The Celestial Haven had become a beacon of hope in the new realm, its crystal towers rising high against the backdrop of misty mountains that seemed to whisper secrets of ancient times. Lin Feng walked through the bustling streets, his Celestial Armor glowing softly under the kaleidoscope sky. The upward-flowing river sparkled nearby, its waters carrying petals from the glowing trees that lined the paths. People from the Azure Cloud Sect and other allied groups had settled here, building homes and markets that buzzed with life. Children laughed as they played, cultivators trained in open fields, and elders shared stories around fire pits that burned with Huo Yan's ethereal flames.
Lin Feng felt a deep sense of peace, but he knew it was fragile. The Eternal Harmony Crown on his head pulsed gently, reminding him of his role as guardian. Huo Yan joined him, her hand slipping into his. Her phoenix flames danced around her fingers, warm and comforting. "It's beautiful, isn't it?" she said, her voice soft. Zhao Kun trailed behind, munching on a fruit from one of the crystal trees. "Yeah, but I'm bored. When's the next fight?"
Lin Feng chuckled. "Soon enough, I think." The Guardian Spirit's voice echoed in his mind, a calm whisper: A new challenge approaches. The Higher Realms call. He shared this with his friends, and they nodded, ready as always.
That night, as the sky shifted to deep purples and blues, Liora appeared again. Her silver hair flowed like liquid starlight, and her armor shimmered. "Guardians," she greeted them. "The Higher Realms have watched your progress. But to truly join us, you must pass the Trials of Eternity—tests that will push your limits and reveal hidden truths."
Lin Feng's heart raced. "What kind of trials?" Liora explained: three stages, each in a different sub-realm. The first tested strength, the second wisdom, and the third unity. "Succeed, and you gain access to the Eternal Archives, knowledge beyond imagination. Fail, and the Haven risks instability."
The trio agreed without hesitation. Liora opened a portal, a swirling vortex of light, and they stepped through. The first sub-realm was a vast arena of stone and fire, with lava rivers snaking through the ground. Misty mountains loomed in the distance, their peaks hidden in clouds. A colossal beast awaited—a Fire Titan, its body made of molten rock, eyes blazing like suns.
"Strength trial begins," Liora announced, vanishing to watch.
The Titan roared, shaking the ground. Lin Feng summoned his Divine Echo, the trinity beast forming with a burst of energy. Its fire wings spread wide, wind tail whipping, void maw gaping. Huo Yan's ethereal flames merged with it, making the wings burn brighter, runes flaring on its feathers. Zhao's tempest qi fueled the tail, creating mini cyclones that spun with golden light.
The Titan charged, its fists slamming down like meteors. Lin Feng dodged with Ghost Step, his form blurring. The Divine Echo countered, its void maw biting into the Titan's arm, devouring chunks of molten rock. Essence flowed into Lin Feng: [Essence +50. Fire Resistance Boosted.] Huo Yan leaped high, her Cascade Technique raining flames that melted the Titan's defenses. Zhao's Cyclone pinned its legs, winds howling as they tore at the stone.
But the Titan was tough. It spewed lava, forcing them back. Lin Feng's Starlight Barrier rose, shielding them, but the heat cracked it. [HP 300/350. Burn Debuff.] Pain seared his skin, but he pushed on. "Combine attacks!" he shouted. Huo Yan's runes linked with Zhao's winds, creating a flaming tornado. Lin Feng added his devourer strike, the Divine Echo diving into the storm.
The combined power hit the Titan's core, cracking it. With a final roar, it shattered, essence exploding outward. [Trial One Complete. Essence +200. New Skill: Lava Forge.] Liora reappeared, nodding. "Well done. Strength is yours."
The portal shifted to the second sub-realm—a library of endless shelves, floating in a void filled with glowing orbs. Misty mountains appeared as illusions, their peaks holding riddles. "Wisdom trial," Liora said. "Solve the puzzles to unlock the path."
The first puzzle was a wall of runes. "What devours all yet creates anew?" it asked. Lin Feng thought, his Dao whispering answers. "Balance," he said. The wall opened. Huo Yan solved the next: a flame riddle about rebirth. Zhao tackled a wind puzzle about change. They worked together, sharing ideas, their unity shining.
Deeper in, a guardian spirit appeared—a wise old sage. "Answer my question: Why do you seek power?" Lin Feng replied honestly: "To protect my friends and build a better world." The sage smiled. "Wisdom is in your heart." [Trial Two Complete. Wisdom Insight +100.]
The third sub-realm was a misty mountain range, where unity was tested. They had to cross a bridge of illusions, facing their fears. Lin Feng saw his past—weak and alone—but Huo and Zhao pulled him through. Huo faced her betrothal chains, broken by their support. Zhao confronted his bully days, redeemed by friendship.
At the peak, a unity beast attacked, splitting into three. They fought as one, their qi linking perfectly. Lin Feng's devourer absorbed its energy, sealing the win. [Trial Three Complete. Unity Bond Strengthened.]
Liora congratulated them. "You've earned the Eternal Archives." Back at the Haven, they shared the knowledge—new techniques, history, and secrets. The realm grew stronger, but Lin Feng sensed more ahead. "This is just the beginning," he said, gazing at the misty mountains.