Chapter 77: The Gate to the Unknown

As Lin Tian ventured deeper into the Hidden Realm, the air around him grew thick with energy. The faint hum of power resonated through the ancient trees, and his orb pulsed in response. Each step brought him closer to a mysterious gate that loomed in the distance, carved with intricate runes glowing faintly in shades of blue and gold.

"This must be the gateway to the next trial," Lin Tian muttered, his eyes narrowing as he studied the gate.

His beasts emerged from his beast space, sensing his apprehension. Xiuying, the Celestial Flame Phoenix, perched on his shoulder, her fiery aura casting a warm glow around them.

"This place feels...different," she said, her usually confident tone subdued. "There's something ancient here, something watching us."

Before Lin Tian could respond, the orb in his hand shimmered, projecting a stream of light toward the gate. The runes lit up in response, their glow intensifying until the entire gate blazed with energy.

A voice echoed through the air, low and melodic, carrying a sense of authority.

"Only those deemed worthy may enter. Prove your resolve, your strength, and your unity."

The ground beneath Lin Tian's feet trembled, and the gate began to part, revealing a swirling vortex of light and shadow. Without hesitation, he stepped forward, his beasts following close behind.

The Hall of Unity

Lin Tian found himself in a vast hall illuminated by floating orbs of light. The walls were adorned with murals depicting humans and beasts fighting side by side, their unity overcoming insurmountable odds.

A figure materialized in the center of the hall—a tall woman clad in shimmering robes, her features ethereal. She radiated a power that made even Lin Tian's strongest beasts tense.

"I am the Guardian of Unity," she said, her voice both gentle and commanding. "To proceed, you must demonstrate the bond between you and your companions."

Lin Tian nodded, stepping forward confidently. "We've been through countless battles together. Our bond is unbreakable."

The Guardian smiled faintly. "Words mean little here. Show me."

With a wave of her hand, the hall transformed into an open arena surrounded by shifting landscapes—forests, deserts, mountains, and seas. From the shadows emerged creatures of immense size and power, their eyes glowing with an unnatural light.

"You will face these beasts," the Guardian said, "but you cannot defeat them alone. Only through true unity will you prevail."

The Battle of Unity

The first opponent was a massive serpent with scales that shimmered like obsidian. Its movements were swift and deadly, striking with venomous precision.

"Xiuying, cover me from the air!" Lin Tian commanded. "Ling'er, shield the ground with your vines!"

Ling'er, the Verdant Spirit Deer, obeyed, summoning a wall of thorny vines that intercepted the serpent's attacks. Xiuying unleashed a barrage of fiery strikes, forcing the serpent to retreat.

As the battle continued, more beasts emerged—a towering golem, a shadowy wraith, and a hydra with snapping heads. Lin Tian and his team fought with precision, their movements synchronized as if guided by a single mind.

But the challenges grew harder. The beasts began coordinating their attacks, exploiting any weaknesses in Lin Tian's strategy.

"We need to do more than defend," Lin Tian said, his voice steady despite the pressure. "It's time to show them our true power."

He activated the orb's fusion ability, and Xiuying and Ling'er merged into a blazing phoenix with glowing green wings. The fusion beast unleashed a storm of fire and vines, overwhelming the enemies with a combination of destruction and entanglement.

One by one, the beasts fell, until the arena was silent once more.

The Guardian's Approval

The Guardian reappeared, her expression softer than before. "You have shown true unity, not just in strength, but in trust and harmony. Few pass this trial, yet you did so with grace."

She raised her hand, and a beam of light enveloped Lin Tian and his beasts. He felt a surge of energy, his bond with his companions deepening further.

"The path ahead will test you even more," the Guardian said, her voice tinged with warning. "The Hidden Realm holds secrets that can change your destiny. Be prepared for what lies beyond."

The arena faded, and Lin Tian found himself standing before a second gate, its surface shimmering like liquid silver. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for the next step in his journey.

End of Chapter 77