The path up the mountain did not feel natural.
Stone steps carved into the cliff spiraled upward, but they were not worn by time or travel. Every edge remained perfectly sharp, as if the mountain had shaped itself rather than being carved.
Feng Xia walked ahead without hesitation.
Shunya followed a few steps behind, breathing slowly.
The system flickered occasionally now, weaker but more present than it had been during the first trial.
It felt cautious.
Observing.
They reached the next terrace after several minutes.
Unlike the lower platforms, this one was enclosed by towering pillars of pale stone. Strange symbols glowed faintly across their surfaces, forming complex patterns that shifted slightly when viewed from different angles.
At the center of the terrace stood a circular basin carved directly into the ground.
Inside the basin was not water.
It was light.
A pool of liquid silver light that moved like a slow heartbeat.
Shunya stopped.
"That looks suspicious."
