NOVEL NEXT Chapter 6: CHAPTER 6: Legacy and Devotion
As the ancestors' spirits faded into the void, a loud rumble echoed through the chamber. The massive stone wall behind the throne of the First Emperor cracked and crumbled, revealing a hidden staircase leading downward. A surge of ancient energy pulsed from the depths, making Ni Tian and Ni Xiyan instinctively cautious.
Before they could take a step forward, a deep, ethereal voice resounded through the chamber:
"Only those of the World Emperor's bloodline may pass beyond this point."
Ni Tian turned to Ni Xiyan, who smiled softly. "Looks like this trial is meant for you alone, husband," she said gently. "I'll wait for you here."
He hesitated for a moment but nodded. "Alright. Stay safe."
With a final glance at his wife, Ni Tian descended into the unknown depths, the weight of his legacy pressing on his shoulders.
The underground corridor was long and suffocatingly silent, each step sending echoes through the ancient walls. After what felt like an eternity, Ni Tian reached the bottom and found himself standing before a colossal gate, inscribed with primordial runes radiating celestial energy.
As soon as he approached, the gate swung open on its own, revealing an endless, grand hall. At its center stood a breathtaking golden throne, shimmering with an aura so powerful that merely looking at it made Ni Tian's soul tremble.
Suddenly, the same ethereal voice echoed once more:
"This place is known as the 'Final Truth.' Whoever sits upon that throne will witness the origins of all existence and gain the authority to command the world, just as the Creator and the First World Emperor once did."
Ni Tian's breath hitched as the voice continued:
"Many from the Upper Realms have attempted this trial, yet none have succeeded—save for one. Your father. And now, you, the 11th son of the First World Emperor, stand before this throne. The challenge is simple: ascend the steps. Each level represents the power required to rule the world. The question is—are you worthy?"
The challenge of the throne was divided into four stages:
1. Steps 1-100 – For those at the Mortal Realm.
2. Steps 101-200 – For those at the Immortal Realm.
3. Steps 201-300 – For those at the Divine Realm.
4. Steps 301-400 – For those at the Ultimate Realm.
Ni Tian clenched his fists, determination blazing in his eyes. He would not turn away.
Taking a deep breath, he took his first step forward.
With each step, an overwhelming force of gravity pressed down upon him. By the time he reached the 50th step, his entire body felt like it was being crushed under thousands of mountains, yet he refused to stop.
Step by step, he pushed forward, his muscles trembling and veins bulging.
Upon reaching Step 100, an invisible barrier slammed into him, pinning him in place.
"Tch... Damn it!" Ni Tian gritted his teeth, sweat pouring down his face.
The Immortal Stage had begun. The force pressing down on him multiplied, crushing his body, threatening to tear him apart. He knew that going further was beyond his limit, but...
He wasn't just fighting for himself.
The memories of his past suffering, his fallen mother, his betrayal at the hands of his so-called family flashed before his eyes.
"I must surpass them…!"
Summoning every ounce of his willpower, Ni Tian unleashed the power bestowed upon him by his ancestors, despite knowing he lacked full control over it. The overwhelming force ignited his veins, causing crimson blood to pour from his pores, but he endured, pushing himself forward—
Step 101!
The world blurred, his consciousness on the brink of collapse.
"No… I can't… I need more power—"
But before he could take another step, a searing pain tore through his body like wildfire. His entire being screamed in agony, as if he were being incinerated from within.
"Please... let me stop..."
The voice, which had remained cold and indifferent, grew softer for the first time.
"Very well. You have earned the right to return. But remember this—your father barely survived this trial in his prime. Yet you… you surpassed him at the mere Foundation Establishment Realm. The future will be interesting indeed."
Before he could process those words, his vision blurred—
And then, everything went dark.
Ni Tian awoke to the feeling of soft hands gently caressing his face. His vision cleared, revealing Ni Xiyan staring at him with a mixture of relief and worry.
"You're finally awake…" she whispered, her eyes misty.
Glancing around, he realized they were back home, inside their simple wooden house. He tried to sit up, only to feel an unbearable ache in his entire body.
"You overdid it," Ni Xiyan scolded, standing up. "Rest here. I'll cook us something."
A chuckle escaped Ni Tian's lips. "I've already got such a caring wife?"
Ni Xiyan blushed before hurrying away, leaving him to recover.
Days passed, and Ni Tian spent his time stabilizing his body. The ancestral power within him was overwhelming, so he chose to cultivate just 25% of it for now. Even then, he broke through to the 1st Level of Core Formation Realm.
Not only that, his innate ability—Qingshui Xin (Clear Water Heart), a mere Mortal-tier technique—evolved into Shuimin Huti (Water Affinity Body), granting him greater control over water.
While meditating, he suddenly felt a small object in his pocket. Retrieving it, he found a deep violet pill, radiating immense energy.
"What is this…?"
Ni Xiyan, who had been watching him, answered, "That's a Void Essence Pill. It's meant to help someone at the Soul Formation Realm break through to Void Refinement."
Ni Tian's eyes widened before tossing it to her without hesitation.
"Cultivate it now."
Ni Xiyan blinked. "But… you need this more than me. Your revenge—"
He shook his head. "You're my wife. If I'm going to war, I need you standing beside me as my equal."
Touched by his words, Ni Xiyan swallowed the pill, breaking through from 9th Level of Soul Formation to 1st Level of Void Refinement in one night.
That night, after finishing their meal, Ni Xiyan finally asked, "What did you mean by 'Night War' earlier?"
Ni Tian smirked. Instead of answering, he removed his robe, exposing his toned physique. Ni Xiyan's face turned red.
"N-Ni Tian, wait—"
He carried her to bed, his smirk widening. "I need to regain my strength. And who better to help me than my wife?"
Ni Xiyan protested at first—but as the night stretched on, the only sounds in their home were soft whispers, breathless gasps, and the warmth of their shared embrace.
For five days, the world outside ceased to exist.
End of chapter 6...