Chapter 24: The Test

Master Jin decides that it's time for Ethan and Li Na to be tested on their cultivation progress. He leads them to a large arena, where many other cultivators have gathered to watch the spectacle.

Master Jin explains the rules of the test: Ethan and Li Na will each face a series of opponents, each one stronger than the last. If they can defeat all of their opponents, they will pass the test and move on to the next level of cultivation.

Ethan steps onto the arena first, feeling a mixture of nerves and excitement. His first opponent is a cultivator from the Nascent Soul Realm, several levels above Ethan's current level. Ethan focuses on his training and manages to hold his own, using his newly learned techniques to gain an advantage. With a final burst of energy, Ethan defeats his opponent and moves on to the next round.

Li Na steps onto the arena next, her eyes burning with determination. Her opponent is a formidable foe, a cultivator from the Immortal Ascension Realm. Li Na fights with all her might, her movements fluid and precise. Despite her opponent's superior strength, Li Na manages to outmaneuver him and emerge victorious.

Ethan's next opponent is even stronger, a cultivator from the Spirit Severing Realm. But Ethan is undaunted, his mind clear and his body strong. He channels his inner energy into a powerful attack, striking his opponent with a force that sends him flying.

Li Na's next opponent is from the same realm, and she fights with equal ferocity. She uses a combination of speed and strategy to gain an advantage, dodging her opponent's attacks and striking back with lightning-fast reflexes. In the end, she emerges victorious once again.

The final round is the most challenging yet. Ethan and Li Na face off against a pair of cultivators from the Eternal Life Realm, each one a formidable opponent in their own right. Ethan and Li Na fight together, their movements perfectly synchronized. With a combination of technique and sheer determination, they manage to defeat their opponents and pass the test.

Master Jin congratulates them on their victory and tells them that they have both passed with flying colors. He tells them that they are ready to move on to the next level of cultivation, but warns them that the challenges ahead will only become more difficult. Ethan and Li Na feel a surge of pride and determination, knowing that they have what it takes to overcome any obstacle in their path. Ethan and Li Na are fascinated by the bustling city and its unique culture. They explore the city, trying out new foods and meeting the locals. They soon discover a bustling marketplace, filled with exotic goods and rare treasures from all over the world.

As they wander through the market, they come across a booth selling powerful talismans and charms. The vendor, an elderly man with a kind face, greets them warmly and begins to explain the different talismans and their uses.

Ethan and Li Na are intrigued and ask the vendor to demonstrate the power of the talismans. The vendor obliges, pulling out a talisman that creates a protective shield around the user. Ethan and Li Na are impressed and decide to purchase a few talismans for themselves.

As they continue their journey through the city, they come across a group of street performers. The performers, dressed in colorful costumes, put on an impressive display of acrobatics and martial arts.

Ethan and Li Na watch in awe as the performers leap and flip through the air, their movements fluid and graceful. After the performance, they approach the performers and strike up a conversation.

The performers, impressed by Ethan and Li Na's knowledge of martial arts and cultivation, invite them to join their group. Ethan and Li Na agree, eager to learn from these skilled performers.

They spend the next few weeks training with the performers, honing their skills and learning new techniques. They also form a close bond with the performers, who become like family to them.

Eventually, Ethan and Li Na must bid farewell to their new friends and continue their journey. But they carry with them the memories of their time in the city, and the skills and knowledge they gained along the way.