Sacred Source Trial

The dawn in the Sacred Source Land was more brilliant than that on the Open Source Continent. Ning Xiaochuan stood at the highest point of the Sacred Source Tower, gazing at the wondrous sight of two suns simultaneously rising above the horizon. The purplish-red sky was dyed golden-red, and the clouds, like burning flames, cast a magnificent halo over the entire white city.

"Daydreaming again?" Su Linger's voice came from behind, carrying a freshness like morning dew.

Ning Xiaochuan turned around and saw that she had already changed into the special white training attire of the Sacred Source Land. Her silver hair was tied up high, and the ice crystal longsword she never parted with hung at her waist. Three months of recuperation had greatly improved her complexion, and her cheeks had regained their former rosy hue.

"Thinking about today's trial," Ning Xiaochuan took the morning dew tea she handed him. "Star Radiance said no one has passed the 'Ancient Sacred Source Path' for a thousand years."

Su Linger walked to the railing and stood shoulder to shoulder with him. "Worried?"

"A little," Ning Xiaochuan took a sip of the tea, its fragrance seeping into his heart. "It's said that the ancient path is sealed with the residual combat imprints of the Sacred Origin Tribe's past powerhouses, and there might even be..."

"Projections of World Devourers," Su Linger finished his sentence, a hint of solemnity flashing in her eyes. "Star Radiance told me."

The Sacred Spirit Dragon flew out from the tower and landed on Ning Xiaochuan's shoulder. The little creature had completely recovered after its rest, its scales even more crystal clear, and the dragon horn on its forehead had grown a bit, making it look majestic. It affectionately nuzzled Ning Xiaochuan's cheek and then let out a "gugu" sound at Su Linger, as if greeting her.

"The little one is quite spirited," Su Linger reached out and gently stroked the dragon's scales, feeling their cool smoothness.

Ning Xiaochuan put down his teacup. "Let's go, Star Radiance must be getting impatient."

The three of them arrived at the garden beside the Sacred Source Spring, where High Priest Star Radiance and the twelve elders were already waiting. The spring water was clearer than three months ago, and five Primal Fragments slowly rotated at the bottom, emitting a soft, multicolored halo.

"Your Highness," Star Radiance bowed respectfully. "Everything is ready."

Ning Xiaochuan nodded in acknowledgment. "Thank you for your trouble, High Priest."

Star Radiance held a crystal staff and drew a complex rune in the air. "The Ancient Sacred Source Path is a trial path left by our ancestors, divided into nine levels. Those who pass will receive the true Sacred Source inheritance."

He paused, his expression turning serious. "But the danger is equally immense. In the past thousand years, seventeen members of the royal family attempted the challenge, and only three survived."

Su Linger tightened her grip on her sword. "We will be careful."

"It's not a matter of being careful," an elder in red robes interjected. "The trial will be tailored to the challenger's weaknesses. You will face your deepest fears."

The Sacred Spirit Dragon seemed to understand and let out uneasy "grumbles," its small claws clutching Ning Xiaochuan's collar.

Star Radiance walked to the edge of the spring and tapped the water surface with his staff. The spring water immediately began to boil, forming a vortex. In the center of the vortex, a staircase made of light slowly emerged, leading deep underground.

"Remember," Star Radiance's final instruction echoed, "no matter what you see, do not forget each other."

Ning Xiaochuan and Su Linger exchanged a glance and stepped into the vortex simultaneously. The Sacred Spirit Dragon followed closely behind, and the three were instantly swallowed by the light.

When his vision cleared, Ning Xiaochuan found himself standing on a desolate battlefield. The sky was an unnatural dark red, the ground was cracked, and inextinguishable black flames burned in the distance.

"Su Linger? Little one?" He looked around but found no trace of his companions.

"Stop looking, they aren't here," a familiar voice sounded.

Ning Xiaochuan spun around abruptly and saw someone exactly like him standing not far away, even their clothing and demeanor were identical.

"Who are you?" Ning Xiaochuan asked warily, Sacred Source Power flowing within him.

"I am you," the other replied with a smile. "More precisely, I am the manifestation of your deepest fears."

He waved his hand, and the scene suddenly changed—Qingyun City was engulfed in flames, Ning Zhantian and Ning Yuan were besieged by the Black Tide, on the brink of death; while Su Linger and the Sacred Spirit Dragon were trapped in a transparent barrier, being slowly eroded by dark energy.

