Li Wuyi spoke in a grave tone that matched the severity on his face, while Li Yan listened with a racing heart and trembling spirit. Although the thought of death was daunting, nothing was more terrifying than watching an enormous, deathly scythe—the very blade of a grim reaper—slowly descend toward you, inch by relentless inch, until it threatened to envelope you entirely. It was that creeping inevitability that could drive any sane person to the brink of madness.
"Just as I explained earlier," Li Wuyi began, "among the thirty-seven cultivators who have been gathered, there must be at least one whose cultivation level exceeds that of the others by an entire major realm. The reason for this requirement goes back to an ancient phenomenon: on the surface of the mystical sphere, before twenty channels are fully opened, numerous small, blue, diamond-like crystals begin to emerge. These crystals, entirely transparent in appearance, house within their cores a number of vividly colored spherical entities. Naturally, each team's high-level cultivator is designated to claim these blue diamond crystals. Now, if any one channel were to have two high-level cultivators present at the same time, then the trial known as the "Life-and-Death Cycle" simply cannot be activated. Similarly, if all thirty-seven cultivators belong to the same rank, the trial will likewise not begin."
He continued with the explanation. "The primary function of that higher-ranked cultivator is crucial. When two separate paths or routes intersect in the sphere, the two high-level cultivators on the respective intersecting tracks must each stand at the very end of their own path. Their role then is to activate the blue diamond crystals—by continuously pouring in spiritual energy without pause—in unison. This synchronized activation has the extraordinary effect of slowing the rapid advance of the overwhelming, ominous shadow by approximately one-fifth, buying precious time for survival. However, let it be known that if either of these two elite cultivators decides to turn on his teammate and strikes the lower-grade cultivators, then even if their counterpart were to open the blue diamond crystal, the slowing of the shadow's pace would be nullified. In the end, such jealous or treacherous actions would guarantee that both sides suffer a fatal blow, leaving both in ruins."
Taking in every word, Li Yan's brows knit together in deep thought. In his mind, the ancient methods of cultivation practiced in this mysterious realm were profoundly treacherous. Yet, he couldn't help but acknowledge that only through such cruel and perilous trials could one hope to forge an existence strong enough to stand against the fate of universal annihilation. And then, as if struck by sudden inspiration, Li Yan raised a pointed question.
"Senior Brother," he inquired hesitantly, "if these twenty channels are not solely meant for the four major sects, then who is intended to occupy the remaining sixteen channels? Would it be the smaller, subordinate cultivator sects present on the mainland—or perhaps even the demonic beasts within this secret realm?"
Li Wuyi's eyes glittered with a measure of approval at the incisiveness of Li Yan's question. Clearly, he recognized within this query the very kernel of the matter. Li Yan's question carried with it an underlying supposition: If these twenty channels were the exclusive domain of the four major sects, meaning that each sect should be assigned five channels apiece, how then are they to avoid clashing with one another, inevitably leading to internecine strife? No one, provided they possess even a modicum of reason, would have the desire to witness their own kin tearing each other apart.
With a faint smile of satisfaction at his attentive junior, Li Wuyi replied, "You hit the nail on the head, little brother. In fact, the twenty channels are not solely meant for the small sects—even though some of them, even those under our own banner, are subordinate immortal sects—but rather, they are reserved for special circumstances. The channels, as allocated, are organized as follows: Our four major sects each receive three channels, while the remaining eight channels are allocated for the high-level demonic beasts residing within the secret realm. These monstrous beasts, each fierce and bloodthirsty by nature, are eager for any opportunity to secure crafted treasures and elixirs in the realm of alchemy. Understand, however—this trial ground, the Life-and-Death Cycle, can only be activated in the presence of human cultivators. Without the spark of human cultivation, the trial will never be initiated. This stipulation likely originates from the ancient origins of the true relic; it was originally created specifically for human cultivators, hence the restriction remains."
He paused for a moment, allowing the gravity of his words to sink in. "Even though the Life-and-Death Cycle is staggeringly perilous, the secret realm itself harbors countless demonic beasts—each inherently vicious and bloodthirsty. With destiny offering them treasures and elixirs left behind by previous trials, these beasts have little cause for fear. It is only out of sheer necessity that the trial area is opened up to human cultivators."
