The meditation hall of the Phoenix Sect stood in peaceful silence. Master Han, Zhao Lin, Liam, and Soren sat with legs crossed, deep in their daily cultivation practice. Their faces were serene, minds detached from worldly concerns as they absorbed spiritual energy.
Suddenly, a rumble disturbed their concentration. The ground trembled slightly beneath them. Master Han's eyes snapped open first, followed by the three seniors.
"What's that?" Soren asked, rising to his feet.
They moved toward the windows. Dark storm clouds had gathered above the back mountains, swirling in an unnatural pattern. Lightning crackled between the clouds, striking repeatedly at one specific point.
"That's..." Master Han narrowed his eyes, "the Heaven's Ordeal."
Zhao Lin stepped closer to the window. "Heaven's Ordeal? At this time of year?"
"Someone's attempting a breakthrough," Master Han explained. "The Heaven's Ordeal is nature's way of testing those who seek to advance their cultivation rapidly. If they survive, their progress will accelerate beyond normal means."
Liam studied the distant lightning strikes carefully. "From the position, whoever it is isn't from our sect. No disciples are permitted in that area."
Master Han nodded. "The world is vast, Liam. Many cultivators exist beyond our walls. There's no need to envy others' journeys." His voice took on a teaching tone. "Remember, it's only through your own cultivation that you'll understand the way. Power gained from shortcuts rarely lasts."
The three seniors bowed their heads. "Yes, Master Han."
Lightning flashed again, illuminating their faces momentarily. Master Han's expression shifted to something unreadable.
"I'll be out for a bit," he announced suddenly. "Get yourselves ready for the trip to the Void Realm in three days. The preparations must be perfect."
Before anyone could question him, Master Han's body dissolved into pure blue energy and streamed out through the window, heading toward the mountains.
Soren stretched his arms. "Well, I suppose that's the end of meditation for today."
"Let's go," Zhao Lin agreed. "We need to prepare our talismans for the Void Realm anyway."
The two seniors headed for the door but paused when they noticed Liam hadn't moved. He remained by the window, staring out with an unfocused gaze.
"Liam?" Zhao Lin called.
Liam didn't respond. In his mind, he saw Zane as he once was—eager to learn, always working harder than anyone else despite the obstacles. He remembered his smile when he mastered a difficult technique, how he never complained despite Soren's and others' treatment.
"Liam!" Zhao Lin called louder, snapping him back to reality.
Liam blinked. "What?"
"Aren't you coming?" Zhao Lin asked, studying his fellow senior carefully.
"No," Liam shook his head. "You two go ahead. I need to... check something."
Zhao Lin's eyes narrowed slightly. He seemed to sense something was wrong, but after a moment's hesitation, he simply nodded. "Don't be late for the strategy meeting later."
After Soren and Zhao Lin left, Liam turned back to the window, his thoughts still with Zane.
Meanwhile, at the back mountain of the Phoenix Sect, Zane Frost stood in the center of a scorched circle. His clothes were tattered, skin slightly burned, but his eyes blazed with power. Around him, lightning energy crackled and danced across his skin.
The dark clouds above began to disperse, signaling the end of the trial. Zane took a deep breath, feeling the new power coursing through his veins. His cultivation had advanced dramatically—he was now just half a step away from the golden core stage.
"The Spirit Meridian Technique is truly remarkable," he murmured to himself, flexing his fingers as energy sparked between them. "To rebuild my foundation and gather this much energy in just an hour..."
He raised his hand, pointing at a boulder nearby. A bolt of lightning shot from his fingertip, striking the rock. It exploded into fragments, scattering across the ground.
Zane smiled, satisfaction evident on his face. "In my previous life, I wasted years serving those who didn't deserve loyalty. This time..." his eyes hardened, "I'll use every resource for my growth alone. No more pleasing others."
He looked up at the sky, calculating. "The Void Realm opens in three days. The Soul Convergence Pill there will help me reach the golden realm." His lips curved into a determined smile. "And then, my revenge truly begins."
With that, he turned and disappeared into the forest, moving with newfound speed and grace.
Just seconds after his departure, a stream of blue energy materialized, forming into Master Han's figure. His face showed concern as he scanned the area, noting the blackened earth and shattered rocks.
"I'm too late," he muttered, kneeling to touch the ground. Traces of lightning spiritual energy still lingered, making the hairs on his arm stand on end. "This energy..." he gathered some between his fingers, examining it closely, "so pure, so potent. I've rarely seen its like in this world."
Master Han stood, looking in the direction Zane had departed, though he couldn't know it was him. "If the cultivator who produced this were to join Phoenix Sect, they would undoubtedly rise to greatness." His eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "Perhaps even surpass my own achievements someday."
He circled the area once more, gathering information, trying to determine who might have conducted the Heaven's Ordeal. Finding no definitive clues, he finally shook his head and transformed back into energy, streaming back toward the sect.
Back at the sect, Liam had left the meditation hall and now stood in a small garden, deep in thought. The events of recent days weighed heavily on him. Zane's expulsion troubled him more than he was willing to admit to the others.
"Was I wrong about him all this time?" he wondered aloud. "Or was I wrong about us?"
His thoughts were interrupted as Master Han reappeared, materializing from blue energy.
"Master Han," Liam bowed respectfully. "Did you find what you were looking for?"
Master Han's expression was unreadable. "I found traces, nothing more. Someone of considerable talent has been cultivating near our sect." He paused, studying Liam's face. "Your mind seems troubled, First Senior."
Liam hesitated. "Master, about Zane..."
"That matter is closed," Master Han's voice hardened. "He made his choice when he attacked Julian and rejected our mercy."
"But what if—"
"Enough," Master Han cut him off. "Focus on the Void Realm expedition. Julian needs the Soul Convergence Pill to advance his cultivation. That is our priority now."
Liam bowed again, knowing better than to push further. "Yes, Master."
As Master Han walked away, Liam looked once more toward the mountains where the Heaven's Ordeal had taken place. Something told him their paths hadn't yet diverged completely.