Chapter 18 – Trial of Shadows
The dawn mist clung to the forest floor as Leon Jian, Mei Lin, and Kael prepared for their first test with the dark orb. The Celestial Jade's golden light intertwined with the orb's crimson pulses, creating an almost tangible tension in the air.
"This isn't just practice," Leon said, his eyes fixed on a clearing ahead. "We need to know exactly what this orb can do… before we face the sect again."
Mei Lin nodded. "Controlled aggression. Push the orb, but don't let it push you."
Kael readied his bow. "I'll create distractions. You two focus on synchronizing with the orb."
Leon held the orb at chest height, letting its dark energy swirl in response to the golden glow of the jade. Slowly, he extended his hands, projecting a wave of crimson energy into the clearing. The ground trembled as shadowy constructs began to form—figures created from pure dark energy, moving with startling precision.
"Targets," Leon murmured. "Let's see how far I can control this."
The constructs attacked, their movements erratic but formidable. Leon channeled the jade's energy to guide them, merging his intent with the orb's volatile power. Crimson and gold surged together, striking with accuracy, deflecting, and dissipating each construct in controlled bursts.
Mei Lin moved with him, deflecting stray constructs that slipped past Leon's control. Kael's arrows pierced the shadows, each shot enhancing Leon's focus. The trio moved as one, a dance of light and darkness, testing limits without losing control.
Suddenly, one construct evolved beyond Leon's initial guidance. Shadow tendrils lashed outward, lashing at him with speed he hadn't anticipated. The orb pulsed violently, threatening to overwhelm his control.
"Focus!" Mei Lin shouted. "Don't let it dominate you!"
Leon clenched the Celestial Jade, letting its golden warmth anchor him. With a surge of intent, he forced the construct back, dispersing the dark energy in a controlled detonation. Sweat ran down his face, but the orb stabilized once more, pulsating gently in response to his mastery.
Kael exhaled. "That… was close. The orb is powerful, but volatile. Any enemy that underestimates it will pay dearly."
Leon's gaze hardened. "This was only a test. Imagine facing Eldric or his elite enforcers with this power fully controlled. The sect won't know what hit them."
Mei Lin stepped beside him, her sword sheathing with a soft metallic click. "Then we continue training. We push its limits carefully—every day counts now."
Leon held the orb and the jade together, golden and crimson light intertwining. "We've taken another step forward. Eldric's world is about to change… and he won't see us coming."
The forest around them seemed to pulse in acknowledgment, shadows retreating slightly as Leon Jian stood in the center of the clearing—a cultivator reborn, stronger, and now wielding the dangerous, untamed power of the orb alongside the Celestial Jade.
The trial of shadows had begun—and Leon was ready to face whatever darkness awaited.