Chapter 23 : Echoes of the Void 3

Chapter 23 : Echoes of the Void

The battle against the Nightmare Serpent had left Tian Yu physically exhausted but spiritually invigorated. The traces of Void energy that lingered from the encounter resonated with his soul, whispering secrets beyond mortal comprehension. As he meditated under the ancient Moonshade Tree, his mind drifted into the depths of the unknown.

Cultivation Breakthrough: Foundation Establishment

With the refinement of the Void Serpent's essence and the accumulated battle experiences, Tian Yu felt the impending breakthrough. The bottleneck that separated Qi Refinement from Foundation Establishment was formidable, but he had already surpassed ordinary limits.

Sitting cross-legged, he absorbed the surrounding spiritual energy. The air trembled as his meridians expanded, and his dantian pulsed violently. Boom! A surge of ethereal energy erupted from his body, sending shockwaves through the ground. A mysterious power filled his veins, strengthening his physique.

[System Alert: Cultivation Level Advanced!]

Current Realm: Foundation Establishment – Early Stage

New Ability Unlocked: Void Piercing Steps

The power coursing through him was intoxicating. He clenched his fist, feeling the immense difference in strength. This was only the beginning.

The Azure Sky Sect's Inner Court Selection

The news of Tian Yu's advancement spread through the sect like wildfire. His performance in the Grand Tournament had already cemented his reputation, but stepping into Foundation Establishment so quickly was unheard of.

A sect steward arrived at his residence with a jade slip. "The Elders have taken an interest in you. You are being summoned to the Inner Court Trials."

Tian Yu's gaze sharpened. The Inner Court was where true geniuses thrived. This was his next step toward absolute dominance.

Arrival at the Inner Court Trials

The Inner Court Trials were held in the Heavenly Ascension Hall, a grand pavilion that floated above the sect's core. Only those who had proven themselves could set foot within its sacred grounds.

Hundreds of disciples gathered, each radiating strong auras. Tian Yu immediately sensed the power gap—some were already in the mid and late stages of Foundation Establishment, their Qi refined to perfection.

Lan Yue stood among them, smirking. "So you finally made it. I was starting to think you'd stall at the Outer Court forever."

Tian Yu smirked back. "Then you don't know me well enough."

Fang Xuan, the sect prodigy, also observed Tian Yu with a piercing gaze. "We'll see if you can keep up."

The First Trial: The Stairway of Ascension

The first challenge was a test of willpower. The Stairway of Ascension was an ancient construct that led to the Inner Court's entrance. Each step exuded a suppressive force, challenging the disciples to push through their limits.

[System Alert: Special Challenge Detected!]

Objective: Reach the 108th step within the time limit.

Reward: Hidden Void Technique – "Starbreaker Palm"

As the trial began, disciples surged forward, their bodies glowing with protective Qi. Each step felt like carrying an immense mountain on one's shoulders. By the 50th step, many had already collapsed, their faces pale from the pressure.

Tian Yu advanced steadily. His Void Physique allowed him to nullify portions of the suppression, but as he neared the 80th step, even he felt the crushing weight. Every muscle screamed in protest.

A roar echoed from behind—Fang Xuan had reached the 90th step, his aura burning fiercely.

Lan Yue followed closely, her robes fluttering as she pushed forward with sheer determination.

Tian Yu took a deep breath. The Void was endless, unfathomable. Compared to its abyssal depths, this trial was nothing. He activated Void Piercing Steps, his form flickering as he reached the 108th step in a single instant.

[System Alert: Trial Complete!]

New Ability Acquired: Starbreaker Palm

Astonishment filled the crowd. Even the Elders watching from above nodded in approval. "Interesting… he wields the Void's power with ease."

The Second Trial: Combat of Elites

Having proven their resilience, the remaining disciples were pitted against each other in combat. Victory meant recognition; defeat meant elimination.

Tian Yu's first opponent was a disciple from the Thunder Sword Pavilion, a sect branch specializing in lightning-based sword arts.

[Opponent Identified: Liu Zhen]

Cultivation: Foundation Establishment Mid-Stage

Techniques: Thunder Flash Sword, Lightning Mirage Step

Liu Zhen unleashed a barrage of lightning-infused sword strikes, his movements almost too fast to follow. But Tian Yu remained calm, his mind analyzing each attack with precision.

Void Phantom Steps!

His figure blurred as he weaved through the incoming strikes, countering with Starbreaker Palm. A powerful shockwave erupted, sending Liu Zhen flying across the arena.

[System Alert: Victory Achieved!]

+1000 Sect Contribution Points

The crowd erupted in cheers. Even Fang Xuan watched with narrowed eyes. "He's stronger than I expected."

One by one, Tian Yu dismantled his opponents. Each battle refined his techniques, pushing his combat prowess to greater heights.

By the time the trial concluded, only four disciples remained—Tian Yu, Fang Xuan, Lan Yue, and a mysterious masked cultivator whose aura felt eerily similar to the Void.

The final match was set.

A Glimpse into the Void's Truth

That night, as Tian Yu meditated in preparation for the final battle, a strange phenomenon occurred. The air trembled, and the world seemed to shift.

Before him stood an ethereal figure shrouded in endless darkness.

"You are approaching the truth," it whispered. "But are you ready to embrace it?"

The Void's secrets were unraveling, and Tian Yu was standing at the threshold of something beyond comprehension.

End of Chapter 23 : Echoes of the Void 3