The otherworldly expanse was both awe-inspiring and suffocating. Ye Tian stood on the grand platform, his breath steady despite the monstrous beast prowling before him. Its massive form of shadow and flame radiated an oppressive heat, the swirling sky above reflecting its chaotic nature.
Ye Tian's grip tightened, the Golden Sovereign Power crackling around him. Gravity distorted, bending the air as he exerted control over the battlefield.
"Let's see how strong you really are," Ye Tian muttered, his smirk unwavering.
The beast roared, lunging forward with claws that sliced through the air, leaving fiery trails in their wake. Ye Tian sidestepped, his movements sharp and calculated, and unleashed a surge of gravitational force that sent the beast skidding across the platform.
Before it could recover, he channeled the Flame of Nine Hells, crimson fire erupting in a wave that consumed the beast's left flank. Yet, the creature's shadowy form reconstituted, its flames burning brighter, almost as if mocking him.
"Regenerative properties," Ye Tian noted. "This won't be easy."
The battle escalated, each clash shaking the platform. The beast adapted with alarming speed, forcing Ye Tian to push his Golden Sovereign Power to its limits. Gravity condensed into a dense sphere, slamming into the creature with immense force, momentarily pinning it down.
"Submit," a voice echoed across the expanse.
Ye Tian's gaze snapped to the shadowy figure on the obsidian throne. Its presence grew heavier, as if testing his resolve.
"Submit?" Ye Tian sneered. "I don't kneel."
The figure chuckled, its voice filled with a strange mix of amusement and menace. "Then survive. Prove your worth to Dominion."
The beast roared again, its form expanding, flames raging as it charged anew. Ye Tian's smirk deepened, a cold light flickering in his eyes.
"Let's end this," he said, his Golden Sovereign Power surging in an explosive wave.
Lan Yue's Escape
Lan Yue's blade flickered in the dim light of the ancient temple, her strikes precise and unrelenting. The shattered remnants of the final guardian crumbled to the ground, their glowing eyes dimming as their energy dissipated. She sheathed her weapon, stepping toward the pedestal where the orb pulsed faintly with power.
Her fingers brushed against its surface, a surge of energy coursing through her as runes danced across the walls in response. The air vibrated with a deep, resonant hum, and a faint shimmer appeared at the far end of the chamber—a portal carved from raw Rift energy.
Lan Yue studied the portal, her expression turning serious. "A pathway to the next stage," she murmured, her hand tightening around the orb.
The voice from earlier echoed again, this time more distant, yet still filled with foreboding. "Tread carefully, for what lies ahead is not for the faint of heart."
She didn't hesitate. With a final glance at the chamber, Lan Yue stepped through the portal, her form consumed by a flash of golden light.
Zhou Lie and Jiang Hao Meet
Zhou Lie navigated the labyrinthine paths of the jungle, his sharp gaze scanning for threats. His grip tightened on the artifact in his hand, its intricate runes faintly glowing in the dim light. After hours of evading traps and battling sect disciples, he finally reached a clearing where an imposing stone gate loomed ahead, carved with ancient symbols.
Standing before it was Jiang Hao, his expression dark as he studied the gate. Beside him, a faint glow of runes marked a small pedestal holding a weathered orb fragment.
Jiang Hao turned at the sound of approaching footsteps, his hand instinctively gripping his weapon. His tense posture relaxed as he recognized Zhou Lie. "You're late," he said, though his voice carried a note of relief.
"I took the scenic route," Zhou Lie replied with a smirk, holding up his artifact. "But I found something that might be worth your wait."
Jiang Hao's gaze sharpened as he examined the artifact, its glowing patterns matching the symbols on the gate. "This... could be the key. I was just deciphering these inscriptions, but your piece might complete the puzzle."
Before they could proceed further, the sound of approaching footsteps drew their attention. Emerging from the jungle was a young woman with silver hair and piercing eyes—Yin Xue of the Silver Frost Sect. Her calm yet calculating demeanor was palpable as she took in the two men and the gate.
"I see I'm not the only one following the clues," Yin Xue remarked coolly, stepping closer. Her gaze fell on Zhou Lie's artifact, then to the fragment Jiang Hao held. "Interesting. Together, these might unlock the gate."
Jiang Hao frowned slightly, his guard raised. "And what brings a Silver Frost Sect disciple here?"
"Perhaps the same thing as you," Yin Xue replied. "I tracked the energy fluctuations from a Rift surge and ended up here."
Before tensions could rise further, a sudden tremor rippled through the ground. A deafening roar echoed in the distance, accompanied by a surge of fiery energy that illuminated the jungle canopy.
Zhou Lie's smirk faded, his expression turning serious. "That can only mean one thing."
"Ye Tian," Jiang Hao said grimly.
The three exchanged quick nods, a temporary truce forming as they turned toward the source of the commotion. Their strides were purposeful, their focus now on regrouping and deciphering the mysteries that awaited them.
Assembling the Groups
Lan Yue stepped out of the portal into an open glade, her sharp eyes instantly assessing her surroundings. Nearby, Zhou Lie, Jiang Hao, and Yin Xue arrived, each holding fragments of artifacts resonating faintly with the energy of the rift.
From the shadows emerged representatives of the Radiant Sun Pavilion and the Crimson Blade Alliance.
The Radiant Sun Pavilion's representative was a tall young man named Feng Jian, his golden robes radiating an aura of authority. His piercing gaze swept across the group, lingering briefly on Lan Yue.
The Crimson Blade Alliance's representative was a woman named Lian Ruo, her crimson armor glinting faintly under the light of the Rift. Her sharp features and confident smirk suggested she was no stranger to confrontation.
The group eyed one another warily, their alliances tentative at best.
"This is quite the gathering," Feng Jian said, his voice calm but edged with intrigue. "It seems the rift has drawn us all here for a reason."
Lan Yue stepped forward, her tone cool. "Reason or not, the rift won't wait. If we don't act now, the path ahead will close."
Lian Ruo crossed her arms, her smirk widening. "Then let's see who earns the right to advance."
Tensions hung heavy in the air as the group prepared to confront the trials that awaited them. The stakes had risen, and only the strongest would survive.