After emerging from the Illusion Labyrinth, the remaining cultivators found themselves standing atop a wide, circular platform suspended high in the sky. Below them, there was nothing but clouds and arcs of golden lightning flashing like celestial serpents.
Elder Wu stepped forward, his voice echoing through the vast space,
"The next trial is called the Sky Trial of Fate."
A hush fell over the crowd.
> "This trial is no longer about illusions or endurance. It's about battle. One-on-one duels. No rules. Only strength and survival."
---
Only 99 Cultivators Remain
From the thousands who entered the first trial, only 99 cultivators stood here now. Each of them had faced their inner demons and survived the illusion trial. But this time, there would be no tricks of the mind—only the clash of fists, techniques, and raw power.
In the center of the floating platform, glowing runes formed a massive celestial arena. Lightning danced above, sensing the battles that were about to begin.
---
Feng Chan's First Duel
Feng Chan's opponent was Lei Yun, a lightning affinity cultivator from the Eastern Empire. Arrogant and proud, Lei Yun twirled his spear with a smirk.
> "So, you're the dark horse everyone's talking about? I'll defeat you in one move."
Feng Chan remained silent, calm. He had no need to boast. His eyes, however, carried a weight—of pain, of struggle, of unwavering resolve.
> "Talkers often fall first," he replied calmly.
The signal flashed. The match began.
---
Battle Unleashed
Lei Yun charged like thunder, his spear glowing with electric arcs. His speed was blinding—most cultivators couldn't even follow his movements.
But Feng Chan had already moved.
He activated his Azure Shadow Steps, and vanished in an afterimage.
Lei Yun was caught off-guard.
> "Where—?"
Feng Chan reappeared behind him, palm glowing with condensed spirit energy.
> Heaven Piercing Palm!
The strike cracked Lei Yun's lightning shield and sent him flying across the arena.
The match ended in under 20 seconds.
> "Winner – Feng Chan!" Elder Wu announced, surprised by the efficiency.
The other cultivators stared in disbelief.
---
Ying Yue Observes Silently
In the shadows of the platform, Ying Yue watched.
She said nothing. But a subtle smirk appeared on her lips.
> "Six months ago, he was struggling to gather qi. Now he's defeating peak-stage cultivators in seconds."
Still, her eyes reflected internal conflict—between admiration and lingering resentment.
---
Other Fierce Battles
As the duels continued, a variety of rare techniques were displayed—Earth Dragon Fists, Blood Flame Arrows, and even Beast Soul Summons.
The trial was a spectacle of talent from all across the continent.
Feng Chan, meanwhile, quietly observed every battle. His Divine Comprehension absorbed every movement, technique, and flaw.
---
An Unexpected Challenger
Just as the first round seemed to be ending, a mysterious figure entered the arena. He was not on the participant list.
Dressed in a dark cloak, his face was hidden, and his presence carried an eerie silence.
> "Who is he?" someone whispered.
Before anyone could react, the figure stepped into the arena and pointed directly at Feng Chan.
> "I challenge... him."
Elder Wu hesitated but allowed it. The aura from the cloaked man wasn't ordinary—it was ancient.
Feng Chan stepped forward.
> "Who are you?"
> "A message from the past. And a test for your future," the figure replied cryptically.
---
Shadow Clash
The mysterious cultivator used Shadow Blood Devourer Art—a forbidden technique that merged shadow movement with life force absorption.
He struck from the darkness, appearing and disappearing like smoke.
But Feng Chan activated his secret ability—
> Heavenly Eyes – 1st Layer: Insight Vision.
Time slowed.
He could see the faint energy trails of every move. Shadow or not, nothing escaped his eyes.
> "I can see your shadow… and your fear."
Feng Chan struck back with Void Severing Impact, a palm that shattered energy constructs.
BOOM!
The cloaked man coughed blood and vanished mid-air, disintegrating into black mist.
Was he an illusion? Or something more?
---
Aftermath and Questions
Elder Wu raised his hand again.
> "The Top 50 have been selected. You will now proceed to the Divine Ascension Pool."
The cultivators cheered—but Feng Chan sat silently at the edge of the platform that night, reflecting.
A spiritual note suddenly appeared in his hand—sent by his master.
> "Be wary, my disciple. Not everything in the sect is as it seems. Trust no one blindly."
Feng Chan looked up at the stars, his mind filled with questions.
Who was that cloaked challenger?
Why did his techniques feel… familiar?
And what did the word "test for your future" mean?