The Last Immortal's Blade

chapter 13 the trial of wisdom 2nd trial 

The Trial of Wisdom loomed before Su Xuan like a colossal beast, its shifting walls and intricate puzzles a testament to the ancient ingenuity of its creators. The labyrinth was nestled within a vast valley, surrounded by towering mountains that seemed to pierce the heavens themselves. The air was thick with the scent of pine and the faint, metallic tang of qi, a reminder of the countless cultivators who had come before. The sky above was a canvas of swirling clouds, their shadows dancing across the labyrinth's entrance like restless spirits. The ground beneath Su Xuan's feet was a mosaic of ancient stones, each etched with cryptic symbols that seemed to pulse faintly with residual energy.

The entrance to the labyrinth was a grand archway, carved from a single block of obsidian. Its surface shimmered with an otherworldly light, as though it were a gateway to another realm. Flanking the archway were two massive statues of mythical beasts—dragons with eyes of jade and scales that gleamed like polished silver. Their presence was both awe-inspiring and intimidating, as if they were the guardians of the labyrinth's secrets. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation, the collective energy of thousands of young cultivators creating a palpable tension in the air.

Su Xuan's gaze swept across the crowd, his sharp eyes catching every detail. Wu Ling stood nearby, her expression as serene as a tranquil lake, unshaken by the chaos around her. Chen Wei, on the other hand, paced back and forth, his movements restless and agitated, like a caged beast unable to find peace. Wang Yong and Liu Chen were deep in conversation, their heads close together as if weaving a careful strategy, their voices low and deliberate. Zhou Yin stood apart from the others, her gaze fixed on the labyrinth's entrance, her posture sharp and focused, like a blade unsheathed and ready to strike.

The environment around the labyrinth buzzed with activity. Vendors had set up makeshift stalls along the edges of the valley, hawking talismans, elixirs, and scrolls that promised to aid in the trial. The chatter of the crowd mingled with the occasional roar of a spirit beast in the distance, creating a cacophony of sound that added to the sense of urgency. The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows that stretched across the valley like grasping fingers. It was as if the entire world was holding its breath, waiting for the trial to begin.

Su Xuan tightened his grip on the Blade of Eternal Requiem, its ghostly glow a faint but steady reminder of the power he carried. The blade seemed to hum in response, as though it, too, was eager to face the challenges ahead. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for what lay beyond the archway. The labyrinth was not just a test of intellect and resolve—it was a crucible, a place where the weak would be weeded out and the strong would rise. And Su Xuan was determined to emerge victorious, no matter the cost.

The labyrinth was a sprawling maze of twisting paths, its walls shifting and groaning as though alive, designed to confound and challenge even the most astute minds. The air within was thick with an eerie stillness, broken only by the faint hum of ancient mechanisms and the occasional distant echo of footsteps. The walls, carved from dark stone, were etched with intricate patterns and glowing runes that pulsed faintly, as if responding to the presence of the cultivators. The ground beneath Su Xuan’s feet was uneven, covered in a fine layer of dust that hinted at the labyrinth’s age. Above, the ceiling was lost in shadow, giving the space a claustrophobic yet infinite feel.

Su Xuan moved cautiously, his senses heightened by the power of the Nytheris Oculus, a rare ability that granted him Soul Sight—a vision that allowed him to perceive the lingering traces of the dead and the hidden flows of spiritual energy. The Blade of Eternal Requiem hummed softly in his hand, its ghostly glow casting faint light on the path ahead. The blade seemed to resonate with the labyrinth’s energy, as if it recognized the ancient power woven into the walls. Every step he took was deliberate, his sharp eyes scanning for traps, illusions, or hidden clues.

As he turned a corner, he spotted Liu Chen standing before a section of the wall, his brow furrowed in concentration. The wall was covered in a series of glowing runes, their patterns shifting and rearranging themselves in a mesmerizing dance. Liu Chen’s fingers traced the air just above the runes, as if trying to decipher their meaning through touch alone. A low-grade Ridgegrass herb, its leaves faintly glowing with a soft green hue, was tucked into his belt—a recent acquisition from the labyrinth. The herb was known for enhancing endurance and stamina, a useful resource for the trials ahead.

"Su Xuan," Liu Chen greeted without looking up, his voice calm but focused. "These runes are part of a puzzle. They seem to be a combination of ancient script and elemental formations. Care to lend a hand?"

