The sun dipped low, casting an eerie golden hue across the courtyard of the Thundercloud Sect. The Trial Grounds loomed ahead—ancient, overgrown with thorny vines and marked with runic patterns that pulsed faintly with spiritual energy.
A crowd gathered.
Inner Sect disciples, Elders, and even outer disciples stood along the perimeter, murmuring with anticipation.
At the center, Ye Feng stood—his robes fluttering, his eyes cold and unwavering.
[Current Quest Activated: Trial of Thorns]
Objective: Survive all Three Phases of the Trial.
Bonus: Earn additional System rewards for every slap delivered during the trial. Warning: Injury and humiliation highly probable. Perfect for System growth.
System:
Ye Feng smirked slightly.
From the Elder's platform, the sharp-eyed Elder Mo Chuan raised his hand.
"Begin!"
With a loud boom, the gates to the first phase of the trial groaned open. The scent of damp moss and blood filled the air.
Phase One: Path of Thorns
Ye Feng stepped onto the vine-infested path. The ground writhed beneath his feet—each step activating ancient formations that shot sharp thorn-whips toward him.
—Snap!A vine lashed at him.
[Dodge Successful – Agility +1][Minor Wound: HP -10][Pain Resistance Passive Leveled Up]
"Let's make this fun," he muttered, charging forward.
Meanwhile, from the crowd…
Lin Ruyan stood with her arms crossed, watching Ye Feng's progress with narrowed eyes.
"He shouldn't be able to make it this far," she whispered.
Beside her, Meng Yao, the quiet girl who had watched Ye Feng slap Liu Wushen weeks ago, clutched her sleeve.
"He's not the same anymore," Meng Yao said softly. "He's... dangerous now."
Lin Ruyan scoffed, but her heart twisted.
Phase Two: Mirror of Weakness
Ye Feng entered a chamber filled with fog. Dozens of floating mirror shards surrounded him. In each one—his worst moments.
His betrayal.
His public humiliation.
Lin Ruyan's betrayal—on repeat.
[Mental Stability Check... Passed][Bonus Triggered: Iron Will – Unlocked]
New Passive Skill: Iron Will (Lv.1)Description: Immune to fear and illusion-based attacks. Boosts mental resistance by 20%.
System:
Ye Feng lifted his hand—and shattered the closest mirror with a clean slap.
[Face-Slap Delivered to Self-Doubt: +100 EXP][Motivation Multiplier Engaged]
He walked forward as mirrors shattered around him.
Phase Three: The Thorn Avatar
At the center of the final trial zone stood a monstrous humanoid creature made of thorns, glowing with demonic energy.
"Impressive. Few reach this stage," said Elder Mo Chuan, watching from the platform.
[Boss Battle Engaged: Thorn Avatar – Level 18]
Weakness: Exposed core at chestImmunity: Basic spells, ranged attacks
Tip: Slapping it won't work... unless you're Ye Feng.
Ye Feng grinned. "Let's test that."
Combat Sequence Initiated
He ducked under a swinging thorn arm, dashed in, and—
SMACK!
Right on the exposed chest.
[Face-Slap Critical: -25% HP][Crowd Shock Bonus Triggered]
+250 EXP+15 Reputation+1 Skill Progress: Slap Returner (Lv. 2 → Lv. 3)
The Avatar roared and collapsed into dust.
Silence filled the Trial Grounds.
Then…
"HE PASSED?!"
"On his first attempt?!"
"Without even using a weapon?!"
System:
[New Title Unlocked: Thorn Conqueror] Boosts reputation gain from sect activities by 15% Slightly intimidates arrogant young masters
[Skill Upgrade: Mockery Multiplier (Lv. 2)]– Adds a 10% chance to confuse opponent with pure sass.
**
As Ye Feng exited the trial gate, the crowd parted before him like waves before a storm.
Even the Elders looked twice.
Lin Ruyan's fists were clenched. She didn't understand how he had survived.
But Meng Yao?
She stepped forward slightly, lips curling into a soft smile.
"Ye Feng… who exactly are you becoming?"
[System: New Quest Available – "The Rise of the Face-Slapping King"]▸ Accept? ▸ Decline?
Ye Feng didn't answer. He just smirked.