploded from his palm, a beam of golden energy that struck the Behemoth's chest with incredible force. The creature roared in agony as the glow in its chest dimmed, its movements becoming sluggish.
Seizing the opportunity, Lin Tian activated Shadowstep, appearing directly in front of the Behemoth. With a primal yell, he drove the jagged branch he still carried into the glowing core.
The Behemoth let out one final roar before collapsing, its massive body disintegrating into black mist.
---
[Earthshard Behemoth defeated. Enhanced Soul Energy absorbed.]
Soul Energy: +25%
Soul Ability: Spirit Pulse Strike upgraded.
---
Lin Tian collapsed to his knees, his body trembling from exhaustion. The glow from the Soul Spring seemed to intensify, as if acknowledging his victory. He cupped his hands and drank deeply from the pool, feeling the pure energy rejuvenate him.
As he stood, the system chimed again.
"Objective updated: Proceed to the Ancient Obelisk."
Lin Tian turned his gaze toward the horizon, his resolve stronger than ever. The path ahead was uncertain, but he was determined to see it through.
---
Part 2: Trials of the Ancient Obelisk
Lin Tian wiped the sweat from his brow, still feeling the aftereffects of his battle with the Earthshard Behemoth. His body ached, but he could feel the energy of the Soul Spring revitalizing him, helping him recover faster than he would have expected. The golden light that had surrounded him when he absorbed the Spring's energy was now a faint aura, but it still lingered, an echo of the raw power coursing through him.
The system's prompt had already guided him toward his next objective—the Ancient Obelisk. His task was clear, but the weight of his situation pressed heavily on him.
"Ancient Obelisk," Lin Tian muttered to himself. "What kind of trial awaits me there?"
The voices that had once whispered in the back of his mind had fallen silent, but he could still feel their presence, an unseen force that seemed to guide his every step. The path ahead was shrouded in mystery, but Lin Tian knew he could not afford to waste any time.
---
The Path Forward
He set off once more, his feet moving steadily over the uneven terrain. The Wasteland of Forgotten Souls was vast, its landscape an ever-shifting maze of twisted trees, jagged rocks, and shadowy crevices. Every now and then, he would hear the sound of something large moving in the distance, but he had learned not to be distracted. There was too much at stake to let himself be lured into another battle he couldn't afford.
The further he went, the more the forest seemed to change. The dense trees began to thin, replaced by strange, glowing plants that pulsated with a soft light. It was as though the land itself was preparing for something. A chill ran down Lin Tian's spine as he realized that he was nearing the Obelisk.
His instincts kicked in, and he paused, crouching low to the ground. The air around him felt thick, charged with a strange energy. Lin Tian's senses were on high alert. Something was watching him.
"System, what's going on?"
"Unidentified entity detected. Estimated strength: Unknown. Recommend caution."
Lin Tian's heart skipped a beat. He wasn't alone, and whatever it was, it wasn't something he could easily defeat head-on. He drew the jagged branch from his side, the only weapon he had left, and moved cautiously forward.
The forest opened up into a wide, circular clearing. At the center, the Ancient Obelisk rose from the ground, towering and imposing, its surface covered in ancient runes that glowed faintly with a golden light. The Obelisk was surrounded by strange, swirling mists that seemed to distort the air around them. There was a presence here, one that felt both ancient and overwhelmingly powerful.
Lin Tian took a deep breath and stepped forward, but before he could reach the Obelisk, a powerful voice boomed from the depths of the mist.
"Who dares approach the Obelisk of Eternal Ascension?"
The voice was like thunder, vibrating through his very bones. Lin Tian stopped in his tracks, his pulse quickening. The voice was neither male nor female, neither human nor beast—it was something else entirely, a force of nature.
"I… I am Lin Tian, seeking the path to ascension," he called out, his voice steady despite the overwhelming pressure of the presence before him.
"To ascend, one must prove worthy," the voice rumbled. "The trial will test your strength, your resolve, and your very soul. Only those who succeed may claim the power of the Obelisk."
Before Lin Tian could react, the mist around the Obelisk began to swirl violently, and from within, shapes began to materialize. Dark, shadowy figures emerged from the mists, their forms indistinct but unmistakably threatening. They were the manifestation of the trial itself, entities that existed to challenge the very essence of those who sought to claim the Obelisk's power.
Lin Tian tightened his grip on the branch, his heart racing. He could feel the pressure of the trial closing in, the weight of his purpose intensifying with each passing moment.