Su Xuan approached, his gaze sweeping over the runes. The symbols were unfamiliar, but their arrangement suggested a pattern. "They’re not just random," he murmured, his voice low. "Look—the runes on the left correspond to fire, while the ones on the right align with water. The center seems to be a balance between the two."

Liu Chen nodded, his eyes narrowing as he followed Su Xuan’s observation. "A test of elemental harmony, then. If we can align the runes to create equilibrium, the wall should open."

Together, they worked in silence, their movements synchronized as if they had practiced this countless times. Su Xuan focused on the fire runes, his fingers brushing over the symbols as he channeled a faint stream of qi to activate them. Liu Chen handled the water runes, his movements fluid and precise. As the final rune clicked into place, the wall shuddered and began to shift, revealing a hidden passage.

"Well done," Liu Chen said, a hint of admiration in his voice. "You have a keen eye for detail."

Su Xuan shrugged modestly. "It was a joint effort. Your understanding of elemental formations is impressive."

As they stepped into the newly revealed path, the environment around them changed. The walls here were smoother, their surfaces adorned with carvings of mythical beasts and celestial scenes. The air felt cooler, carrying a faint scent of damp earth and ancient stone. The faint glow of the runes illuminated their way, casting shifting shadows that danced along the walls.

Liu Chen broke the silence as they walked. "You have a rare talent with the sword," he said, his tone casual but his eyes sharp with curiosity. "I noticed it during the Trial of Strength. Your movements are precise, almost instinctive. It’s as if the blade is an extension of your body."

Su Xuan glanced at the Blade of Eternal Requiem, its ghostly glow faint but steady. "It’s a family heirloom," he said simply. "I’ve trained with it since I was a child. It’s been with me through... everything."

Liu Chen’s gaze lingered on the blade, his expression thoughtful. "A blade like that carries a story. The way it resonates with your qi—it’s not just a weapon. It’s a part of you."

Su Xuan’s grip tightened slightly on the hilt, his thoughts drifting to the ruins of his family’s estate, to the memories of a life that had been torn apart. "It’s all I have left of them," he said quietly, his voice tinged with a mixture of sorrow and resolve.

Liu Chen nodded, his tone softening. "I understand. Loss shapes us, doesn’t it? It’s what drives us to become stronger." He paused, then added, "Perhaps one day, you’ll share that story with me."

Su Xuan glanced at him, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Perhaps."

The path ahead widened into a circular chamber, its walls lined with more carvings and runes. At the center of the room stood a pedestal, upon which rested a small, glowing orb. The orb pulsed with a soft, golden light, casting a warm glow that contrasted with the cold, ancient stone around it.

Liu Chen stepped forward, his eyes narrowing as he studied the orb. "Another puzzle," he murmured. "This one seems to require a combination of qi and physical dexterity. Care to take the lead this time?"

Su Xuan nodded, his expression focused as he approached the pedestal. The orb seemed to respond to his presence, its glow intensifying slightly. He reached out, his fingers hovering just above its surface, and felt a faint pull of energy. "It’s testing our harmony," he said. "Our ability to work together."

Liu Chen moved to stand beside him, his qi flaring gently as he extended his hand toward the orb. "Then let’s not keep it waiting."

As their combined qi flowed into the orb, the chamber came alive. The carvings on the walls began to glow, and the runes shifted, forming a pattern that spiraled outward from the pedestal. The ground beneath their feet trembled slightly, and a hidden door slid open on the far side of the chamber.

Liu Chen grinned, a spark of excitement in his eyes. "Well, that was satisfying. Shall we continue?"

Su Xuan nodded, his resolve strengthened by their success. "Let’s see what else this labyrinth has in store."

As they stepped through the newly revealed door, the labyrinth seemed to shift around them, its walls and paths rearranging themselves as if to challenge their progress. But Su Xuan felt a growing sense of confidence. With Liu Chen by his side, he was beginning to see that even in a place designed to isolate and test, there was strength in unity. And perhaps, in the trials ahead, he would find not just answers, but allies as well. The Ridgegrass herb, now safely stored in Liu Chen’s pouch, would serve them well in the challenges to come, its endurance-enhancing properties a small but valuable advantage in the ever-shifting maze.