The next day at the Ascension Hall, Zhang Xin and his teammates returned to hear the details of their first challenge. The host stood in the center of the hall, his stern expression making it clear that this task would be no easy feat.
"Welcome back," the host began. "Before you proceed with the competition, I am giving you and your team three choices. Choose one of the following places to undertake a task. If your team can return successfully and fulfill the objective, you will receive a monetary reward and increase your rank. The choices are as follows:
1. The Abyssal Forest: A dense jungle filled with venomous beasts and deadly traps. Your task is to retrieve the Heart of the Abyss, a rare gem hidden deep within the forest.
2. The Thunder Canyons: A dangerous region with constant lightning storms. Your task is to locate and bring back the Thunder Shard, a relic that absorbs lightning energy.
3. The Shadow Ruins: An ancient temple cursed with darkness and guarded by shadow creatures. Your task is to retrieve the Orb of Shadows, an artifact said to be the key to controlling shadow energy."
Zhang Xin considered the options carefully. "Host, what is our team's current rank?"
The host smirked. "Since your team is new, your rank is 50, the lowest among the participating teams."
The words didn't faze Zhang Xin. "And who else has chosen these tasks?"
The host's expression grew serious. "For the Shadow Ruins, four other teams have already chosen it. One of them holds an Iron Slip like your team. The other three are Copper Slip teams. If you defeat them in the field, you will not only complete the task but also earn a Copper Slip and increase your rank."
The team exchanged glances, and Zhang Xin turned to his teammates. "What do you all think?"
Xiaobo grinned. "Shadow Ruins sounds like a challenge. I'm in!"
Lian Hua nodded. "It's dangerous, but we've faced darkness before. We can do this."
Yuxin added, "The other teams might be stronger, but we need to test ourselves."
Mei Lan, Wei Luo, and Chen Bo agreed as well. Zhang Xin turned back to the host. "We choose the Shadow Ruins."
The host raised an eyebrow. "A bold choice. But be warned—the Shadow Ruins are perilous, and the teams you face are powerful. Prepare well. You will leave tomorrow morning with the other four teams."
Preparing for the Task
Back at the sect, the team gathered in the main courtyard to plan their strategy.
Zhang Xin addressed them. "This won't be easy. The Shadow Ruins are filled with darkness, and the other teams will likely try to hinder us. We need to be at our best."
Xiaobo stretched his arms. "What's the plan? Burn everything in sight?"
Lian Hua rolled her eyes. "As much as I enjoy your chaos, we need to be strategic. The Copper Slip teams will have more experience than us."
Chen Bo crossed his arms. "We'll need to focus on teamwork. If we get separated, it's over."
Mei Lan added, "I'll focus on healing and water manipulation. If we stay close, I can keep us strong."
Yuxin nodded. "I'll handle the defenses. The shadow creatures won't penetrate my barriers."
Wei Luo clenched his fists. "And I'll handle fortifying our positions. They won't push us back easily."
Zhang Xin smiled. "Good. Spend the rest of the day cultivating. Push your limits—we'll need every ounce of strength."
The team dispersed to their training spots. The Blade of Truth glowed as Zhang Xin meditated, drawing in light energy. Lian Hua practiced her petal techniques, increasing their speed and accuracy. Xiaobo's flames burned brighter as he pushed his Infernal Blaze to new heights. Yuxin formed intricate ice barriers, while Mei Lan practiced combining her Aqua Dance with defensive techniques. Wei Luo worked on earth spikes that could be used for both offense and defense. Chen Bo increased the speed and power of his lightning strikes.
By nightfall, the team gathered once more, their faces resolute.
Zhang Xin spoke firmly. "Tomorrow, we face the unknown. But no matter what happens, we fight as one."
The team nodded, their bond unshakable.
Boarding the Ship
The next morning, the team arrived at the docks, where a large ship awaited them. The other four teams were already there.
The first team, holding an Iron Slip, eyed them with curiosity but said nothing. The three Copper Slip teams, however, exuded confidence. One of their leaders, a tall man wielding a golden spear, smirked. "So, you're the new team. I hope you're ready to be humbled."
Zhang Xin met his gaze without flinching. "We'll see."
The host arrived, addressing all five teams. "The Shadow Ruins await. Remember, only those who complete the task and return successfully will be rewarded. Teams that fail to retrieve the Orb of Shadows or are defeated will lose their chance to rank up. Board the ship."
As the ship set sail, the air buzzed with tension. Zhang Xin's team stayed together, observing the others. Xiaobo whispered, "Those Copper Slip teams look strong. Especially the one with the guy and his spear."
Chen Bo smirked. "Doesn't matter. If they stand in our way, we'll take them down."
Zhang Xin spoke quietly. "Stay focused. The Shadow Ruins are our priority, but if we encounter them, we'll be ready."
After hours at sea, the ship finally docked near a dense, dark forest. The Shadow Ruins loomed in the distance, shrouded in an eerie mist.
The host addressed them one last time. "This is where your journey begins. Only the strong will prevail. May the best team win."
Zhang Xin gripped the Blade of Truth tightly as he and his teammates stepped off the ship. The adventure into the Shadow Ruins had begun.