Lin Feng stood in the heart of the chamber, the weight of Master Jian and Yan Li's words pressing down on him. His pulse thudded in his ears, and a cold sweat clung to his skin as he scanned the faces of the disciples gathered around him. Their expressions were grim, their eyes filled with a mixture of fear and determination. This was not a simple gathering. This was a gathering for survival.
The chamber, hidden deep within the sect, was a stark contrast to the peaceful courtyards Lin Feng had grown accustomed to. The stone walls were lined with intricate carvings, and the air was thick with a strange, metallic scent. The flickering light of torches cast long shadows on the walls, and the oppressive silence felt suffocating.
Master Jian stepped forward, his voice low and urgent. "The Divine Path System is more than just a cultivation tool. It is a weapon, one that was created for a specific purpose. Those who control it hold unimaginable power, and they will stop at nothing to obtain it."
Lin Feng clenched his fists, the weight of his own confusion and frustration building. "Why me? Why was I chosen?"
"You were not chosen by accident," Master Jian said. "The system has a will of its own. It chose you because of your potential, because of the power within you. But there are others who seek to control that power, to use it for their own ends. And they have been watching you."
Lin Feng's mind reeled. "Others? Who are they?"
Yan Li's voice cut through the tension. "The ones who control the Divine Path are known as the Celestial Order. They are the true rulers of this world, and they have eyes everywhere. They've been tracking your every move, Lin Feng, from the moment you were brought into this world."
Lin Feng felt his stomach tighten. Celestial Order. The name sent a chill down his spine. He had heard whispers of them before—legends of an ancient and powerful organization that sought to manipulate the world's fate. But he had never thought they would be real. Now, it seemed like he was at the very center of their attention.
"But why now?" Lin Feng asked, his voice barely a whisper. "Why are they coming for me now?"
Master Jian's expression darkened. "Because you've reached a point where your power can no longer be ignored. The Divine Path System has already begun to guide you, and with it, you've unlocked potential that they cannot afford to leave unchecked. You are a threat to them, Lin Feng."
A shiver ran down Lin Feng's spine. The truth was clearer now, but it felt more suffocating than ever. He was being hunted, and his every move was being watched by powerful forces beyond his comprehension. But there was more to it than that.
"Is there any way to stop them?" Lin Feng asked, his voice raw with desperation.
Yan Li's face hardened. "The only way to stop them is to take control of the Divine Path System before they do. But even that is a dangerous path. If you're not careful, you could lose yourself in the process."
Lin Feng's mind raced. Take control of the Divine Path System? That was exactly what he had been trying to do since he first arrived in this world. But now, it seemed like the very thing he had been striving for might be the key to either his salvation or his destruction.
Master Jian spoke again, his voice grave. "We don't have much time. They are coming for you. And when they arrive, they won't hesitate to take what they want by force."
The room fell silent, the weight of his words settling over them all. Lin Feng's thoughts were a blur, but one thing was clear: he had to act fast.
"I won't let them control me," Lin Feng said, his voice filled with determination. "I'll fight back. I won't let the Divine Path be used as a weapon for their purposes."
Master Jian nodded, a faint glimmer of approval in his eyes. "Good. But you'll need more than just determination to stand against the Celestial Order. You'll need allies, power, and knowledge. The first step is to awaken the true potential of the Divine Path System. And to do that, you must undergo the Trial of Ascension."
Lin Feng's brows furrowed. "Trial of Ascension? What is that?"
"It's an ancient ritual, one that allows the chosen host of the Divine Path to unlock the full extent of their power," Master Jian explained. "But it's not without its dangers. Many who attempt the trial fail, their bodies and minds shattered in the process. If you wish to stand a chance against the Celestial Order, you must complete the Trial of Ascension. But be warned, Lin Feng—it will test you in ways you cannot yet imagine."
Lin Feng's heart raced at the mention of the trial. It sounded like the key to everything, but it also sounded like a deadly gamble. Still, he had no choice. He had to do it. The Celestial Order was coming for him, and he had to be ready.
"I'll do it," Lin Feng said, his voice firm. "Tell me how to begin."
Master Jian's eyes glinted with something like pride. "We've already prepared the necessary materials. The trial must be conducted in the Sacred Chamber of Ascension, located deep within the sect's hidden grounds. It's a place of great power, and only those with the proper training can survive its trials."
Yan Li stepped forward, a map of the sect unfurling in her hands. "We'll guide you there, but you'll be on your own once inside. The trial is designed to test your strength, your resolve, and your very soul. You must face your deepest fears, confront the darkness within, and emerge victorious."
Lin Feng's resolve hardened. He didn't fully understand what awaited him, but one thing was certain: he could no longer run from the truth. The Divine Path, the Celestial Order, the powers that controlled this world—he would face them head-on. There was no turning back.
"I'm ready," he said.
Master Jian nodded. "Then let us begin."
The group moved quickly, making their way through the hidden passages of the sect. The air grew colder, heavier, as they descended deeper into the earth. Lin Feng's heart pounded in his chest, his senses heightened. He could feel the weight of the trial pressing down on him, the unknown dangers ahead hanging like a storm on the horizon.
Finally, they arrived at a massive stone door, its surface etched with ancient runes. The energy emanating from it was palpable, a pulse of power that seemed to resonate deep within Lin Feng's very soul.
"This is it," Master Jian said, his voice low. "Step inside, Lin Feng. And remember: this trial is not just about power. It's about who you are, at the very core of your being."
Lin Feng took a deep breath, his hand resting on the cold stone of the door. He could feel the weight of the moment, the eyes of everyone in the room on him. There was no turning back now.
He pushed the door open.
As the door creaked, the dark, oppressive energy of the Sacred Chamber of Ascension poured into the room. Lin Feng stepped forward, ready to face whatever awaited him within.
The storm was coming. And Lin Feng was about to walk straight into its heart.