Entering the Ghost Peak was like stepping into a burning crucible; the heat instantly increased, pressing against their skin like molten iron, radiating from every surface, so intense that beads of sweat evaporated before they even had a chance to fall.
Dao Wei, Lu Shen, and Wei Jun stood at the entrance, eyes gleaming with anticipation. There was no need for words—they understood the challenge right away and were prepared to prove themselves.
It felt like literally stepping into the heart of a volcano, where the air threatened to burn away the moisture from their lungs at every moment. The oppressive temperature wrapped around them, heavy and suffocating, as if every molecule of air was charged with a relentless, hostile energy.
"Is it just me, or does this place have a hidden agenda?" Wei Jun muttered, his tone tinged with irritation as beads of sweat sizzled and evaporated on his skin.
Dao Wei surveyed the scene before them—a massive, hall-like pathway stretching far into the dimly lit mountain interior, with sporadic jets of lava cascading down the walls, illuminating the dark pathway in an ominous, ruddy glow.
The river of lava bubbled and spat angrily, casting a fiery orange glow on the dark stone walls, which seemed to pulse with an eerie life of their own. Ahead, barely visible through the shimmering heat haze, stood a faint outline of a door, marking their destination.
"I'll remind you once more," Lu Shen began, his voice steady, "these trials are simple in theory. There are obstacles, some puppets of different levels, but the goal is straightforward: reach the door. You can't stop or retreat—once you do, the trial ends for you. Understand?"
"So… Just keep going that's it?" Dao Wei asked, a frown creasing his brow.
"Got it," Wei Jun chimed in, "move at whatever pace you like. Also, remember: each level spans about a kilometer, and you're free to use the lava pools to cultivate or recover your energy if needed."—he gestured to pockets of molten rock bubbling beside the path.
"A kilometer, huh…" Dao Wei murmured, eyes narrowing with determination.
In the outside world, a kilometer was hardly worth mentioning. But here, the gravity was a hundred times stronger, and time itself seemed too slow. It was impossible to simply rush to the end.
"All right then," Lu Shen asked, glancing at his brothers, "ready?"
"Well…" Dao Wei replied, a fierce grin spreading across his face. He was eager to see how far they could each go.
"Game on!"
With a single, synchronized movement, the three brothers launched forward like fleeing roaches, becoming blurs of movement as they raced toward the corridor's end. Their speed was astonishing—nearly as fast as light itself—yet something unseen seemed to push against them, resisting their every step.
After a brief silence, Dao Wei glanced at Lu Shen. "What's the key to making it through this place?"
Lu Shen laughed, his eyes fixed on the path. "If anyone knew that, it definitely wouldn't be called the Ghost Peak. However, according to what I've learned, there are about seventeen elements that affect a cultivator's progress here. The primary ones? Cultivation, Way of the Sword, physical resilience, spiritual power, potential, perception, combat experience, and, of course, raw talent."
"Aaaand, I'm guessing cultivation base and swordsmanship would be the most critical factors, right?" Dao Wei asked.
"Bingo." Lu Shen nodded, his tone serious now. "But remember, everything matters here. Even your mindset, weapon, and control of spiritual energy can tip the scales."
Bang!
A loud bang interrupted their conversation as Wei Jun collided with the first-level puppet—a translucent, ghostly figure, aglow with lava-like veins and brimming with the aura of a Peak Nascent Spirit Realm cultivator.
Lu Shen transmitted a warning to Dao Wei as he sprinted forward, "Avoid using any Supreme weapons or power-enhancing pills. Doing so will only increase the trial's difficulty."
Whoosh!
He disappeared before Dao Wei could even make any sense of it.
Just then, the puppet lunged toward Wei Jun, its fist streaking through the air with terrifying speed, leaving trails of molten sparks in its wake. Wei Jun sidestepped, his laughter echoing as he narrowly avoided the blow.
The heat grew stronger as they neared the end of the first level. Sweat poured from their bodies, instantly vaporizing in the scorching air.
Both Lu Shen and Wei Jun pressed forward, breaking past the first level's obstacles and stepping into the second. The aura of energy around them pulsed, almost alive, pressing down with renewed intensity as they stepped into the second level.
Left alone, Dao Wei felt a surge of energy flooding his apertures, balancing him against the overwhelming heat. He ran forward with relentless speed until he spotted a faint shimmer of light several miles ahead.