"Your greatest fear isn't death, but the inability to protect the people you care about," the other Ning Xiaochuan sneered. "Look, they are dying, and you can do nothing."

Ning Xiaochuan felt as if a heavy blow had struck his chest; this was indeed his deepest nightmare. But he quickly calmed down. "This is just an illusion."

"Is it?" The other person snapped their fingers, and the scene changed again.

This time, it was the scene of the Sacred Source Land being breached by the World Devourers. Star Radiance and the elders lay dead, the Sacred Source Spring was polluted, and countless civilians turned into black smoke amidst their wails.

"As the Sacred Source King, you bear the fate of the entire world," the other Ning Xiaochuan approached step by step. "If you fail, the consequences will be unimaginable."

Ning Xiaochuan gritted his teeth, suppressing the turmoil in his heart. "I will not let these things happen."

"How will you stop it?" the other scoffed. "With your half-baked Sacred Source Power?"

He suddenly attacked, a golden light shooting directly at Ning Xiaochuan's face! Ning Xiaochuan dodged hastily, only to find that the attack had penetrated his defenses and struck the phantom of Su Linger behind him!

"No!" Ning Xiaochuan instinctively lunged forward but grasped at empty air.

"See, this is your weakness," the other Ning Xiaochuan sneered. "A true king should be cold-blooded and ruthless, sacrificing the few for the many."

Ning Xiaochuan suddenly understood the meaning of the trial. He took a deep breath and straightened his body. "No, true strength comes from a heart of protection, not the desire for slaughter."

Sacred Source Power surged within him. He met the other's gaze directly. "I do not deny these fears, but I will never be controlled by them."

As soon as he finished speaking, the illusion shattered like glass. The other Ning Xiaochuan showed a look of surprise, then dissipated into specks of light.

The scene changed again. Ning Xiaochuan found himself standing in a pure white space, with a golden gate before him, engraved with the emblem of the Sacred Origin Tribe.

"First trial, passed," Star Radiance's voice echoed in the space. "Next is a combat test."

The gate slowly opened, and from the dazzling golden light, a tall figure emerged—it was a Sacred Source Knight clad in ancient armor, wielding a greatsword, with an imposing presence like a mountain.

"Defeat me to enter the next level," the Knight's voice was like grinding metal.

Without further ado, Ning Xiaochuan attacked. Sacred Source Power transformed into a spear and thrust towards the Knight's throat, but it was easily blocked. The Knight's counterattack was as swift as lightning, and the greatsword swung down with a whistling sound!

"Bang!"

Ning Xiaochuan was forced back several steps, his arm numb. The Knight's strength was far beyond imagination; each blow was as heavy as a thousand pounds.

"Too weak," the Knight commented. "Is this all the Sacred Source King is capable of?"

Ning Xiaochuan didn't answer, adjusted his breathing, and attacked again. This time, he changed his strategy, no longer going head-to-head but using his agile footwork to maneuver. After a few rounds, he noticed the knight's right leg was slightly sluggish—an old injury!

Seizing the opportunity, Ning Xiaochuan suddenly changed his move, sweeping the knight's right knee with a leg sweep. The knight's reaction was indeed half a beat slow, his body swaying slightly. Ning Xiaochuan pressed his advantage, condensing Sacred Source Power at his fingertips and aiming for the gaps in the knight's chest armor.

"Ugh!" The knight grunted, staggering back a few steps. "Not bad, you found the weakness."

He removed his helmet, revealing a weathered face. "But the real battle has just begun."

The knight suddenly accelerated, his speed more than triple what it was! Ning Xiaochuan didn't even have time to react before a heavy blow landed on his chest, sending him flying backward!

"Cough!" He spat out a mouthful of blood; several ribs might have been broken.

"Sacred Source Power isn't used like that," the knight said, looking down at him. "Feel it, resonate with it, don't wield it crudely like a club."

Ning Xiaochuan closed his eyes, recalling the feeling in the Sacred Source Spring. The power didn't come from muscles but from resonating with the world...

When he opened his eyes again, his pupils had turned pure gold. The Sacred Source Power was no longer confined within him but had merged with his surroundings.

"Much better," the knight nodded in satisfaction, raising his sword to fight.

This time, Ning Xiaochuan's movements were fluid and natural, each strike landing perfectly. The knight's greatsword could no longer touch his clothes, while Ning Xiaochuan's counterattacks hit vital points with every move.

"Bang!"

With the final blow, the knight's greatsword flew out of his hand and embedded itself deep into the ground.

