Li Feng wiped the sweat from his forehead, his breathing still ragged from the battle with the wraiths. His entire body ached, but deep inside, a spark of pride flickered. He had survived.
Elder Mo studied him with an unreadable gaze before nodding. "You did well, but raw talent alone won't take you far."
Li Feng swallowed hard. "What's next?"
The old master turned and gestured toward a worn-out wooden door at the far end of the temple. "Beyond this door lies your second trial."
Li Feng hesitated before stepping forward. As he pushed open the creaking door, a gust of cold air rushed past him. He stepped through and immediately realized—
He was no longer inside the temple.
The scenery had changed. He stood at the base of a towering mountain, its peak obscured by swirling clouds. A narrow stone path wound its way up the treacherous slopes.
Elder Mo's voice echoed behind him.
"This is the Path of Endurance. A single step forward, and you may not return until you reach the peak."
Li Feng's eyes narrowed. "What's at the top?"
Elder Mo's lips curled into a slight smile. "That depends on whether you survive."
Without another word, the old master vanished.
Li Feng exhaled slowly. No choice but forward.
He placed his foot on the first stone step.
The moment he did, an invisible force crashed against him, pressing down with an overwhelming weight. His knees buckled, and he barely caught himself before falling.
Gravity… no, this is spiritual pressure!
He clenched his jaw and pushed forward.
Step by step.
Each movement felt like dragging boulders with his limbs. The air grew denser, his breath shallower. His body screamed in protest, but he refused to stop.
As he climbed, the mountain seemed to shift. The rocky path turned to shifting sands, then to deep snow, each step more punishing than the last.
Hours passed. His vision blurred. His limbs felt like lead.
Keep moving.
His mind drifted—memories flashed through his thoughts.
His parents… his old life… the moment he obtained the inheritance.
Why was he doing this?
What was waiting for him at the top?
The answer came to him, clear as day—
Power. Freedom. The ability to control his own destiny.
He gritted his teeth. No matter what, he would reach the peak.
Step. By. Step.
The sky darkened. His legs threatened to give out.
Then, as he took one final step—
The weight vanished.
Li Feng collapsed onto the ground, gasping for air. He had done it. He had reached the peak.
But as he lifted his head, his breath caught.
At the mountain's summit stood an ancient stone altar, glowing with golden light. Floating above it was a small, crystalline orb, pulsing with an unknown energy.
A voice rumbled from the heavens.
"The one who endures… shall claim the Starcore."
Li Feng's eyes widened.
The Starcore… the first key to unlocking the Eternal Star Legacy!
He reached out—but before his fingers could touch it, the ground trembled.
A deep growl echoed from the shadows.
From behind the altar, a massive beast emerged—a guardian.
Its fur was like steel, its eyes glowing like molten gold. It was unlike anything Li Feng had ever seen.
The trial wasn't over.
If he wanted the Starcore…
He had to fight for it.