Chapter 16: The Trials of the Celestial Grove

Feng Lin pushed forward, his steps guided by the eerie glow of the bioluminescent plants that populated the forest. The air was thick with an ancient aura, each breath filled with the scent of herbs and flowers that could only be found in this mystical place. The Celestial Grove, as it was called, was renowned for its trials—those that sought to challenge the spirit and body of any who dared to enter.

[System Notification: Trial Detected – The Trials of the Celestial Grove]

[Objective: Complete the three trials of the Celestial Grove to gain the Inheritance of the Celestial Sage. Rewards: Celestial Bloom Elixir, Chaos Points, Insight into Divine Martial Techniques.]

The path ahead split into three distinct directions, each marked by a stone pillar inscribed with ancient runes. Feng Lin studied them, his eyes narrowing as he deciphered the meaning behind each path: The Path of Reflection, The Path of Valor, and The Path of Wisdom. Each trail promised rewards, but the system made it clear—only by conquering all three would he receive the full inheritance.

Feng Lin decided to start with the Path of Reflection. As he stepped through the gateway, the forest around him blurred, and suddenly, he was no longer in the Celestial Grove. Instead, he found himself standing on the battlefields of his past—his memories manifesting before him as vivid and inescapable illusions.

Figures from his five lifetimes appeared, each moment of triumph and failure replaying before his eyes. The voices of those who betrayed him, the anguish of every loss, and the fleeting moments of happiness all surged forward, overwhelming his senses.

[System Notification: Trial of Reflection Initiated – Face the shadows of your past.]

Feng Lin's heart pounded as he confronted each apparition. These were not mere reflections; they were tests of his resolve and inner strength. The most difficult to bear was the sight of his former self, the Ancient God, wielding the power of Primordia Chaos yet helpless against the treacherous gods.

The reflection spoke, its voice cold and devoid of emotion. "You were powerful but blind. You sacrificed everything, and for what? Betrayal? Death? You are destined to repeat the same mistakes."

Feng Lin's hands tightened into fists. The trial was trying to break him, to make him doubt his purpose and decisions. But he knew better. "I am not that man anymore," Feng Lin declared, his voice steady. "I have learned from every loss, and I will never fall the same way again."

With that, the illusions shattered like glass, and the trial ended. The reflection faded, leaving behind a small, luminous flower—the Celestial Bloom, a rare elixir capable of boosting cultivation speed. Feng Lin picked it up, feeling its potent energy coursing through his veins.

[System Notification: Trial of Reflection Completed – Celestial Bloom Elixir Acquired.]

He moved to the next path, The Path of Valor. Here, the air grew heavy with a suffocating pressure, and the ground trembled as giant beasts, guardians of the grove, emerged. Each was more formidable than the last, their roars echoing through the forest as they charged toward Feng Lin.

The battles were fierce. The beasts tested his strength and strategy, forcing him to use every skill at his disposal. He unleashed Chaos Strike, Shadowstep, and the newly acquired Celestial Bloom's energy, weaving his attacks with precision and ferocity. Blood and sweat mingled as he fought on, each victory granting him more chaos points and honing his combat prowess.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he faced the last beast—a colossal, winged serpent whose scales shimmered with an ethereal light. It was swift and relentless, striking with venomous fangs that could corrode even the strongest defenses. But Feng Lin, with his newfound power, struck back with unmatched precision. He activated Chaos Devourer, drawing in the serpent's essence and defeating it in a final, climactic clash.

[System Notification: Trial of Valor Completed – +10,000 Chaos EXP, Insight into Divine Martial Techniques.]

The final path, The Path of Wisdom, was unlike the others. Instead of physical challenges, it presented him with a series of riddles and puzzles designed to test his intellect and understanding of cultivation principles. The answers were not obvious, requiring deep contemplation and a keen insight into the nature of the universe and chaos itself.

The trial culminated in a confrontation with a sage-like apparition that questioned his purpose, his desires, and his understanding of his own powers. It was a battle of wits, not strength, and Feng Lin's responses reflected the lessons he had learned through his hardships.

"Power without purpose is a path to ruin," Feng Lin answered the sage. "But power harnessed with understanding and intent is the key to ascension."

The apparition nodded, fading away and leaving behind a scroll imbued with ancient knowledge. It was the Divine Martial Technique—an advanced combat art that could only be understood by those who had faced the trials of the Celestial Grove.

[System Notification: Trial of Wisdom Completed – Divine Martial Technique Acquired: Celestial Blade Art.]

Feng Lin exited the grove, his body and mind enriched by the experiences. His cultivation base had grown, his skills sharpened, and his understanding of his powers deepened. He stood at the edge of the grove, gazing at the endless horizon of the secret realm, knowing that this was just the beginning.

But as he prepared to move forward, a voice called out from the shadows. It was the same young man from the maze, his expression unreadable.

"You again," Feng Lin said, turning to face him.

The man smirked. "Impressive. But don't think you're the only one seeking the treasures of this realm. We're all here to claim what's ours."

"What's your name?" Feng Lin asked, his gaze unwavering.

"Xiao Tian," the man replied, his tone dripping with arrogance. "Remember it. We're bound to cross paths again, and when we do, I won't go easy on you."

Feng Lin watched as Xiao Tian disappeared into the grove, his presence leaving an unsettling feeling in the air. Feng Lin tightened his grip on the Celestial Bloom, knowing that the real challenges were yet to come...