Tears streamed down Chen Nian's face."I'm... I'm afraid. I'm afraid of losing even more. But I can't stop. If I stop now, all of your sacrifices will have been in vain. I have to keep moving forward—for all of you, and for this world."The image of his mother smiled gently."If that is your conviction, then never doubt yourself. Become stronger not for revenge, but to protect what still remains."Chen Nian nodded, his body trembling.The world around him slowly faded, and he found himself back in the valley.Aurora looked at him with a faint smile."You have passed the first trial. Your desire to protect, rather than destroy, has been proven.""But remember... the burden you carry will never become lighter."Breathing heavily, Chen Nian met Aurora's gaze."I don't care how heavy it becomes.""I'll bear it."Aurora nodded before turning toward Long Bihu."Now... it's your turn."---Long Bihu's Trial of the SoulLong Bihu stepped forward, meeting Aurora's gaze with unwavering determin

The Pool of the Tears of Life reflected a gentle radiance, its waters shimmering with what seemed like endless vitality. Long Xia Mei stood in the middle of the pool, her body enveloped in a soft blue glow. Every drop of water that touched her skin carried a refreshing sensation, seeping deep into her bones and flesh, making it feel as though time itself had slowed.Chen Nian stood at the edge of the pool, his eyes filled with worry, yet also with an unspoken hope. The atmosphere was heavy with tension, as if every passing second carried immense significance. Long Xia Mei closed her eyes, allowing herself to be completely immersed in the healing power of the pool, while the aura of life surrounding her seemed to promise an unexpected miracle.Aurora stood silently nearby, carefully observing every movement within the pool. She knew that this healing power could only succeed if their hearts were truly pure. Everything depended on the sincerity of their intentions, and only time could r

Swoosh!A violent explosion of energy shook the ground, followed by the deafening sound of a sword colliding with a crystal. Chen Nian and Shen Tian clashed fiercely in the mist-covered valley, each unleashing their full strength with unwavering determination.Clang!Chen Nian's Crimson Sword collided with Shen Tian's Crystal Stone, the impact echoing throughout the valley and demonstrating the overwhelming force of their confrontation. The two exchanged blows at incredible speed, so fast that ordinary eyes could barely follow their movements.Slash!With his mastery of the Crimson Sword, Chen Nian unleashed a deadly strike that nearly pierced Shen Tian's defenses. However, Shen Tian reacted swiftly, blocking the attack despite being forced several steps backward."You're incredibly fast, Chen Nian... but it's still not enough!" Shen Tian shouted, reaffirming his determination to survive.Tssst!The surrounding air twisted violently as Shen Tian counterattacked with the Ancient Crysta

In the midst of the fierce battle between Chen Nian and Shen Tian, the situation on the other side of the valley was no less intense. Long Bihu, despite being at the Fifth Stage Divine King Realm, found himself trapped in a one-against-three battle against three experts from the Shen Clan. His opponents were only at the Third Stage Divine King Realm, far below his cultivation, yet they gave him no chance to catch his breath.Swoosh!A streak of blue light shot toward Long Bihu, forcing him to leap backward."You think the three of you can defeat me?" Long Bihu roared, his eyes blazing with pride and fury.Even though he fought with everything he had, the coordinated assault from the Shen Clan experts made the battle extremely difficult. Every attack came in relentless succession, bombarding him with perfectly synchronized destructive techniques.One of the Shen Clan warriors, Xiao Xian, wielded a lightning-like glowing sword with astonishing speed. The blade struck as swiftly as a bol

After passing the final boundary of the Valley of Eternal Mist, Chen Nian and Long Bihu found themselves on a silent path surrounded by towering ancient trees. The trail led them out of the Forest of Death, yet the silence felt more like a warning than a source of peace.Chen Nian spread out his Divine Sense to inspect the surrounding area. However, before he could warn Long Bihu, they were already surrounded by a group of people.Dozens of men dressed in dark robes bearing the emblem of the Tie Clan stood before them. At the center of the group, a middle-aged man with an overwhelming aura stepped forward. His white hair gave him an air of unquestionable authority, while his sharp eyes locked onto Chen Nian."So, we've finally met, Chen Nian," the man said in a deep voice that echoed through the forest. "I am the Patriarch of the Tie Clan. You killed Tie Shan, one of our heirs. What do you have to say in your defense?"Chen Nian remained calm. He stepped forward fearlessly to face the