The Eightfold Saintess's Trial

The eight young women exchanged a glance. The first leaped down, then the second, the third, the fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth—one after another, they jumped into the cavern.

In the passage at the bottom of the cavern, it was so dark they could not see their hands in front of their faces. The eight young women's bodies plummeted rapidly through the darkness.

Wind howled past their ears, and the air current whipped their skirts until they snapped loudly.

Phoenix Flame Maiden was at the very front, her body straight, arms pressed tight to her sides to reduce air resistance. Sparrow Flame Maiden followed close behind, forming seals with both hands in front of her, ready to deal with any sudden situation. Tiger Flame Maiden and Ox Flame Maiden fell side by side; both were representatives of beast tribes, open and forthright by nature, their movements just as bold and expansive. Bamboo Flame Maiden and Bee Flame Maiden were slightly slower. Bamboo Flame Maiden's figure was light and graceful, like a bamboo leaf drifting down in the wind, while Bee Flame Maiden was petite, with a faint pair of transparent wings beating behind her. Spirit Flame Maiden and Soul Flame Maiden were at the very back. Tiny flames danced around Spirit Flame Maiden, illuminating the darkness nearby, while Soul Flame Maiden's body vanished into the shadows.

After falling about a hundred meters, ground appeared beneath their feet.

Phoenix Flame Maiden landed first, her legs bending slightly to disperse the force of the fall.

Sparrow Flame Maiden was second, drifting down lightly beside Phoenix Flame Maiden.

When Tiger Flame Maiden and Ox Flame Maiden landed, they made a dull thud that shook the ground.

Bamboo Flame Maiden landed without a sound. Bee Flame Maiden flipped once in midair before touching down.