The morning sun rose behind the mountains like a golden blade cutting through the veil of mist that hung over the Heavenly Blade Sect. The air shimmered with anticipation, disciples gathering once again before the towering arena of the Celestial Resonance Ceremony. Today marked the third round—the Teamwork Trial—a challenge that would test not only strength but also trust, awareness, and unity.
Instructor Liang Yuren stood at the platform's edge, his robe swaying lightly with the breeze. "In this round," his voice carried through the air, calm yet sharp as steel, "each team shall consist of five members. Together, you will face a trial within the Spirit Realm of Concord—an illusion world designed to test the harmony of your hearts."
The crowd murmured in awe. The Spirit Realm—an ancient construct said to mirror the soul of those who entered it—was no ordinary place. Disciples glanced at one another, nervous yet eager, as glowing orbs floated above the field. Each orb carried the names of participants, and as the runes shimmered, they began to form teams.
When the light faded, Zeref Ying glanced up at the floating symbols above him. His name was paired with Chen Ruo, Lin Yuexin, and two others: Tao Feng, a composed archer with calm grey eyes, and Wei Lian, a cheerful alchemist known for her inventive spirit.
Yuexin smiled as she noticed the list. "Looks like fate still likes putting us together."
Chen Ruo chuckled, resting his sword on his shoulder. "As long as Zeref doesn't drag us into trouble again, I'll take it as a blessing."
Zeref grinned faintly. "No promises."
Wei Lian laughed. "Then let's at least make the chaos look graceful, yes?"
Instructor Liang raised his hand, and five beams of light enveloped each team. "Remember, your greatest weapon is not your cultivation—but your unity. Those who fail to act as one shall be devoured by the illusions within."
The world blurred.
In an instant, Zeref and his team were swallowed by radiant light, their surroundings shifting into a vast, fog-draped forest. The trees stretched endlessly, their leaves glowing faintly blue, and the air pulsed with a strange, rhythmic hum.
"This place feels… alive," Tao Feng murmured, drawing an arrow and scanning the horizon.
"It's an illusion," Zeref said quietly, "but it reacts to our emotions. The more dissonance we have, the stronger the monsters will become."
As if on cue, the ground trembled. From the fog emerged spectral beasts—shadowy wolves with molten eyes and ethereal claws.
"Spread out!" Chen Ruo barked, taking point.
The first wave came fast. Zeref deflected a lunging wolf with a burst of ethereal energy, while Yuexin spun her glaive in a perfect arc, cleaving through two more. Wei Lian tossed a small vial that erupted in a flash of golden light, disorienting their foes.
"Nice one!" Tao called, releasing an arrow that pierced through the pack leader's chest, dispersing it into mist.
The forest grew silent again, but the hum beneath their feet didn't fade—it deepened.
Zeref's eyes narrowed. "That wasn't the real challenge."
A voice, ancient and echoing, filled the space around them. "Five hearts, one path. Only when trust is complete shall the gate of unity open."
Suddenly, the landscape shifted once more. The team found themselves standing on a series of floating platforms suspended over a shimmering abyss. At the far end stood a crystal gate glowing with celestial energy.
"There's no bridge," Yuexin noted, scanning the gaps. Each platform hovered at different heights, some crumbling as they stepped closer.
Zeref studied them. "These platforms react to balance and synchrony. We move as one, or we fall."
They exchanged glances. One misstep meant plummeting into the abyss—a fall not even their cultivation could stop.
"Alright," Chen Ruo said with determination, "on your count, leader."
Zeref smirked. "Leader? When did I get promoted?"
"When you're the only one crazy enough to analyze death traps," Wei Lian teased.
With a deep breath, Zeref raised his hand. "Move."
They stepped together, each footfall echoing in perfect rhythm. The platforms trembled but held. A second step—stable. A third—stronger. The hum in the air shifted, almost approving.
Then, a sudden flash of crimson light erupted from beneath them. The next platform shattered.
"Jump!" Tao shouted, firing a rope-arrow into a distant pillar. He swung across, catching Yuexin mid-air as she nearly slipped. Chen Ruo pulled Wei Lian forward, his sword glowing faintly to steady the energy flow. Zeref, at the rear, barely caught the edge of the next platform.
He looked down at the abyss—a swirling void of energy that seemed to whisper his name. For a brief moment, the mark on his chest pulsed faintly beneath his clothes, resonating with the void's rhythm.
"Zeref!" Yuexin's voice snapped him back. He climbed up, exhaling shakily.
"You okay?" Chen Ruo asked.
"Yeah," Zeref said, brushing off dust. "Let's keep moving."
The group pressed on, each step now in better harmony than before. The illusion grew trickier—walls of light blocking their way, shifting winds threatening to throw them off course—but together, they adapted.
When a barrier of elemental fire surged in front of them, Wei Lian created a cooling mist while Chen Ruo slashed through the weaker edges. Yuexin and Tao coordinated from above, attacking the core with precision.
Zeref stood at the center, eyes glowing faintly silver, guiding their rhythm. "Now—combine your strikes!"
The five channels of energy merged, bursting through the wall in a flash of brilliance. As the smoke cleared, the crystal gate pulsed open, humming with approval.
They stepped through as one.
When the light dimmed, the team found themselves back in the real world—standing before the entire sect, bathed in golden rays of dusk.
Instructor Liang smiled faintly. "Well done, Team Nine. You've demonstrated not only skill, but harmony."
The crowd applauded, and even some rival disciples nodded in grudging respect. Darius, watching from afar, clenched his fists but said nothing.
As the ceremony's gong sounded, marking the end of the round, Zeref looked at his team. Yuexin's expression was bright, Chen Ruo was laughing, Tao was quietly adjusting his bow, and Wei Lian flashed a peace sign.
It was the first time in a long while that Zeref felt something warm—something almost like belonging.
As they turned to leave, a faint shimmer flickered above the arena's crystal pillars. A silhouette—tall, graceful, and watching intently—stood there for a heartbeat before vanishing into light.
Zeref paused, frowning slightly. "Miss Lin…?" he whispered, though he wasn't sure why her presence felt so near.
Far above, unseen by anyone else, Lin Zhiyao watched from the high tower, her expression unreadable. Her eyes glowed faintly with celestial light. "So, the resonance responds to him again…" she murmured. "Then the path has already begun."
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To be continued...