The Last Immortal's Blade

chapter 11 The Final Challenge of first trial

The final stretch of the cliff loomed before them, a sheer wall of jagged rock that seemed to pierce the heavens. The path narrowed to a treacherous ledge, and at its end stood a massive boulder, its surface etched with glowing runes that pulsed ominously. The runes shimmered with a malevolent energy, draining the Qi of anyone who dared to touch it. The other participants had already gathered around it, their faces pale and their movements sluggish as they struggled to push past the obstacle. Some had collapsed to their knees, their energy completely sapped, while others pounded futilely against the boulder, their efforts only weakening them further.

Su Xuan paused at the edge of the crowd, his sharp eyes scanning the scene. Zhou Yin stood nearby, her brow furrowed in frustration as she tried to channel her Qi into breaking the runes. Chen Wei was shouting at the boulder, his face red with rage as he slammed his fists against it, only to stagger back, his energy visibly drained. Even Wang Yong, with his immense strength, was struggling, his muscles straining as he pushed against the stone to no avail.

"This is impossible!" Zhou Yin exclaimed, her voice tinged with desperation. She turned to Su Xuan, her brown eyes pleading. "The runes are too strong. They’re draining us faster than we can recover. What do we do?"

Su Xuan’s gaze remained fixed on the boulder, his mind racing. He remembered the voice in the Magical Space, its words echoing in his thoughts: "The Blade of Eternal Requiem is more than a weapon. It is a key, a bridge between realms. Use it wisely." His hand tightened around the hilt of the blade, its soft hum resonating with his heartbeat.

"Stand back," Su Xuan said, his voice calm but firm. He stepped forward, the Blade of Eternal Requiem glowing brighter as he approached the boulder. The runes flared in response, their light intensifying as if warning him to stay away.

Chen Wei sneered, his voice dripping with mockery. "What do you think you’re doing, cripple? You think your little knife can do what the rest of us couldn’t? Don’t make me laugh."

Su Xuan ignored him, his focus unwavering. He closed his eyes for a moment, centering himself. The world around him faded as he channeled his Qi into the blade, feeling its energy merge with his own. The runes on the boulder seemed to pulse in rhythm with the blade’s glow, as if recognizing its power.

With a swift, decisive motion, Su Xuan struck the boulder. The Blade of Eternal Requiem sang as it connected, the runes flaring brightly before shattering into a cascade of light. The boulder trembled, cracks spreading across its surface like spiderwebs, and with a deafening roar, it crumbled into dust, scattering into the wind.

The crowd gasped, their voices rising in a mix of awe and disbelief. "How did he do that?" someone whispered. "That blade… it’s no ordinary weapon," another murmured.

Zhou Yin’s eyes widened, her lips parting in astonishment. "Su Xuan… you did it! You broke the runes!"

Chen Wei’s face twisted in fury, his fists clenched at his sides. "Cheater!" he spat. "You think you’re so clever, don’t you? This isn’t over!"

Su Xuan turned to face him, his expression calm but resolute. "I didn’t cheat, Chen Wei. I used what I had. If you’re so determined to win, stop wasting your energy on me and focus on the trial."

Chen Wei’s eyes burned with hatred, but before he could retort, Liu Chen stepped between them, his voice firm. "Enough, Chen Wei. Su Xuan has proven his worth. If you want to reach the top, now’s your chance. Don’t waste it."

With the path now clear, the participants surged forward, their energy renewed. Su Xuan didn’t wait for the others. He moved swiftly, his steps sure and his focus unshakable. The final stretch of the cliff was steep and treacherous, but he climbed with the grace of a seasoned warrior, the Blade of Eternal Requiem guiding his way.

As he neared the summit, he could feel the weight of the trial lifting, replaced by a sense of triumph. He reached the top first, his chest heaving but his spirit unbroken. The view from the summit was breathtaking—a sea of clouds stretched out before him, the sun breaking through the mist in golden rays. It was a moment of pure victory, a testament to his perseverance and strength.

Zhou Yin was the next to reach the top, her face flushed with exertion but her eyes shining with admiration. "You did it, Su Xuan. You really did it."

Su Xuan turned to her, a small smile playing on his lips. "We did it. I couldn’t have made it this far without your support."

Chen Wei arrived shortly after, his expression dark and brooding. He glared at Su Xuan but said nothing, his pride clearly wounded. Wang Yong followed, his usual stoic demeanor unchanged, though he gave Su Xuan a nod of acknowledgment.

Liu Chen was the last to reach the summit, his calm demeanor a stark contrast to the others. "Well done, Su Xuan," he said, his voice filled with genuine respect. "You’ve proven yourself today. Remember, the true trial is not just about strength, but about how we use it."

Su Xuan nodded, his gaze sweeping over the group. "This is just the beginning. Whatever comes next, we’ll face it together."

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the world in hues of gold and crimson, Su Xuan stood tall at the summit, the Blade of Eternal Requiem glowing softly in his hand. The trial was over, but his journey had only just begun.