The great jade bells of the Ethereal Heaven Palace tolled, each strike reverberating across the sect like the heartbeat of the heavens. From every peak, waterfall, and celestial garden, disciples poured forth, gathering at the central trial plaza.
Above them loomed the Heavenly Trial Gates—a colossal arch of immortal stone engraved with ancient runes that shimmered like stars. Within its hollow frame, a veil of light pulsed softly, whispering of opportunity… and peril.
"Today begins the First Trial of the generation," declared a golden-robed elder, his voice rolling like thunder. "The chosen of this sect shall prove their spirit, their resolve, and their worth to stand among the pillars of our future. Beyond this gate lies not merely challenge, but destiny itself."
The crowd roared in answer, young geniuses straightening their backs, eyes alight with ambition.
At the front of the gathering stood our Protagonist. His eyes widened with both awe and determination as he gazed upon the radiant veil. So this is the path laid before me… the trial that every legend of the sect once endured.
Around him, whispers floated:
"That's him—the lotus-born child. They say his spirit is pure enough to shake heaven."
"Hmph, purity without strength is just fragility. We'll see if he can endure the trials."
"Still… there's something about his aura. It feels… incorruptible."
The Protagonist felt the weight of every stare, yet his heart remained steady. A lotus seemed to bloom faintly in his gaze, threads of light curling in his aura.
Elder Yun, the master of ceremonies, extended a hand, and the Trial Gate flared with celestial fire. The veil parted, revealing a swirling corridor of light that seemed to lead into another world.
"Step forth," the elder intoned. "The first trial is the Trial of Reflection. Within, you shall face no beast nor rival—but yourself. Conquer the shadows of your heart, and the gate shall open further. Fail, and you will never again stand as a disciple of Ethereal Heaven Palace."
Gasps rippled through the crowd. Some faces paled, others hardened with pride.
The Protagonist clenched his fists. To face my own heart… then I will walk unflinching. For if my path is to bring light, it must first shine upon my own shadows.
One by one, disciples began to step into the veil, vanishing into brilliance. When his turn came, he inhaled deeply, and a calm, almost childlike smile spread across his face.
"I'm ready," he whispered.
And with that, he stepped forward, swallowed whole by radiance.
Inside, silence greeted him. Then, rippling darkness unfurled, and a mirror rose from the void. His own reflection stepped forward—but its eyes were not his. They were cold, resentful, filled with doubt.
The mirror-self spoke in a voice like his own, yet twisted:
"Do you truly believe you can bring light? You are but a child sheltered by heaven's grace. When that grace shatters, what will remain of you?"
The Protagonist's heart clenched. Shadows coiled around him, memories of fear, loneliness, and longing whispering at his ears.
But then—softly, like a lotus blooming in dawn dew—he placed a hand over his heart.
"I am not perfect. I am not fearless. But every step I take is mine, and no shadow can smother it. Even if the heavens test me, I will not betray the light within."
The reflection sneered—and then cracked. Fragments of shadow burst outward, dissolving into sparks of lotus light. The mirror shattered.
The void trembled, and the gate's voice whispered:
"First trial, passed."
The Protagonist exhaled, sweat dampening his brow—but his eyes shone brighter than ever. Somewhere deep in the gate, the next path stirred awake.
Outside, the jade bells tolled once more. The elders watched with knowing gazes.
"This generation," one murmured, "may give rise to brilliance we have not seen in eons."
And within the veil, the Protagonist stepped forward into the next trial.