The sky was torn open.
Thunder raged across the heavens, and a vortex of pure darkness coiled above Mount Qingshan.
From within that storm, a figure emerged — draped in flowing black robes adorned with celestial sigils that shimmered like burning constellations. His golden eyes were cold, ancient, and filled with the weight of endless time.
Lin Tian looked up, his expression tightening.
There was no mistaking it — the being standing above him was himself, or rather, what he used to be.
The Fallen Immortal of the Nine Heavens — his past incarnation, the being who once defied Heaven, shattered divine orders, and was cast into oblivion.
The shadow's voice rolled like thunder.
"Reincarnation has made you weak, Lin Tian. You've forgotten the wrath that once burned in your soul."
Lin Tian clenched his fists.
"No. I've remembered what you never could — compassion."
A smirk curved the shadow's lips.
"Compassion? That is the weakness of mortals. You were once a god who crushed worlds beneath your feet! Now you kneel to pity?"
The heavens shook.
Energy erupted as the Fallen Immortal raised his hand — and the sky split apart. A colossal spear formed from celestial lightning, its shaft engraved with runes of destruction.
"If you wish to claim the power of the Nexus," the shadow bellowed, "then defeat me — defeat yourself!"
The spear shot downward like a falling star. Lin Tian's eyes flashed. He extended his palm, and the Nexus sigil ignited.
Golden streams of energy formed a barrier of light, intercepting the strike. The mountain below exploded into dust and fire.
Lin Tian was thrown back, blood spilling from his lips, but his aura flared even brighter.
He rose, eyes blazing.
"If this is my trial, then I'll face it with all that I am — mortal and immortal alike!"
He stomped the ground, and the Nexus Array beneath his feet activated. Runes burst from the earth, circling him like planets around a sun.
Every star in the sky responded, aligning in silent reverence.
The Fallen Immortal descended, his aura twisting the laws of nature.
"Show me, then, what you've become!"
Their fists collided — one of shadow and one of light. The impact shattered the very air, sending ripples through time and space.
The battle raged across realms.
Each blow from the shadow carried the rage of a thousand lifetimes; each counter from Lin Tian carried the hope of a thousand souls.
The mountain crumbled. The stars flickered. Even the Celestial System struggled to record the energy fluctuations.
Finally, Lin Tian was knocked to his knees, gasping. The shadow loomed over him, spear raised for the final strike.
"You can't win," the Fallen Immortal growled. "You were born of my rebellion, yet you've forgotten my strength!"
Lin Tian looked up, bloodied but defiant.
He raised his trembling hand and pressed it to his chest.
"You're wrong… I haven't forgotten. I've evolved."
The Nexus Core within him blazed like a newborn sun.
He released all hesitation — merging the wisdom of his mortal heart with the might of his immortal soul.
The shadow's eyes widened.
"This energy—!? It's not divine… it's beyond Heaven!"
Lin Tian rose, surrounded by a halo of blinding light.
"The Nexus doesn't belong to the heavens or mortals. It belongs to balance — and I am that bridge!"
He extended his hand, and reality bent.
The spear of lightning disintegrated in the shadow's grasp.
A brilliant golden beam erupted from Lin Tian's palm, piercing the shadow's chest.
"Return," Lin Tian whispered, "and rest within me."
The shadow screamed — his form breaking apart into fragments of light and darkness that spiraled into Lin Tian's body.
Silence followed.
The storm faded. The world grew still.
Lin Tian floated in midair, his aura serene, his body glowing with a golden radiance. Within his mind, two voices — once opposed — now merged into one.
Ding!
[Trial Complete: Shadow of the Fallen Immortal]
Nexus Authority Expanded: 45%.
New Ability Unlocked: Celestial Duality — The Union of Light and Chaos.
Lin Tian opened his eyes.
They now shimmered with twin hues — one gold, one black — symbolizing the perfect harmony of his two selves.
He looked up at the sky, where faint runes of the Celestial System floated in the air.
"If these trials are meant to prepare me," he murmured, "then what lies ahead must be beyond gods…"
Far above the clouds, unseen by mortal eyes, the Celestial Council stirred.
Seven divine figures watched the scene from a palace woven from starlight.
"The Nexus awakens faster than expected," one said.
"If he continues to ascend, even Heaven's Throne may tremble," whispered another.
A third voice, cold and regal, spoke last:
"Then let him come. The final trial awaits — in the Realm of Origin."
As the vision faded, Lin Tian stood alone beneath the morning sun.
But deep in his soul, a faint whisper echoed — a promise, or perhaps, a warning.
"The path of the Nexus… has only begun."