Li Wuyi then elaborated on further details to clear up any potential confusion. "Even though each sect has three allocated channels, there remains the possibility of encountering overlap. In such cases, the solution is elegantly simple: if the leading cultivator of a team at a channel entrance successfully claims the blue diamond crystal core that matches the color of another channel's crystal, then these two channels will never converge into one. Consequently, this mechanism prevents any inter-sect fratricide during the trial. But be warned—there is a caveat. Only a maximum of five teams may claim crystals of the same color. In other words, no single sect can field more than five teams in total. And as for the demonic beasts—given the overwhelming number of distinct species inhabiting the secret realm—eight channels simply cannot accommodate them all. In many cases, a single channel may host only one demonic race, and in these instances, internal clashes are to be expected until a victor is determined by their own ferocious contests."
At last, Li Yan began to grasp the true design behind the Life-and-Death Cycle trial. Yet a niggling doubt remained in his mind: Was this meant to be his trial? After all, he was still at the nascent Condensation Stage. It was hard to ignore that he had not yet reached a level where he might stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the chosen few.
Li Wuyi, perceptive as ever, was well aware of Li Yan's inner trepidation. With a soft sip of tea and a warm, approving smile, he continued, "When I first described the Life-and-Death Cycle, I mentioned that thousands of years ago, the system was reworked so that Foundation Establishment Stage cultivators would enter the secret realm to collect the crystals, thereby closing the trial for those still at the Condensation Stage. It was done because the sects wished to safeguard the tender seedlings of the Condensation Stage—they did not want to risk losing them. Although every fifteen years the demonic beasts clamor for the trial's reactivation, hoping to participate, they have not been allowed to assume control for tens of thousands of years. Now comes the matter of the three major sects. Recently, these three have dispatched high-ranking representatives to convene and deliberate on reactivating the Life-and-Death Cycle. Their desire is twofold: to acquire more treasures in the trial and also to allow Foundation Establishment Stage cultivators a chance after the collection process, so that three Golden Core stage cultivators could then lead the efforts. However, the sect high authorities have ultimately vetoed the proposal from the three sects. According to our internal intelligence from within the rival sects, it seems that in recent years these three have engaged in secret collusion—a dangerous conspiracy, perhaps. The inherent mechanism of the Life-and-Death Cycle, however, only permits one channel to intersect at any given time. How, then, could they possibly form an alliance to counter us? In any case, they insisted on proceeding with the trial. They proposed that we might even choose not to participate. But such matters are never so simple to forgo. After careful deliberation, the sect leader decided to disallow the three sects from sending Golden Core stage team leaders and from leading with Foundation Establishment Stage cultivators. Instead, the new plan designates Foundation Establishment Stage cultivators as the team leaders while assigning the Condensation Stage cultivators to bear the brunt of the confrontation. In this way, even if the three colluding sects have some secret scheme, it would be nearly impossible for them to reorganize their forces at a moment's notice."
He looked directly at Li Yan, his tone softening but his eyes remaining serious. "Thus, just yesterday, the sect leader officially decreed that each peak shall prepare for an internal contest among the Condensation Stage disciples. The conditions for participation must be strictly those at layers nine and ten of the Condensation Stage. Out of these, a total of 108 cultivators will be chosen. As for you, Li Yan, you have qualified because the sect master has personally taken note of you. I have heard that you have reached approximately the mid-condition of layer six of the Condensation Stage. Considering your unique physique—which might allow you to hold your own even against opponents in layers eight or nine—it is precisely on account of your potential that you have been chosen. Regrettably, the three apprentices under our senior leader are not eligible, so the decision comes down solely to you."
Li Wuyi's words conveyed both pride and concern. He then, without further ado, sipped his tea and gently patted Li Yan's shoulder before turning to leave the courtyard.
Before the older brother had left, Li Yan asked with a slight tremor in his voice, "Senior Brother, will Sister Shi also be participating in this upcoming collection contest? And, if we end up encountering Fourth Senior Sister, who should we support with our cheers?"
