Chapter 66: The Awakening of the Hidden Realm

The stone door groaned as it finally gave way, revealing a vast chamber deep within the Forgotten Ruins. Lin Tian stood at the threshold, his heart pounding with anticipation. His beasts and companions flanked him, ready for whatever challenge lay ahead. The air was thick with an ominous, ancient energy, and every step they took seemed to resonate with the echoes of a long-forgotten past.

"Stay alert," Lin Tian commanded. His voice was calm, but the seriousness in his tone made it clear that this was no ordinary discovery. "This place has been sealed away for a reason."

Xinya, now in her humanoid form, nodded, her sharp eyes scanning the chamber. Baihu, ever the protector, stood at Lin Tian's side, her massive tiger form poised for action. Lin Mei, who had grown more confident in her abilities, remained close behind, ready to unleash her powerful spells if necessary.

The room they entered was colossal, with walls lined with intricate carvings depicting beasts, celestial events, and powerful cultivators engaged in fierce battles. In the center stood an altar, cracked and weathered with age, but unmistakably the source of the vast power emanating from the room. Above it hung a glowing crystal orb, radiating a pulsating, golden light that seemed to draw them in.

"It's the core of the Hidden Realm," Lin Tian muttered, his eyes narrowing. "This is what I've been looking for."

The energy in the room began to intensify, and the ground trembled beneath their feet. The crystal orb above the altar flickered, as if reacting to their presence. Suddenly, a voice—low, thunderous, and filled with ancient wisdom—boomed through the chamber.

"Who dares disturb the sanctum of the beasts?" The voice seemed to come from all directions, reverberating off the walls. The temperature in the room dropped, and the air thickened with pressure.

Lin Tian stood firm, his gaze unwavering. "I am Lin Tian, the master of the Hidden Realm, the one who seeks to restore what was lost. I wish only to awaken the power that slumbers here."

The chamber fell silent for a moment, and then the orb flared brighter, as if scrutinizing him. After what felt like an eternity, the voice returned, but this time it was softer, more curious.

"You claim mastery over the Hidden Realm?" The voice's tone was skeptical. "Prove your worth. Only those with the strength to command the beasts may claim the power of this place."

Without warning, the ground beneath them cracked open, and a massive beast emerged from the shadows. It was a creature unlike anything Lin Tian had seen before—a colossal, serpent-like dragon with shimmering scales that shifted in color with each movement. Its eyes glowed like molten gold, and its massive wings spread, casting an enormous shadow over the chamber.

Xinya stepped forward, her aura flaring with power. "That's no ordinary beast... It's a guardian, forged from the very essence of the Hidden Realm."

Lin Tian's mind raced as he analyzed the situation. This was no simple test—it was a battle for dominance, a challenge to prove he was worthy of unlocking the true potential of the Hidden Realm.

"Let's do this," Lin Tian muttered to himself. He summoned his beasts—Xinya, Baihu, and his other powerful creatures—into the battle. But as the dragon lunged forward, he realized this would require more than just strength. It would require everything he had learned from his past life and his bond with the beasts.

With a swift motion, Lin Tian activated his system, channeling his energy into the Hidden Realm. The island inside his body responded, growing stronger, feeding off the energy that flowed through him. His connection to his beasts deepened, and he could feel their power surging through him, an unbreakable bond that allowed him to harness their strength as one.

"Now, Xinya! Baihu!" Lin Tian commanded, his voice firm. "Form the Fusion Formation!"

Xinya and Baihu moved in perfect synchrony, their bodies intertwining in a seamless fusion of strength and power. The massive dragon roared as it charged, but Lin Tian was ready. With a swift motion, he leaped into the air, his sword drawn, its blade glowing with the combined might of his beasts and his own cultivation.

The battle was fierce and intense. The dragon's roar shook the chamber, but Lin Tian's fusion technique allowed him to keep up, dodging and striking with precision. Every blow from the dragon was met with counterattacks from Lin Tian's beasts, each strike more powerful than the last.

As the battle raged on, Lin Tian's Hidden Realm continued to expand within him. The more power he absorbed from the battle, the stronger the realm became, and the closer he came to unlocking the full potential of this ancient power.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Lin Tian saw his chance. The dragon's movements slowed as it grew fatigued, and with a decisive strike, he pierced through its defenses. The beast let out a final, pained roar before collapsing to the ground.

The chamber fell silent, the oppressive pressure lifting. Lin Tian stood panting, his sword still glowing with residual energy. His beasts, now restored to their original forms, stood by his side, their expressions a mixture of pride and satisfaction.

The voice that had spoken earlier returned, this time filled with respect. "You have proven your worth, Lin Tian. The power of the Hidden Realm is yours to command."

The crystal orb above the altar flared brightly, its golden light flooding the chamber. Lin Tian felt a rush of energy flood into him, the power of the Hidden Realm merging with his own. The island within him grew larger, its landscapes shifting and evolving as the relic's energy breathed new life into it.

"You are truly worthy," the voice said. "But remember, the power you now possess comes with great responsibility. The Hidden Realm will not tolerate weakness, nor will it forgive betrayal. Use this power wisely."

Lin Tian nodded, his expression serious. "I understand. I will protect this place and all who are part of it."

With that, the voice fell silent, and the chamber's oppressive atmosphere lifted. The dragon's form dissolved into mist, leaving behind only the faintest trace of its presence.

Lin Tian turned to his companions, who were all watching him with awe and respect. "We've only just begun. The path ahead is still fraught with danger, but with the power of the Hidden Realm, we'll be ready for whatever comes."