Chapter 13: The Dragon King's Decree

The air became oppressive as the Dragon King fully emerged from the dark clouds above. His massive form, shimmering with scales of obsidian and gold, dominated the sky. The very earth trembled beneath his presence, and his eyes, glowing like molten suns, surveyed the battlefield with an intensity that made even Jin Xian falter.

Mu Bai tightened his grip on his sword, his instincts screaming at him to retreat. But there was nowhere to go. The Dragon King's aura alone pinned him in place like a mountain pressing down on his chest.

"So, you are the one wielding the Phoenix Spirit," the Dragon King's voice boomed, resonating through the heavens like thunder. His tone was calm, almost amused, but there was an undercurrent of immense power that made the hairs on Mu Bai's neck stand on end.

Mu Bai took a deep breath, forcing himself to meet the Dragon King's gaze. "I am Mu Bai. And I will not bow to you."

Jin Xian's head snapped toward Mu Bai, his expression a mixture of shock and disbelief. "Fool! Do you have any idea who you're speaking to?!"

The Dragon King chuckled, a deep, rumbling sound that sent shivers down Mu Bai's spine. "You have courage, young one. But courage alone is not enough to survive in this world." He lowered his massive head, his glowing eyes narrowing as they bore into Mu Bai's. "Tell me, why do you fight? What drives you to wield the power of the Phoenix?"

Mu Bai straightened, his voice steady despite the immense pressure weighing down on him. "I fight to protect what I hold dear. To carve my own path in a world that seeks to control me. The Phoenix chose me, and I will honor that choice with everything I have."

The Dragon King's gaze lingered on Mu Bai for a moment before he turned his attention to Jin Xian. "And you," he said, his voice laced with disdain. "You disappoint me, Jin Xian. You were given the honor of serving me, yet you cannot handle a single cultivator?"

Jin Xian bowed his head, his voice trembling. "My lord, he is no ordinary cultivator. The Phoenix Spirit grants him power beyond reason—"

"Enough." The Dragon King's voice cut through Jin Xian's explanation like a blade. "You have embarrassed yourself enough for one day."

Mu Bai's mind raced. This was his chance. If he could somehow gain the Dragon King's favor—or at least avoid his wrath—he might live to fight another day. But how could he possibly negotiate with a being of such immense power?

Before Mu Bai could speak, the Dragon King's eyes returned to him. "You intrigue me, Mu Bai. The Phoenix Spirit's choice is not one made lightly. I will give you a chance to prove your worth."

Mu Bai's heart skipped a beat. "What do you mean?"

The Dragon King's lips curled into a predatory smile. "There is a trial, one that only the most worthy can survive. If you succeed, I will allow you to leave this place with your life—and perhaps even grant you my blessing. But if you fail..." He trailed off, his meaning clear.

Mu Bai swallowed hard. "And if I refuse?"

The Dragon King chuckled again. "Then you die here and now."

"No pressure, huh?" Mu Bai muttered under his breath.

Jin Xian sneered. "You won't survive, Mu Bai. The Dragon King's trials are legendary—many have attempted them, but none have succeeded."

Mu Bai shot him a glare. "Thanks for the vote of confidence."

The Dragon King raised his massive claw, and a portal of swirling energy appeared in the air before Mu Bai. "Step through and face the trial. Or stay here and face me. The choice is yours."

Mu Bai hesitated for only a moment before steeling himself. He sheathed his sword and stepped toward the portal. "I've never been one to back down from a challenge."

As he passed through the portal, the last thing he heard was the Dragon King's amused chuckle and Jin Xian's growl of frustration.

Inside the Trial

Mu Bai found himself standing in a vast, barren landscape. The sky was dark, and the air was thick with an eerie stillness. In the distance, he could see a massive structure—a towering labyrinth of black stone that seemed to stretch endlessly into the heavens.

"A maze?" Mu Bai muttered. "Of course it's a maze. Why couldn't it be something simple, like a tea party?"

As he stepped forward, the ground beneath his feet rumbled, and the labyrinth shifted. Walls rose and fell, corridors twisted and turned, and the entire structure seemed alive, pulsing with dark energy.

"Welcome to the Trial of the Dragon King," a disembodied voice echoed through the air. "To survive, you must reach the heart of the labyrinth. But beware—the path is fraught with danger, and your every step will be tested."

Mu Bai took a deep breath and tightened his grip on his sword. "No turning back now."