Li Wuyi, his figure usually as composed and unruffled as ever, even managed a slight stumble in his graceful exit. However, he did not answer the query; as his departure became almost imperceptible, his silence conveyed much more than words ever could.
Nearby, Li Fang, elated by the conversation, teased with a wry smile, "I always knew it wasn't by chance that you picked up that habit from Senior Brother." His tone held a blend of admiration and a hint of resentment, as though the underlying complexities of sect politics and personal ambition were forever entwined.
Li Wuyi paused only briefly, then with a measured tone said, "It turns out that this matter has received the personal nod from the sect leader. It seems that the resources allocated to our sect are not as lavish as we might have hoped—and what is received with such generosity must ultimately be repaid. However, look at the predicament of your apparent condition at the Condensation Stage: you appear at the mid-condition of layer six, which, in our sect of over ten thousand Condensation Stage disciples, suggests that even the cultivators in layers nine and ten have plenty of worthy senior brothers and sisters. Yet, it so happens that only a few are disciples of that particular elder of a certain peak; the remainder consist mainly of your own junior kin. Out of around six hundred participating cultivators, only roughly four hundred are expected to take part in the contest. After all, a portion of the cultivators are not battle-oriented but rather tend to follow a pastoral path, employing poison in their methods, and pursuing immortality by any means possible."
Li Yan was momentarily taken aback by these numerical details. He then quickly came to a realization: as a disciple of the Golden Core stage, he was in a rather different bracket from the many senior disciples of the Condensation Stage. In self-reflection, he scratched the back of his head in acknowledgement.
Without missing a beat, Li Wuyi went on, his tone now edging from gentle counsel to earnest warning. "Little brother, you must plan accordingly. Since you have decided to participate in the trial, understand fully that even among these four hundred or so competitors, it will be tremendously difficult to secure one of the top positions. But if by some stroke of fortune your team manages to achieve a ranking among the top three, then you will receive the reward of a treasured relic. And additionally, you would be given the opportunity to exchange that treasure for spiritual stones, wouldn't you?"
Li Wuyi's eyes caught Li Yan's questioning glance as he elaborated, "Indeed, that is correct. However, let me remind you of two important things. First, the trial is a matter of life and death—a true test of your mettle. And secondly, even if you manage to emerge victorious, it is by no means guaranteed that you will secure one of the top three positions, which are required for obtaining the treasured relic. On the other hand, those who may survive the ordeal but do not finish among the top three will still be rewarded by the sect—with each of them receiving three hundred low-grade spiritual stones. The team leader at the Foundation Establishment Stage receives five hundred such stones. And as for the matter of relic-to-spiritual-stone exchange, such a conversion is not permitted. Although I have not personally participated in the Life-and-Death Cycle, I have heard that every relic which appears in that trial remains beyond the prospect of exchange."
At these words, Li Yan's heart pounded even harder. The realization struck him: the treasures produced in this trial were incredibly rare and priceless. In a time when he already owed a great many spiritual stones to the mission hall, his need for spiritual stones was ever so pressing. Yet, almost immediately, he reconsidered his priorities—he was overweight with concerns of his own ambitions.
After a few moments of weighing his choices, Li Yan lifted his head and proclaimed, "Senior Brother, I shall join the trial. With our sect having over ten thousand disciples in the Condensation Stage, there must be plenty of senior brothers and sisters in layers nine and ten competing, right?"
Li Wuyi responded with a wry smile. "Yes, there are roughly over six hundred cultivators in layers nine and ten of the Condensation Stage. However, only a few are disciples of that certain elder of a particular peak. Therefore, you are truly one among only a handful of senior brothers—while the rest are your junior kin. Given that only around four hundred are likely to participate in the contest, the field is not as crowded as it might seem. After all, a portion of the cultivators are not inclined toward combat at all. They belong instead to the pastoral school—dedicated to the path of poison and the pursuit of longevity by non-violent means."
Li Yan absorbed these figures before a dawning realization struck him: as a Golden Core disciple, his peers were few and far between compared to that vast number, and this was precisely why he felt hesitant. Yet, deep inside he also knew that his destiny was his own to shape—and if he did not seize the chance now, he might forever be bound to the limitations imposed by the sect. Survival might be a matter of life or death, but so was the glory that came with mastering one's own fate.
