Chapter 9: The Trial Within

The days turned into weeks, and Lin Wei's training under Elder Ming became increasingly intense. Each morning, he would wake before dawn and make his way to the secluded garden, where Elder Ming would guide him through rigorous exercises designed to strengthen his Qi and refine his control over his glitchy system. The progress was slow but steady, and Lin Wei could feel himself growing stronger with each passing day.

One morning, as the first light of dawn painted the sky in hues of orange and pink, Elder Ming greeted him with a solemn expression. "Today, we will take a significant step in your training," she said. "You will face a trial unlike any you have encountered before. This trial will test not only your strength and control but also your understanding of yourself and your system."

Lin Wei felt a flicker of apprehension. "What kind of trial?"

Elder Ming gestured toward a path that led deeper into the garden, one Lin Wei had never noticed before. "Follow me, and you will see."

They walked in silence, the path winding through dense foliage and past bubbling streams. The air grew thicker with Qi, and the surroundings seemed to shift subtly, as if the garden itself were alive and aware of their presence. Finally, they reached a clearing where a massive stone archway stood, its surface covered in ancient runes that glowed faintly.

"This is the Trial of Reflection," Elder Ming explained. "It is a sacred place where disciples confront their deepest fears, doubts, and desires. Only by facing these inner challenges can you truly understand yourself and your system."

Lin Wei stared at the archway, feeling a mix of curiosity and unease. "What do I have to do?"

"Step through the archway," Elder Ming said. "The trial will begin once you enter. Remember, this is not a test of physical strength but of mental and spiritual resolve. Trust in yourself, and you will succeed."

Lin Wei took a deep breath, steeling himself. He glanced at Elder Ming, who gave him a reassuring nod, and then stepped through the archway.

---

The moment he crossed the threshold, the world around him dissolved into darkness. Lin Wei found himself standing in a vast, empty void, the ground beneath his feet shimmering like a mirror. The air was still, and the silence was deafening.

"Hello?" he called out, his voice echoing into the void.

Suddenly, the ground beneath him rippled, and a figure emerged from the darkness. It was a man who looked exactly like Lin Wei, but his eyes were cold and calculating, and his expression was one of disdain.

"So, this is the great Lin Wei," the doppelgänger said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "The System Exile. The one who thinks he can defy the heavens. How pathetic."

Lin Wei frowned, taking a step back. "Who are you?"

"I'm you," the doppelgänger replied, smirking. "Or rather, I'm the part of you that you try to ignore. The part that knows you're not good enough. The part that knows you'll never control your system."

Lin Wei's heart raced, but he forced himself to stay calm. "That's not true. I've come this far. I can do this."

The doppelgänger laughed, a harsh, mocking sound. "Oh, really? Let's see, then."

He raised his hand, and a surge of energy shot toward Lin Wei. Lin Wei barely managed to dodge, the attack grazing his arm and leaving a searing pain in its wake. He activated **Qi Flow**, feeling the energy surge through him as he prepared to counterattack.

But the doppelgänger was faster. He moved with a speed and precision that Lin Wei couldn't match, landing blow after blow. Lin Wei tried to use **Shadow Step**, but the ability glitched, teleporting him only a few inches to the side.

"See?" the doppelgänger taunted. "You can't even control your own abilities. How do you expect to control your system?"

Lin Wei gritted his teeth, refusing to give up. He focused on his **Inner Calm** ability, stabilizing his emotions and clearing his mind. As the doppelgänger lunged at him again, Lin Wei sidestepped and struck with a **Frost Palm**, freezing the ground beneath his opponent's feet.

The doppelgänger stumbled, giving Lin Wei an opening. He pressed the attack, channeling his Qi into a powerful strike. But just as he was about to land the blow, the doppelgänger vanished, reappearing behind him.

"Too slow," the doppelgänger sneered, delivering a devastating kick that sent Lin Wei sprawling.

Lin Wei groaned, struggling to get back on his feet. His body ached, and his Qi was running low. But he refused to give up. He closed his eyes, focusing on his system. He needed something—anything—to turn the tide.

His system screen flickered to life:

**[New Quest: Overcome Your Doubts. Reward: Random Ability.]**

Lin Wei took a deep breath, letting the energy flow through him. He thought about everything he had been through—the trials, the training, the moments of doubt and triumph. He thought about Elder Ming's words: *"Trust in yourself, and you will succeed."*

As he focused, his system screen flickered again:

**[Ability Acquired: Mirror Strike (Glitch Variant).]**

**[Description: Reflect your opponent's attack with equal force. Accuracy may vary.]**

Lin Wei opened his eyes, feeling a surge of determination. The doppelgänger lunged at him again, but this time, Lin Wei was ready. He activated **Mirror Strike**, channeling his Qi into the ability.

The doppelgänger's attack struck, but instead of hitting Lin Wei, it was reflected back at him. The force of the blow sent the doppelgänger flying, and he landed hard on the ground, his form flickering like a dying flame.

"You… you can't defeat me," the doppelgänger said, his voice weak but still defiant. "I'm a part of you."

"You're right," Lin Wei said, walking toward him. "You are a part of me. But you're not the part that defines me."

He raised his hand, channeling his Qi into a final strike. The doppelgänger's form shattered like glass, dissolving into the void.

---

The darkness around Lin Wei began to fade, and he found himself back in the clearing, standing in front of the stone archway. Elder Ming was there, her expression calm but approving.

"You have done well," she said. "The Trial of Reflection is not an easy one, but you have faced your doubts and emerged stronger."

Lin Wei nodded, feeling a sense of relief and accomplishment. "It was… intense. But I think I understand my system a little better now."

Elder Ming smiled faintly. "Good. Understanding is the first step toward control. But remember, this is just the beginning. Your system is a reflection of yourself, and as you grow, so too will it."

Lin Wei took a deep breath, feeling a renewed sense of determination. He had faced his doubts and emerged victorious, but he knew there were still many challenges ahead. With Elder Ming's guidance and his glitchy system's potential, he was ready to continue his journey.

As they walked back to the garden, Lin Wei couldn't help but feel a flicker of excitement for what lay ahead. The Azure Sky Sect was just the beginning. With each trial, each lesson, he was growing stronger and more in control. And if he could continue to face his doubts and harness his system's power, maybe he could defy the heavens after all.