---
The Trial Begins
The shadowy figures moved toward him with unnatural speed, their forms coalescing into solid, humanoid shapes. There were three of them, each clad in dark armor and wielding spectral weapons. Lin Tian's eyes narrowed. They weren't real, but they were still dangerous.
Without warning, one of the figures lunged at him, its sword flashing through the air. Lin Tian barely managed to raise his branch in time to block the blow, the force of the impact sending a shockwave through his body. He staggered back, struggling to keep his footing.
The second figure struck immediately after, its clawed hand sweeping toward Lin Tian's chest. He ducked just in time, but the razor-sharp claws scraped his shoulder, leaving a burning pain in their wake.
Lin Tian gritted his teeth, using the pain to fuel his focus. He couldn't afford to be overwhelmed. He had to fight smarter.
He activated Shadowstep, vanishing into the shadows just as the third figure swung its hammer-like weapon down toward him. The hammer struck the ground with a deafening boom, sending up a cloud of dust and debris.
From the shadows, Lin Tian launched another Spirit Pulse Strike, this time targeting the chest of the first figure. The pulse hit with a resounding crack, causing the figure to stagger back.
But the other two were already closing in. Lin Tian couldn't keep them all at bay for long.
"System, how do I win this trial?" he asked, his breath coming in ragged gasps.
"Trial parameters: Defeat the manifestations of doubt, fear, and despair. Their attacks represent the weaknesses in your soul. To succeed, you must confront your inner fears and stand firm."
Lin Tian's mind raced. Doubt, fear, and despair—those were the very things that had plagued him in his past life. But now, in this new world, he had to rise above them.
The first manifestation, representing doubt, was already recovering from the blow. Lin Tian's heart pounded as the figure turned toward him, its hollow eyes filled with malice.
He met its gaze, forcing himself to stand tall despite the fear gnawing at his insides. "I will not falter. I will not doubt."
In that moment, something inside him clicked. The golden light that had been faintly surrounding him flared brighter, and his spirit surged with power. The manifestation of doubt reached out to strike him again, but this time, Lin Tian was ready. He swung his branch with all his might, the force of the blow shattering the figure's dark form into nothingness.
The second figure, representing fear, charged at him with terrifying speed. Its spectral claws lashed out, but Lin Tian didn't back down. His body surged with newfound strength, and he met the creature's strike head-on, channeling his soul's energy into his own blows. He struck the fearsome figure with his enhanced Spirit Pulse Strike, and it shattered into mist.
The final manifestation, representing despair, loomed before him. It was the largest of the three, and its eyes glowed with an ancient sorrow.
Lin Tian took a deep breath. "I will not despair."
With a fierce roar, he charged forward, his body enveloped in golden light. He unleashed his most powerful Spirit Pulse Strike, striking the figure with a force that split the air. The manifestation of despair crumbled to dust.
---
The Trial Complete
As the last of the shadowy figures vanished, the mist around the Obelisk began to dissipate. The golden light that had surrounded Lin Tian intensified, bathing him in a radiant glow.
"Trial complete," the voice boomed, no longer threatening but filled with a strange sense of approval. "You have proven worthy. The power of the Obelisk is now yours."
Lin Tian stood tall, his heart pounding with exhilaration. He had faced his inner demons and overcome them. The Obelisk had granted him more than just power—it had granted him a deeper understanding of himself.
---
Part 3: The Awakening of the Ascendant
As the last of the mists dissolved, Lin Tian stood before the Ancient Obelisk, feeling a sense of accomplishment that he hadn't felt in years. The trials had been grueling, pushing him to his limits, but now the weight of the past seemed to lift from his shoulders. His heart beat steadily in his chest, and the energy that had surged through him during the trial had left an indelible mark on his very being. He was no longer the same man who had stumbled into this world—he had ascended to a new level of power, one that he had never imagined.
The Obelisk before him was no longer a mere relic of forgotten times—it had become a living, breathing entity, its runes glowing brighter as if acknowledging his success. The golden light that had enveloped him now seemed to converge toward the base of the Obelisk, and the air around him crackled with power. Lin Tian stepped forward cautiously, instinctively feeling that this moment was significant.
"You have proven worthy, Lin Tian," the voice from earlier echoed, no longer booming but calm and resonant, filled with a strange authority. "You have faced your fears, your doubts, and your despair. You have conquered them, and in doing so, you have awakened the true potential of your soul. The path of ascension is open to you, but it is not without cost."
