At the center of the platform, the ancient, weathered stone patterns carved into the ground suddenly flared to life, forming a circular array nearly 30 feet across.As the light pulsed, three stone figures rose slowly from within it. Each stood nearly ten feet tall, carved from dark yellow rock and gripping a massive battle axe.Red flames flickered within their hollow eye sockets. The spiritual pressure they emitted matched that of a late-stage Adept, and their burning gazes locked onto every living being on the platform."It's the guardian trial," Grace said, her eyes narrowing. "Defeat them, and we may be allowed to proceed or at least earn the right to remain here."The stone guardians let out a low, grinding roar. Their heavy steps shook the platform as they advanced, with their axes sweeping forward.The blades had not yet struck, but the violent wind generated by their swings already cut against the skin."Form rank and prepare to engage," Grace shouted, drawing her sword

Spiritfruit Valley lived up to its name. The valley was lush and overgrown, brimming with spiritual energy. Exotic flowers and rare herbs grew in abundance throughout the area. Scattered among them stood several low trees heavy with clusters of crimson fruit that pulsed with dense spiritual energy. They were Vermilion Spiritfruit, a rare treasure capable of quickly restoring depleted spiritual energy and even slightly strengthening one's cultivation.The sight of the spiritfruit lifted everyone's spirits."That's great," someone said. "With these spiritfruit, we can heal our injuries and restore our spiritual energy."However, Dustin remained cautious. His eyes moved slowly across the valley, and he felt something was wrong. The valley was unusually quiet. There were no birds calling, no insects buzzing, and even the wind seemed absent.He lowered his voice and warned them, "Stay alert. There could be danger."The moment the words left his mouth, the ground began to shake violen

The following morning, sunlight filtered through the treetops at the mouth of the valley and scattered across the ground, driving away the chill that lingered from the night. After a full night of rest, most of the group had recovered from their injuries, and their spiritual energy had largely been restored.Dustin informed the others about the hidden opening he had discovered in the rock wall, after which Grace gathered the key members of the group to discuss their next move."We do not know where this opening leads," she said. "However, the fact that the beasts refuse to approach this section of the cliff suggests that something here frightens them. That means it is either a great opportunity or a great danger."Adam considered the situation before offering his analysis. "Based on the rules governing Mount Aethermoor, the most dangerous places usually hold the greatest opportunities. We are trapped here, and moving upward is our only path forward. If that opening leads higher up

While Dustin and the others explored the ruins within the mountain, the region at the foot of Mount Aethermoor had already descended into chaos beneath the golden barrier.Tens of thousands of people had been randomly transported onto platforms scattered around the mountain's base. With no leadership and no order to restrain them, the only law that remained was survival of the fittest. The strong killed the weak, while those unable to resist became servants or even food.On the largest platform at the mountain's base, Evander stood with his hands clasped behind his back, observing the chaotic slaughter unfolding below with cold detachment. Beside him, Elowen idly toyed with a wildflower she had picked somewhere nearby."These insects are so noisy," she said, frowning."They won't be noisy for long," he replied calmly. "This place runs on survival of the fittest. Most of them will be gone soon.""But we're trapped here as well," Elowen complained with mild irritation. "We had plann

After passing through Spiritfruit Valley and spending two full days climbing along the rugged mountain path, Dustin and his group finally arrived at a new place. It was unlike anything they had encountered before on Mount Aethermoor.The mountainside suddenly opened into a broad terrace, a relatively flat platform carved into the slope and large enough to cover several football fields. What surprised them most was the sight of a temporary marketplace appearing there. Dozens of crude stalls were scattered across the open ground. Some vendors spread animal hides across the earth and laid out a handful of faintly glowing spiritual artifacts. Others propped up rough wooden frames and hung cloth canopies from which rows of pill bottles and medicinal flasks were displayed. Many people threaded between the stalls, stopping to examine goods and haggling in low voices."This… This is incredible!" Scarlet exclaimed, staring wide-eyed at the scene. "A marketplace in a place like this?""As