Chapter 4 – The First Trial
The cavern was silent except for the faint hum of the Celestial Jade. Leon's body still pulsed with energy, his senses sharpened to an almost supernatural level. Every sound, every movement, every flicker of light was magnified.
Master Kairos stood a few paces away, arms crossed, observing him with a calculating gaze.
"Your first trial is not against flesh or bone," the master said. "It is against the jade itself. Lose control, and it will destroy you."
Leon's eyes narrowed. "I'm ready."
With a flick of Kairos' hand, the cavern shifted. Shadows stretched and twisted, forming into hundreds of ethereal warriors—phantoms of past cultivators who had failed the jade's trial. They circled him, their weapons drawn, their faces void of mercy.
The air grew heavy. Leon could feel the weight of centuries of resentment and hatred pressing down on him. His grip on the jade tightened, and golden light erupted from the pendant, forming a protective aura around him.
The phantoms lunged.
Leon's body moved on instinct. His fists and feet struck with precision, each blow sending a shockwave through the cavern. Every strike seemed to split the very air itself. The phantoms shrieked and twisted but did not vanish—they were endless.
"You cannot rely on brute force alone!" Master Kairos shouted. "Focus! Listen to the jade!"
Leon closed his eyes, letting the jade's golden energy flow through him. He felt it guiding him, showing him angles, timing, and openings. He moved like a shadow, striking with deadly accuracy. The phantoms fell one by one, their screams echoing into the void.
But even as the last phantom collapsed, Leon staggered. His body burned, sweat pouring down his face, every muscle trembling. The jade's power was intoxicating, almost overwhelming.
"Good," Kairos said, his voice calm yet powerful. "You survived the trial. But this is only the beginning. The real world is far more dangerous than illusions. There will be enemies who seek the jade, who will not hesitate to kill you. Remember this feeling—of control, of mastery. It is what will keep you alive."
Leon clenched his fists, eyes blazing. "I understand. I won't fail again."
The golden glow of the Celestial Jade pulsed, as if acknowledging his vow. Leon knew that the path ahead would be treacherous, but his heart burned with determination. No betrayal, no enemy, no obstacle would stop him.
The reborn cultivator had taken his first real step toward vengeance—and the world would soon know his name.
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