Only by passing through that light screen would he be able to advance to the second level of the Ghost Peak.
The corridor stretched endlessly before him, every inch a struggle against the powerful forces pressing down on him. Yet he pressed forward, soon spotting a faint, ethereal glow ahead—a light screen, marking the gateway to the second level.
The closer he got to the door, the more violent the winds became, whipping and swirling with enough force to send anyone off balance. Waves of pressure crashed over him like a tempest, testing his control over every muscle, every fragment of spiritual power he could muster. He held steady, channeling his strength to his core as he reached the screen, almost an hour later, his body shimmering with effort.
The light shifted violently, morphing into the shape of a warrior clad in gleaming silver and red armor. The warrior's face was expressionless, but its presence was overwhelming—a formidable sentry guarding the path forward.
"Beat me, and you shall pass," intoned the sword saint.
"Choose your weapon."
Dao Wei considered his options, briefly touching the hilt of his Hellblade, Tian, but decided against it—the words of Lu Shen running through his mind 'Avoid using supreme weapons'.
Instead, he activated his Sky-Python Robe, shrouding himself in a shimmering protective cloak.
Swoosh!
Dao Wei drew the black Dragon Saber, its blade a glimmering shadow in his hand.
The puppet's eyes flashed. "That saber isn't permitted here. If you use it, I will respond with tenfold power."
Dao Wei snorted, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Didn't think a mere puppet could be so petty."
With a dismissive shrug, he sheathed the saber. "Fine. I'll fight bare-handed."
"Very well," the sword saint general replied, raising a fist that glowed with an intense saint light. He unleashed a punch with enough force to shake the ground beneath them.
The sentry's fist shot forward, its blow sending shockwaves through the ground as flames danced around its hand. Dao Wei felt the ground tremble beneath him, but he was ready, channeling his energy into a single, concentrated burst.
Dao Wei responded, summoning his saint Qi and preparing to strike back. But as he channeled energy for the 'God's Finger' technique, the floor trembled violently. He thrust his finger forward, gathering all his Qi into a single point, countering the sentry's attack with a powerful surge of energy. But the force was so great that the ground splintered beneath him, throwing him off balance.
"Shit!" He'd been using his Qi to stay balanced—now, with part of his energy diverted to his technique, he felt himself wavering.
The puppet pressed its advantage, sending another fist toward him with relentless force.
The saint general's fist came barreling toward him, rumbling like an unstoppable wave of energy. Dao Wei had no time to think—he focused his spiritual energy on his feet, regaining his footing just in time.
Boom!
The fist missed by a hair's breadth, but the shockwave sent him skidding backward.
Rumble!
Before he could catch his breath, the general unleashed another punch, its power even greater than before.
Gritting his teeth, Dao Wei changed his strategy, allowing his mind to sync with the undulating energy of the hallway. He diverted his Qi, pouring it into his feet for balance, while his hands formed a protective stance.
His mind raced. He needed a strategy. "If I split my focus between mental and spiritual Qi… maybe that'll give me the edge."
"Come again!" he roared.
Harnessing his mental power, Dao Wei stabilized his footing while using part of his spiritual power to counter the general's attacks. His movements were measured, and precise, maintaining a delicate equilibrium between defense and offense.
Boom!
Focusing his mind power to stabilize himself, he struck again, channeling forty percent of his energy into a single, precise counter. His attack clashed with the puppets, a thunderous impact that reverberated through the corridor, forcing him to slide back several feet.
Bang!
Despite his best efforts, the force of the next blow reverberated through his body, his arms throbbing from the impact. The general's attacks were relentless, each one perfectly executed, his experience evident in every motion. The puppet's sheer power was beyond anything he'd faced, a relentless force imbued with the knowledge of countless ancient battles.
"Is this… the strength of a true Sword king?" Dao Wei muttered, clearly shaken but resolute. He knew he wouldn't win without invoking his Sword Intent.
The puppet, however, showed no signs of stopping. It roared, unleashing a torrent of silver flames that spiraled into a massive vortex, amplifying his already formidable fists.
Rumble!
The ground cracked under the pressure, and Dao Wei's balance wavered once more.
Dao Wei's expression remained calm, his eyes fixed—studying the puppet's every move even as he was drawn into the fiery vortex.
Two immense, flaming swords barrelled toward him, looming like twin mountains.
Dao Wei's eyes narrowed as he summoned his full strength.
"God's Finger," he whispered.