"Second Trial, passed," the knight said, picking up his greatsword and clearing the path. "Your companion is waiting for you ahead."

Ning Xiaochuan passed through the golden gate and entered a circular plaza. At the far end of the plaza, Su Linger was kneeling on one knee, her sword supporting her body, clearly having just gone through a tough battle.

"Linger!" he rushed over.

Su Linger looked up, her face full of surprise. "You're alright!" She tried to stand but stumbled due to her injuries.

Ning Xiaochuan steadied her. "Where are you hurt?"

"It's nothing, just superficial wounds," Su Linger forced a smile. "I encountered some... troublesome illusions."

She didn't elaborate, but Ning Xiaochuan guessed from her flickering eyes that those illusions must have been related to him.

The Sacred Spirit Dragon flew in from somewhere and landed between them. It also looked like it had been through a fight, with a few scorched patches on its scales, but its spirit was good.

"The little guy passed the test too," Su Linger gently stroked its head.

A stone stele suddenly rose from the center of the plaza, displaying ancient text:

"Two-Person Trial: Protect each other, break through the encirclement."

With a rumbling sound, twelve metal puppets appeared at the edge of the plaza, each wielding a different weapon, their eyes flashing with dangerous red light.

"Be careful, they'll target our weaknesses," Ning Xiaochuan shielded Su Linger behind him.

As expected, six puppets rushed Ning Xiaochuan, while the other six surrounded Su Linger and the Sacred Spirit Dragon. Even more troublesome, the puppets attacking Ning Xiaochuan all mimicked Su Linger's fighting style, while those attacking Su Linger mimicked Ning Xiaochuan's moves!

"Despicable trial!" Ning Xiaochuan gritted his teeth. Facing the "Su Linger" puppet, he unconsciously held back with every move.

On the other side, Su Linger was also in a tough fight. She could clearly see the puppet's openings but hesitated because they were "Ning Xiaochuan's" moves.

The Sacred Spirit Dragon flew back and forth anxiously, trying to help, but it was specifically targeted by two puppets, its dragon breath completely suppressed.

The situation turned dire. Ning Xiaochuan was grazed on the cheek by an ice cone, blood streaming down his face; Su Linger was repelled by a shockwave of Sacred Source Power, crashing into a pillar at the edge of the plaza.

"This won't do!" Ning Xiaochuan wiped away the blood. "We have to overcome our psychological barriers!"

Su Linger nodded, forcing herself to stand. "I'll count to three, and we attack simultaneously!"

"One, two, three!"

The two of them erupted at the same time. Ning Xiaochuan no longer held back, his Sacred Source Power transforming into a shower of golden needles, piercing the puppets' joints; Su Linger also gritted her teeth and unleashed her killing move, her ice crystal sword drawing a beautiful arc, severing the heads of three puppets!

The Sacred Spirit Dragon seized the opportunity, spewing concentrated dragon breath and turning two puppets into scrap metal.

The remaining puppets changed tactics, suddenly merging into two giant puppets. One mimicked Ning Xiaochuan's Sacred Source Power, the other imitated Su Linger's Mysterious Ice Swordplay, their power increasing severalfold!

"Primal Covenant!" Ning Xiaochuan shouted.

The three immediately activated their soul link, their powers merging. Surprisingly, this fusion was deeper than ever before—Ning Xiaochuan could clearly feel Su Linger's every thought, even predict her next move!

"This feeling..." Su Linger's eyes widened too. "It's like we've become one person!"

Without words, they attacked simultaneously. Ning Xiaochuan's Sacred Source Power and Su Linger's Mysterious Ice Sword Qi merged perfectly, transforming into a golden and blue intertwined pillar of light that instantly pierced through the two giant puppets!

The Sacred Spirit Dragon flew high into the sky and unleashed an unprecedented dragon breath—no longer purely milky white, but containing the golden light of Sacred Source Power and the blue glow of Mysterious Ice Qi!

"Boom!"

After the explosion, all the puppets turned to dust. The stone stele slowly sank into the ground, replaced by a large gate inlaid with five-colored gems.

"Third Trial, passed," Star Radiance's voice echoed again. "The real challenge is next."

The gate opened automatically, revealing a dark passage behind it. Ning Xiaochuan and Su Linger exchanged a smile and stepped in hand in hand. The Sacred Spirit Dragon followed closely, its small claws gripping Ning Xiaochuan's shoulder armor tightly.