Lin Tian paused, his brow furrowing. "What do you mean, cost?"
The voice responded, its tone somber. "To ascend, you must give up what is most precious to you. You must make a sacrifice to gain the power that will guide you toward your destiny. Are you prepared to make this sacrifice?"
The words sent a chill down Lin Tian's spine. He had come so far, overcome so much, but the idea of sacrificing something that was precious to him filled him with a deep sense of dread. What would he have to give up? His strength? His memories? Or something even more fundamental to who he was?
"I don't understand," Lin Tian replied, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "What kind of sacrifice are you talking about?"
For a long moment, there was silence. Then, the voice spoke again, its tone heavy with ancient wisdom. "You must give up the memories of your past life. The pain, the regrets, the experiences that have shaped you must be left behind. They are a burden to your soul and will hinder your progress on the path of ascension. You must choose: to carry the weight of your past or to step forward as a being of pure potential."
Lin Tian's heart wavered. The memories of his past life—his regrets, the pain of his failures, the bitterness of his untimely death—had been the very things that had driven him to this point. They had shaped his resolve, made him stronger. He could still remember the people he had loved, the battles he had fought, and the moments of triumph and loss. How could he simply give all of that up?
"Why must I sacrifice my memories?" Lin Tian asked, his voice low but filled with determination. "They are a part of me. How can I forget who I am?"
The voice responded gently, but there was an undeniable finality to its words. "The memories of your past life bind you to a world that no longer exists. They anchor you to a reality that is no longer your own. To ascend, you must embrace your new self, unburdened by the past. Only then can you unlock the true power that lies within you."
Lin Tian's mind raced. His memories, his identity—they were everything to him. But the power that the Obelisk promised was immense. It was the kind of power that could change the course of his destiny, elevate him beyond the limits of mortal existence. He knew deep down that if he chose to carry his memories, it would weigh him down, prevent him from fully embracing the path of ascension. But to erase them? Was he ready to lose everything that made him who he was?
As he stood in contemplation, a sudden surge of energy coursed through his body, as if the Obelisk itself was testing his resolve. The runes on its surface glowed brighter, and the golden light intensified. Lin Tian clenched his fists, feeling the warmth of the power that surrounded him. It was tempting, so tempting to accept the Obelisk's offer. But there was still something holding him back.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Lin Tian closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. "I choose to let go."
The words were spoken softly, but they carried a weight that reverberated through his very being. Lin Tian could feel the Obelisk's energy responding to his decision, wrapping around him like a cocoon of light.
The voice, now softer and more understanding, spoke once more. "Very well, Lin Tian. You have chosen the path of true ascension. The memories of your past life will fade, but know that the strength you have gained will remain within you. You will remember who you are, but the pain and regrets of your past will no longer hold you back. Your destiny lies before you."
---
The Transformation
As Lin Tian stood there, a wave of energy surged through him. His body trembled as if being reshaped, reforged by the very power of the Obelisk. He could feel the memories of his past life slipping away, fading like mist in the morning sun. The pain, the sorrow, the regret—all of it was dissolving, leaving only a sense of clarity and purpose.
For the first time in a long while, he felt free. The chains of his past had been broken, and in their place, a new sense of power and focus had emerged. He could still remember fragments—glimpses of his former life—but they no longer defined him.
The golden light that had enveloped him began to dissipate, leaving behind a man transformed. Lin Tian's eyes opened, and for the first time, he saw the world through unclouded vision. The weight of his past was gone, replaced by a sense of boundless potential.
"The path of ascension is yours to walk," the voice spoke one final time, its tone filled with approval. "Go forth, Lin Tian, and shape your destiny."
With the Obelisk's blessing, Lin Tian turned and walked away, his heart light and his spirit unburdened. The world before him stretched out like an endless horizon, filled with possibilities and challenges. But no matter what lay ahead, Lin Tian knew one thing for certain: He was ready.
---
The Path Ahead
As Lin Tian ventured into the unknown, the landscape of the Wasteland of Forgotten Souls began to shift once more. The oppressive air seemed to lighten, the twisted trees and dark skies giving way to a brighter, more hopeful atmosphere. The path that had once seemed so uncertain was now filled with clarity.
His next steps would not be easy. The road of ascension was fraught with dangers, and the trials that awaited him were beyond anything he had yet faced. But Lin Tian was no longer the man he once was. He was an Ascendant now, and nothing would stand in his way.
---
End of Chapter 2