【Trial of Fist initiated.】
【Trial objective: Endure the “Will of Fist.”】
【Instructions: The stele seals the wills of past generations of the Iron Fist Ape tribe. The Trial Participant must endure the will impact; the longer they persist, the greater their recognition. If consciousness is lost during the will impact, the trial fails.】
A heavy pressure surged from the stele, pressing down on Jinyao's body. It wasn't a physical weight, but a mental oppression.
Jinyao's body sank slightly, but it didn't dodge or retract its paws. Instead, it pressed its body lower, its four limbs gripping firmly onto the stone ridge.
The pressure intensified.
It felt as if it were carrying an invisible mountain, each breath more difficult than the last.
Jinyao's legs trembled, but it didn't fall. It gritted its teeth, staring at the rough patterns on the stele.
The pressure had lasted for a long time. Its body was pressed almost flat against the stone ridge, all four legs shaking, yet it never retracted its paws.
Ripples spread across the stele's surface, and another phantom appeared.
Jinyao looked up at the phantom.
“Fist,” the phantom spoke, its voice rough and deep.
【First wave of will impact, endured.】
【Second wave commencing.】
...
【Second wave of will impact, endured.】
【Third wave commencing.】
Jinyao's breathing grew ragged.
“Yanyan.”
It called out, its voice more resolute than before.
Come on.
The third wave of impact arrived.
This time, the force surged directly into its consciousness.
Jinyao's vision went black. The surrounding scenery vanished; the stele, the ruins, the sky—all gone, leaving only darkness.
In the darkness, countless fist shadows slammed towards it.
Jinyao instinctively tried to dodge, but its body wouldn't move. The fist shadows surged from all directions, each punch carrying immense force, striking its body.
“Yanyan!”
It cried out in the darkness, its voice echoing through the void.
The fist shadows didn't stop.
Jinyao was thrown around by the blows, but it didn't fall. It simply squatted in place, letting the fist shadows strike its body.
Does it hurt?
Yes, it hurts.
But it wouldn't dodge.
Because this was a trial of will, not a trial of body.
Those fist shadows weren't striking its body; they were striking its will.
As long as it didn't concede, those fist shadows would never be able to knock it down.
Jinyao closed its eyes.
In the darkness, the fist shadows continued to strike, but it no longer felt the pain. Instead, it focused its attention on the warm energy within its body.
The Heart of Flame, burning.
The darkness began to recede.
The fist shadows began to diminish.
Jinyao opened its eyes. The darkness had dispersed, replaced by the familiar ruins before the stele. Its right paw was still pressed against the indentation.
【Third wave of will impact, endured.】
【Trial of Fist - Passed.】
【Completion Reward: Will of Fist Enhancement.】
【Effect: Jinyao's physique has been strengthened by the Will of Fist. Base Strength is permanently increased by 10%, Physical Defense is permanently increased by 10%, Stamina is greatly enhanced, and resistance to pressure-type effects is improved. The Will of Fist will grow with Jinyao and provide additional physical support during its evolution.】
Jinyao slid down from the stone ridge, its four legs momentarily weak, almost collapsing to the ground.
But it steadied itself, shook its head, and its vision refocused.
Liu Yi walked forward and crouched down.
“Are you okay?”
Jinyao looked up at Liu Yi and chirped.
“Yanyan.”
I'm fine, just a little tired.
Liu Yi reached out and rubbed its head, then took out an energy liquid and recovery liquid from her backpack and offered them to it.
Jinyao drank in small sips, then licked its lips after finishing.
“Yanyan.”
There's still one more.
Liu Yi followed Jinyao's gaze to the central stele.
The Trial of Radiance.
The patterns on this stele were even more intricate than the previous two. Lines of flame and fists intertwined, each containing the essence of the other.
In the very center of the stele's body was carved a pattern of intertwined flames and fists.
Jinyao stood up from the ground, shook its fur, and walked towards the central stele.
【Trial of Radiance initiated.】
【Instructions: Only Trial Participants who have passed the Trial of Flame and the Trial of Fist can activate the Trial of Radiance. This trial was jointly established by the two tribes to test the Trial Participant's understanding and fusion of the two powers.】
【Trial objective: Fuse the “Heart of Flame” and the “Will of Fist.”】
【Instructions: The Heart of Flame represents the purity and burning of fire, while the Will of Fist represents strength and perseverance. The Trial Participant must fuse the two powers within their body, so they are no longer independent but become a unified whole.】
Jinyao squatted before the central stele, looking up at the intertwined flame and fist pattern.
The two forces within its body circulated slowly.
The primordial energy of the Heart of Flame was nestled in its chest, warm and stable, like a quietly burning flame.
The Will of Fist, meanwhile, settled throughout its limbs, heavy and solid, like invisible bones supporting its body.
The two forces operated independently, not interfering with each other.
But now, the stele demanded their fusion.
A flicker of confusion crossed Jinyao's golden eyes.
It didn't know how to fuse them.
Closing its eyes, it focused its attention inward.
The energy of the Heart of Flame sensed its call, slowly emerging from its chest and flowing through its meridians towards its limbs.
The Will of Fist also stirred, rising from deep within its bones and circulating through its muscles.
The two forces met.
Fire met an iron wall.
The Heart of Flame's energy tried to penetrate the Will of Fist, but the heavy force remained unmoving, like a wall, blocking the flames.
The Will of Fist attempted to suppress the Heart of Flame, but the flames deftly bypassed its frontal assault, slipping through the sides and gaps, only to reform on the other side.
Time passed, minute by minute.
After an unknown duration, the two forces finally ceased repelling each other.
Jinyao opened its eyes.
【Trial of Radiance - Passed.】
New text appeared on the stele.
【Completion Reward: Mark of Radiance.】
Jinyao squatted before the stele, watching the text slowly fade, then lowered its head to look at its chest.
There was a faint mark there, emitting a subtle golden glow.
Liu Yi walked over, crouched beside it, and her gaze fell upon the slowly fading mark on Jinyao's chest.
“How do you feel?”
Jinyao tilted its head, sensing the changes within its body.
The Heart of Flame's energy still resided in its chest, but it was no longer an independent entity. The Will of Fist continued to support its bones, yet it had already merged with the flames.
The two forces circulated within its body, interdependent and mutually enhancing.
“Yanyan.”
It chirped, a hint of seriousness in its voice.
I feel stronger.
Liu Yi's lips curved into a slight smile as she reached out to rub Jinyao's head.
“That's good.”
Just then, her bracelet vibrated.
Liu Yi raised her wrist. The screen lit up, displaying lines of information.
【Main Quest: Explore the Core Area of the Saint Glow Secret Realm, reach the “Blazemark Ruins,” and activate the Trial Steles.】
【Current Progress: Completed】
【Trial of Flame: Activated (Jinyao)】
【Trial of Fist: Activated (Jinyao)】
【Trial of Radiance: Activated (Jinyao)】
【Quest Evaluation: Perfect】
【Points Gained: 1000】
【Current Points: 1050】
【Task Status: Closing Soon】
Rate on N.U.