Grateful for the considerate counsel, Li Yan's thoughts swirled with a mixture of gratitude and resolve. He mnemonically recalled his previous oath: to control his destiny and to break free of any ties that might hold him back. For if he were to fail in the trial, it would simply be another life lost, yet the opportunity remained a vital step toward achieving greater strength beyond the confines of the sect. As for the shortage of spiritual stones, that was a concern secondary to the larger ambition of carving out his own destiny.
Noticing the determined look in Li Yan's eyes, Li Wuyi continued, "Since you have decided to join the trial, please be prepared. Once the contest has been declared among the Condensation Stage cultivators, if you are to succeed, you will soon find that life and death will become your constant companions. Should you require any spiritual weapons, artifacts, or elixirs, do not hesitate to speak to any senior brother—indeed, I still have a reserve of spiritual stones that I can spare for you." Although Li Wuyi would never forbid Li Yan's decision, he made it clear that every individual must follow their own path. In truth, if Li Yan were to perish in the trial, it would only be the price of destiny; but if he failed to participate, then he would forever bear the weight of regret. And so, for the sake of family loyalty and personal honor, Li Wuyi intended to help his junior as much as possible before fate took its course.
Understanding all of this, Li Yan reached a decision fueled by clarity and purpose. He reasoned carefully: ultimately, only one's own strength could pave the path to future glory. The external support that the sect might offer would always be controlled by others; to seize success, one must rely on one's own efforts. Moreover, Li Yan longed to achieve a level of strength that would allow him to leave the sect behind, thus finally resolving the tangled emotions of kinship that weighed upon his heart. Of course, a dearth of spiritual stones was only a minor consideration in the grand scheme of matters of life and death.
Seeing Li Yan's determination mixed with concern for his personal future, Li Wuyi added one final piece of advice, "Keep in mind that one month from now, the preliminary selection contest for Foundation Establishment Stage cultivators will commence within the sect. They will have a five‐day contest, after which the selected cultivators will observe the Condensation Stage contest with an eye toward choosing the best candidates for forming teams for the upcoming Life-and-Death Cycle trial. As for how the teams will be arranged, that will only be decided after the secret realm collection trial has concluded."
Li Yan nodded, fully aware of the implications of Li Wuyi's words. "So, the Foundation Establishment Stage will first select forty-nine candidates, who after watching the Condensation Stage contest and considering the unique attributes of the 108 chosen cultivators, will provide guidance on team formation for that trial. And then, among those teams, ultimately the three team leaders will be chosen based on how many of our number return from the secret realm collection… is that correct?"
"Exactly," Li Wuyi confirmed, his tone now somber. "I am bringing you along today, little brother, because I wish to see your thoughts on this matter firsthand."
With that, Li Wuyi set his tea mug down, patted Li Yan's shoulder reassuringly one final time, and turned to leave the courtyard behind him.
As Li Yan watched his senior depart, he couldn't help but call out, "Senior Brother, will Sister Shi be competing in this collection contest as well? If she does, then who should we rally behind if we happen to meet Fourth Senior Sister?"
Li Wuyi's graceful form faltered for just a heartbeat as he began to step away, but without a word he disappeared from view. Even as his figure faded into the distance, his silence conveyed as much meaning as any direct answer might have.
Not long after, Li Fang, with a mischievous smile tugging at the corner of his mouth, teased lightly, "I never expected that you would call on your senior brother—after all, isn't that just what you learned from him?" His comment was laced with both playful camaraderie and the bitter tang of unspoken rivalry. In his heart, Li Fang reflected on the complexities that plagued their sect: despite the seemingly generous resources the sect was granted, every boon carried a string attached, destined to come back to bite in time.
Li Wuyi, though still immersed in his own thoughts, pressed on, "The fact that the sect leader himself has personally selected you speaks volumes. It shows that the resources we have here are not exactly easy to come by. In the end, every boon is always accompanied by its price. And look at your present condition; your apparent strength is modest, for though you are at the mid-phase of layer six in the Condensation Stage, you are still considered relatively weak in that stage. Even though you have a unique constitution that might allow you to hold your own even against opponents a few layers higher, the odds are still heavily stacked against you in a direct confrontation. Still, the sect leader wishes for you to participate in the contest, likely with the hope that it will serve as a test of your unique, if unconventional, bodily condition. If you perform poorly, the tilted favor or resource advantage might soon vanish from your grasp."
