Shadow Phoenix's Trial (5) – Bottleneck

Xiao Ming let out a long breath as his foot touched the stable core of the web. The pulsating threads beneath him hummed in response, resonating with the triumphant energy from his body. The oppressive spiritual aura that had weighed down on him during the trial eased slightly, though the sensation of lingering danger never fully faded.

At the center of the web, a platform of dense shadow materialized, solidifying beneath his feet as he stood tall, his Heavenly Flame Sword resting loosely in his grip.

The monstrous Shadow Spider, now lurking in the distance, clicked its mandibles in frustration but made no further moves. It was a clear sign that the trial had been successfully completed.

"Finally," Xiao Ming muttered under his breath, his voice tinged with both relief and exhaustion. His shoulders sagged slightly, but his grip on the sword remained firm.