Under the astonished gazes of the three disciples, Rayan stepped forward, passing the Heavenly Dragon that still knelt before him. Everything in this place pulsed with a mysterious power, as if the world itself was whispering ancient secrets.
With every step he took, the dense fog gradually began to fade, revealing massive ruins covered in glowing inscriptions that pulsed with an awakened energy. A strange awe crept into his heart—a heavy feeling that couldn't be put into words.
At the entrance of the shrine, a colossal stone gate appeared, surrounded by pillars carved with dragons and floating swords radiating a majestic aura. The air around it groaned with ancient energy, as if still echoing the ages that had passed.
[Hidden Location Uncovered: The Heavenly Shrine]
[Activated: Hall of Heavenly Inheritance]
[Requirements: Official Leader of the Heavenly Sect]
The moment Rayan stood before the gate, the inscriptions began to glow with golden light, and the earth trembled gently, as if recognizing his presence. Yet, despite it all, he suddenly felt a wave of hesitation.
"What if this is a trial I can't overcome?"
Rayan had always strived to be strong, but this sect... he knew nothing about it. Was he truly the right person to lead it? Did he deserve this legacy?
But he quickly shook his head, casting those thoughts aside. Retreat was not an option.
The fanatical Heavenly Dragon, who had been silently observing, finally spoke:
> "The Heavenly Shrine hasn't opened its doors in thousands of years... Only the heir of the sect has the right to enter."
Rayan nodded firmly, then turned to his three disciples, whose faces showed clear signs of worry and awe. Lydia gripped the hilt of her sword tightly, while Jao scanned the surroundings cautiously, as if expecting danger. Xiao furrowed his brows in tension, trying to hide his concern.
> "Wait here."
Before any of them could object, Rayan stepped forward and crossed the giant gate.
The moment he crossed the threshold, a storm of golden light erupted around him. He felt his body unravel for a moment, as if his very existence was being reshaped. This wasn't mere transportation—it felt like he had entered an entirely different dimension.
When he regained consciousness, he found himself in a massive hall, its walls embedded with glowing crystals and its ceiling lit like a starry sky—as though he stood beneath the cosmos itself. But what truly drew his attention was the energy filling the space: an ancient power, seemingly part of something greater than this world.
At the far end of the hall stood a massive stone statue, depicting a man in celestial robes, his aura radiant like the sun, and his eyes shimmering with divine energy. Suddenly, the hall shook, and golden light burst from the statue, followed by a deep hum—like the echo of the world itself. The sound grew until it became a faint cry, then a deep voice rang out across the hall:
> "At last, you've arrived… Heir of the Heavenly Sect!"
[Heavenly Inheritance Trial Activated]
[Mission: Overcome the Trial of the Ancestors]
Before Rayan could respond, he felt an overwhelming force pull him to the center of the hall.
> "To be worthy of the Heavenly Sect's legacy, you must prove yourself!"
In a blink, the surroundings vanished, and Rayan found himself in a mysterious realm filled with flickering lights and floating swords, surrounded by glowing formation