Kael exhaled, wiping sweat from his brow. "Nine down, nine more to go," he muttered, stepping toward the gate. The trial was over, but its scars, guilt, and weak will lingered, a cultivator's lesson in refining the heart.
The silver gate pulsed, its light swallowing Kael. His boots hit cold stone, the air sharp with frost and ash. Darkness enveloped him, broken only by faint, ghostly wisps drifting like lost souls.
The pagoda's heartbeat faded, replaced by a low hum, like a distant dirge. His Bloodthread Mantle clung to his sweat-soaked skin, Abyssal Fang Dagger heavy in his grip, its blade catching the dim glow.
[System Alert: Pagoda Floor 9 Complete.
Hidden Conditions Met: Advancing Three Floors. Initiating Transfer to Floor 12 in 20 seconds]
Kael's chest heaved, the Trial of Temptation's scars, guilt, and shame, lingering like bruises on his soul. His Devourer Bloodline hummed, still alert from its awakening, sensing no threats, only a primal void, cold and absolute.
