Xiao Ming's words hung in the air, their weight pressing against the oppressive silence that followed.
The Shadow Phoenix's will turned its blazing gaze upon him, its crimson eyes narrowing like twin suns piercing through the veil of darkness.
The void surrounding them seemed to grow heavier, as though the structure of the trial space was holding its breath, waiting for the inevitable.
"Very well, Little Child," the Shadow Phoenix intoned, its voice reverberating through the trial space like the tolling of a great bell. Each word carried an ancient, unyielding authority, a reminder of the entity's unfathomable power. "The next trial is not one of mere strength or skill. This will test the essence of your existence, the core of your understanding of life and death."
Xiao Ming's fingers tightened around the hilt of his Heavenly Flame Sword, the familiar weight of the blade grounding him.