Chapter 21: The Temple of Echoing Souls

Xian Zhen and his companions stood before the towering entrance of the temple, its massive stone doors etched with glowing runes. The energy radiating from within was ancient, pulsing with an eerie rhythm, as if the temple itself was alive.

"The final trial is here," Lei Shang muttered, his fists clenched.

Jiang Hu grinned, though his eyes showed unease. "Let's hope it's not another mind trick. I've had enough of those."

Feng Yu placed a hand on the door, feeling its power. "No… this trial is different. I can sense it."

Xian took a deep breath, his black and white energy stirring. "Then let's face it head-on."

With a push, the doors groaned open, revealing a vast hall bathed in dim blue light. Statues of warriors lined the walls, each one frozen in a battle stance, their eyes hollow yet menacing. At the far end stood a massive altar, and upon it—an orb of swirling darkness and light, hovering in place.

"The Core of Balance," Xian whispered. He could feel it calling to him, as if it was a part of him.

Before they could move, the statues trembled. Cracks formed along their stone bodies, and one by one, they came to life, stepping forward with weapons drawn. Their movements were slow but deliberate, their empty eyes locked onto the group.

"So much for a peaceful trial," Jiang Hu muttered, drawing his sword.

The statues suddenly rushed forward, moving with unnatural speed. Xian barely had time to react as a spear thrust aimed for his chest. He twisted to the side, countering with a blast of black and white energy, sending his attacker staggering.

Lei Shang clashed with two statues at once, his fists coated in golden energy as he parried and struck back. "They're strong! Their bodies are almost unbreakable!"

Feng Yu weaved through the battlefield, her daggers slashing at their weak points, but each strike only left faint marks on the stone warriors. "We can't just fight them head-on! There must be another way!"

Xian dodged another attack, his mind racing. The trial wasn't just about strength—it was about balance. The Core of Balance… that had to be the key.

"Defend me!" he shouted. "I need to reach the altar!"

His companions formed a protective barrier, fending off the statues as Xian dashed forward. The closer he got, the heavier the air became, pressing down on him like an invisible force.

The moment he reached the altar, the orb pulsed. A voice echoed in his mind:

"To claim balance, one must let go of control."

Xian's heart pounded. Let go? He had always fought to control his power, to keep it in check. But now… was he supposed to surrender to it?

Closing his eyes, he released all resistance, allowing the black and white forces within him to flow freely. His body lit up with swirling energy, and in that moment, he understood—balance wasn't about restraining power. It was about harmony.

A wave of energy burst from him, washing over the statues. Their movements slowed, then stopped. One by one, they crumbled into dust.

The temple fell silent.

The orb floated gently into Xian's hands, its power settling within him. The voice returned:

"You have passed. You are now one step closer to your true destiny."

As the temple doors opened once more, Xian turned to his companions, a newfound clarity in his eyes.