The morning sun gleamed over the jade peaks of the Inner Sect, scattering light across the polished courtyards. Birds sang their melodies, and a faint breeze carried the scent of incense and pine. But the atmosphere among the disciples was tense, thick with anticipation.
Today marked the beginning of the First Major Spirit Realm Expedition, a trial reserved for those with remarkable potential. Only the strongest and most capable disciples were allowed entry, and Li Tian's inclusion had already caused murmurs among the Inner Sect.
Preparing for the Expedition
Li Tian stood at the edge of the training grounds, adjusting his robes. The Devouring Core pulsed softly, resonating with the latent spiritual energy of the Inner Sect. He had trained relentlessly since the Combat Trials, refining the Core's absorption, mastering redirection of elemental energy, and learning to stabilize his body under extreme stress.
Han Xue appeared beside him, her silver braid catching the sunlight. "This expedition isn't like the Inner Sect trials," she said quietly. "There's no referee here. The Spirit Realm is alive, unpredictable. Many will fail. Some will never return."
Li Tian nodded, his eyes sharp. "I understand. I'm ready."
She smirked faintly. "Good. But remember… raw power alone won't suffice. You'll need strategy, observation, and restraint. The Realm tests everything."
Entering the Spirit Realm
The entrance to the Spirit Realm was a massive stone archway, etched with ancient runes that glowed faintly as disciples approached. Spiritual energy surged, thick and heavy, pressing against Li Tian's chest. He felt the Devouring Core pulse violently, as if sensing the power of the realm before him.
A sudden wind swept through the archway as he stepped in, and the world changed instantly. Mist curled around jagged stone pillars, glowing crystals hovered midair, and streams of elemental energy arced through the cavernous space.
Li Tian's eyes narrowed. This was no ordinary trial. The Spirit Realm was alive. Every movement, every pulse of energy, seemed to respond to his presence.
The First Challenge: Elemental Sentinels
Not far inside, massive statues rose from the ground, each infused with a different elemental spirit. Fire, water, wind, earth, and lightning—like the training arena, but far more powerful, and far more responsive.
The moment Li Tian approached, the statues animated. Fire erupted, water surged, wind howled, earth boulders hurled, lightning crackled. But this time, the attacks were adaptive—reacting to his movement, anticipating his absorption, testing him in ways no human opponent could.
Li Tian's Core pulsed. He focused, letting the Devouring Core absorb the energy, refine it, and release it in controlled bursts to destabilize the sentinels. Fire became heat that steamed harmlessly into the air. Water turned to mist. Wind spun into a gentle cyclone that knocked boulders aside. Lightning arced in soft blue arcs, redirected into the cavern walls.
Minutes passed. His arms ached, sweat dripped down his face, but he advanced steadily. The Core was alive, almost sentient, guiding him through the chaos.
A Deadly Encounter
Deeper inside the realm, Li Tian encountered his first living Spirit Beast: a massive, shadowy wolf with glowing crimson eyes. Its form flickered between solid and shadow, moving faster than the eye could follow.
It leapt toward him, claws aimed to pierce his chest. Li Tian did not dodge. Instead, he let the Devouring Core absorb part of the beast's energy, stabilizing the blow and converting it into a counterforce that sent the creature sprawling backward.
The wolf circled him, snarling, eyes glowing brighter. Li Tian realized it was testing him—not just for strength, but for intent, focus, and willpower.
He exhaled and focused his Core, letting it merge partially with the wolf's shadow energy. The beast froze, growling, then slowly backed away. Li Tian did not harm it; the Core had calmed and neutralized the threat, a sign of his growing mastery.
The Heart of the Realm
After hours of navigating traps, sentinels, and spirit beasts, Li Tian arrived at the central chamber, a vast cavern where a massive crystal hovered, pulsating with chaotic spiritual energy.
The Core reacted violently, almost rejecting the crystal's energy. Li Tian steadied his breathing. He remembered every lesson: restraint, precision, observation, and control.
He extended his hand. The Core pulsed, black energy intertwining with the crystal's chaos. Pain lanced through his chest, but he maintained composure, letting the Core absorb, refine, and integrate the energy.
A bright flash enveloped the chamber. When it faded, the crystal was stable, and Li Tian felt a profound shift within him. The Devouring Core now pulsed with a brilliant purple aura, a sign of its first major advancement.
A Shadow in the Depths
As he prepared to exit, a chilling presence brushed against his consciousness. Not a beast, not a trap—but a mortal intellect—someone else had entered the Spirit Realm, silent and observing.
Li Tian sensed hostility, a predator who knew of his Core. He could not see the figure clearly, but its aura radiated power beyond most Inner Sect disciples.
Han Xue's earlier words echoed in his mind: "Allies are rare, enemies are everywhere."
Li Tian's lips curved into a faint smile. "Then let them come. I'm ready."
Emergence and Reflection
Li Tian emerged from the Spirit Realm as night fell. The Inner Sect courtyard was bathed in moonlight, and his body thrummed with new energy. The Core's purple aura pulsed gently, a steady heartbeat of newfound strength.
Han Xue waited near the entrance, eyes sharp. "You survived… and grew stronger. Few mortals could endure the Realm itself."
Li Tian nodded, eyes scanning the shadows. Somewhere, an unseen adversary had noticed him. Danger was coming—but so was opportunity.
He clenched his fists. "This is only the beginning. The Devouring Core, the Spirit Realm… they've shown me what I can become. And nothing… nothing will stop me."
The mountains stretched endlessly before him, and beyond them, the heavens themselves waited.
The mortal without a spirit root was no longer just a boy. He was a rising force, a storm that even the heavens could not ignore.