At the break of dawn, the first rays of sunlight cast golden shadows across the training grounds, where the air was thick with intense energy, mirroring the tension of the upcoming challenge. In the center of the arena stood Feng Chen, sweat dripping from his brow, his breathing uneven. In front of him, Rayan watched silently, eyes sharp and unreadable. The next moment, a system window appeared before him:
> [Special Trial – Pure Energy Body]
Mission: Absorb 10 units of pure energy without losing control.
Reward: Activation of the first stage of the Pure Energy Body
Rayan raised his hand, revealing a small sphere of pure, radiant light above his palm, glowing majestically like a miniature sun containing immense energy.
"Prepare yourself," he said calmly, his voice carrying undeniable authority. "Absorb it gradually... but if you feel like you're losing control, let me know immediately."
Feng Chen took a deep breath and closed his eyes for a moment before cautiously extending his hand toward the glowing orb. The instant his fingers touched the energy, he felt a warm sensation spread through his body—but it quickly turned overwhelming, as if his internal organs were being mercilessly squeezed.
"Ahhh!" he screamed suddenly, collapsing to one knee, his body trembling violently. Blood surged through his veins, bulging as if on the verge of bursting. A burning pain engulfed his insides, like fiery blades tearing him apart from within.
"Hold on!" Rayan shouted, but his eyes remained cold, observing the scene like a merciless judge overseeing a life-or-death test.
The energy rampaged inside him like a wild beast trying to tear him apart. His veins swelled, sweat poured from his body, and faint cracking sounds came from within him, as if his cells were burning. Amidst the agony, Feng Chen cried out in his mind:
"I can't fall here… I must become stronger!"
Suddenly, a new window appeared before Rayan:
> [Feng Chen is nearing breakthrough]
[80% compatibility with Pure Energy Synchronization Technique detected]
A glimmer sparked in Rayan's eyes. "He's succeeding!"
Feng Chen's body began to emit a faint light, his breathing gradually stabilizing. He no longer resisted the energy; instead, he began to flow with it, as though he had always been part of it. In a pivotal moment, he opened his eyes, faint sparks of pure energy dancing around his body.
> [Trial Complete – Pure Energy Body (Stage One) Activated]
Rayan smiled slightly and said, "This is only the beginning."
---
Dozens of cultivators from various sects had gathered, whispering among themselves about the battle Wu Jian had announced.
Rayan arrived accompanied by Ling Xiao and Feng Chen, while Wu Jian stood waiting with a mocking smile.
"I thought you'd back out," Wu Jian sneered.
Rayan raised an eyebrow coolly and replied with a smirk, "I don't waste my time on dogs that bark more than they bite."
Wu Jian's eyes widened in anger, but he quickly gestured to a tall young man with silver hair and eyes as cold as frost.
"This is our representative in the duel—Liang Yu."
Liang Yu stood confidently, a faint smile playing at the corner of his lips. There was no need for boasting or threats—his sharp aura alone was enough to instill fear in the hearts of those around.
Rayan looked at Feng Chen and said, "You'll fight him."
Feng Chen's eyes widened in shock, but he quickly realized this was his chance to prove himself. He nodded firmly and stepped into the center of the arena.
"Begin!"
As soon as the command was given, Liang Yu vanished! A sudden gust of wind swept across the arena, as if invisible blades tore through the air. Dozens of afterimages appeared, circling and closing in on Feng Chen from all directions.
Boom!
The first strike came from the left, like a hammer falling from the sky. Another hit followed to the ribs, knocking the breath out of him. Before he could react, a fist slammed into his gut, sending him flying back two meters!
"How can he move this fast?!" Feng Chen thought, gasping.
"You're too slow," Liang Yu said quietly—then disappeared once more.
He reappeared in dozens of places at once, forming afterimages, then struck Feng Chen from the left, the back, and the front in rapid succession.
The spectators stared in shock, while Wu Jian smiled triumphantly.
"I expected more than this."
But amid the strikes, Feng Chen clenched his teeth, and the system's voice echoed in his mind:
> [Pure Energy Body Activated – Reaction Speed Enhanced]
In an instant, Liang Yu's attacks slowed before his eyes, as if time itself had dulled. He saw his path, and the gap in his defense.
"This is my chance!"
He moved in a flash, disappearing for a moment before reappearing behind Liang Yu and landing a direct strike to his back.
Bam!
Liang Yu staggered back in disbelief, clutching his chest. "Impossible!"
But before he could counterattack, slow clapping echoed across the arena.
Everyone turned toward the entrance—to see a man in a black cloak, his eyes glowing with demonic red light.
The moment his feet stepped onto the arena—
End of Chapter.
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