Veil of the Shattered Heavens

The massive mutant monster roared, its six heads emitting guttural howls that echoed through the abyss. Its black and red malice aura pulsed, corroding the ground beneath it. The colossal creature, with its towering 200-foot-long body, moved forward with terrifying grace, its razor-sharp talons carving into the earth as it charged toward Xuan Li.

Veldris, standing with an unyielding calm, stretched out his hand. A sudden, overwhelming force of gravity slammed down upon the monster, pushing it into the ground with an earsplitting howl. The earth cracked beneath its weight as it struggled against the immense force.

Xuan Li stared at the monstrous being, his fists trembling slightly. He couldn't help but exclaim, "It's a mutant monster... not just that, but it's above the early stage of Level 2! Master, this is insane!"

Veldris turned his piercing gaze to Xuan Li, his expression unreadable. "What is it, Disciple? Why do you hesitate?"

Xuan Li took a step back, his voice shaking."Master, this creature... it's far beyond my power. As you know, the gap between a half-step into Level 1 and an early-stage Level 2 is like heaven and earth. It's impossible!" 

Veldris let out a soft sigh, his voice steady yet cold. "Disciple, the path you walk is not one of comfort or safety. Power is forged in the fires of adversity, not in the shade of hesitation."

Xuan Li swallowed hard, glancing back at the monstrous beast. "But, Master, its aura alone is overwhelming. How can I face it?"

Veldris stepped closer, his eyes glowing faintly with cosmic energy. "Do you think I became what I am by avoiding what was stronger than me? A true warrior does not fear what is before him—he fears remaining the same. Each step toward the impossible reshapes you, not only your strength but your very soul."

He gestured toward the beast. "That creature is not just a test of your strength; it is a reflection of your resolve. Will you let fear define your limits, or will you rise, as the cosmos itself did from the void, unyielding and eternal?"

Xuan Li's trembling stopped. The weight of his master's words lit a fire within him. Clenching his fists, he steadied his breathing and said, "You're right, Master. Fear won't stop me. I'll prove my worth—to myself, to the heavens, and to this cosmos."

Veldris gave a faint nod, but his calm voice carried another layer of instruction. "Disciple, there are two things you must keep in mind."

Xuan Li turned to him, curious and wary. Veldris stretched out his hand, and the space before him cracked open. Black and white particles swirled together, condensing into a blade that seemed to hum with an ancient, violent power. The sword's edge was lined with faintly glowing blood runes, radiating an aura of death and destruction.

With a sharp motion, Veldris thrust the sword into the ground. The impact shattered the earth beneath it, and the space around the blade seemed to ripple and mend itself simultaneously.

"Take this sword," Veldris commanded, his voice steady. "This is the first thing."

Xuan Li approached the weapon cautiously. The oppressive aura of the blade sent shivers down his spine, and he thought, "Why do I feel like this sword is alive and hostile to me?"

Veldris snapped his fingers, and a surge of power coursed into Xuan Li's body. His inner world quaked, and he felt his foundation forcibly suppressed.

"Master!" Xuan Li exclaimed in shock.

"This is the second thing," Veldris said calmly. "You will face this creature using only 50 percent of your power."

Xuan Li stared at his master in disbelief, his heart pounding. "Master... your teaching methods are brutal..."

Ignoring the complaint, Veldris continued, "Do you know why I suppressed your foundation?"

Xuan Li nodded hesitantly, waiting for the answer.

Veldris spoke with quiet authority. "Because I want you to understand that it's not the amount of energy you possess that defines strength—it's how you use it. This exercise will force you to sharpen your control over cosmic energy. Furthermore, fighting under suppression will temper your foundation. Extreme trials forge an unshakable base, one that can ascend to unparalleled heights."

He paused, his gaze piercing. "And one last thing."

Xuan Li's heart raced. "Even that monster didn't make me this nervous... but then Master had to add these conditions!" he thought.

With a snap of his fingers, Veldris split the space around them into two distinct blocks. One contained Xuan Li, and the other contained the mutant monster. The two blocks shimmered with faint cosmic energy, clearly separated by an invisible barrier.

"I understand that killing it will take time," Veldris said. "This is my small help. When you're on the brink of death, retreat to your block. The creature cannot enter, and your injuries will heal within. But do not grow dependent on this. It is a crutch, not a salvation."

Xuan Li nodded solemnly, gripping the sword that felt as heavy as a mountain. He muttered, "Every time Master picks an opponent or a place, it feels like I'm signing my death certificate."

He turned toward the monster, steeling his nerves. With a deep breath, Xuan Li channeled his suppressed cosmic energy, his body enveloped in a faint starlit aura. The sword's oppressive weight seemed to lessen as he raised it, ready for battle.

"Now go," Veldris commanded. "Defeat that monster and take one step closer to your destiny."

With a roar, Xuan Li dashed forward, the sword gleaming ominously in his grasp, as the monster howled and charged to meet him. The clash began, a battle that would test the very limits of Xuan Li's resolve.