Three months had passed since Lin Feng's awakening. His body had grown stronger, and his control over spiritual energy had improved beyond what anyone had expected from a "waste." Yet, the world outside his solitary training ground remained merciless.
Today, the Azure Cloud Sect announced the annual Spirit Trial—a test designed to identify promising disciples worthy of higher cultivation privileges.
Disciples from all ranks gathered on the grand training field, their auras swirling, eyes filled with ambition. Lin Feng, still wearing simple robes, stepped forward. Though some recognized him as the former laughingstock, most only glanced at him with disdain.
A senior disciple sneered. "Lin Feng? What's the point of coming here? You'll fail before you even start."
Lin Feng said nothing. His eyes glinted with calm determination.
[Host, Spirit Trial detected. Recommended action: Observe, Analyze, Execute.]
The trial began. The first stage was a test of spiritual perception and agility. Participants had to navigate a labyrinth filled with traps and illusions, all fueled by spiritual energy.
At first, Lin Feng struggled. He dodged a collapsing stone platform at the last second, narrowly avoided a spear trap, and sensed the deceptive illusions that sought to disorient him. His palms ached, his legs shook, yet he pushed forward, relying on instinct and system guidance.
"Impossible! How is he still standing?" whispered a mid-level disciple, watching Lin Feng slip through a barrage of spiritual attacks.
Halfway through the trial, Lin Feng faced the final challenge: a spiritual beast guardian, a massive wolf-like creature with eyes that glowed like molten gold. Its presence alone radiated pressure that made weaker disciples stumble.
Lin Feng's heart pounded, but the system interface activated instantly:
[Beast Detected: Level 12 Spirit Guardian. Suggested Strategy: Exploit weaknesses, Enhance speed and strength.]
He clenched his fists, gathering his Primordial Qi. The warmth surged through his body, and he moved with lightning-fast reflexes. The beast lunged, its claws slashing the air. Lin Feng ducked, rolled, and struck the beast's flank with a concentrated Qi punch.
The wolf howled, more in surprise than pain. Lin Feng repeated his attacks, exploiting every opening. Within moments, the beast collapsed, its glowing eyes dimming.
The crowd erupted in shock. Lin Feng, the former "trash," had passed the trial with unmatched brilliance. Even senior disciples who had mocked him earlier bowed slightly in acknowledgment.
[Host, Trial Completed. Rewards Unlocked: +500 Spiritual Energy, Advanced Primordial Qi Technique. Quest Updated: Prove Yourself to the Sect.]
Lin Feng exhaled, sweat dripping from his brow, but his eyes shone brighter than ever. This was only the beginning. Many challenges awaited, and far stronger opponents lurked ahead.