Night in the Yunjing Realm did not bring darkness.
Instead, the sky was filled with glowing veils of Spirit Qi, drifting like rivers of light above the canopy. Crystalline satellites blinked in the void overhead, artificial stars built by ancient hands. From deep within the jungle came mechanical howls and the soft chanting of cultivators, harmonizing in unnatural resonance.
Zhen moved swiftly through the silver-leaf forest, guided by the System's partial map.
> [Location Detected: Nine-Dao Harmony Sect – Outer Trial Grounds]
Note: Non-affiliates must pass Spiritual Alignment Trial to proceed.
Danger Level: Moderate
Estimated Success Rate: 41%
Status: Optional Quest Path
He stood at the edge of a vast lake. Its surface reflected nine moons—though only one true moon hung above. The rest were projections, illusory tests of the mind.
On the far shore, white pavilions floated on clouds of spirit mist. Monks and robed warriors moved between them—graceful and detached, like they belonged more to thought than flesh. But between Zhen and that haven stood the Trial Lake.
A stone tablet floated above the water, etched with spiraling runes:
> "Those who seek harmony must first face the chaos within."
Zhen stepped forward.
The water shimmered.
---
▣ The Trial of Inner Chaos
> [You have entered the Nine-Dao Trial: Mirror of Self]
Objective: Confront and balance your conflicting selves.
Restrictions: No system skills, no external force allowed.
Time Limit: One hour
Reward: Access to Outer Sect Grounds & Dao Resonance Seed (Uncommon)
Penalty: Spiritual Disruption – Core Instability – Temporary Ban**
Zhen barely had time to react before the world fractured.
He found himself standing on a vast obsidian platform surrounded by fog. A mirror stood in front of him—tall, ancient, cracked.
Then, something stepped out of it.
Himself.
But not as he was now.
This Zhen wore black armor laced with blood-thread runes. His eyes were void of empathy. Behind him, the shadows of countless slaughtered beings writhed. A demonic presence clung to him like a cloak.
"Who are you supposed to be?" Zhen asked coldly.
The other Zhen smiled, expression twisted. "I am what you could become—should you abandon restraint."
> [Inner Aspect Detected: Path of Sovereign Domination]
They fought—not with swords or systems, but will against will.
Each movement of the doppelganger invoked resentment, ambition, ruthlessness. Zhen countered with clarity, discipline, and choice. The battle stretched not across space, but inside—memories surfaced, whispers from his buried past.
"Power demands sacrifice," the dark Zhen snarled. "You're not ready."
"I don't need to become a monster to be a god," Zhen replied—and struck.
The mirror shattered. Light consumed the platform.
> [Trial Completed – 83% Alignment Achieved]
Reward: Dao Resonance Seed (Tier C), Access Granted to Outer Grounds of Nine-Dao Harmony Sect]
+200 Rank Points Gained
Temporary Buff Gained: Mental Fortitude +25%, Duration: 24 hours
---
▣ Arrival at the Nine-Dao Sect
The lake parted as he stepped forward. A bridge of spirit light formed beneath his feet.
As he crossed, cloaked figures watched from afar. One, in particular, tilted her head slightly.
She wore robes of cascading moonlight, and her eyes bore the strange calm of one who had seen through illusions. Her hands held a fan with the symbol of Dao Unity—and on her forehead was a faint rune shaped like a half-lotus.
> [Analyzing Target...]
Name: Ji Yuyan
Status: Candidate for Holy Daughter of the Nine-Dao Sect
Spirit Affinity: 94%
Combat Rank: Undisclosed
Interest Level: ???
She stepped forward as Zhen approached the first outer pavilion.
"You're not from here," she said softly.
He froze, surprised.
"Most who pass the Mirror Trial emerge fractured," she continued, walking closer, her tone unreadable. "But you… seem more whole."
Zhen didn't reply immediately. He simply said, "I came for understanding. And opportunity."
She nodded slowly. "Then you'll find both here. But know this: the Nine-Dao doesn't just test your strength. It tests your place in the world."
Then she walked past him, as mist rose to swallow her figure.
Zhen exhaled, eyes narrowing.
This world held layers upon layers. And every choice, every test, was binding him tighter into the threads of its fate.
But he would cut through.
---
▣ In the Shadows of the Sect
Later that night, Zhen was assigned temporary quarters among the Outer Trial Disciples. Though his presence drew attention, no one challenged him—not after witnessing the lake trial result.
He sat in meditation, the Dao Resonance Seed floating before him. It pulsed softly, whispering fragments of philosophical laws and battle intent.
Then the System spoke:
> [Side Quest Unlocked: Seeds of Duality]
You now possess both "Dao Resonance" and "Spirit-Tech Adaptation."
System Advice: Merge the incompatible – create your own path.
Reward (upon success): Unique Skill – Hybrid Domain (Unranked)
Zhen opened his eyes. "So even the System wants me to fuse both worlds."
A knock came at his door.
A disciple in moon-silver armor stood outside. "You're summoned. The Inner Elders have questions… and so does Ji Yuyan."
Zhen stood.
"Let's see what this world really wants from me."
---