As the massive stone gate groaned open, a chilling gust of wind howled from within. The air inside the ruins carried an oppressive, ancient aura, as if countless years of secrets had been sealed away within its depths.
Lin Xuan, Zhao Feng, and Xiao Ling stood at the threshold, their gazes locked onto the dark corridor beyond. The faint glow of ancient inscriptions flickered along the walls, illuminating the path just enough to hint at the unknown dangers lurking inside.
Zhao Feng clicked his tongue. "Well, this definitely doesn’t feel welcoming."
Xiao Ling tightened her grip on her sword. "Be careful. The Cloud Abyss Ruins are infamous for their deadly trials. Many disciples have entered, but few have returned."
Lin Xuan exhaled, steadying himself. He could still feel the residual warmth of the golden inheritance power coursing through his veins.
If this place truly holds ancient secrets, then I need to explore it fully. This might be my best chance to grow stronger.
Without another word, he stepped forward.
The moment he crossed the threshold, an invisible force washed over him.
His body tensed. It wasn’t just ordinary spiritual suppression—it was something far more intricate. A test.
"Wait—" Zhao Feng started, but it was too late.
The second Lin Xuan set foot inside, golden runes erupted from the floor beneath him, forming a shifting array that pulsed with ancient energy.
Boom!
A sudden force yanked him forward, and in an instant, he vanished from sight.
Zhao Feng and Xiao Ling’s eyes widened.
"What the—?! Lin Xuan!" Zhao Feng shouted, rushing forward.
But before he could reach the entrance, the same force activated, dragging both him and Xiao Ling into the depths of the ruins.
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THE TRIAL OF THE ABYSS
Lin Xuan’s vision blurred as he felt his body being pulled through space. He gritted his teeth, bracing himself for impact—
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And then, everything went silent.
When he regained his bearings, he found himself standing in an endless expanse of darkness, illuminated only by floating, flickering golden lanterns.
The air felt heavy, thick with a strange spiritual energy that made even breathing feel sluggish.
Lin Xuan instinctively reached out with his spiritual sense—but it was immediately blocked.
I can’t sense anything outside this place. This isn’t just a normal ruin…
A sudden voice echoed through the void.
"Welcome, chosen inheritor. Your trial begins now."
The moment those words were spoken, the golden lanterns flickered violently.
A low rumble spread through the darkness, and the space in front of him shifted—revealing a towering golden monument with inscriptions carved deep into its surface.
Before Lin Xuan could fully process what was happening, the inscriptions lit up, and from the shadows, a massive figure emerged.
It was humanoid, but its body was composed of swirling golden flames, and its eyes burned with an ethereal glow.
Its voice resonated like an ancient bell.
"You who have inherited the power, prove your worth!"
Without warning, the figure charged forward.
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LIN XUAN’S TRIAL BEGINS
Lin Xuan barely had time to react before a golden fist hurtled toward him, carrying an overwhelming force.
Boom!
He sidestepped just in time, the punch missing him by inches but creating a shockwave that cracked the ground beneath him.
Lin Xuan’s heart pounded.
This thing isn’t just a test… It’s an opponent at least at the Core Formation Realm!
The golden figure didn’t wait. It twisted its body, unleashing a sweeping kick that carried a wave of flame-infused force.
Lin Xuan raised his arms in defense—
Boom!
He was sent flying backward, skidding across the dark floor before regaining his balance.
His arms trembled from the impact.
Its strength is ridiculous… but it’s not invincible.
Taking a deep breath, Lin Xuan summoned his own power.
Golden runes flared to life around his body, forming a protective aura. He focused, channeling the inheritance power within him, and suddenly—
Something clicked.
A memory surfaced.
A technique—no, a battle art—etched into his very soul.
His eyes gleamed.
So this is what I received from the inheritance…
He took a step forward, his movements suddenly fluid and precise, as if he had practiced them a thousand times before.
The golden figure lunged again, its flaming fist descending like a meteor.
This time, Lin Xuan didn’t dodge.
He met the attack head-on.
Boom!
A radiant golden palm imprint formed mid-air as he executed his first move of the Heavenly Origin Battle Scripture—
"First Stance – Golden Tyrant Palm!"
The two attacks collided, shaking the entire space.
The impact sent both of them skidding back, but Lin Xuan could feel it—
The power of the inheritance was awakening.
He clenched his fists, golden energy swirling around him like a storm.
"This… is just the beginning."