The Crimson Trial

As the group launched their fiercest attacks on the skeleton, the knights froze in place, their ghostly forms turning to face the throne. The room echoed with the sounds of techniques being unleashed—fiery explosions, thunderous roars, and crackling energy filled the air as cultivators channeled their might into their strongest techniques. Each attack landed on the skeleton, creating ripples of energy that spread across its body, yet the creature remained seated, unmoving, as if mocking their efforts.

The skeleton raised both hands, its bony fingers curling upward, absorbing the storm of attacks like a bottomless abyss. Streams of light—gold, silver, crimson, and azure—poured into the creature, merging into its form. The crimson glow in the skeleton's eyes intensified, pulsating with every wave of energy it consumed. The atmosphere grew heavier with an oppressive aura, pressing down on the group like an invisible weight. Some cultivators, especially the younger ones, struggled to keep their footing.

Tianyang's voice boomed above the chaos. "Don't falter now! Keep going! It's working!"

The command reignited their determination. Elders from the Void Tribulation Realm unleashed high sky-tier techniques, their auras rippling with unmatched ferocity. Younger disciples followed suit with intermediate and low sky-tier techniques, their faces drenched in sweat.

To maintain their relentless assault, many cultivators took out rare-grade pills to replenish their depleted energy reserves. Others activated unique-grade artifacts, their treasures glowing brilliantly as they amplified their attacks. The combined efforts created a cacophony of light and sound, a storm of power focused entirely on the skeleton.

The knights remained still, their attention entirely fixated on the throne. Their eerie stillness provided a momentary reprieve, allowing the group to direct all their focus on the skeleton.

But just as the glow in the skeleton's eyes reached its peak, the group's attacks faltered. Exhaustion spread through the room, and the cultivators ceased their onslaught to catch their breath. The crimson light began to fade, dimming slowly, and the knights stirred once more, their ghostly forms resuming their ominous march toward the group.

"No! Don't stop! Focus!" Tianyang shouted, his voice firm and commanding.

Xuan'er echoed his cry, her spear crackling with lightning. "We're almost there! Use your strongest attacks! This is our only chance!"

Renewed by Tianyang's commanding presence, the group redoubled their efforts. Cultivators unleashed high sky-tier techniques, their auras flaring with renewed vigor.

"Celestial Storm!" cried one elder, summoning a vortex of wind and lightning that crashed against the skeleton's form.

"Inferno Dragon's Wrath!" bellowed another, conjuring a massive dragon wreathed in flames.

Xuan'er, standing at the forefront, wielded her lightning spear with deadly precision. "Don't hold back! This is our only chance!" she shouted, her weapon crackling with power.

The room became a battlefield of clashing energies, the cultivators' determination unyielding. The knights froze once more, their ghostly forms locked in place, as the skeleton absorbed the combined energy. Its eye sockets filled with crimson light, illuminating the entire room with an ominous glow.

"It's working!" Yuqing exclaimed, her voice filled with both hope and urgency.

The cultivators pushed harder, consuming more pills and activating more artifacts to fuel their techniques. Rare-grade pills were replaced by unique-grade ones, while legendary-grade artifacts began to unleash their true power.

The knights remained frozen, and the skeleton's movements slowed as it absorbed the continuous barrage. The once-menacing crimson glow now illuminated, casting eerie shadows that danced across the walls.

The energy within the skeleton reached a critical point. Its hands began to tremble, and it slowly lowered them, as though burdened by the sheer power it had absorbed. The knights, too, began to return to their original positions, their movements deliberate and slow.

A collective sigh of relief swept through the group as they saw the knights retreat. Some cultivators lowered their weapons, their faces pale and drenched in sweat.

But their relief was short-lived.

Without warning, the skeleton stood up from its throne. The sound of its movement echoed ominously, sending chills down everyone's spines. It extended its right hand, pointing its bony index finger directly at Tianyang and Yuqing, who stood closest to it on the stairs.

A surge of crimson energy erupted from the skeleton, enveloping the pair in a shroud of blood-red light. The group froze in terror, believing the two were moments away from death.

"Tianyang! Yuqing!" Xuan'er screamed, trying to rush forward, but the pressure in the room pinned her down.

To everyone's shock, instead of detonating the energy and killing them, the skeleton performed an unexpected action. With an ancient, eerie precision, it pulled the two closer to itself. Tianyang and Yuqing hovered helplessly in the air, drawn toward the skeleton as its crimson aura intensified.

Tianyang and Yuqing remained calm, their hands clasped tightly together. As they neared the skeleton, the skeleton's energy forced a drop of blood from each of their palms, the crimson droplets floating toward its head. The moment the blood touched the skeleton's skull, it absorbed the drops through its forehead.

