The Shadows in the Trial

Read 100+ advanced chapters: pat reon/Siuteo

-----

In the Tower of Trial's challenge mode, each level presented a unique map and adversary, designed to test both skill and strategy.

The first level was an open grassland, where the opponent was an Amethyst Demon Wolf at the peak of Mortal Awakening.

The second level shifted to a dense forest, and the challenger faced a Golden-Crowned Snake at the peak of Spiritual Sense.

The third level, where Luo Chuan currently found himself, was a jagged canyon littered with strange rock formations. His opponent? A Shadow Leopard, renowned for its exceptional stealth and agility, and at the pinnacle of Fatebound Ascension.

Luo Chuan's own cultivation level had also at the pinnacle of Fatebound Ascension, although this realm is higher than his real level, his mastery over his new strength was seamless, his control precise.

Luo Chuan stood still, his body relaxed, but his senses were keenly attuned to his surroundings.

A faint whistling sound broke through the stillness.

Without hesitation, Luo Chuan shifted backward, narrowly avoiding a sudden attack. The air rippled, revealing a sleek leopard mid-strike.

The Shadow Leopard's fur shimmered as if refracting light, a natural camouflage that made it nearly invisible.

In one fluid motion, Luo Chuan countered with a sharp slash of his dagger. However, the agile creature twisted impossibly in mid-air, evading the blade.

Suddenly, a distortion in the air behind him warned of another attack.

A second Shadow Leopard, hidden in the shadows, lunged for his exposed back.

Luo Chuan's eyes narrowed. Instead of dodging, he braced himself and let the attack connect, blood spraying from his right arm as three deep gashes tore through his flesh.

At the same moment, his dagger arced in a deadly sweep, striking the second Shadow Leopard across its face. A bright splash of blood erupted, and the creature let out a piercing roar as its eye was destroyed.

Luo Chuan gritted his teeth against the pain, his right arm now nearly useless. His lips twisted into a grin despite the injury.

The second Shadow Leopard's vision was compromised, significantly weakening its combat abilities. However, the first Shadow Leopard remained unscathed, and Luo Chuan's reduced mobility put him at a disadvantage.

The battle raged on, both sides fighting with desperation.

In the end, Luo Chuan fell to his opponents, but not before taking the Shadow Leopards down with him.

"The state's not great today. Let's call it," Luo Chuan muttered, removing his helmet.

He blinked in surprise when he noticed a group of people crowded around him.

"What are you all staring at?" he asked, his tone calm but curious.

"Boss, what kind of monster were you fighting?" Gu Yunxi asked, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.

"Yeah, boss! What level are you on now?" Jiang Wanshang added excitedly.

"The third level," Luo Chuan replied nonchalantly.

Their eyes lit up in awe.

"Wow! We're still stuck on the second level fighting Golden-Crowned Snakes," Gu Yunxi exclaimed.

Mu Yurou, standing quietly nearby, finally spoke up, her voice soft. "What are you talking about?"

Murong Haitang chuckled and explained, "The Tower of Trial has a challenge mode with different levels. Each level becomes progressively harder."

"Teacher Haitang, how far have you gotten?" Su Tianxuan asked, his curiosity evident.

Han Yang and Xiao Cheng leaned in, eager to hear her answer.

Murong Haitang smiled modestly. "I only started yesterday, so I'm still on the first level."

The group laughed, the lighthearted moment breaking the tension of the earlier battle.

But even as the atmosphere grew more relaxed, Luo Chuan's mind lingered on the challenge ahead. The Tower of Trial wasn't just a game—it was a test, and he was determined to climb higher.