Tian Ling settled into the lotus position with practiced ease, his back straight and his breath slow and steady. The air around him was still, almost reverent, as if the entire mystical realm was holding its breath in anticipation of the celestial tribulation about to unfold. This was no ordinary trial — it was a rite that demanded every ounce of strength, spirit, and resolve. Unlike the tribulations he had faced before, this one promised to push him beyond his limits.
He glanced back at the small clearing where his disciples gathered. Their faces were a mix of worry and hope, eyes fixed on their master. He knew the risk was too great for them to be close; the destructive energy of a tribulation could easily spill over, causing harm to even the most resilient cultivators. With a gentle wave, he silently told them to keep their distance.
