Chapter 5 - The Mission of the Gods

As night descended and a gentle breeze blew, four newly initiated warriors—Tianming, Lei Ji, Tianrong, and Bingxi—stood before the ancient and majestic Golden Temple, their hearts filled with awe and anticipation. The temple was one of the most mysterious and powerful relics in the mortal realm. It was said to be the place where the gods once resided, earning it the title of the sacred ground of the mortal world. Now, they were about to undergo a training here, under the guidance of their teacher, Shiyan, a training that would shape their destinies.

"The Golden Temple… it truly radiates a mysterious power," Lei Ji marveled, her eyes filled with curiosity and reverence.

Tianrong nodded slightly, surveying the surroundings. "Yes, it feels as if this place is completely different from the world we know. I can sense the powerful energy in the air."

Bingxi, more cautious than the others, calmly observed every detail of the temple, her ice spear at the ready. "No matter what, we must remain alert. While the temple is sacred, the powers hidden here could pose a threat to us."

Tianming stood beside them, gazing up at the golden dome of the temple, a faint but familiar force calling to him from deep within. This feeling had grown stronger since his arrival, as though something important was about to happen.

As they prepared to enter the temple, Shiyan slowly walked toward them, her expression solemn and profound. As a descendant of the gods, she had a deeper understanding of the temple's power than anyone else.

"Children, you have already shown extraordinary courage and determination, but that alone will not be enough to face the threats that lie ahead," Shiyan's voice was gentle yet full of strength. "The training to come will help you unlock your inner potential and find the strength that belongs to each of you."

Lei Ji's gaze was resolute as she spoke with conviction, "Teacher, no matter how difficult the training is, we are ready."

Tianrong followed suit, "Yes, we cannot disappoint the expectations of the four great kings. This place is where we will grow stronger."

Bingxi's expression remained calm, but her eyes sparkled with a desire for power. "I'm ready. Teacher, please begin."

Tianming simply watched Shiyan, sensing the deeper meaning behind her words. He understood that Shiyan was not only guiding them but also awakening the power within him.

Shiyan nodded slightly and led them into the temple. The sight inside was awe-inspiring: tall stone pillars supported the dome, and ancient, mysterious runes were carved into the walls. The runes seemed to flow, emitting a faint golden glow. The entire temple exuded a mysterious and authoritative aura, as if every corner concealed boundless power.

Shiyan led them into a vast circular hall at the center of which was a grand training ground. The floor was etched with intricate magical circles, within which pure energy flowed.

"This will be your training ground," Shiyan explained. "Each magical circle represents a different training challenge, and only by overcoming these challenges can you truly master your own strength."

Lei Ji was the first to step forward, standing on a magical circle inscribed with lightning runes. Instantly, she felt a surge of powerful lightning energy emanating from the circle, flowing into her body.

"This power... so pure and powerful!" Lei Ji exclaimed, feeling as if her body had merged with the lightning. The flow of energy was exhilarating, like nothing she had ever experienced.

Tianrong stood on a circle inscribed with flame runes. The fiery energy surged into him, greatly enhancing his internal fire power.

"The flames are growing stronger… I can feel their rage and power!" Tianrong clenched his fists, his eyes blazing with a fierce battle spirit.

Bingxi stepped onto a circle etched with frost runes. A chill surrounded her as the ice power flowed through her body, elevating her control over frost to an entirely new level.

"This coldness… it feels like it could freeze everything," Bingxi murmured, sensing the temperature drop around her as if the very air had solidified.

Tianming, however, stood on a circle with intricate runes that seemed different from the others. The symbols emitted an ancient, mysterious aura. As Tianming stood there, the magic circle began to glow, and an indescribable force surged into his body.

"What... is this power?" Tianming felt the energy inside him stir violently, as if something within him was awakening. He closed his eyes, focusing on the surge of power, when suddenly a deep, familiar voice echoed in his mind.

"Tianming... you are the reincarnation of Longtian... Awaken, and accept your mission."

The voice seemed to come from a distant, timeless place, carrying an air of infinite authority and summons.

Tianming's eyes flew open, his heart pounding. He had heard this voice countless times before, but this time it was clearer and more powerful, as though the divine being from his past life was speaking to him through the temple, guiding him.

"Teacher, what is this power?" Tianming asked, his voice tinged with unease and anticipation.

Shiyan glanced at him, her expression complex. "Tianming, the power within you is awakening. This temple is not only a place of training but also where Longtian's power remains. The power of Longtian within you is responding to the temple's call, seeking to connect with you."

"Longtian's power..." Tianming whispered, repeating the name in his mind. He felt an increasingly stronger connection to the power, as if countless memories were awakening within him.

As the training continued, Lei Ji, Tianrong, and Bingxi all strengthened their abilities within their respective magical circles, rapidly improving their combat skills and power control. However, Tianming's training felt different. He realized that he was not merely undergoing training but also unlocking the memories and powers of his previous life.

Each time he stood in the special runic circle, the deep and commanding voice would resound in his mind, guiding him to seek something.

"Tianming... Come here, find me, accept your fate," the voice echoed again and again, growing more insistent.

One night, when everyone else was resting, Tianming found himself unable to sleep. A mysterious urge led him to rise and follow the call deep into the temple.

"I must find it," Tianming whispered to himself, his steps determined as he moved deeper into the temple. The air grew heavier as he advanced, and the walls were adorned with ancient runes that seemed to emit faint light, guiding his way.

Finally, Tianming arrived at an ancient stone door. The door was engraved with intricate patterns and symbols, with a glowing gem embedded at its center. His heart raced as he felt that something important was about to happen.

