The Nexus gate loomed before them, its towering stone adorned with glowing runes that pulsed in rhythm with Li Feng's mark. Yan Wei's grip on her blade tightened, her eyes scanning the ominous landscape beyond the gate.

"This isn't just a door," she said, her voice low. "It's a threshold. Crossing it isn't about strength—it's about proving you're worthy."

Li Feng nodded, though unease prickled at his spine. The air was heavy with energy, and the mark on his palm pulsed faster as if it recognized what lay ahead. He stepped forward, the runes on the gate flaring to life at his approach.

A deep, resonant voice echoed through the clearing. "Those who seek the Nexus must prove their resolve. Step forward and face the Gatekeeper."

The ground trembled, and a figure emerged from the gate—a humanoid form made entirely of light and shadow, its features indistinct yet imposing. The energy radiating from it pressed down on Li Feng and Yan Wei like a physical weight.

"You must face me together," the Gatekeeper said. "Only unity will grant you passage."

The Gatekeeper didn't wait for an answer. Its arms morphed into blades of pure light, and it surged forward with blinding speed. Yan Wei met the attack head-on, her sword clashing against the Gatekeeper's in a burst of sparks. Li Feng followed closely, his staff glowing as he channeled qi into a defensive strike.

The Gatekeeper was relentless, its movements fluid and unpredictable. Each swing of its blade seemed to anticipate their actions, forcing Li Feng and Yan Wei to work in perfect harmony. Yan Wei's strikes were precise, creating openings for Li Feng to exploit, while his defensive maneuvers protected her from counterattacks.

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

"Don't lose focus!" Yan Wei shouted, parrying a blow aimed at her side. "This thing learns from our moves. We need to adapt."

Li Feng nodded, his mind racing. He remembered Yan Wei's teachings: strength wasn't enough—he needed control. He adjusted his stance, watching the Gatekeeper's movements closely. When it lunged at Yan Wei, he stepped in with a calculated strike, forcing it to retreat.

For a moment, it seemed like they had the upper hand. But the Gatekeeper's form shimmered, splitting into two identical figures. Both surged forward, their attacks synchronized in a deadly dance.

"Of course it splits," Yan Wei muttered, her blade spinning to deflect a strike. "Feng, focus on the left one. We take them out one at a time."

Li Feng obeyed, channeling his qi into his staff. He dodged the Gatekeeper's strikes, each movement fueled by instinct and precision. When an opening appeared, he struck with all his might, his staff connecting with the Gatekeeper's core. It let out a resonant cry, its form flickering before dissolving into light.

Yan Wei finished the second Gatekeeper with a series of precise strikes, her blade cutting through its defenses like water. As it dissolved, the air around them grew still.

"You have passed the first trial," the Gatekeeper's voice echoed, though its form was gone. "But the path ahead will break one of you. Proceed if you dare."

Li Feng collapsed to his knees, his chest heaving. The mark on his palm pulsed faintly, its energy dimmed but steady.

"We did it," he said, his voice filled with equal parts relief and exhaustion.

Yan Wei extended a hand, pulling him to his feet. "Barely. That thing was testing more than our strength—it wanted to see if we could trust each other."

Li Feng nodded, his gaze drifting to the gate. "What do you think it meant? That the path ahead will break one of us?"

Yan Wei's expression hardened. "It doesn't matter. We've come this far—we're not turning back."

With that, they stepped through the gate, the runes flaring one final time before fading into darkness.