The days turned into weeks as Li Wei continued his training in the hidden valley. Under the watchful eye of Elder Bai and the ever-energetic Xiao Mei, he made steady progress. His body grew stronger, his Qi more refined, and his understanding of cultivation deepened. But there was still so much to learn.
One evening, as the sun dipped below the cliffs, casting long shadows across the valley, Elder Bai called Li Wei to the Circle of Ascension. The ancient stone pillars glowed faintly in the twilight, their runes pulsating with a mysterious energy.
"You've done well so far," Elder Bai said, his voice calm but stern. "But the true test begins now. The Circle of Ascension is not just a training ground—it's a gateway to deeper truths. If you can unlock its secrets, you'll gain access to powers beyond your imagination."
Li Wei nodded, his heart pounding with anticipation. "What do I need to do?"
Elder Bai gestured to the center of the circle. "Step inside and focus your Qi. The circle will guide you."
Li Wei stepped into the circle, feeling the familiar surge of energy as the runes began to glow brighter. This time, however, the experience was different. Instead of facing illusions of enemies, he found himself standing in a vast, empty void. The air was thick with an oppressive silence, and the only light came from a faint, distant glow.
"Where am I?" Li Wei whispered, his voice echoing in the emptiness.
Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows. It was a man, tall and imposing, with eyes that burned like embers. Li Wei's breath caught in his throat—it was Zhao Tian, his past self.
"You've come far, but you're still weak," the figure said, his voice cold and mocking. "Do you really think you can reclaim your former glory? Do you think you can defeat those who betrayed you?"
Li Wei clenched his fists, his heart racing. "I am you. I have your memories, your knowledge. I will succeed where you failed."
The figure laughed, a sound that sent shivers down Li Wei's spine. "We'll see."
Without warning, the figure attacked, moving with a speed and precision that Li Wei could barely comprehend. The battle was fierce, each blow shaking the very fabric of the void. Li Wei fought with everything he had, but he was no match for his past self.
Just as he was about to collapse, a voice echoed in his mind. "Remember who you are. You are not just Zhao Tian—you are Li Wei. And together, you are stronger than you ever were."
Li Wei's eyes snapped open, and he found himself back in the Circle of Ascension. The runes were glowing brighter than ever, and he could feel a surge of power coursing through his body. He had passed the trial.
Elder Bai nodded approvingly. "You've unlocked the first layer of the circle's power. But there is still much to learn."
Xiao Mei ran over, her eyes wide with excitement. "That was amazing! I've never seen anyone pass the trial so quickly."
Li Wei smiled weakly, still catching his breath. "Thanks. But I couldn't have done it without your help."
As Li Wei rested by the lake that night, he couldn't help but think about the trial. The figure he had faced—his past self—had been a reminder of the power he had once wielded. But it had also been a reminder of the mistakes he had made.
"I won't repeat those mistakes," Li Wei whispered to himself. "This time, I'll do things differently."
The next morning, Xiao Mei found Li Wei practicing his cultivation by the lake. She watched him for a moment, then called out, "You know, if you keep making that face, it might get stuck like that."
Li Wei turned to her, confused. "What face?"
Xiao Mei grinned. "The one you make when you're concentrating really hard. You look like you're trying to solve the mysteries of the universe."
Li Wei laughed, shaking his head. "Well, maybe I am."
Li Wei had passed the first trial of the Circle of Ascension, but he knew that his journey was far from over. With the guidance of Elder Bai and the support of Xiao Mei, he was slowly but surely unlocking the secrets of his past and the power within him. But as he delved deeper into the mysteries of the valley, he couldn't shake the feeling that greater challenges lay ahead.