After their encounter with the Shadow Cultists, Li Wei, Kael, and Mei Ling continued their journey toward the Temple of Ascension, a sacred place where the Divine Characters were said to have been created.
The temple was rumored to hold ancient knowledge and powerful artifacts, but it was also guarded by formidable challenges.
As they traveled, Kael explained the significance of the temple.
"The Temple of Ascension is the heart of the Realm. It's where the first masters of the Divine Characters achieved enlightenment. If you want to master the Characters, you'll need to prove yourself there."
Li Wei nodded, his determination growing with each step.
Their path took them through the Forest of Echoes, a mystical place where the trees seemed to whisper secrets of the past.
The air was thick with an eerie energy, and the ground beneath their feet glowed faintly.
As they walked, Li Wei noticed strange symbols carved into the trees.
They were similar to the Divine Characters, but twisted and corrupted.
"These are the Shadow Characters," Kael explained, his voice low.
"They're the opposite of the Divine Characters—tools of chaos and destruction. The Shadow Cultists use them to corrupt the Realm."
Li Wei felt a chill run down his spine. The thought of such power in the wrong hands was terrifying.
When they finally reached the temple, they were met with a massive stone door covered in intricate carvings. At its center was a pedestal with a glowing character.
System Notification: Trial of the Temple of Ascension initiated. First Test: Courage.
Li Wei stepped forward, his heart pounding. He reached out and touched the character, feeling a surge of energy.
The world around him dissolved, and he found himself standing on a narrow ledge overlooking a bottomless chasm. Across the chasm was a glowing bridge, but it was crumbling and unstable.
"To cross the bridge, you must face your fears," a voice echoed in the void.
Li Wei took a deep breath and stepped onto the bridge. It swayed dangerously, but he focused on the character in his mind, channeling its energy to steady himself.
When he reached the other side, the void shifted again. This time, he was in a labyrinth filled with mirrors. Each mirror reflected a different version of himself—some strong, some weak, some filled with anger, others with despair.
"To find the exit, you must choose the true reflection," the voice said.
Li Wei walked through the labyrinth, studying the reflections. He realized that the true reflection wasn't the strongest or the most confident—it was the one that showed his vulnerability and determination.
He chose the reflection, and the labyrinth dissolved.
The final test was a battle against a Stone Guardian, a massive creature made of living rock. It towered over Li Wei, its eyes glowing with a fierce light.
"To prove your strength, you must defeat the guardian," the voice said.
Li Wei focused on the First Character, channeling its energy into his brush. He struck the guardian with a burst of golden light, but the creature barely flinched.
Realizing brute force wouldn't work, Li Wei changed tactics. He used the character to create a shield, deflecting the guardian's attacks.
Then, he struck its weak point—a glowing symbol on its chest.
The guardian crumbled into dust.
When the tests were complete, the stone door of the temple opened, revealing a vast chamber filled with ancient artifacts and glowing characters. At the center of the chamber was a massive stone tablet covered in inscriptions.
Kael and Mei Ling joined Li Wei, their expressions filled with awe.
"This is the Tablet of Ascension," Kael said. "It holds the secrets of the Divine Characters. But be careful—the knowledge here is both a gift and a curse."
Li Wei approached the tablet, feeling its energy pulse through him. As he studied the inscriptions, he began to understand the true power of the Divine Characters.
Just as Li Wei was about to touch the tablet, the chamber was filled with a dark, swirling mist. From the mist emerged a figure clad in black robes—a Shadow Lord, one of the leaders of the Shadow Cultists.
"You've come far, calligrapher," the Shadow Lord said, his voice cold and menacing. "But the power of the Divine Characters is not for the likes of you."
Li Wei stepped back, his heart racing. The Shadow Lord raised his hand, and the characters on the tablet began to twist and darken.
As the Shadow Lord advanced, Li Wei felt a surge of panic. He knew he wasn't strong enough to face such a powerful enemy. But just as the Shadow Lord was about to strike, a blinding light filled the chamber.
When the light faded, Li Wei found himself standing in a completely different place—a serene garden filled with glowing flowers.
A voice spoke, calm and reassuring.
"You are not alone, Li Wei. I will guide you."
But before Li Wei could respond, the voice faded, and he was left with more questions than answers.