IRONWILL
789 Words
Yang and fewer than fifty disciples stood in the fiery field, their eyes widened and mouths agape as they beheld the massive structure of the Fourth Trial Hall. Its majestic design was combined with an overwhelming aura radiating from behind the sealed doors.
Two lion statues guarded the left side of the door. Their bodies were covered in red-hot flames that burned constantly, jaws wide open, revealing huge, sharp teeth.
On the right side stood two dragon statues. One stood on all fours, its body clad in thick armor and golden flames. The other appeared to have no skin at all — as if the fire itself formed the dragon’s body.
“Mo-hi,” Yang called, his gaze carefully scanning the surroundings of the hall.
“I’m here, Senior Yang.” Mo-hi appeared like mist in front of him, one leg deeply planted in the soil. He was seven feet tall, his muscles well-trained from years of war, cultivation, and proper rest.
“I’m giving you the honor of taking on the fourth trial first,” Yang said. His yellow-brown robe was perfectly ironed, his arms hidden behind his back. He glanced at the hall, the field, and Mo-hi almost every minute. “Do you accept it?” His voice was cold and left no room for rejection.
“Yes, Senior Yang. I accept.” Mo-hi rose to his feet, head bowed, eyes fixed on the ground. He dared not look directly at the Second Elder.
“Good. You have one hour to prepare. We don’t have much time, so please hurry,” Yang commanded, his tone turning slightly friendly.
“Thank you, Senior Yang.” Mo-hi bowed and took long strides away.
*I guess it’s my time to be used as a test subject. You will die soon, Senior Yang.* Mo-hi clenched his fists tightly. *And it will be a miserable death — one you well deserve, you bastard.* His jaw tightened, both arms hidden behind his back.
An hour later, Mo-hi stood mere inches away from the temple. He observed its towering structure as goosebumps rose across his body. The overwhelming spiritual pressure swept over him.
He sighed deeply. *There’s no turning back now, is there?* He glanced once over his shoulder at Yang.
He advanced toward the stairs.
The first step he crossed with ease. The second was the same.
The moment he stepped onto the third, the stone cracked beneath his feet. The pressure slammed down heavily, like a truck falling from the sky.
Yang watched carefully, levitating above the ground with his legs crossed, a golden aura surging slowly around him.
When Mo-hi reached the sixth step, the ground didn’t just c***k — it shattered.
He groaned in pain. Inside, his bones were cracking bit by bit. Blood trickled from his nose and slipped from the corner of his mouth in small drops.
*This pressure is beyond the Golden Core realm.* He thought, his right leg trembling as he forced himself onto the seventh step.
His left knee crashed into the stone, the sickening sound of bones breaking filling the air.
He coughed out a massive quantity of blood.
*I can’t turn back now. That bastard will surely kill me.* Mo-hi thought as he sat down on the stone stairs, legs crossed. *But I refuse to die this easily. I have no choice but to use it.*
“Senior Yang.” An elite male disciple called out from behind, kneeling with one knee pressed to the soil, head bowed. His red-brown robe was well-tailored and smooth, his long black hair tied in a ponytail.
“I don’t believe I wanted to be disturbed, Sumi,” Yang sighed. “What report do you bring?” He watched the disciple for a second before his eyes returned to Mo-hi.
“Forgive me, Second Elder, but the camp has been prepared and your food is ready,” Sumi said, his voice mature and steady.
“You may leave.” Yang waved his right hand, then placed both hands across his knees as he floated higher into the air.
“Yes, Elder Yang.” Sumi bowed and departed.
*The Sihu family — the second most powerful force in the Lion Clan, led by the Grand Elder.* Yang thought. *They cultivate using a technique passed down through generations: Iron Will. A special method that is widely known but can only be used by the Sihu family.*
*I brought Mo-hi with me so I could study its foundation up close. A power that turns spiritual pressure into powerful fuel, capable of pushing one’s realm further than most techniques.* Yang smiled.
*Iron Will, activate.*
Mo-hi’s foundational Qi surged. A blue energy barrier formed over his head, reducing the intense spiritual pressure.
- Writer
