TRIAL OF THE AZURE DRAGON
976 Words
The ancient stone doors opened slowly, releasing a powerful gust of cold air that swept through the passage. Li Chen (**) stepped forward without hesitation, his footsteps echoing throughout the silent corridor. Blue flames lining the walls flickered as though reacting to the Dragon Emperor Bloodline (****) flowing through his body.
Unlike the first hall, this chamber was much larger.
A circular arena stretched before him, surrounded by towering dragon pillars carved from black jade. At the center of the arena stood a crystal-clear lake that reflected the ceiling like a mirror. Yet something beneath the water was moving.
Li Chen activated Dragon Eyes (**).
Golden light flashed across his pupils.
The calm lake instantly revealed its secret.
An enormous dragon skeleton rested beneath the surface. Blue spiritual energy flowed around its bones like living flames.
Li Tianlong's voice echoed from within the Dragon Emperor Ring (***).
"This is the Azure Dragon Guardian."
"It was once one of the Dragon Emperor Clan's greatest protectors."
Li Chen looked carefully at the skeleton.
"Is it alive?"
"No."
"But the dragon's spirit still remains."
As soon as Li Tianlong finished speaking, the lake erupted.
Boom!
Water soared into the air as a gigantic blue dragon spirit rose from beneath the surface. Its scales shimmered like sapphires, and its golden eyes locked onto Li Chen.
A majestic voice filled the chamber.
"Heir of the Dragon Emperor..."
"State your purpose."
Li Chen bowed respectfully.
"I seek the inheritance of my ancestors."
The dragon spirit remained silent for several moments.
"You carry the Dragon Emperor Bloodline."
"But blood alone is not enough."
"Answer me."
"If given the choice..."
"...would you sacrifice one life to save ten thousand?"
Li Chen frowned.
The question was unexpected.
He thought carefully before answering.
"If there is truly no other choice..."
"...I would bear that burden myself."
The dragon's eyes narrowed.
"And if the one life is someone you love?"
Li Chen remembered his parents, who had sacrificed themselves to save him. He remembered his grandfather's final promise, and Su Xinyi (***), who still knew nothing about the dangerous world surrounding her.
He looked directly into the dragon's eyes.
"I would search for another path until my final breath."
"If no path exists..."
"...I would make the decision myself and accept its consequences."
The dragon spirit stared at him for a long time.
Then it smiled.
"The Dragon Emperor protects life."
"He does not abandon it."
"You have answered well."
Without warning, the dragon let out a deafening roar.
The entire chamber shook violently.
Water gathered around the dragon, transforming into hundreds of sharp blue spears.
They shot toward Li Chen like lightning.
Li Chen instantly activated Dragon Shadow Step (***).
Whoosh!
His figure became a blur as he avoided the first wave.
The spears struck the stone floor, leaving deep holes behind.
A second wave followed immediately.
This time there were twice as many.
Li Chen realized the dragon was forcing him to remain calm under overwhelming pressure.
He focused on the Dragon Spirit Breathing Technique (*****) he had obtained from the first trial.
His breathing slowed.
The surrounding spiritual energy began flowing naturally into his body.
His movements became smoother.
Faster.
The dragon spirit nodded with approval.
"Excellent."
"You learn quickly."
The attacks intensified.
Blue spears rained endlessly from every direction.
Instead of retreating, Li Chen moved forward.
Each step was perfectly timed.
Each dodge consumed the smallest amount of energy possible.
Gradually, he reached the center of the arena.
The dragon spirit raised one massive claw.
"One final test."
A sphere of condensed spiritual energy formed above the lake.
Its terrifying pressure caused the entire chamber to tremble.
Li Tianlong's expression became serious.
"Li Chen..."
"Don't block it."
"Trust your instincts."
The dragon released the sphere.
It descended like a falling star.
Li Chen closed his eyes.
Rather than attacking...
He extended both hands.
The Dragon Emperor Bloodline circulated through every meridian.
Golden and blue spiritual energy met in front of him.
Instead of exploding...
The sphere slowly dissolved.
Its energy flowed into Li Chen's body.
The dragon spirit laughed loudly.
"Hahaha!"
"You understand."
"True power is not domination."
"It is harmony."
The enormous spirit slowly descended.
Its forehead touched Li Chen's.
A stream of memories entered his mind.
Ancient battlefields.
Flying dragons.
The first Dragon Emperor leading countless cultivators against invading enemies.
When the memories ended, a glowing blue scale appeared in Li Chen's palm.
The dragon spoke one last time.
"This is the Azure Dragon Scale (***)."
"It will protect you once during your darkest hour."
"Use it wisely."
The dragon's body slowly dissolved into countless blue lights, filling the chamber with warmth.
A deep rumble echoed throughout the tomb.
Another hidden passage appeared behind the lake.
Li Tianlong's smile faded.
"The third trial..."
"...is the most dangerous."
"No Dragon Emperor heir has ever completed it without facing death."
Li Chen looked toward the newly opened passage.
His expression remained calm.
"I didn't come here expecting an easy journey."
Far above the tomb, the Holy Maiden stood beneath the Blood Moon, watching the ancient formation glow brighter with every passing moment.
She smiled coldly.
"The Azure Dragon has accepted him."
"Everything is unfolding exactly as the prophecy foretold."
Behind her, the crimson-robed elders lowered their heads.
One of them spoke carefully.
"Holy Maiden..."
"What if he survives every trial?"
She looked toward the ancient warehouse.
"Then he will obtain the key."
"And when he leaves the tomb..."
"...we shall take it from him."
Deep beneath the earth, Li Chen stepped into the third passage, unaware that his greatest trial—and his deadliest enemies—were waiting just ahead.
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