Chapter 72: The Ancient Temple of Trials

As Xiao Tian, Yue'er, and Lian'er ventured deeper into the dense forest, the oppressive atmosphere became more pronounced. The once-beautiful landscape had transformed into a labyrinth of towering trees and vines, thick as chains, their twisted branches reaching toward the sky. The air felt heavy, like the forest itself was alive, watching them as they moved forward.

Xiao Tian could feel a strange presence in the air, a subtle shift in the energy around them. It was as if something was calling to them, urging them to go further. The Multi Blessings System thrummed inside him, its power resonating with the ancient forces that seemed to linger in this forgotten place.

The deeper they ventured, the stronger the pull became. Xiao Tian could feel it in his bones—a primal, ancient power. His gaze hardened, and he turned to Yue'er and Lian'er, who were both alert, their eyes scanning the surroundings for any potential threats.

"This place," Yue'er murmured, "it feels like something powerful is just beyond our reach. But there's a danger to it. I can sense it."

Lian'er nodded in agreement. "I feel the same. The air here is thick with old power. Whatever is in this forest… it's not something we should take lightly."

Xiao Tian's eyes narrowed as he pushed forward, his instincts telling him that they were close to something significant. The path ahead grew darker, and the fog seemed to thicken, making it harder to see more than a few steps ahead. But then, as if guided by an unseen force, the mist parted, revealing a massive structure in the distance—a towering temple, partially hidden among the trees.

The Temple of Trials.

The temple's architecture was unlike anything Xiao Tian had seen before. Its walls were made of ancient stone, covered in intricate carvings that depicted battles between gods and demons, heroes and monsters. The carvings seemed to shift and change as they looked at them, as if they were alive, telling a story that had been passed down for eons.

"This is it," Xiao Tian said, his voice filled with awe. "The Temple of Trials. I can feel the power emanating from it. This is where our journey leads."

The air around the temple buzzed with energy, and the ground beneath their feet seemed to tremble with the weight of history. Xiao Tian took a deep breath, preparing himself for whatever challenges awaited them inside. The portal that had brought them to this world had been only the beginning, and now, standing at the threshold of the Temple of Trials, they knew that the true test was about to begin.

As they approached the entrance, the massive stone doors slowly creaked open, revealing a dark, cavernous interior. A deep, resounding voice echoed through the temple, filling the air with an overwhelming presence.

"Those who seek to enter must prove their worth. Only the strong may pass."

The voice was ancient, filled with authority, yet there was a hint of something else—something far older and wiser. It was a challenge, a call to arms, and a promise of great power to those who succeeded.

Xiao Tian stepped forward, his feet firm on the stone floor. He wasn't afraid. The Multi Blessings System had made him stronger than he had ever been, and his bond with Yue'er and Lian'er gave him confidence in their unity. Together, they would face whatever trials lay ahead.

"We're ready," Xiao Tian said, his voice filled with resolve.

The voice echoed once more, this time softer, as if assessing them.

"Very well. The first trial awaits."

A sudden rush of wind filled the temple, swirling around them, and the massive stone doors slammed shut behind them, sealing them inside. The temperature dropped dramatically, and the darkness deepened, obscuring their vision. Xiao Tian could feel the pulse of energy growing stronger, vibrating through the ground and into his body.

Then, the silence was shattered by a roar—loud, ferocious, and primal. From the shadows, something massive emerged, its presence crushing the air around them. A massive beast, its fur matted with blood, its eyes glowing with an eerie light. The creature was unlike any they had encountered before—a beast with the head of a lion, the body of a bear, and the wings of a dragon.

It was a Soul Beast—a powerful one, far beyond anything Xiao Tian had faced before. The beast's muscles rippled with immense strength, and its roar shook the walls of the temple. Its eyes locked onto them, filled with malice and hunger.

"This is the first trial?" Lian'er's voice was tight, her eyes narrowing in preparation. "This beast is a monster."

Yue'er gripped her spear tightly, her stance ready for battle. "It's stronger than any Soul Beast we've faced before. But we can't back down. We need to fight together."

Xiao Tian felt the weight of the situation, but his confidence was unshaken. He turned to his companions, his eyes steely with determination.

"Let's show this creature the power of our bond," Xiao Tian said, his voice steady. "We fight together, and we win together."

With a battle cry, the three of them charged toward the beast, their movements coordinated and fluid. Yue'er's spear flashed through the air, aiming for the creature's throat, while Lian'er's whip lashed out with pinpoint precision, striking at its massive limbs. Xiao Tian followed closely behind, his sword cutting through the air with deadly grace.

The beast roared in anger and pain, but its movements were swift and powerful, its claws tearing through the stone floor as it countered their attacks. Each strike of its claws sent shockwaves through the air, forcing them to dodge and evade. The ground beneath their feet trembled as the beast unleashed its devastating fury.

But Xiao Tian wasn't deterred. He could feel the power of the Multi Blessings System flowing through him, each blessing amplifying his strength, his speed, and his senses. He was faster, more precise, and more powerful than ever before. His sword flashed with brilliant light as he unleashed a series of attacks, each one landing with pinpoint accuracy.

Yue'er and Lian'er fought with equal ferocity, their weapons moving in perfect harmony with Xiao Tian's. Together, they pressed the attack, slowly wearing the beast down. Every strike, every movement, every breath they took was in sync, their bond making them unstoppable.

Finally, after a fierce battle that seemed to stretch on for eternity, the beast let out a final, earth-shaking roar and collapsed to the ground, its body twitching as its life force faded away.

The temple fell silent once more.

Xiao Tian, Yue'er, and Lian'er stood over the fallen creature, their bodies battered but unbroken. Sweat dripped from their faces, and their chests heaved with exhaustion, but there was a sense of accomplishment in their eyes. They had passed the first trial.

As the creature's body began to disintegrate, a glowing crystal appeared in its place—a reward for their victory. Xiao Tian stepped forward and retrieved the crystal, feeling its power pulsating within.

"Well done. You have proven your strength. The next trial awaits."

The voice echoed once more, and Xiao Tian could sense that their journey was only just beginning. The Temple of Trials was not a place of mere challenges; it was a crucible designed to forge warriors of unimaginable power.

And Xiao Tian was ready.

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[End of Chapter 72]