Behind them, the group stood frozen, unsure of what was happening.

As soon as the skeleton absorbed the blood, Tianyang and Yuqing vanished in a flash of crimson light, leaving the rest of the group in stunned silence. The skeleton disappeared along with them, its throne left empty.

When the blinding light faded, Tianyang and Yuqing found themselves standing in a vast, ethereal chamber. It was a serene, moonlit space, completely different from the oppressive throne room.

In front of them stood the skeleton, its entire body glowing a vibrant red.

"Be ready," Tianyang whispered, gripping Yuqing's hand tightly.

But before they could act, the skeleton exploded in a blinding burst of crimson energy. The explosion blinded them momentarily, forcing them to shield their eyes.

When the dust settled, the skeleton was gone. In its place were two objects lying on the ground: two radiant pills and a scroll.

Tianyang bent down to examine the treasures. The pills radiated divine energy, their aura unmistakable—they were Low Divine-Grade Ascension Pills, capable of helping a peak Spirit Transformation Realm cultivator break through to the Void Tribulation Realm. The scroll was inscribed with ancient runes, its aura pure and calming.

Yuqing picked it up, her eyes widening as she read its title. "Eternal Harmonization Of Sun and Moon Breathing Method... It's a low divine-tier dual cultivation technique. It's pure—it focuses entirely on harmonious energy circulation and breakthroughs. This... this is perfect for us."

Tianyang smiled. "It seems this trial was a test all along. The skeleton wasn't our enemy—it was the judge. And it deemed us worthy of these treasures."

Yuqing nodded, her eyes filled with admiration. "These rewards couldn't have come at a better time. We've reached the peak of our realm, and these will help us take the next step together."

Finding a quiet, secluded spot in the new chamber, Tianyang and Yuqing sat down to prepare for their breakthrough. Holding hands, they exchanged a look filled with love and determination.

"This place is perfect," Yuqing said. "It's quiet, and the ambient energy here will help us focus."

"This technique," Tianyang said softly, "is a dual cultivation method, but it's pure. It doesn't require anything beyond our bond, our connection. I'm relieved. We won't have to… rush what we've planned for our wedding day."

Hearing his words, Yuqing blushed deeply, her heart swelling with love for him. "You're incredible, Tianyang. Thank you for always respecting me... for always being you."

"I'll always cherish you, Yuqing," Tianyang replied, pulling her into a gentle embrace. "In this life and the next."

"You always think of me," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly.

He smiled warmly. "Let's do this together, my love. Let's ascend to the Void Tribulation Realm as one."

With that, they began the process of cultivation, the divine-grade pills and the Eternal Harmonization Of Sun and Moon Breathing Method guiding their energies in perfect harmony.

Important Information!

Low Divine-Grade Ascension Pills

The Low Divine-Grade Ascension Pills are rare and highly sought-after alchemical treasures designed to aid cultivators at the peak of the Spirit Transformation Realm. These pills serve as a catalyst to break through to the Void Tribulation Realm. The pills are infused with potent spiritual energy that cleanses the body, stabilizes the cultivation foundation, and strengthens the cultivator's core, preparing them for the difficult transition to a higher realm.

Upon consumption, the pill accelerates the absorption of ambient spiritual energy, improves the flow of vital qi, and enhances the cultivator's physical and spiritual resilience. It allows cultivators to break through the bottleneck that typically hinders advancement, ensuring a smooth and successful breakthrough to the next stage without causing damage to the body or soul.

Eternal Harmonization of Sun and Moon Breathing Method

The Eternal Harmonization of Sun and Moon Breathing Method is an ancient low divine-tier dual cultivation technique passed down through the ages. This method is designed specifically for couples or those seeking balance between opposing forces—much like the relationship between yin and yang, or the sun and moon. It is a harmonious cultivation technique that promotes not only individual cultivation but also strengthens the bond between the practitioners.

The core principle of the method lies in balancing the energies of sun (yang) and moon (yin) within the body. As the practitioners breathe in synchrony, their spiritual energies resonate, creating a cycle that fosters growth, healing, and spiritual enlightenment. The technique is highly effective for enhancing their cultivation speed, amplifying their qi, and allowing for smoother integration of divine energy into their bodies.

Despite being a dual cultivation method, it is considered pure because it emphasizes mutual respect and synergy rather than physical intimacy, ensuring the practitioners' minds and spirits align as they cultivate together. The method facilitates breakthroughs to higher realms by nurturing the connection between the two practitioners, allowing them to ascend in tandem. It is particularly suited for those who are deeply bonded, such as Tianyang and Yuqing, whose growing connection complements the principles of the method.