As for Li Yan himself, having weighed the matter from multiple angles, he finally resolved to take the risk. "Senior Brother," he said steadily, "I've decided to participate. After all, our sect comprises tens of thousands of Condensation Stage cultivators—even if not all compete, there would still be many senior peers amongst the nine and ten layers. I understand that my number of senior brothers might be relatively few, but I also know that I must rely on my own strength. I would rather forge my own path than be shackled by the external advantages bestowed by the sect."
Li Wuyi's eyes twinkled at the resolve in Li Yan's voice. "There are indeed roughly over six hundred cultivators in the ninth and tenth layers of the Condensation Stage. Yet, only a select few among them are disciples of the elder of that particular peak; the rest are your own junior kin. Even though six hundred or so may have registered their interest, it is estimated that only about four hundred will actually participate in the trial. This is partly because many cultivators are not combat-oriented—they belong to the pastoral stream of cultivation, employing poison as their chosen method and pursuing immortality by non-aggressive means."
He paused briefly, as if weighing the importance of each word, before continuing, "Furthermore, if you indeed choose to enter, then you must be prepared for what comes next. Life or death will hang in the balance, and should you find yourself among the fortunate few who break into the top three ranks, you will obtain a treasured relic—a prize of immense value that, notice, cannot be exchanged for spiritual stones. Even though many of us may be in dire need of spiritual stones, especially in light of our mounting debts with the mission hall, it is clear that the treasures of the Life-and-Death Cycle are not meant merely for trade. They are awards for extreme valor and risk."
Li Wuyi's serious tone grew even more measured as he explained further, "Remember, the sect has decreed that for the upcoming selection contest among the Condensation Stage disciples, only those at layers nine and ten will be eligible—108 in total. For our side, the Foundation Establishment Stage will first select forty-nine candidates, who after observing your performances will then choose appropriate team representatives for the Life-and-Death Cycle. Ultimately, three candidates will be assigned as team leaders, and those appointments will depend both on how many return from the secret realm and on your personal attributes as observed during the contest."
Listening intently, Li Yan acknowledged that the process was as intricate as it was unforgiving. "I see," he murmured, "so if I do well in the contest, not only will I secure a treasured relic if my team makes the top three, but I'll also receive a reward of 300 low-grade spiritual stones—five hundred for the team leader at the Foundation Establishment Stage. But I must remember that no relic can be traded in for spiritual stones later on."
Li Wuyi nodded somberly. "Exactly. The relics of the Life-and-Death Cycle are all forged from materials so rare that no one has ever been able to exchange them. It is simply a matter of fate whether a relic appears victorious or not. And in any case, if you fail to make the top three, the sect will still reward you for surviving the trial. Yet know this: if you emerge from the contest unscathed, you will then have to contend with the next phase—a situation where life and death hover precariously over you."
A silence fell between them as Li Wuyi's words lingered in the air. Li Yan's thoughts churned. He recalled that his own journey had been fraught with hardship—indeed, this very life was one he had fought tooth and nail to salvage. If he were to enter this trial again and lose his life, it would only be a reaffirmation of the path taken by those who choose to risk everything for the pursuit of true freedom. But if he avoided the trial out of fear, then he would be forever trapped by the limitations of sect-imposed destiny. Such a fate was unacceptable to him.
Feeling a stirring of both gratitude and personal responsibility, Li Yan said, "Senior Brother, I appreciate your guidance. I understand that if I choose to participate, I must depend not on the sect's external resources alone but on my own inner strength. I must seize this opportunity for greater destiny—even if it means risking my life."
Li Wuyi, acknowledging his junior's resolve with a gentle, yet firm smile, said, "Then, prepare yourself well. In one month's time the preliminary selection contest for the Foundation Establishment Stage will begin. After a five-day contest, they will observe the Condensation Stage battle as well. That will serve to determine your future role in forming a team for the Life-and-Death Cycle trial. As for team assignments and further orders, those details will only be finalized once the secret realm's collection trial has ended."
