Volume 46 — The Trial of Insight
The distant glow from the heart of the Core Archives pulsed steadily, drawing Lin Feng and Caiyi closer. The energy was unlike anything they had encountered—calm, ancient, and yet brimming with latent power. This was no ordinary trial; it was the test of the fourth ancient secret.
Caiyi's voice trembled slightly. "Lin Feng… I feel it too. It's not attacking, but it's… watching. Like the palace itself is judging us."
Lin Feng's gaze hardened, petals of the First Bloom spinning around him in a radiant storm. "Exactly. This trial is about perception and alignment, not brute force. The palace will test our insight, intuition, and understanding. Any misstep… could have consequences."
Host, the Peach Spirit whispered, the fourth secret is the essence of the founders themselves. Shadows of doubt, illusions of failure, and complex energy patterns will challenge both mind and spirit. Only by harmonizing with the palace can you proceed.
As they advanced, the corridors shifted around them. Crystal walls formed intricate patterns, energy currents flowing in unpredictable directions. Shadows emerged—not as enemies, but as reflections of their thoughts, fears, and past failures. Each movement, each decision was monitored by the palace, and only perfect synchronization could advance them.
Caiyi drew her sword, though she knew physical strength alone wouldn't suffice. "Lin Feng… we need to trust the palace. Anticipate, observe, and respond. Don't fight it—understand it."
Lin Feng nodded, eyes closed for a moment. He let the energy of the palace flow through him, petals spinning in perfect harmony with every pulse of the surrounding currents. Each illusion dissolved before it could affect them, each shadowed reflection revealed its truth, and every energy pattern became a guide rather than a threat.
The chamber ahead brightened, revealing a massive crystalline sigil. Its glow was warm, ancient, and profound. Lin Feng's aura flared in resonance.
"This is it," he murmured, petals spinning faster, aura harmonizing perfectly with the palace. "The fourth ancient secret is within reach. But to claim it, we must understand it fully… not just seize it."
The Core Archives seemed to breathe, awaiting their next move. Lin Feng and Caiyi had entered the trial of insight—the test that would challenge their minds, spirits, and their bond with the Obsidian Root Palace.