The Last Immortal's Blade

chapter 9 The Eternal Dao Sect’s Trials

The trials of the Eternal Dao Sect were held in a vast valley surrounded by towering mountains, their peaks piercing the clouds like jagged teeth. The valley itself was a breathtaking sight, with lush greenery stretching as far as the eye could see, interspersed with crystal-clear streams and ancient stone formations that seemed to pulse with spiritual energy. The air was thick with anticipation, the very atmosphere humming with the collective Qi of thousands of young cultivators who had gathered from all corners of the land.

The sound of whispered conversations, the clatter of weapons being readied, and the occasional burst of nervous laughter filled the space, creating a cacophony of excitement and tension. The participants stood in clusters, some exchanging tips and strategies, while others kept to themselves, their eyes darting around as they sized up the competition. The energy was electric, a mix of hope, ambition, and fear that seemed to ripple through the crowd like a living thing.

Su Xuan stood among them, his presence unassuming yet unmistakable to those who paid close attention. His robes were simple, made of plain fabric with no adornments, a stark contrast to the elaborate garments worn by some of the other participants. His sword, the Blade of Eternal Requiem, was sheathed at his side, its faint hum barely audible but ever-present, as if it were alive and eager for the challenges ahead.

But it was Su Xuan’s eyes that truly set him apart. They burned with a quiet intensity, a fire that spoke of unyielding resolve and a depth of experience far beyond his years. The faint glow of his Nytheris Oculus was hidden beneath a veil of calm, but its power was ever-present, guiding him through the chaos. The swirling shadows within his pupils churned slowly, the starry night motif faintly visible to those who looked closely enough.

The trials were divided into three stages, each designed to test a different aspect of a cultivator’s abilities:

The Trial of Strength: A test of physical and spiritual endurance, designed to push participants to their limits and beyond.

The Trial of Wisdom: A test of intellect and problem-solving, requiring not only knowledge but also creativity and adaptability.

The Trial of Heart: A test of character and resolve, probing the depths of a cultivator’s spirit and their ability to remain true to themselves in the face of adversity.

Su Xuan knew he had to excel in all three if he wanted to stand out. The competition was fierce, with participants from powerful clans and prestigious sects, each bringing their own unique talents and resources. Only the best would be chosen, and Su Xuan was determined to be among them.

As he stood there, taking in the scene, his thoughts turned to the journey that had brought him here. The memories of his family, the tragedy that had shaped him, and the vow he had made to uncover the truth and seek vengeance—all of it fueled his determination. He had faced death and despair, and he had emerged stronger for it. This was just another step on his path, a challenge to be overcome.

The sound of a gong reverberated through the valley, silencing the crowd. All eyes turned to the raised platform at the far end of the valley, where a group of sect elders stood, their robes flowing in the breeze. The elder at the center, a tall man with a long white beard and piercing eyes, stepped forward.

"Welcome, aspirants," he said, his voice deep and resonant, carrying effortlessly across the valley. "You stand before the gates of the Eternal Dao Sect, a place where only the strongest and most determined may enter. The trials you are about to face will push you to your limits. Only those who prove themselves worthy will earn the right to call themselves disciples of the Eternal Dao."

The elder’s gaze swept over the crowd, his eyes sharp and discerning. When his eyes met Su Xuan’s, they lingered for a moment, as if sensing something unusual about him. But he said nothing, and Su Xuan remained impassive, his Nytheris Oculus hidden beneath a veil of calm.

"The first trial, the Trial of Strength, begins now," the elder continued. "You will ascend the Cliff of Endurance, a path fraught with obstacles, spirit beasts, and traps. Only those who reach the summit will advance to the next stage. Step forward if you dare, and show us what you are made of."

The crowd erupted into a flurry of movement as the participants surged toward the base of the cliff. Su Xuan took a deep breath, his hand resting on the hilt of the Blade of Eternal Requiem. The faint hum of the blade grew louder, as if in anticipation.

As he stepped forward, he noticed a young woman nearby, her long, curly brown hair catching the sunlight. She turned to him, her expressive brown eyes filled with determination.

"Good luck," she said, her voice soft but steady.

Su Xuan nodded. "You too."

With that, he joined the throng of cultivators, his eyes fixed on the cliff ahead. The Trial of Strength was only the beginning, but Su Xuan was ready. He had faced death and despair, and he had emerged stronger for it. Whatever challenges lay ahead, he would face them head-on, with the Blade of Eternal Requiem at his side and the Nytheris Oculus guiding his path.

The road to vengeance was long and fraught with danger, but Su Xuan was no ordinary cultivator. He was a man with a mission, and he would stop at nothing to achieve his goals.