NOVEL NEXT Chapter 90: Chapter 90: Stepping into the Divine Realm
Xiao Tian took a deep breath, steadying himself as the sheer enormity of the Temple of Ascension weighed down on him. The air felt heavy yet charged, a palpable reminder that this was no ordinary space. The glowing marble beneath his feet seemed alive, pulsating faintly with divine energy that resonated with the heavens above.
Lian'er, walking beside him, instinctively grasped his sleeve. Her usual confidence was tempered by the overwhelming magnificence of their surroundings. Yue'er, however, walked with poise, her steps light but deliberate. Her presence seemed almost natural here, her divine aura blending seamlessly with the environment.
"Every inch of this place radiates divine authority," Yue'er murmured. Her gaze swept over the celestial carvings adorning the walls—each depicting battles of ancient gods, realms forged from chaos, and celestial beasts bound to the will of the Supreme.
"What do they want from us?" Lian'er asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Not want," Yue'er corrected, her tone measured. "They demand. The gods of Celestia don't operate by mortal standards. To them, we are no more than passing shadows unless proven otherwise."
Xiao Tian's brows furrowed, but his expression remained calm. His system chimed faintly in his mind, its notifications providing a sense of grounding amidst the divine chaos.
---
[System Notification]
Environment Analysis Complete:
Energy Density: 3000x Mortal Realm
Divine Authority Pressure Detected: 75% Suppression on Mortal Beings
Recommendation: Utilize Blessings for Adaptation
Blessings Adaptation Activated
Host is now 90% resistant to Divine Authority Pressure.
---
The system's subtle adjustments brought a sense of relief, and Xiao Tian straightened his posture, his eyes scanning the grand hall before them. The vast space seemed endless, with columns of light reaching heights that disappeared into the cosmos above. Around them, faint whispers echoed—voices of ancient beings locked in eternal prayer or remnants of divine wills long past.
At the center of the hall stood the High Council, their forms indistinct yet undeniably powerful. Seven radiant figures floated above thrones carved from celestial crystal. Each figure emitted a unique aura—one like a raging inferno, another like a serene ocean, and yet another like an endless void.
Yue'er's expression grew solemn. "The Seven Pillars of Creation," she whispered. "The most ancient gods, said to have shaped the Supreme God Realm itself."
---
The Voice of the Council
"Step forward."
The command echoed through the chamber, not spoken by a single voice but as if the entire realm itself had spoken. Xiao Tian advanced slowly, Yue'er and Lian'er flanking him. Every step felt like traversing a storm of energy, each moment testing his resolve.
As they approached, one of the figures leaned slightly forward, its aura pressing down on them like a tidal wave.
"You stand before the High Council," it said, its voice both male and female, ageless and commanding. "Speak, mortal. What compels you to enter Celestia, the domain of the divine?"
Xiao Tian met the figure's gaze—or what he thought was its gaze. The light was too blinding to discern any features, but he felt its scrutiny piercing through him, weighing his very soul.
"I seek strength," Xiao Tian said firmly, his voice steady despite the pressure. "Strength to protect, strength to overcome the trials ahead. And..." He hesitated briefly before continuing, "...the truth of my existence."
The Council remained silent for a moment, their collective aura swirling like a storm. Finally, another figure spoke, its tone colder, sharper.
"Strength? Truth? You seek much, mortal, yet offer nothing in return. Do you believe this realm exists to cater to your desires?"
Lian'er bristled but held her tongue. Yue'er's hand lightly touched Xiao Tian's arm, a silent reminder to remain composed.
"I offer my resolve," Xiao Tian replied, his voice unwavering. "And I am prepared to face whatever trial you deem necessary to prove my worth."
The cold-voiced figure let out a faint hum, and the Council's collective aura shifted, their interest seemingly piqued.
---
The Trial of the Starfire Altar
"Very well," the first figure declared. "If you wish to prove yourself, you shall undergo the Trial of the Starfire Altar. It will test the essence of your soul, your will, and the blessings you carry. Should you succeed, you will gain the favor of Celestia. Should you fail..."
The figure paused, its voice echoing ominously. "...you will cease to exist."
Lian'er's grip tightened on Xiao Tian's sleeve. "Isn't this a bit extreme?" she muttered, her voice low but laced with defiance.
Yue'er's expression was calm, but her golden eyes betrayed a flicker of concern. "It's not unusual. The gods don't hand out power freely."
"I accept," Xiao Tian said, his voice cutting through the tension.
A wave of energy swept over him, and the grand hall shifted around them. The crystalline floor dissolved, replaced by a vast expanse of stars. In the center of this cosmic void stood a radiant altar, its surface aflame with golden fire.
---
[System Notification]
Trial Activated: Starfire Altar
Objective:
Endure the flames of divine judgment.
Harmonize with the essence of Celestia.
Warning: Failure will result in irreversible soul disintegration.
---
Yue'er stepped forward, her aura flaring. "I will assist him."
"No," the cold-voiced figure interjected sharply. "The Trial is his alone. To interfere is to defy the will of the gods."
Yue'er clenched her fists, her divine energy sparking, but Xiao Tian placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "It's fine," he said softly. "I'll handle this."
She hesitated but eventually stepped back, her gaze locked on him. "Be careful."
Xiao Tian approached the altar, his steps deliberate. The golden flames danced wildly, their heat palpable even from a distance.
As he placed his hands on the altar, the flames surged, engulfing him completely. Pain lanced through his body, not physical but spiritual. The fire tore at his very essence, testing every fiber of his being.
---
[System Notification]
Soul Integrity: 85%... 70%...
Blessings Activating: Harmonization in Progress...
---
"Show me your strength," a voice echoed within the flames—a voice that seemed to belong to the altar itself.
Xiao Tian gritted his teeth, his mind focusing on his blessings. The system's interface flickered before him, displaying his accumulated powers and resources.
"Merge," he commanded mentally, drawing upon the harmonization skill provided by the system. His blessings began to resonate with the flames, their energies intertwining.
The pain lessened, replaced by a sense of unity. Xiao Tian's soul pulsed with newfound strength, his connection to the divine flames deepening.
The flames roared once more before receding, leaving him standing atop the altar, unscathed. A faint golden mark now glowed on his chest—a symbol of his triumph.
---
[System Notification]
Trial Completed: Starfire Altar Harmonization Successful
Rewards:
Divine Favor of Celestia
+200,000-Year Enhancement to All Soul Rings
---
The Council's auras shifted, their approval evident.
"You have proven yourself, mortal," the first figure declared. "Celestia recognizes your strength. But remember, this is only the beginning."
As the altar dissolved and the grand hall reformed around them, Xiao Tian turned to Yue'er and Lian'er, a faint smile on his lips.
"Shall we continue?"