Trial Begins

The instant Yan Zhao and the Ice Dragon stepped into the passageway, a suffocatingly powerful suction force swept over them like raging waves. It was as though a beast from the abyss had opened its blood-filled maw to devour them whole. Caught off guard, Yan Zhao and the Ice Dragon felt as if an invisible hand had seized their bodies tight, stripping them completely of control and violently hurling them forward.

The runes within the passageway seemed to be triggered by that immense suction force. They suddenly blazed with light, like brilliant stars in the night sky. Each rune flickered with mysterious radiance and contained boundless power. As if granted life, they swiftly converged into tangible streams of force that shot toward Yan Zhao and the Ice Dragon like sharp arrows, carrying a fierce momentum as they stabbed straight at them.

Faced with the sudden attack, Yan Zhao's reaction was astonishingly swift. The longsword in his hand flashed like lightning, instantly unleashing a fierce Sword Qi. Like a roaring colossal dragon baring its claws and fangs, the Sword Qi charged at the incoming runes. A series of crisp collisions rang out as Sword Qi and runes clashed fiercely in midair, scattering countless sparks.

Yet the runes were extraordinarily powerful. Although Yan Zhao's Sword Qi shattered them one after another, several still broke through its defense and continued racing toward them. Seeing this, the Ice Dragon opened its jaws without hesitation and spewed forth an utterly frigid blast of cold air. Like a polar gale, it seemed to freeze the very air wherever it passed. Enveloped by the freezing breath, the approaching runes instantly froze into ice sculptures, losing their original might.

As they pressed deeper onward, the end of the passageway finally came into view. There stood an enormous stone door, like an impassable mountain blocking their path. Dense ancient patterns were carved across its surface, bearing the traces of time and exuding an aged, mysterious aura that inspired instinctive awe.

Yan Zhao stared at the stone door, a powerful curiosity rising within him. He slowly reached out, intending to touch the patterns on its surface and sense the power contained within. Yet just as his fingers were about to make contact, a surge of powerful energy abruptly erupted from the door, jolting his hand with searing pain.

Yan Zhao recoiled his hand in pain and stared at the stone door in surprise. The patterns upon it suddenly lit up, radiating dazzling brilliance as an illusory figure gradually emerged. Its entire body was transparent, as though condensed from light itself. Its features were indistinct, yet it radiated an aura that made one's heart tremble.

"Outsider, you dare trespass into this place!" The illusory figure let out a deep roar. Its voice echoed through the passageway, making Yan Zhao's eardrums buzz.

Yan Zhao steadied himself and looked at the figure before him. "I was merely passing through and bear no ill intent. If I have caused offense, I hope you will forgive me."

The figure sneered. "Enough nonsense! If you wish to pass this trial, you must break my Illusion Array. Otherwise, you will remain here forever!" With that, its figure flashed and vanished into the stone door.

Yan Zhao's heart tightened. He knew the trial had begun. Turning to glance at the Ice Dragon beside him, he saw a hint of gravity flash through its eyes as well.

At that moment, the scene around them suddenly changed. The originally dim passageway was instantly swallowed by a sea of mist, and Yan Zhao and the Ice Dragon seemed to be standing within a boundless illusion. Strange sights flickered indistinctly through the fog: savage beasts roared at times, while fiends and evil creatures appeared at others, sending chills down one's spine.

Yan Zhao drew a deep breath and steadied his mind. He knew that though this Illusion Array looked terrifying, as long as he found its flaw, he would surely be able to break free. He closed his eyes and carefully sensed the fluctuations of spiritual power around him, trying to find some clue within them.

After a while, Yan Zhao's eyes snapped open. The corner of his mouth lifted slightly, revealing a confident smile. He had already discovered some clues to the Illusion Array's workings. Now, it would depend on how he broke through this obstacle.