Chapter 89: The First Trial of the Beastlords

Lin Tian stood at the edge of a vast, barren plain. The crimson sky stretched endlessly above him, casting an eerie glow on the broken remains of a once-great civilization. Towering stone structures and ruins lay scattered across the landscape, overgrown with strange vines that seemed to pulse with a life of their own.

As he took in the desolation around him, Lin Tian's senses sharpened. This was the forgotten realm, a place where time had forgotten its passage, and where the very air seemed thick with the echoes of ancient powers. The weight of the trial hung heavily on his shoulders, but he was not alone. Yuefeng, the Azure Feather Phoenix, and the other beasts stood by his side, ready for the challenges ahead.

The Challenge Unfolds

Suddenly, a deep rumble reverberated through the ground. A glowing, ethereal platform emerged from the ground before Lin Tian, its surface adorned with ancient symbols that pulsed with light. The symbols flared brightly, and the voice of the Heavenly Beast Core echoed in his mind.

"The first trial of the Beastlords begins. Only through the strength of your bond with your beasts will you succeed. To prove your worth, you must navigate the Trials of the Beasts and unlock their true potential. The first test will challenge the unity between you and your beasts. Succeed, and you will move forward. Fail, and you will be lost in the forgotten realm forever."

Lin Tian steeled himself. He could feel the weight of the task ahead. The first trial was to prove his bond with his beasts, but he knew it would be more than just a test of strength. It would be a test of trust, communication, and unity.

The ground trembled again, and a massive gate slowly creaked open in the distance. Beyond the gate, Lin Tian could make out dark shapes moving in the shadows—beasts of immense power, their eyes gleaming in the dim light.

Facing the First Trial

Without hesitation, Lin Tian stepped forward, his beasts following closely behind him. As they approached the gate, the dark shapes began to move faster, emerging into the light. They were creatures unlike anything Lin Tian had ever seen. Massive, hulking beasts with jagged scales, claws like daggers, and eyes that burned with an unnatural fire. There were five of them, each one more terrifying than the last.

The voice of the Heavenly Beast Core rang out once more.

"Your first test is the Trial of the Beast Masters. You must defeat these creatures and prove the strength of your bond with your beasts. However, there is a catch—you may only use the powers of your beasts, not your own strength. To pass the trial, you must lead your beasts to victory."

Lin Tian's heart pounded. This was it—the first real test of his connection with his beasts. He turned to Yuefeng and the Azure Feather Phoenix. Their eyes met his, and in that moment, he could feel their unspoken understanding. They were ready.

Yuefeng was the first to step forward, her sleek black fur shimmering under the crimson sky. Her eyes glowed with a predatory gleam, and she let out a low growl. Lin Tian could feel the surge of power from her as she prepared for battle.

The Azure Feather Phoenix spread its wings, sending a gust of wind that made the air shimmer. Its flames burned brighter than ever before, and its gaze locked onto one of the massive beasts with a fierce determination.

"Focus," Lin Tian whispered, his voice calm but resolute. "We fight together."

The Battle Unfolds

The first of the monstrous beasts lunged toward them, its massive claws slashing the air. Yuefeng moved with incredible speed, her body a blur as she dodged the strike. She then retaliated, her claws slashing across the beast's side with precision. The beast howled in pain, but it didn't fall. Instead, it turned to face Yuefeng with even greater fury.

Lin Tian's heart raced as he directed the others. "Azure, now!"

The Azure Feather Phoenix took to the sky, soaring higher and higher, its wings leaving trails of fire in the air. It then dove down with incredible speed, its beak glowing with molten energy as it aimed for the beast's head. With a mighty cry, the Phoenix struck, its beak sinking into the creature's skull. The beast howled in agony before collapsing to the ground, defeated.

But the battle was far from over. The other beasts charged forward, and Lin Tian could feel the pressure mounting. He turned his attention to the remaining beasts—massive creatures that towered over his own, their every movement shaking the ground beneath them.

Yuefeng was in constant motion, darting in and out, striking with deadly accuracy. The Azure Feather Phoenix continued to rain down flames from above, scorching the beasts' hides. Lin Tian guided them, urging them to stay coordinated, to attack in unison.

But the beasts they faced were relentless. One by one, they struck, pushing Lin Tian and his beasts to their limits. The ground was littered with massive claw marks, and the air was thick with the smell of smoke and blood.

Lin Tian's mind raced as he searched for an opening. He knew the key to victory lay not just in brute strength, but in their unity. He could feel the connection with his beasts growing stronger with each passing moment, a bond forged through trust and understanding.

He focused on Yuefeng, sending a surge of energy through their bond. She responded immediately, leaping into the fray with renewed vigor. Together, they struck as one—an unstoppable force.

The Final Blow

The last of the beasts, a massive creature with obsidian scales, stood before them. It was battered and bloody, but still alive. Lin Tian's heart pounded as he realized that they were nearing the end of the trial. His beasts were weary, but their bond was stronger than ever.

"Now!" Lin Tian shouted, his voice filled with determination.

Yuefeng and the Azure Feather Phoenix charged in unison. The Phoenix unleashed a burst of fire, while Yuefeng darted in for the final strike. The beast attempted to counterattack, but its movements were slow and sluggish, its energy nearly depleted. With a final, powerful leap, Yuefeng sank her claws into the beast's throat, delivering the killing blow.

The beast let out one final roar before collapsing to the ground, defeated.

Victory and Revelation

The moment the last beast fell, the battlefield fell silent. Lin Tian stood panting, his body exhausted but victorious. His beasts stood around him, their eyes glowing with pride and strength. The bond between them was stronger than ever before, and Lin Tian could feel it—this victory was just the beginning.

The Heavenly Beast Core's voice echoed in his mind once more.

"You have passed the first trial, Tamer. The strength of your bond with your beasts is undeniable. But this is only the beginning. There are more trials ahead, each one more difficult than the last. Only through unity and trust will you succeed."

Lin Tian smiled, his heart swelling with pride. This trial had tested him in ways he had never imagined, but he had emerged victorious. The road ahead would be long and treacherous, but with his beasts by his side, he knew there was nothing they couldn't face.

As the ruins around them began to fade, Lin Tian felt the world shift once more. The first trial was complete, but the next chapter of his journey was just beginning.

End of Chapter 89