At the end of the passage was a huge circular arena, with three figures standing in the center—dark mirror images of Ning Xiaochuan, Su Linger, and the Sacred Spirit Dragon!

"Only by defeating yourself can you surpass your limits," Star Radiance's voice reverberated through the arena. "Remember, the greatest enemy often comes from within."

The dark mirror images attacked simultaneously, their offensive fierce. Even more terrifyingly, they seemed to be able to predict every move of their originals, each attack aimed directly at a vital point!

Ning Xiaochuan was kicked flying by his own mirror image, crashing into the wall. Su Linger fared no better, her ice crystal sword easily knocked away by her opponent. The Sacred Spirit Dragon was even worse, pinned to the ground and having several scales ripped off.

"This won't do!" Su Linger panted, "They're stronger than us!"

Ning Xiaochuan suddenly thought of something, "No, not stronger... but more... pure."

He recalled Star Radiance's words—the greatest enemy comes from within. These mirror images represented their unrefined, primal power.

"We need to change tactics," Ning Xiaochuan said in a low voice, "Do something they won't expect."

Su Linger understood, "You mean..."

"Switch opponents!"

The two suddenly charged towards each other's positions. Ning Xiaochuan faced Su Linger's mirror image, while Su Linger took on Ning Xiaochuan's mirror image. The Sacred Spirit Dragon also reacted, lunging towards the dark little dragon.

This change in strategy proved effective. The mirror images were clearly caught off guard, thrown into disarray. Ning Xiaochuan seized the opportunity, delivering a hand chop to the back of Dark Su Linger's neck, knocking her unconscious.

Su Linger, exploiting the weakness of Ning Xiaochuan's mirror image not being familiar with sword techniques, pierced its shoulder with her ice crystal longsword.

The Sacred Spirit Dragon was the most decisive, biting directly onto the dark little dragon's neck and flinging it away!

"Well done!" Ning Xiaochuan shouted excitedly.

However, before they could celebrate, the three dark mirror images suddenly merged, transforming into a three-headed, six-armed monster! Each head corresponded to one of them, and the six arms wielded different weapons.

"This... this is cheating, right?" Su Linger's eyes widened.

The monster gave them no chance to breathe and attacked instantly! Ning Xiaochuan defended hastily but was still repelled several yards. Su Linger's longsword was shattered, her palm split. The Sacred Spirit Dragon was punched to the ground by a heavy fist, letting out a pained "gurgle."

"Primal Covenant!" Ning Xiaochuan attempted the three-person fusion again, but this time the monster actually unleashed a similar power, nullifying their advantage!

"It can even imitate that?" Su Linger asked desperately.

Ning Xiaochuan suddenly understood, "No, it's not imitation... We're actually facing ourselves!"

He pulled Su Linger to her feet, "Remember what Star Radiance said? Only by defeating yourself can you surpass your limits."

"You mean..."

"Accept it, don't fight it." Ning Xiaochuan released her hand and walked towards the monster, "This is our untamed power, a part of us."

The monster seemed stunned by his actions and temporarily stopped attacking.

Ning Xiaochuan continued forward until he stood before the monster. He reached out and gently touched the head that resembled his own, "Come back. We were one."

A shocking scene unfolded—the monster began to decompose, turning into pure energy flows that merged back into the three of them!

Ning Xiaochuan felt an unprecedented power surge through his veins; Su Linger's Mysterious Ice Phoenix Source Soul automatically appeared, the golden patterns on its feathers becoming more prominent; the Sacred Spirit Dragon's size exploded, and it even grew a second pair of dragon wings on its back!

"This is the true trial," Star Radiance appeared at the side, his eyes filled with relief, "Not defeating an enemy, but accepting all of yourself."

He walked towards the three, "Congratulations, you have passed the first three trials of the Sacred Origin Ancient Path. Next..."

Before he could finish, the entire arena suddenly shook violently! Numerous cracks split the ground, and black mist surged out like a spring!

"Not good!" Star Radiance's expression changed drastically, "The aura of the World Devourers! The trial grounds have been contaminated!"

A massive black vortex formed in the center of the arena, from which chilling roars emanated. A giant claw covered in spikes emerged from the vortex and slammed heavily onto the ground!

"Go!" Star Radiance shouted, "This is not part of the trial!"

Ning Xiaochuan, however, stood his ground, Sacred Source Power circulating to its fullest, "No, this is precisely the trial we need."

He looked at Su Linger and the Sacred Spirit Dragon, their gazes as firm as iron, "Let's go together!"