Li Yan absorbed every word as if it were etched into his soul. He knew that his path from this moment forward would be steeped in peril and hard-fought battles. His heart pounded with anticipation and fear alike, yet within him burned a determination to prove his worth. "I understand," he said quietly, "and I'll give my all, no matter what the outcome may be."
Li Wuyi's tone lightened ever so slightly as he concluded, "One last thing, little brother—remember that if you ever require additional spiritual instruments, artifacts, or elixirs, simply let a senior brother know. I still have a reserve of spiritual stones that can help you bridge any financial gap. I will do my best to support you, because though we must all walk our own paths, we share a bond as fellow disciples of the sect."
Li Yan's heart swelled with mixed emotions—gratitude for his mentor's kind words, and a fierce resolve to overcome the limits imposed upon him by fate. He silently vowed that no matter the outcome, he would harness his inner strength and challenge destiny itself. With that silent pledge, the conversation between the two slowly faded as Li Wuyi stepped away, leaving Li Yan to contemplate the trials that lay ahead.
In the quiet of the courtyard, Li Yan's mind raced. He could not shake the reality: he was a Golden Core disciple, a fact that set him apart from the countless Condensation Stage cultivators. That isolation brought both burden and freedom; it was a burden because he had fewer comrades to rely upon, yet it was freedom because his path was uniquely his own. As he stood there, the distant sound of footsteps and murmurs from others preparing for the contest echoed in his ears. The stark truth was that most would rely on their sect's external resources in times of peril—yet he had already long resolved that his destiny would be forged solely by his own efforts.
The weight of the upcoming contest pressed on him. He visualized the ancient, terrible scythe once more—the embodiment of fate and oblivion that inched forward with inexorable certainty. That image reminded him that survival in the Life-and-Death Cycle was not simply a matter of brute strength but rather of strategy, cooperation, and the relentless casting of one's spiritual energy. And, in that exact moment, Li Yan knew that if he were to stand a chance against the overwhelming odds, he must train harder than ever before and trust in his instincts completely.
Slowly, his thoughts turned inward, contemplating his past struggles and how he had fought tooth and nail to rescue his own life on countless previous occasions. Every scar, every moment of despair, had led him to this point. It was now, in these final moments of decision, that he felt a mixture of reluctance and fierce determination. Failure was not an option—not for him, not when everything he had dreamed of depended on seizing control of his own destiny, however arduous the journey might be.
He recalled how Li Wuyi had spoken of the unique lessons embedded in these life-threatening trials. The high-level cultivators, by virtue of their responsibility to activate the blue diamond crystals, were not just there to slow down an encroaching doom—they were there to serve as living beacons of sacrifice, discipline, and loyalty. The mechanism ensured that when two paths intersected, the duty fell squarely on the shoulders of those at the very rear of the line to keep the monstrous shadow at bay. In that responsibility lay not just a tactical advantage, but an unspoken covenant among cultivators: that each would stand by his comrades even at the risk of incurring a fatal blow.
In his mind's eye, Li Yan envisioned a battlefield ablaze with spiritual energy, where cultivators clashed with demonic beasts amid the swirling mists of fate. Every drop of energy spent, every moment of resolve chiseled out his character further. And though the life-threatening trials promised only a narrow margin of safety—measured in precious minutes gained by a fraction of slowed doom—he understood that those invaluable moments might be the difference between life and death. The precious fraction, though seemingly insignificant at five-tenths, could well be the margin needed to escape oblivion.
He couldn't help but reflect on the irony of it all: the sect leaders, while outwardly appearing benevolent and protective, were also intimately involved in this ruthless system. Their own internal competitions and the selection of team leaders were not only a means of showcasing talent but also a subtle reminder that every boon came at a cost. The conundrum was that while one might earn the favor of the sect, it was always at the risk of being used as a pawn in the larger, often deadly game of power struggles. Yet, to be confined to a life where one remained perpetually under the thumb of such externally imposed limitations was a fate far worse than any battle.
