Chapter 15: Whispers of the Past

Emerging from the so-called "reward room," Mu Bai stepped into a corridor that felt vastly different from the others. The walls shimmered with faint light, casting shifting images that seemed to come alive. As he walked, the flickering shapes morphed into scenes from his past—his childhood, moments of triumph, and, most painfully, those of loss.

"A walk down memory lane? Fantastic," Mu Bai muttered, tightening his grip on his sword. "Because nothing says 'trial' like emotional trauma."

A soft, melodic voice echoed through the corridor. "Do you think you're worthy of the Dragon King's approval, boy?"

Mu Bai froze. The voice was achingly familiar. "Mother?" he whispered, his heart clenching.

A Haunting Revelation

Before him, the images shifted to show his mother, smiling warmly as she beckoned him forward. The young Mu Bai in the vision ran to her, laughing.

"This is cruel," he growled, his fists trembling. "You're just a mirage."

The voice softened. "Am I? Or is this your guilt taking form?"

The walls began to close in, and the images became sharper. They showed moments when Mu Bai had chosen his ambitions over spending time with his family, the times he'd left his loved ones behind to pursue power.

"Shut up," Mu Bai snapped, trying to shake off the guilt clawing at his chest.

The voice persisted. "You chase strength, but at what cost? Have you truly protected those you care about, or have you only brought them pain?"

The Shadow Duel

A shadowy figure stepped from the wall, taking on Mu Bai's exact form. It spoke with his voice, its tone mocking. "Let's test your resolve, Mu Bai. Can you fight yourself?"

Mu Bai smirked, though his grip on the sword tightened. "I've been fighting myself for years, buddy. You're just another distraction."

The shadow attacked without warning, its movements mirroring Mu Bai's perfectly. Every strike he made was countered with equal force, every dodge met with an identical evasion. The battle was like fighting a mirror, and the longer it went on, the more exhausting it became.

"You're not winning," the shadow taunted. "Because deep down, you're still doubting yourself."

Mu Bai stumbled back, panting. "Doubt, huh? Yeah, I've got doubts. But you know what else I've got? Stubbornness."

He closed his eyes, focusing his energy. When he opened them again, his sword blazed with radiant light. "Let's end this dance."

In a final, decisive strike, Mu Bai cleaved through the shadow. It dissolved into mist, and the corridor brightened.

A Comic Interlude

As the corridor widened into another chamber, Mu Bai was greeted by an unexpected sight—a gigantic, sentient rock with a comically tiny face etched onto its surface.

"Welcome, challenger!" the rock declared in a deep, booming voice. "I am the Great Boulder of Truth!"

Mu Bai stared at it, dumbfounded. "The... what now?"

The boulder puffed up proudly. "The Great Boulder of Truth! To pass, you must answer my questions with absolute honesty!"

Mu Bai sighed. "You're a talking rock. How serious can this be?"

The boulder glared. "Question one: Have you ever farted in a crowded hall and blamed it on someone else?"

Mu Bai nearly dropped his sword. "Are you serious right now?"

The boulder didn't waver. "Answer the question, mortal!"

Mu Bai groaned, running a hand through his hair. "Fine. Yes, okay? Happy now?"

The boulder's booming laughter filled the chamber. "Honesty! Good! You may proceed... after one more question."

Mu Bai braced himself. "Let's hear it."

"Who is the most beautiful person you've ever met?"

Caught off guard, Mu Bai hesitated. His mind flashed to a certain figure—a woman he had crossed paths with during his journey. Her icy demeanor and breathtaking beauty had left a lasting impression.

"Xia Qingyue," he muttered before realizing he'd spoken aloud.

The boulder gave a knowing nod. "Ah, young love. You may pass."

Mu Bai threw his hands up in exasperation as the door behind the boulder opened. "I can't believe I just confessed to a rock."

Emerging Stronger

The corridor beyond the boulder led to a quiet garden bathed in golden light. The air was calm, and for the first time since entering the maze, Mu Bai felt at peace.

A small, glowing flower caught his eye, its petals shimmering like liquid gold. As he reached for it, a voice echoed in his mind. "The first blessing is yours. Prove yourself worthy of the others."

Mu Bai plucked the flower, feeling its power surge through him. His strength and resolve felt renewed, but he knew the trials were far from over.

"One down," he muttered, stepping forward. "Let's see what else this maze has in store."