Xian Zhen and his companions stood before the massive stone gate. Towering over them, it was carved with ancient symbols that pulsed with a faint golden glow. The air around it felt heavy, as if the gate itself was alive, watching them.
"This is it," Feng Yu said, her voice calm but tense. "The final trial of the Secret Realm."
Jiang Hu crossed his arms. "I don't see any monsters or illusions this time. Maybe we just walk through?"
Lei Shang shook his head. "It won't be that easy."
As if responding to their presence, the gate rumbled, and a deep voice echoed from within.
"Only the one who is ready to embrace his destiny may pass."
A brilliant light burst from the gate, and in an instant, Xian Zhen found himself alone. His companions had vanished. The surroundings were gone. He was standing in a vast, white void.
"Where is everyone?" he muttered, looking around.
A figure appeared before him—a man dressed in flowing robes, his face hidden behind a silver mask. His presence was overwhelming, like an ancient force that had existed for eternity.
"Who are you?" Xian asked cautiously.
The masked figure's voice was calm yet powerful. "I am the Keeper of Fate. You have walked the path of balance, but now, you must choose your future."
The space around them shifted. Suddenly, two visions unfolded before Xian's eyes.
In the first vision, he saw himself standing at the peak of the universe, his black and white energy radiating across countless worlds. He was an overlord, worshipped and feared, ruling with absolute power.
In the second vision, he stood among his companions, fighting side by side. He was strong, but not alone. Instead of ruling, he was protecting. Instead of being feared, he was trusted.
The Keeper of Fate's voice echoed. "Power… or unity? Dominion… or balance? You must decide."
Xian clenched his fists. The first path promised ultimate strength—no one would dare challenge him. The second path, however, felt different. It wasn't just about strength. It was about purpose.
He closed his eyes. He thought of Feng Yu, Lei Shang, Jiang Hu. The battles they had fought together. The struggles they had overcome.
When he opened his eyes, his decision was clear.
"I don't need to rule alone," Xian said firmly. "Strength without purpose is meaningless. My path is one of balance—of protecting, not just conquering."
The Keeper of Fate was silent for a moment. Then, he nodded. "You have chosen wisely."
The white void shattered, and suddenly, Xian was back in front of the gate. His companions stood beside him, as if nothing had happened.
Jiang Hu blinked. "What just happened?"
Xian smiled. "The final test."
The stone gate groaned and slowly opened, revealing a golden light beyond. The path forward was clear.
"Let's go," Xian said, stepping through.