Chapter 13 - Appearance of Palace

The chaotic energy of the dimension reached a fever pitch as young geniuses clashed, their powers colliding in dazzling displays of elemental might.

Sects and clans fought for dominance, each confident that they would come out on top in this contest of strength, wits, and will.

Suddenly, the earth trembled, and the sky above darkened, a menacing aura permeating the atmosphere. The fighting came to an abrupt halt as everyone's attention was drawn to the center of the dimension.

There, an intense, blinding light erupted from the ground, growing in intensity until the outline of a massive structure began to materialize.

"A palace!" someone from the Yu Clan exclaimed, his voice tinged with awe.

"It's ancient… the aura it's emitting is overwhelming," muttered a disciple from the Feng Sect, his eyes wide with reverence and fear.

The young geniuses watched in stunned silence as the grand palace, towering and majestic, fully emerged from the light. Its architecture was imposing, exuding an aura that commanded respect, even fear.

It seemed to be crafted from the very essence of the heavens, with ancient runes etched into its surface, glowing faintly with power.

Whispers spread through the crowd as the realization dawned on everyone present: this palace was no ordinary structure it was the core of the dimension, the place where the true treasure and inheritance lay hidden.

Ling Tianyi, the prodigy of the Ling Clan, narrowed his eyes. "This is the place where everything will be decided," he murmured, gripping the hilt of his sword tightly. He could feel his blood boiling with anticipation.

Yu Zhilan, the talented alchemist of the Yu Clan, took a cautious step forward, her eyes fixed on the palace with a mix of curiosity and trepidation. "It's incredible," she whispered. "I wonder what secrets it holds?"

Bai Ling, ever composed, assessed the situation with her cold, calculating gaze. Her mind was already working through the possibilities, considering which path would lead her to the greatest advantage. She moved silently toward the palace, her icy aura causing others to instinctively step aside.

Feng Qingshan of the Feng Sect, known for his speed and mastery of the wind element, was quick to follow. "The inheritance of an ancient expert… this could be what pushes me to the next level," he thought, his eyes alight with ambition.

As the young geniuses began making their way toward the palace, the atmosphere grew tense with unspoken competition. Each one of them knew that the true challenge lay ahead within those ancient walls.

The grand gates of the palace swung open on their own, an invitation that none could resist. One by one, the young cultivators entered, their hearts pounding with a mixture of excitement and fear.

The interior was as awe-inspiring as the exterior massive pillars rose toward the high ceiling, intricately carved with symbols that seemed to pulse with life.

In the center of the main hall, an empty throne stood atop a raised dais. It was here that the attention of the young geniuses converged. The throne exuded an aura of immense power, as though it had once been occupied by someone who ruled over entire worlds.

A deep, resonant voice echoed through the hall, filling every corner with its commanding presence. "Welcome, young cultivators," the voice boomed. "You have entered my domain, the remnant of a time long past. I am Shen Zhenlong, In my time, I sought to break through the limits that bind us all and reach the legendary World Sovereign stage but sadly I failed, now I intend to give my inheritance to new generation."

The voice seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere at once, and a heavy silence fell over the room as everyone listened in rapt attention.

"The inheritance you seek lies within this palace," Shen Zhenlong continued. "But it will not be given freely. Only the one who proves themselves worthy through the trials I have prepared shall receive it. Those who fail... shall face the consequences."

A collective shiver ran through the gathered cultivators. The promise of power was tantalizing, but the threat of failure loomed large. The stakes had never been higher.

"What kind of trials?" Ling Tianyi asked, his voice steady despite the tension in the air.

"Will it be a test of strength alone?" Feng Qingshan inquired, his tone sharp with eagerness.

Without answering directly, the air around the throne shimmered, and several portals materialized in the hall. Each portal radiated a different type of energy—some cold and oppressive, others burning with intense heat, and others still humming with raw spiritual power.

"These portals lead to the trials," Shen Zhenlong's voice explained. "Each trial will test different aspects of your abilities—strength, wisdom, resolve. You may choose which trial to undertake, but choose wisely. The path to the inheritance is fraught with danger, and only those who possess both the strength and the mind to overcome will succeed."

