44- Illusionary Mountains - 5

Seventh Floor…

The moment I stepped onto the seventh floor, the world warped again.

Illusion.

I gritted my teeth as time slipped away like sand through my fingers. How long this time? I didn't know. The fake world was elaborate—so convincing that I nearly gave in.

Forty-five days passed before I shattered the illusion with a violent burst of sword aura.

Boom!

As the mirage faded, reality returned with a roar—eight monstrous beasts emerged, each one a 5th-rank low-tier. Their killing intent smothered the air.

But I was angry—furious at these endless illusions.

I drew my sword. "You're all just XP points to me!"

I launched forward with Inferno Slash – Second Form, a blazing arc that swept across the room like a fiery wave.

Ding!

You killed 5th-rank low-tier Beast – XP Gained: 4500

... (x8)

Current XP: 44,419

I panted, then turned toward the spiral staircase leading up.

"System, take what you need and remove the pressure."

Ding!

36,000 XP deducted

Current XP: 8,419

Eighth Floor…

Another illusion greeted me. This one more real than the last. And it took fifty days to break free. The agony of questioning reality etched deep into my mind.

Seven 5th-rank mid-tier beasts stood waiting as I escaped the illusion.

But I was already moving.

Slash!

The wind howled behind my steps, and my sword carved flames through flesh.

Ding!

You killed 5th-rank mid-tier Beast – XP Gained: 5000

... (x7)

Current XP: 43,419

"System—do your thing. Let me climb."

Ding!

37,000 XP deducted

Current XP: 6,419

Ninth Floor…

This time, I was trapped inside the illusion for sixty days. When I emerged, my mind felt fractured, like glass barely held together.

Before me stood ten fearsome 5th-rank high-tier beasts. Their crimson eyes burned with a hunger for blood.

I didn't hesitate.

I dashed forward with Wind Steps, closing the distance to the nearest enemy and slashing out with Inferno Slash – Second Form.

Fwoosh!

The flaming arc split the beast in half.

Ding!

You killed 5th-rank high-tier Beast – XP Gained: 7200

Current XP: 13,619

I jumped back, maintaining distance.

"System, how many breakthroughs can I make?"

Ding!

Host, one breakthrough is available.

"Then do it."

Ding!

9,300 XP deducted.

Current XP: 4,319

That familiar warmth surged through my veins once again—this time heavier, deeper. My meridians expanded further, the sea of spiritual energy inside me roared like a storm.

Ding!

Host successfully broke through to Nascent Soul – 3rd Layer.

I smiled darkly.

"Let's continue."

I struck again—another beast fell to my blade.

Ding!

You killed 5th-rank high-tier Beast – XP Gained: 7200

Current XP: 11,519

Then another—cleaved cleanly in two.

Ding!

You killed 5th-rank high-tier Beast – XP Gained: 7200 + 281

Current XP: 19000

"System, can I break through again?"

Ding!

Host, you can break through two more times.

"Do it."

Ding!

19000 XP deducted

Current XP: 0

Once again, power surged through me—twice in a row. My spiritual power soared, and my body felt like it was evolving with each pulse of heat.

Ding!

Host successfully broke through to Nascent Soul – 5th Layer.

Lol, I have 0 xp now.

I exhaled deeply, my sword humming with power beside me.

With each illusion, I was being pushed to the edge. But I knew one thing for certain now…

Whoever created this trial, they didn't expect me to make it this far.