Li Yan's thoughts drifted to the secret realm collection contest that was to be held in a month's time. He knew that before that, the Foundation Establishment Stage would hold its selection process—a rigorous contest lasting five days, after which forty-nine candidates would be chosen to observe and validate the performances of the 108 selected Condensation Stage cultivators. That observational process, which would ultimately decide the formation of teams for the Life-and-Death Cycle, was critical. It would determine who would have their destiny sealed by fate and who would be allowed to live on to challenge the coming trials.
In that moment of introspection, Li Yan understood that the mission was not simply about survival or the allure of countless coveted relics and spiritual stones. It was about proving to himself that he was capable of seizing control of his own destiny—a destiny not dictated solely by his cultivation stage or by his circumstances, but by sheer personal resolve. Nothing external, not even the guarantee of spiritual stone rewards or the promise of the sect's protection, could ever compare to the satisfaction of overcoming a trial that stretched the very limits of one's life force.
With every detail etched vividly in his mind—from the intricate requirements of activating the blue diamond crystals to the delicate balance of power on intersecting channels—Li Yan felt the stirrings of both excitement and dread. The gigantic shadow, represented by the slowly descending reaper's scythe, lurked in his thoughts as a symbol of the imminent threat. But it also drove home the importance of every decision he now faced. His internal struggle was clear: to risk all for a chance at greatness, or to retreat and remain forever in the safety of obscurity.
As the final moments of their conversation faded into the silence of the courtyard, Li Yan remained standing, lost in thought and determination. The disparate voices of fellow disciples and the subtle rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze all served as reminders that an epic battle—one fought on levels both external and within the self—was at hand. In the midst of uncertainty, he found himself forging a resolve as strong as tempered steel.
He resolved that if he were to take part, he would leave no stone unturned in his preparation. Every new technique he learned, every drop of spiritual energy he honed, would be dedicated to mastering the demands of the trial. He would seek out any opportunity to gather spiritual weapons, talismans, or elixirs that might aid him in the coming confrontation. And should fate dictate that, in the heat of battle, life and death danced so closely that chaos reigned supreme, he would trust in his own instincts to guide him through the darkness.
For Li Yan, the journey was far more than a contest—it was a quest for self-determination and a final repudiation of the limits others wished to impose. It was a call to arms against a predestined fate, an embrace of the uncertainties of life that would lead him, come what may, to carve out his own legend. The alluring promise of the treasured relics, though tantalizing, was secondary to the more profound pleasure of having the courage to challenge an ancient system, to defy inertia, and to emerge victorious against overwhelming odds.
In that long, reflective silence that followed, Li Yan's inner voice whispered with equal parts fear and ambition, "I do not wish to be defined by the resources or the decisions of others. I must step forward, seize this opportunity, and make my own destiny—regardless of the cost." And with that, the resolve to participate in the trial took root deep within him. Even though his current state of cultivation was modest, he would not allow that limitation to bind him. In the crucible of these perilous trials, he would either be reforged into something stronger or meet his fate, knowing that he had given everything to break free from the chains of predestination.
At last, as the sun began to set on that fateful day, Li Yan silently vowed to himself that he would prepare with every fiber of his being for the contests ahead. He would train, gather every necessary resource, and never waver in the face of danger. For in this unforgiving realm, where the balance between life and death was measured by the slow, inevitable descent of a colossal scythe, genuine strength was born only from those who dared to control their destiny.
Thus, with the memory of Li Wuyi's solemn words echoing in his heart and every calculated detail of the trial now understood, Li Yan turned to face the future. The path before him was fraught with peril and uncertainty, but it was also a path of hope—a way to prove that even one who starts as a mere Condensation Stage cultivator can one day challenge fate itself.
And so begins Li Yan's journey—a journey that promises to be filled with heart-pounding contests, bitter sacrifices, and the ever-present danger of encountering the unstoppable shadow. In this battle of life and death, each step he takes is a declaration that he will not be a passive bystander in his fate; rather, he will seize life by its very essence and shape his future with his own will. The coming trials may test every limit of his strength, yet within him burns an unquenchable fire of ambition that even the darkest of shadows cannot smother.