The Trial of Trust
The grand hall fell into silence as Lin Haoyan's aura surged, his presence oppressive. Every elder and guard present stepped back, their gazes flickering with unease. The Eternal Bloom Clan Patriarch was a force to be reckoned with, and now his anger was directed squarely at Tianyang.
Tianyang gripped his sword tightly, his Spirit Transformation cultivation surging as he steadied himself. "If this is your judgment, Patriarch Lin, I won't back down. But know this—I don't fight for myself. I fight for Yuqing and our future."
Lin Haoyan's eyes narrowed. "Then prove it!"
---
The air erupted as Lin Haoyan struck first, his palm emitting a vibrant green light laced with golden threads. It was a technique unique to the Eternal Bloom Clan—Verdant Blossom Strike—its power capable of shattering mountains.
Tianyang pivoted to the side, his blade flashing as he countered with a technique of his own, Heavenly Crescent Slash. The clash of energy shook the entire hall, sending waves of force rippling outward.
"Good reflexes," Lin Haoyan commented, his tone calm but cold. "But this is just the beginning."
The patriarch vanished, reappearing behind Tianyang with an outstretched palm. Tianyang twisted his body just in time, parrying the blow, but the sheer force sent him skidding across the floor.
---
Yuqing stepped forward, her voice trembling. "Father, stop this madness! There's no need to—"
"Silence!" Lin Haoyan roared, his aura flaring. "This is between Tianyang and me. If he wants to take you into danger, he must prove he can protect you!"
Tianyang wiped blood from the corner of his mouth, his gaze unwavering. "I understand your concerns, Patriarch. But Yuqing is not someone I take lightly. She's my equal, my partner. I would die before I let harm come to her."
"Then fight like your life depends on it!" Lin Haoyan bellowed, his hands forming a series of intricate seals.
---
A dazzling burst of light filled the room as Lin Haoyan unleashed Blooming Thousand Petals, a technique that manifested a storm of razor-sharp petals swirling with energy.
Tianyang gritted his teeth, activating Celestial Dragon's Guard, a defensive barrier of golden scales that shimmered around him. The petals collided with his barrier, creating sparks and tearing through parts of it.
"You're holding back," Lin Haoyan said, his tone taunting. "If this is all you've got, you'll never survive the Divine Continent."
Tianyang's eyes blazed. "Then let me show you the strength of the Celestial Clan!"
He surged forward, his sword radiating power as he executed Dragon Ascends the Heavens, a technique that unleashed a golden dragon formed of pure energy. The dragon roared as it barreled toward Lin Haoyan.
---
Lin Haoyan smirked, raising a single hand. Eternal Bloom Barrier materialized around him, absorbing the dragon's might and dispersing it into the air.
"Impressive. But not enough."
Lin Haoyan retaliated with Vine Shackles of Eternity, summoning ethereal vines that lashed out and bound Tianyang's movements.
Tianyang grunted, his movements restricted. He focused his energy, activating Celestial Burst, a short-range explosion of energy that shattered the vines and freed him.
---
The battle intensified, the clash of techniques creating shockwaves that cracked the marble floors and sent debris flying. The elders watched in awe as Tianyang held his ground against Lin Haoyan's relentless assault.
Yuqing's hands trembled as she watched. "Mother, stop him! He'll kill Tianyang!"
Lin Meiyun placed a calming hand on her daughter's shoulder. "Be patient, Yuqing. Trust in your father's judgment."
---
As the battle reached its peak, Lin Haoyan unleashed his strongest technique yet: Eternal Bloom's Wrath, a massive wave of energy shaped like a phoenix that bore down on Tianyang.
Tianyang, bloodied and battered, roared as he countered with Dragon Emperor's Last Stand, pouring every ounce of his remaining energy into a single, devastating attack. The dragon and phoenix collided, creating an explosion that shook the entire clan estate.
---
When the dust settled, Tianyang was on one knee, his sword embedded in the ground for support. Lin Haoyan stood tall, unscathed, his aura still overwhelming.
"It's over," Lin Haoyan declared, raising his hand for the final strike.
---
Yuqing screamed. "Father, stop!" She rushed forward, standing between her father and Tianyang.
"Yuqing, move!" Lin Haoyan barked, his voice laced with anger.
"No! I won't let you hurt him anymore!" Yuqing shouted, tears streaming down her face.
Lin Haoyan hesitated for a moment, then his aura surged again. "If you truly trust him, then stand aside and let him prove himself!"
---
Before Yuqing could react, Lin Haoyan's attack descended, a beam of energy aimed directly at her.
"Yuqing!" Tianyang roared, his body moving on instinct. He leaped in front of the attack, taking the full brunt of it. His body was flung across the hall, crashing into the wall with a sickening thud.
"Tianyang!" Yuqing screamed, rushing to his side.
Lin Haoyan began walking toward Tianyang's motionless body, his expression unreadable.
---
"Stop, Father!" Yuqing pleaded, trying to intercept him.
Lin Meiyun held her back. "Wait, Yuqing. Just watch."
Lin Haoyan knelt beside Tianyang, who was barely conscious. Instead of delivering a killing blow, he placed his hand over Tianyang's chest. A soft, green glow enveloped Tianyang as Lin Haoyan activated Verdant Renewal, a healing technique of the Eternal Bloom Clan.
---
Tianyang's breathing steadied as the wounds across his body began to close. His eyes fluttered open, and he looked up at Lin Haoyan in confusion.
"Patriarch… why?"
Lin Haoyan stood, his face softening for the first time. "Because I had to know."
Yuqing stepped forward, her voice trembling. "Know what, Father? Why did you put him through this? Why didn't you stop when I interfered?"
Lin Haoyan turned to her, his gaze proud. "I wanted to see if he had the ability to protect you, Yuqing. If he could stand against me, even knowing the odds, then he might survive the dangers of the Divine Continent. And when you stepped in, I needed to see if the bond between you two was strong enough. Would he risk his life for you? Would you trust him with your future? The two of you passed… valiantly."
---
Yuqing's eyes widened. "So, this was all… a test?"
"Yes," Lin Haoyan admitted. "A test of ability, resolve, and worthiness. I had to be sure, for your sake."
Tianyang exhaled deeply, a mixture of relief and exhaustion. "Patriarch Lin, there's no need for explanation. You did what any father would do. I understand."
Yuqing knelt beside Tianyang, holding his hand tightly. Her voice was filled with pride and warmth. "You proved yourself, Tianyang. To my father and to me."
Lin Haoyan nodded. "You have my blessing, both of you. Go, and may the Dragon and Phoenix soar together."