Chapter 30: The Crimson Star’s Trials

The temple rumbled as Feng Lin made his way out, the defeated guardian's body dissolving into particles of energy that were absorbed by the temple walls. Feng Lin glanced down at the Chaos Core in his hand, feeling the raw, ancient energy pulsating through it. It was more than a simple artifact—it was a key to power beyond his current understanding.

He pocketed the core, his mind already racing with how he could incorporate its energy into his growing arsenal. But there was no time to linger. The temple felt unstable, as though the energy Feng Lin had unleashed had weakened its foundation.

The moment he stepped outside, the sky above the Crimson Star Continent greeted him once more. Dark clouds swirled above, casting an ominous hue over the landscape. There was a chill in the air, and Feng Lin could feel it—this continent had no mercy for those unprepared.

[System Notification: New Objective Unlocked – Survive the Crimson Star Trials]

[Details: The Crimson Star Continent is known for its brutal trials, designed to test the limits of every cultivator who dares step foot on its soil. Each trial rewards not only power but also knowledge. Overcome the first trial: The Test of Endurance. Time limit: 24 hours.]

Feng Lin's eyes narrowed. "Test of Endurance, huh? So the continent itself has its own rules. Let's see what you have in store."

The hours stretched on as Feng Lin made his way across the barren, shifting landscapes of the continent. Unlike the familiar terrain of Vesara, this place was alive with its chaotic energy. It felt as if the land itself was watching him, waiting for him to slip.

And slip he did.

Just as he crossed into what looked like a dense, forested area, the ground beneath him began to shift. The trees, twisted and ancient, groaned as if they were alive, their roots writhing like serpents. Feng Lin jumped back just in time to avoid being caught in one of the roots' deadly grips.

"This place is alive…" he muttered, his eyes scanning for any signs of safety. But there were none.

[System Notification: Trial Progress – 10% Complete]

[Danger Level: Moderate]

The forest was a death trap. Everywhere he stepped, it seemed as though the very ground was out to kill him. Vines lashed out like whips, thorns dripped with venomous sap, and the air itself grew thicker with each passing moment, making it harder to breathe.

Feng Lin gritted his teeth. "This isn't endurance... this is torture."

But he pressed on, each step a calculated movement. He knew that if he slowed down or hesitated, the forest would consume him. His chaos energy flared around him, allowing him to cut through the deadly traps, but it was draining. His Qi reserves were starting to run low.

The trees began to close in, their branches forming a near-impenetrable barrier. Feng Lin gathered the last of his Qi into a blade of pure chaos and slashed forward, cutting through the obstacle. He stumbled through, panting from the effort, and collapsed against a tree that, thankfully, wasn't trying to kill him.

[System Notification: Trial Progress – 50% Complete]

[Warning: Qi Reserves Low. Rest Recommended.]

Feng Lin shook his head. "Resting in this place is suicide," he muttered, forcing himself to his feet. He could feel the continent testing him, pushing him to his absolute limits. But he wasn't about to give in.

Suddenly, he heard the unmistakable sound of footsteps. Not the lumbering crash of a beast, but the careful, deliberate steps of a cultivator. Feng Lin's body tensed.

"Who's there?" he called, his hand resting on the Chaos Binding Bracelet.

Out of the shadows stepped a woman—tall, her long silver hair flowing in the wind. Her clothes were unlike anything Feng Lin had seen before, intricate and elegant, but meant for battle. Her eyes locked onto his, sharp and unyielding.

"I didn't expect to find another outsider here," she said, her voice calm but tinged with surprise.

Feng Lin studied her carefully, his mind racing. She didn't seem hostile, but that didn't mean she wasn't dangerous. "Who are you?"

The woman crossed her arms, her expression neutral. "My name is Yan Mei. I've been on this continent for far longer than I care to admit. And you?"

"Feng Lin."

There was a moment of silence between them, the tension palpable. Yan Mei glanced around the forest, her eyes narrowing. "This place isn't safe. The first trial's almost over, but the real danger starts after."

Feng Lin raised an eyebrow. "You've been through this before?"

She nodded. "Many times. But it never gets easier. The trials are designed to break you, and most people don't make it past the first one."

Feng Lin clenched his fist. "Then why are you still here?"

Yan Mei's expression darkened. "Because leaving isn't an option. Not unless you've gathered enough power to escape the Crimson Star's grasp."

Feng Lin didn't respond immediately, his mind processing her words. The Crimson Star Continent… was more than just a dangerous place. It was a prison, holding those who couldn't find a way to overcome its trials.

"I don't plan on staying here long," Feng Lin finally said, his eyes hardening with determination.

Yan Mei smiled slightly. "We'll see. For now, we need to keep moving. The forest isn't the only thing hunting us."

Feng Lin's instincts flared, and he could feel it—a dark presence approaching from the depths of the forest. Whatever it was, it was massive, and its energy was unlike anything he had encountered before.

He turned to Yan Mei. "Do you know what that is?"

Her face was grim. "It's the second part of the trial. Survive or die."

Feng Lin's chaotic energy began to surge as the presence grew closer. He could hear the ground shaking beneath the weight of whatever beast was approaching.

"Looks like resting won't be an option after all," he muttered.