Bai Ling's eyes flicked to the portal that radiated a cold, bone-chilling aura. Without hesitation, she stepped forward and entered, her expression unreadable. The others watched her in silence, a mix of respect and caution in their eyes.

Ling Tianyi was the next to move. The portal that buzzed with the sharpness of a sword's edge drew him in, a perfect match for his renowned sword techniques. "This is where I will prove myself," he thought, stepping into the portal without a second thought.

Feng Qingshan, confident in his speed and mastery of the wind element, chose a portal that swirled with tempestuous winds. "This trial will be mine," he declared, disappearing into the vortex.

Yu Zhilan hesitated, her eyes scanning the remaining portals. Each one promised a different challenge, and the wrong choice could prove disastrous. After a moment of deliberation, she entered a portal that emitted a gentle, soothing light, her heart set on proving her worth.

As more cultivators made their choices, the room gradually emptied, each young genius stepping into a portal and vanishing from sight. The tension in the hall eased slightly as the remaining few pondered their decisions.

Then, a wave of palpable energy swept through the palace as a new presence arrived a presence that sent a ripple of unease through the gathered cultivators.

"Xuanyuan Tian!" someone gasped, eyes widening in disbelief.

"It's him!" another exclaimed, a mixture of awe and fear in their voice.

The reactions were immediate and intense. The name alone carried an almost mythical weight, and the mere mention of it sent shivers down the spines of those present. Every head turned toward the entrance, where a figure now stood, exuding an aura of absolute confidence.

Xuanyuan Tian walked into the hall with measured steps, his expression calm and unreadable. His very presence seemed to shift the atmosphere, making the air feel heavier, as if the dimension itself acknowledged his arrival.

Whispers spread like wildfire among the remaining cultivators.

"So, it's true… the Xuanyuan Family has sent him."

"I never thought I'd see him in person. They say he's unmatched among his generation."

"He's rumored to be at the Soul Formation stage, but… who knows his true strength?"

Chosen young geniuses who had already entered their trial, were unaware of his arrival. But the others, those who had yet to choose a trial, were struck by a wave of apprehension. The mere sight of Xuanyuan Tian was enough to shake their resolve.

Shen Zhenlong's remnant will, though ancient and powerful, took notice of Xuanyuan Tian immediately. The voice in the air grew quieter for a moment, as if pondering something. "This one… is different," Shen Zhenlong's voice echoed in thought. "I cannot see through him easily. There's something dangerous about this young man."

Xuanyuan Tian's gaze swept across the hall, noting the various portals. His expression remained impassive, but a small, almost imperceptible smile played at the corners of his lips. "So, it's from him," he mused internally, recalling the abyssal aura he had sensed earlier. The connection was now clear this place, this dimension, was tied to that ancient force.

But Xuanyuan Tian showed no sign of his thoughts. He merely glanced at Li Xue, who stood quietly by his side, awaiting his decision.

"Young Master?" Li Xue's voice was soft, respectful.

"You will take one of the trials," Xuanyuan Tian instructed, his tone calm. "I will observe for now."

Li Xue nodded without question, her eyes scanning the portals before she chose one that radiated a faint, ethereal mist. With a final glance at Xuanyuan Tian, she stepped through the portal and disappeared from view.

Xuanyuan Tian, however, remained in the hall, his presence alone enough to dominate the atmosphere. He was in no rush to enter a trial. Instead, he stood silently, observing the reactions of the remaining cultivators.

Some still hesitated, their confidence shaken by his arrival. Others quickly chose a portal, driven by a mixture of fear and ambition.

Shen Zhenlong's remnant will continued to watch Xuanyuan Tian, a sense of wariness growing within it. This young man was unlike any of the others. There was a depth to him that was unsettling, even for an ancient being who had seen countless prodigies rise and fall.

But Xuanyuan Tian showed nothing of this on his face. He simply waited, his gaze calm, his thoughts inscrutable.

With the last of the young geniuses entering their chosen trials, the hall finally grew quiet. Xuanyuan Tian stood alone, the portals still shimmering around him. He took a moment to observe the throne at the center of the room, a slight smile touching his lips once more.

And with that, he turned his attention fully to the trials, his sharp gaze piercing through the veils of energy that surrounded each portal. He would watch, observe, and wait. The real test had yet to begin, and Xuanyuan Tian knew that when it did, it would be on his terms.