The sun dipped low over the Rising Dragon Academy as Travis strode out of the pavilion, his eyes sharp with renewed determination. The wind rustled his robe, carrying with it whispers of what lay ahead. The second trial was about to begin—and unlike the first, this one would test not just willpower, but blood, steel, and survival.
This is where I make my stand, he thought. Where I prove I belong here.
By the time he reached the arena, the gates were already closing. He slipped through just in time, joining a sea of aspiring cultivators buzzing with nervous anticipation. Some held confident smiles; others clutched their weapons with white-knuckled hands.
Then, the air stilled.
A booming voice echoed across the arena. "Welcome once again, disciples."
Daoist Rufus floated into view atop a spirit crane, descending slowly with his long sleeves fluttering like dragon wings. His eyes, ancient and piercing, swept across the gathered hopefuls.
"I trust you enjoyed your rest. Cherish it—for comfort is a luxury you'll soon forget."
As he spoke, glowing runes emerged on the stone platform at the center of the arena. The ground trembled slightly, and a massive teleportation formation lit up beneath their feet.
"This formation will transport you to the Spirit Beast Mountain, a sacred battleground of the Verdant Matrix Empire—home to spirit beasts forged by nature's cruelty. Primarily serpents, most are within the Body Tempering Realm, but some may possess rare mutations or spiritual affinities."
A collective shiver passed through the crowd.
"Upon teleportation, a trial rune will imprint upon your Sea of Consciousness. It will track your kills, the cultivation level of your prey, and display your progress here in real-time. The rules are simple—kill ten or more spirit beasts and descend the mountain alive to qualify for the final trial."
A golden projection of the mountain materialized above them—lush, wild, and pulsing with dangerous life.
"But beware," Rufus continued, "you must return with the rune intact. Break it, and you'll be forcibly returned—with all progress lost."
The crowd murmured.
"Stealing is permitted. Killing another participant is not. Harm a fellow disciple, and the rune will notify us. Instant disqualification."
The elder's voice lowered slightly, but carried even more weight.
"This trial is more than bloodshed. It is also about resourcefulness and potential. The mountain is rich with spirit herbs, classified from low to peak-grade. Harvest them wisely. Trade them. Use them. But remember—greed is often the path to death."
Travis narrowed his eyes. The mountain wasn't just a trial—it was a battlefield of opportunity.
Rufus raised a hand.
"One more requirement. Form teams of five. Two attackers, two defenders, one healer. No exceptions. We seek not just strength, but balance. Strategy. Leadership. Choose your allies wisely—their fate will intertwine with yours."
At that moment, the crowd erupted into action.
All around him, disciples scrambled to form groups, pitching strengths and negotiating roles like merchants at an auction. Some joined with old friends; others formed temporary alliances born of desperation and hope.
Travis stood still.
Several groups eyed him, a few even approached, but he waved them off. One group of three cocky male disciples sauntered up, one of them sizing him up like a merchant inspecting goods.
"Yo, you planning to run solo?" the tallest asked, smirking. "The mountain eats loners for breakfast."
"Thanks for the advice," Travis replied coolly. "But I choose my team carefully."
Another chuckled. "Suit yourself. Don't die alone."
They walked off, leaving him alone once more.
Truth was, Travis had always walked his path alone. Friends were few, trust even rarer. But even he couldn't deny that this trial was different. Spirit beasts. Resource conflict. Sabotage. He needed allies… but not just any allies.
His thoughts drifted—perhaps a team of beautiful girls would make the bloodshed more tolerable.
He shook his head, half-amused by the thought.
Still… better than being stuck with blade-waving meatheads.
Before he could continue brooding, a gentle voice called his name.
"Travis."
He turned—and froze.
A group of four stunning female disciples approached, clad in sleek academy battle robes, their beauty only rivaled by the aura of competence they exuded. And leading them were two familiar faces:
Rose and Lily.
He blinked. What the hell are they doing here?
"Surprised to see us?" Rose teased, her crimson eyes gleaming.
"We're not just servants, you know," Lily added with a wink. "Teacher Amaya doesn't keep weaklings around."
Travis chuckled. "I'm starting to believe it."
"Come," said Rose, her voice softer now. "We need one more member. You're strong. You keep your head down. That's rare. We want you in."
Travis hesitated only a moment before nodding.
"Alright. Let's make this mountain ours."
As he joined them, the runes beneath his feet pulsed, reacting to the completed formation.
A voice echoed in his mind:
> [Trial Rune Activated.]
Kill Count: 0 | Status: Linked to Team Unit 17
Timer: 30 Days Remaining
Target: 10 Spirit Beasts Minimum – Return Alive
The teleportation formation roared to life. Light engulfed him as the world twisted.
And when his vision cleared, Travis stood on the mist-shrouded peak of Spirit Beast Mountain—with danger in every shadow, and four deadly beauties at his side.
Let the real test begin.