Orion glanced around, his heart pounding. He could see his allies scattered, separated by a shimmering barrier that pulsed ominously. A sudden rush of wind heralded a ball of light hurtling towards him. *Whoosh* He barely managed to dodge it, the sheer speed of the projectile sending a shiver down his spine. He didn't want to find out what would happen if it struck him, but curiosity gnawed at him.
In the midst of his hesitation, a scream pierced the air. He turned just in time to see one of the mercenaries engulfed by the ball of light. *Boom* the mercenary exploded into a shower of luminous particles; his face etched with regret. The realization of the danger hit Orion like a ton of bricks. Determined to avoid the deadly spheres, he pushed forward with renewed urgency.
As Orion advanced, the balls of light accelerated, their speed increasing with every step he took. He observed his allies, their faces etched with grim determination. Despite their higher cultivation levels, they too struggled against the relentless onslaught. 'It seems the trial adapts to our cultivation levels,' Orion thought, his mind racing. 'Are there more trials ahead? What's the purpose of this trial?'
Hours slipped by, and the group finally reached the end. They collapsed, gasping for breath, their clothes drenched in sweat. A moment of respite followed as they swallowed energy pills, replenishing their dwindling reserves.
Linda's voice broke the silence. "Where are we? Why is there a massive mountain here?"
Brandon who hadn't time to register his surroundings looked up for the first time and saw a huge mountain a couple feet away from him. The mountain reached so high as if trying to pierce the heavens and was too big fit in the cave.
Brandon scrutinized the surroundings, his gaze narrowing. "It looks like the work of a formation. The creator of this inheritance must have been extraordinarily powerful."
"Let's climb it," he proposed, determination evident in his tone.
The ascent began, but an invisible force bore down on them, halting their progress. No matter how hard they tried, they couldn't move further. They wrapped themselves in inner energy, managing to advance a mere fifty steps before their energy reserves began depleting rapidly.
Orion, too, harnessed his inner energy but found himself faltering. Yet, his resolve remained unshaken. He pressed on, driven by sheer willpower. As he climbed, the pressure on him lessened, albeit slowly.
Noticing Orion's progress, the mercenaries redoubled their efforts. Brandon and Linda managed to take a few steps forward, but the others remained stuck. 'I understand now,' Orion mused. 'The previous trial tested our speed, and this one tests our will. What will the next trial challenge us with?'
Orion had developed a steely resolve after his mother's death, driven by the need to care for his sister and the constant scheming of his peers. The previous trial had taken hours; this one stretched over three grueling days. Finally, when they reached the summit, they were met with a shocking sight.
At the summit, perched like a crown atop the mountain, stood a palace that defied earthly craftsmanship—its presence almost divine, exuding an ancient and majestic aura. The structure was vast, nearly rivaling a mansion in size, yet it felt more like a temple built to house secrets forgotten by time. The marble walls shimmered faintly, imbued with a power that seemed to breathe life into the stone.
At the palace's entrance, two imposing statues stood sentinel. They resembled beings from another world, with blue skin that gleamed like polished sapphire under the sun, a thin, sharp horn spiraling from their heads, and bodies sculpted like warriors born for battle. Their eyes, though carved from stone, seemed to watch with a silent, eternal vigilance.
'What creatures are these?' The question burned in the minds of the cultivators, though no one voiced it aloud. The awe of the place, combined with the statues' unnatural presence, weighed on them. Was this a blessing or a warning?
They approached the palace cautiously, each step echoing in the unnerving silence. The mountain air seemed to grow heavier, as though the palace itself was watching their every move. Their breaths quickened, the tension between them palpable as they crossed the threshold.
Just as they neared the massive gate, an invisible force slammed into them, stopping them dead in their tracks. Some staggered back, eyes wide in disbelief. A barrier. No, a formation—one of immense power. Its faint glow shimmered in the air, giving off an oppressive aura that sent shivers down their spines.
The cultivators exchanged uneasy glances, irritation quickly replacing their awe. Another obstacle. Another trial. The frustration was almost tangible now, especially after everything they'd endured.
Without hesitation, they began to unleash their most powerful techniques, hoping brute force would be enough to break through.
Bang!
Boom!
Clang!
Fireballs, shockwaves, and weapons of spiritual energy collided with the barrier in a furious onslaught. The ground trembled beneath their efforts; the air filled with the roar of their attacks. But the formation held firm, unyielding. Not a single crack appeared.
Minutes turned into hours as their relentless strikes continued, but still, the formation stood, as if mocking their attempts.
'As if mere cultivators in the body refining realm could break this,' Orion thought, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. 'The sheer number of resources needed to construct these trials… whoever built this palace is no ordinary cultivator. Their wealth, knowledge, and power are beyond anything these fools can comprehend.'
While the others continued their futile efforts, Orion had remained still, his sharp eyes analyzing the formation rather than wasting his strength on it. Sweat dripped from the others' brows, their breathing labored, yet Orion's expression remained calm, calculating.
It didn't take long for the others to notice.
Brandon, panting heavily and his frustration mounting, turned toward him. "Orion, do you have a way to break this formation?" he asked, his voice strained but carrying a tinge of hope. He knew Orion's talents were the only reason they had made it this far. Without his knowledge, they would have never gotten to chance to enter this ruin.
Orion's eyes flickered over the glowing lines of the barrier, his lips moving slightly as though deciphering a puzzle only he could see. His voice was barely above a whisper when he finally spoke, but it cut through the silence like a blade.
"When the time comes,
we step out of the shade,
aflame and unafraid," Orion murmured, his gaze distant.
Brandon frowned. "What are you talking about?" he pressed, glancing at the others, who had paused their attacks, clearly confused.
Orion smiled faintly, his eyes narrowing as he traced the formation's intricate patterns. "This isn't a barrier meant to be broken by brute strength. It's a test—a trial. We've been attacking the outer shell, but the true core lies beneath it. If we strike too soon, we'll only strengthen it. But when the time is right, the formation will weaken, and we'll have one chance to strike where it matters."
The cultivators shared uncertain glances, doubt flickering in their eyes. But what choice did they have? Orion's brilliance had led them through impossible challenges before. His confidence in deciphering ancient formations was unmatched, and this time, they had no alternative but to trust him once again.
Orion turned his back on the group, stepping forward. His fingers traced invisible lines in the air, outlining the hidden mechanisms behind the formation. "Prepare yourselves," he warned, his voice steady. "When the formation begins to crack, we'll strike with everything we have. Miss this chance, and we'll be trapped here forever."
The air grew still as anticipation tightened its grip on them. The seconds dragged on, and all they could do was wait—wait for that crucial moment when the barrier would reveal its weakness. And when it did, their fates would be sealed, one way or another.