Chapter 17: The Survival Trial
The arena transformed into a qi-constructed forest, its misty depths alive with the hum of 9th Layer Qi Gathering constructs. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and qi. Lin Xuan and Liu Yue stepped in, their Celestial Unity Crests pulsing in sync.
The survival challenge began with a roar. A qi bear lunged from the mist. "Abyssal Lotus Step!" Lin Xuan called, his body gliding with mixed martial arts footwork, dodging the swipe with a dancer's grace. Celestial Wrath Elbow followed, shattering the bear's arm. A serpent with glowing eyes slithered forward.
Liu Yue moved in tandem, her shield rising to block the serpent's strike. Her qi blade sliced its neck—a technique from the Human Emperor's Records flowing with a surprising grace. Another construct emerged—a wolf with jagged qi fangs—and Lin Xuan met it head-on. Abyssal Lotus Step carried him aside, and Celestial Wrath Elbow crushed its skull. Liu Yue's shield absorbed a retaliatory strike, and her qi blade finished the beast. The forest fell silent.
The Veilmoon Sect elders, led by Elder Bai Yun with her 5th Layer Qi Transformation aura, watched. Lin Xuan and Liu Yue stood victorious, their breaths heavy, but their spirits high.
That night, the silver-blue flame cast dancing shadows across the courtyard. Lin Xuan refined a pill while practicing Abyssal Lotus Step. Liu Yue sat nearby. "Senior Brother, we were unstoppable today! It felt like we've fought like that before."
Her trust warmed him, deepening the ache in his chest. He smiled faintly. "Your qi blade was flawless, Junior Sister. Keep pushing—we'll need that strength against the Hei Clan."