LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 28: Chapter 28: The Path of the Ancients.
Xu Tian and Yue Lian stood before the golden tree, their energy still thrumming from the intense experience of the first trial. Guang Tian slowly approached, his gaze filled with wisdom and expectation.
"You have proven that you possess the will and spirit to endure extremes," the old man said. "You must now prepare for the second trial, one that will not only test your strength, but also your connection as bearers of the Sun and Moon."
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The old man raised his staff, and the golden tree emitted a blinding flash. When the light faded, Xu Tian and Yue Lian found themselves in a completely different place. It was a vast valley surrounded by towering mountains. In the distance, a crystal-clear river meandered beneath a clear sky.
However, the tranquility of the landscape hid something. Xu Tian sensed it first: an oppressive presence that seemed to come from the heart of the valley.
"This is no simple scenery," he murmured, putting himself on guard.
Yue Lian nodded. "The air is charged with spiritual energy. Something here is alive."
Guang Tian appeared a few steps away from them, as if distance meant nothing to him. "Welcome to the Valley of the Ancients, a place where the most powerful martial souls have left their mark. Here you will face the essence of the ancient bearers of the Sun and Moon."
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Echoes of the Past
As Guang Tian spoke, the air around Xu Tian and Yue Lian began to vibrate. Out of nowhere, two ethereal figures emerged, one bathed in a golden glow and the other enveloped in a silver light.
They were the ancient bearers of the Sun and Moon. The golden figure, a tall man in gleaming armor, raised his sword to the sky. The silver figure, a sharp-eyed woman, held a spear whose tip seemed to reflect the light of the stars.
"They are the past incarnations of their martial souls," Guang Tian explained. "To advance, you must face them. It will not be just a physical battle, but a challenge to prove that you are worthy inheritors of their powers."
Xu Tian clenched his fists, feeling the pressure from the two presences. "If this is what it takes to protect the balance, then we will do it."
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The Test of Knowledge and Strength
Without warning, the two figures attacked. The Sun warrior launched a scorching beam of light towards Xu Tian, while the Moon woman moved with supernatural speed towards Yue Lian, her spear pointed straight at his heart.
Xu Tian raised his hands, summoning his spiritual energy to form a shield of light that absorbed the attack. However, the impact sent him back several steps.
"This is not a simple physical confrontation!" Yue Lian shouted, narrowly dodging the spear strike. "We are being tested in every way!"
As she dodged and counterattacked, Yue Lian realized that her opponent's movements were precise, almost as if they were anticipating her thoughts.
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"Xu Tian!" Yue Lian shouted as she blocked another attack. "We can't win if we fight separately. We need to synchronize!"
Xu Tian understood what she meant. He closed his eyes for an instant, allowing the Sun's energy to flow into Yue Lian, as he felt the Moon's essence connect with him.
When he opened his eyes, his aura had changed. It was now not just golden light, but a balanced glow of gold and silver.
"Let's do it together," Xu Tian said with determination.
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With their combined energy, Xu Tian and Yue Lian attacked in unison. Xu Tian released a beam of golden light that deflected the Sun warrior's attack, while Yue Lian created a lunar shield that absorbed the impact of the spear.
Both of them advanced, their movements perfectly synchronized. The Sun warrior and the Moon woman began to retreat, as if acknowledging their opponents' superiority.
Finally, with one last joint attack, Xu Tian and Yue Lian struck the ethereal figures, disintegrating them in a burst of golden and silver light.
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The Approval of the Ancients
As the dust settled, the figures reappeared, but this time in a peaceful posture. They bowed to Xu Tian and Yue Lian, their faces showing respect.
"You have proven your worth," they said in unison before disappearing.
Guang Tian reappeared, nodding in approval. "You have passed the second test. But this is only the beginning. What you faced here was only a reflection of the challenges you will encounter in the real world."
Xu Tian and Yue Lian exchanged a glance. They both knew that their true enemies were out there, waiting for the opportune moment to strike.
"We are ready for whatever comes," Yue Lian said, her eyes filled with determination.
Guang Tian smiled. "You will be. But first, you must prepare for the third test."