Chapter 56: The First Trial

The air in the Vault seemed to hum with a strange energy as Lin Tian carefully rolled up the ancient scroll, securing it with a string made of silver threads that shimmered under the dim light. As the scroll closed, the vault's silence deepened, almost as if the room was holding its breath in anticipation.

Lin Tian stood for a long moment, his mind racing with what he had just uncovered. The knowledge of the curse and its potential to destroy everything his family had worked for hung heavily on him. But now, there was no turning back. The path ahead was laid out before him, and all he had to do was walk it.

With a determined breath, he turned and left the Vault, his footsteps echoing as he made his way back to the heart of the sect. The sun had already set by the time he emerged, casting long shadows over the courtyard. The ethereal glow of the moon illuminated the towering peaks surrounding the sect, their sheer cliffs seeming to whisper of secrets long buried in time.

As Lin Tian walked toward the central courtyard, he was met by his most trusted companions—his beasts. They stood waiting for him, their glowing eyes filled with concern and understanding. Among them was Qing Yan, the elegant white wolf who had sworn allegiance to him, its silver fur gleaming in the moonlight. Then there was Xue, the fiery phoenix, her vibrant red plumage standing out against the backdrop of the night. And finally, Hua, the graceful but fierce unicorn with a radiant horn.

"You've learned the truth," Qing Yan said, her voice smooth like silk but laced with a quiet concern. "But what comes next?"

Lin Tian gave a firm nod, his heart steady despite the turmoil brewing within him. "The trials have begun. The knowledge in the scroll says that I must pass three trials to harness the power of the Lost Beasts and break the curse. I must prove myself worthy."

Xue let out a melodic trill, her flames flickering with excitement. "Trials? This will be an interesting challenge. Are you ready, Lin Tian?"

Lin Tian's eyes narrowed as he gazed into the distance, the stars above him beginning to shift, as though reacting to his every thought. "I have no choice but to be ready."

He turned and walked toward the gates of the sect, his beasts following closely behind him. It was time to find the first trial.

The journey led them deep into the sacred mountain ranges that surrounded the sect, their towering peaks shrouded in mist and mystery. As Lin Tian and his companions traversed the narrow, winding paths, the air grew heavier with every step. The feeling of being watched was unmistakable, and Lin Tian's senses were heightened as he pushed forward.

The moon had fully risen when they finally reached the foot of a massive, jagged cliff. The stone face was slick with mist, and ancient carvings ran along its surface, barely visible under the layers of moss and time. Lin Tian placed his hand against the cold stone, feeling the hum of ancient energy vibrating through the rock.

"This is it," he muttered, sensing the trial ahead.

At that moment, a deep, rumbling voice echoed from the mountain, sending a chill through the air.

"You have come, chosen one. The first trial awaits you. Only the worthy may pass."

Lin Tian stepped back, his muscles tensing in readiness. The voice reverberated through his bones, and he instinctively called forth his beasts to stand beside him. He could feel their energies aligning with his own, the connection between them deepening as they prepared for the trial that lay ahead.

"The first trial will test your resolve, your strength, and your will to protect those you hold dear," the voice continued, its tone almost mocking. "You must face your fears and defeat what lies within your heart. Only when you conquer your inner demons will the first trial be complete."

The ground before them shifted, and a massive stone door slid open, revealing a dark, cavernous expanse within the mountain. The air inside was thick with an oppressive presence, and a cold, foreboding wind began to blow. Lin Tian stepped forward, his heart racing, but his mind focused. He had no idea what he would face, but he knew one thing: he couldn't fail.

"Enter, and face your demons," the voice commanded.

Without hesitation, Lin Tian strode into the darkness, his beasts following closely behind him. As they entered, the heavy door slammed shut behind them, leaving them in utter blackness. Lin Tian's senses sharpened, and he could feel the eerie presence of something else—something ancient and powerful—lurking in the shadows.

Suddenly, a voice echoed through the void, this time much closer, as if it were right beside him.

"Lin Tian…"

The voice was familiar, and yet, it sounded distorted, as though twisted by a cruel force. Lin Tian's breath caught in his throat as he turned, his eyes searching through the pitch-black darkness.

"Lin Tian, are you prepared to face the truth?" The voice repeated, louder this time.

A flash of light erupted, and the shadows parted to reveal a vision—a vision of his family, but not as he remembered them. His mother stood before him, but her face was twisted in agony, her eyes filled with sorrow. His sisters, his aunts, and his grandmother—they all stood there, lifeless, their eyes hollow as they stared at him.

"This is the price of your ambition, Lin Tian," the vision of his mother spoke, her voice filled with pain. "To save us, you will lose everything. The curse will destroy us all, and you will be the one to bring about our downfall."

Lin Tian felt his chest tighten, his breath coming in sharp gasps. "No… this isn't real! I will save you! I won't let the curse win!"

The vision flickered, and another one emerged, this time of his younger self—a naive, carefree boy standing in front of a mirror. He watched as the boy slowly turned into a man, only for the reflection to morph into a monstrous figure, its face twisted with a cruel grin.

"You're not strong enough," the monstrous figure sneered. "You will fail, just like everyone before you. The curse will never be broken."

Lin Tian staggered back, his heart pounding in his chest. These images—these reflections of his deepest fears—were more than just illusions. They were projections of the doubt and self-loathing he had buried deep within himself.

But as the visions continued, Lin Tian clenched his fists, his will firming with every passing second. "No! I am not afraid of you! I will face the truth and break the curse. I will not let you control me!"

The moment the words left his lips, the visions shattered like glass, the dark presence receding as the light began to return. The stone walls around them began to glow with an ethereal light, and Lin Tian could feel the oppressive weight lifting.

"You have passed the first trial," the voice declared, this time filled with grudging respect. "You have faced your inner demons and overcome them. The path ahead is open to you, but be warned, the trials will only grow more difficult."

Lin Tian took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the trial's impact but also a sense of pride. He had conquered his inner fears, and that was the first step toward breaking the curse that haunted his bloodline.

"One trial down," Lin Tian murmured to himself, his eyes hardening with resolve. "Two more to go. I will not fail."

As he and his beasts left the cavern, the first rays of dawn broke over the horizon, signaling the start of the next phase of his journey.

To be continued…