Virtual Reality Cultivator

Ethan stood still in the middle of the forest, still reflecting on his battle with Shadow Blade. The duel had taught him a valuable lesson—he was still too weak. Although he had managed to survive, the level and experience gap was evident.

"I need more techniques, more experience... and greater power."

He opened the system map available in the game. After a few moments of searching, he found the location of the Valley of a Thousand Trials.

[Location Found: Valley of a Thousand Trials][Distance: 15 kilometers southwest]

Ethan sighed deeply. "Looks like this will be a long journey."

Without wasting any time, he began heading towards the valley.

After walking for several hours, he finally exited the forest and found a trail leading towards a more barren hillside. The landscape ahead was vastly different from the lush green forest he had just passed through.

Barren rocky ground stretched wide, with steep cliffs visible in the distance. A thin mist hovered in the air, adding a mysterious aura to the place.

Ahead, a massive stone arch stood tall with ancient carvings that Ethan couldn't decipher. Above it, words glowed faintly:

"Valley of a Thousand Trials – Only the Worthy Shall Endure."

Ethan felt a chill run through his body. The aura of the place felt different, as if a great power was hidden within it.

As he approached the entrance, a notification appeared before him.

[You have reached the Valley of a Thousand Trials.][The trials will begin once you step inside. Leaving before completing the trials will result in an experience penalty.]

Ethan furrowed his brows.

"So, this isn't just a regular training ground... it's a real trial?"

He took a deep breath and clenched his fists.

"I can't back down now."

With firm steps, Ethan entered the valley.

As soon as he passed through the gate, the world around him shifted.

He now stood in a vast arena surrounded by towering stone walls. Before him, blue light began to gather, forming a transparent figure that resembled a human.

A voice echoed from the sky.

[First Trial Begins: Face the Shadow of Yourself.]

The light figure morphed... into his own image!

Ethan tensed. "What?! My opponent is myself?"

The shadow of Ethan stared at him with no expression, then suddenly drew a sword.

[Duel Begins.]

Ethan raised his sword nervously.

"This is going to be the weirdest fight I've ever had..."

Without waiting for a moment, the shadow attacked!

The trials in the Valley of a Thousand Trials had just begun.