NOVEL WEB Chapter 24: Chapter 24: The Trial of Worthiness
Chapter 24: The Trial of Worthiness
The massive gate loomed before Lin Tian, its ancient design intricate and pulsating faintly with energy. The chains wrapping around it shimmered with runic inscriptions, their meanings obscured but radiating an undeniable aura of power.
As Lin Tian placed his hand on the cold surface of the gate, the world around him shifted. A flash of light blinded him momentarily, and when his vision cleared, he found himself standing in a vast void filled with stars. A voice, deep and commanding, echoed in the space.
"Lin Tian, master of the hidden realm, the secrets you seek come with a price. To unlock the gate, you must prove your worth through three trials: Strength, Wisdom, and Resolve. Are you prepared to face them?"
Lin Tian took a deep breath, his resolve firm. "I'm ready."
Ding! System Notification:
Trial of Worthiness initiated.
Objective: Complete all three trials to unlock the ancient gate.
The stars around him began to swirl, forming into a battlefield. Before him stood a monstrous beast—a towering, four-armed creature with glowing red eyes and razor-sharp fangs. Its aura was suffocating, and Lin Tian could feel the raw power radiating from it.
Trial One: Strength. Defeat the Guardian Beast.
The beast roared, charging at Lin Tian with terrifying speed. Without hesitation, Lin Tian summoned his beasts.
"Scarlet Serpent, Silver Wolf—fusion mode!"
The two beasts merged in a flash of golden light, transforming into their fused form, a majestic serpent-wolf hybrid. The air crackled with energy as the fused beast lunged at the guardian, its sharp fangs sinking into the creature's arm.
Lin Tian didn't stand idle. He infused his sword with spiritual energy, leaping into the fray. The battle was fierce, the guardian beast's strength overwhelming. Each of its strikes sent shockwaves through the void, forcing Lin Tian to rely on his agility and teamwork with his fused beast.
After a grueling fight, Lin Tian found an opening. "Scarlet Fang Barrage!" he shouted, unleashing a flurry of energy-infused strikes that pierced the guardian's defenses.
The beast let out a final, ear-splitting roar before collapsing into a burst of light. The battlefield dissolved, and Lin Tian was back in the starry void.
Ding! Trial One complete. Proceeding to Trial Two: Wisdom.
The scene shifted again, and Lin Tian found himself in a massive library. Endless rows of ancient scrolls and books surrounded him, their contents glowing faintly. In the center of the room was a pedestal with a single scroll.
A calm voice resonated. "To pass the Trial of Wisdom, solve the riddle written here. Failure will result in eternal imprisonment within the realm."
Lin Tian approached the scroll, unrolling it carefully. The riddle read:
"I speak without a mouth and hear without ears. I have no body, but I come alive with the wind. What am I?"
Lin Tian furrowed his brow, reading the riddle multiple times. It seemed straightforward, but he knew the trial wouldn't be so simple. His mind raced as he considered the possibilities.
After a moment, he smiled. "An echo," he said confidently.
The scroll glowed brightly before disintegrating into golden dust.
Ding! Trial Two complete. Proceeding to Trial Three: Resolve.
The library faded, and Lin Tian found himself in a dark, desolate field. In front of him stood shadowy figures—his family members, their faces etched with despair and pain.
The voice returned, colder this time. "In this trial, you must make a choice. To protect your family, you must sacrifice a part of yourself. Choose wisely, for your decision will shape your future."
Lin Tian clenched his fists as he stared at the figures. The scene was painfully vivid, and he could feel their sorrow as if it were his own. He didn't need time to decide.
"I'll do whatever it takes to protect them," Lin Tian said firmly. "If I must sacrifice a part of myself, so be it."
As he spoke, a searing pain coursed through his body, but he didn't falter. The shadows dissolved, and the field transformed into a vibrant meadow.
The voice softened. "Your resolve is admirable. You have passed the final trial."
The meadow faded, and Lin Tian was back before the gate. The chains unraveled with a loud clang, and the gate slowly creaked open, revealing a blinding light.
Ding! Trial of Worthiness complete. Hidden Realm Gate unlocked.
Lin Tian stepped forward, his heart pounding. Beyond the gate lay a sprawling sanctuary filled with mythical beasts, ancient treasures, and a towering temple glowing with celestial energy.
"This is just the beginning," Lin Tian murmured, his eyes gleaming with determination.