"This is it…" Tianming murmured, reaching out to gently touch the gem. In an instant, he felt an invisible force draw him toward it, and the stone door opened silently, revealing a hidden chamber.

The chamber was vast and mysterious, with a pure light floating at its center. The light appeared to be made of countless fragments, each radiating an ancient and powerful aura. Tianming was drawn to the light, and without thinking, he moved closer.

"Divine Soul..." Tianming gazed at the light, his inner calling growing stronger. He felt his hand being guided by an invisible force, reaching out toward the light. The moment his fingertip touched the light, the entire chamber blazed with brilliance, and a powerful energy surged into his body, igniting every fiber of his being.

"Ah…" Tianming let out a low growl, feeling his body almost torn apart by the immense energy. His soul seemed to be violently impacted by this force, and fragmented memories flooded his mind.

The memories were vivid yet distant: the sky of the divine realm, Longtian wielding a sword as he battled Longxie in a life-or-death struggle; the palaces of the gods, where Longtian accepted his mission; and the moment he was betrayed by Longxie and fell into the mortal realm…

"These... are Longtian's memories!" Tianming realized with a shock. He understood now that he was accepting the memories and powers of Longtian's previous life.

As the memories surged, his consciousness began to blur, but his spirit grew clearer. The deep, commanding voice rang out once more, clearer than ever.

"Tianming, I am you, and you are me." The voice carried endless authority and strength. "Longtian's mission is not yet complete. You must inherit it and fulfill what I could not, for the peace of both the divine and mortal realms."

Tianming felt his soul connect deeply with Longtian's will. His body began to adapt to the overwhelming power, and he realized that he was not only Tianming from the mortal realm but also Longtian's reincarnation, bearing the great responsibility of saving both the mortal and divine realms.

"I understand…" Tianming whispered, his heart filled with clarity as he embraced his fate.

Just then, the light in the chamber began to retract, and Tianming felt the energy settle inside him. His consciousness cleared, and he realized the power within him had become purer and stronger than ever before.

He opened his eyes and saw the light in his hand slowly condensing into a golden sword, its blade inscribed with ancient runes. This was Longtian's divine sword—The Holy Emperor's Sword.

"This is Longtian's power, and it is now mine." Tianming gripped the sword tightly, feeling the immense power and authority contained within it. In this moment, his heart was filled with determination and resolve.

Tianming swung the sword lightly, and a golden streak of light cut through the air, as if the very fabric of space was being torn. He felt a deep connection between the sword and his soul, as if it had always belonged to him.

Just then, the stone walls of the chamber rumbled ominously, and more ancient runes began to appear, responding to the awakening of the power. These runes emitted faint light, forming a complex pattern—the Ring of Seven Realms.

The Ring of Seven Realms slowly rotated, as though calling out for something.

"Tianming!" Shiyan's voice suddenly called out, her expression tense as she entered the chamber. When she saw the Holy Emperor's Sword in Tianming's hands, a complex emotion passed over her face—both relief and deep concern.

"Teacher…" Tianming said, his heart still racing, but he felt a slight calmness wash over him as she entered.

Shiyan stepped closer, her eyes shifting between Tianming and the Holy Emperor's Sword. "You have awakened Longtian's power. This sword is not only a symbol of your strength but also of the mission you carry from your past life."

Tianming nodded, understanding the weight of what he now held—not just a weapon, but a responsibility.

"However, Tianming, you must understand," Shiyan continued, her tone heavy with concern, "this sword brings not only strength but also an unavoidable mission. Longtian's task is far from finished. The balance between the divine and mortal realms is still fragile, and Longxie will not give up. He will return, and you will be the last barrier between the two realms."

Tianming's gaze hardened, his voice resolute. "I understand, Teacher. No matter what lies ahead, I will carry this mission to protect both realms."

Shiyan sighed deeply, her eyes softening with approval. "I am glad to see you've made such a resolve. But the road ahead will be much harder, and you must remain vigilant at all times."

Tianming nodded, ready for whatever challenges lay ahead. They were no longer alone in this fight.

"Now, we must hurry back and tell Lei Ji, Tianrong, and Bingxi," Tianming said, sheathing the Holy Emperor's Sword and preparing to leave the chamber.

But as they turned to leave, the Ring of Seven Realms trembled violently, as though answering a call. A deep, authoritative voice rang out from the ring, reverberating through the temple.

"Tianming… the reincarnation of Longtian… your mission has only just begun… Go to the Seven Realms Gate, and open the path to the divine realm…"

Tianming and Shiyan were stunned by the sudden voice, exchanging a look that spoke volumes of the weight of this new command.

"The Seven Realms Gate?" Tianming repeated, a growing sense of confusion stirring within him. "What does this mean?"

Shiyan frowned deeply, pausing before speaking. "The Seven Realms Gate is an ancient passage between the divine and mortal realms. It can only open when the balance between the two realms is severely threatened. But finding the gate is no easy task; its location changes over time."

Tianming gripped the Holy Emperor's Sword, his resolve firm. "No matter what, I must find the Seven Realms Gate. Since this is Longtian's mission, it is now mine."

Shiyan nodded, her expression full of complex emotions. "Tianming, I will help you find the Seven Realms Gate. But remember, once you embark on this path, there is no turning back. You must face everything head-on."

Tianming took a deep breath, his resolve unwavering. "I understand, Teacher. I am ready. No matter how dangerous the road ahead, I will

carry Longtian's will to the end."

And so, with the Holy Emperor's Sword in hand and the weight of destiny upon his shoulders, Tianming set out on a journey that would shake the very foundations of both the mortal and divine realms.