NOVEL NEXT Chapter 13: Chapter 13: The First Opponent in the Second Trial
Ethan stared at the three opponents before him. Each figure exuded a different aura, and he knew that his choice would determine how difficult this fight would be.
The spear user stood tall with a confident expression, his spear shining with a sharp energy.The sword master wore a black cloak, his gaze sharp like an eagle's, clearly an expert in dueling.The woman in white radiated a mysterious aura, as though she controlled an unseen power.
Ethan tightened his grip on his sword.
"I choose... the sword master!"
In many cultivation novels, sword duels are the true test for a swordsman. If he wanted to grow stronger, defeating another sword user was the perfect challenge.
As soon as the words left his mouth, the other two opponents vanished in flashes of light. Only the black-clad sword master remained, stepping forward with a cold expression.
[Second Trial Begins: Duel Against the Shadow Swordsman!]
Ethan took a defensive stance. "This time, I won't just defend. I will win!"
The shadow swordsman raised his blade with one hand, his body relaxed. Then, in an instant—
Swoosh!
The figure vanished from its spot!
Ethan immediately leapt to the side, almost instinctively. "He's fast!"
Clang!
The opponent's sword narrowly missed his shoulder, but Ethan managed to parry at the last second.
However, the pressure from the impact left his hand slightly numb.
-15 HP
The shadow swordsman launched another attack, this time with a rapid assault that overwhelmed Ethan.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Ethan blocked with all his might, but his speed was still lacking.
"I can't just keep defending. I have to strike back!"
Using the Shadow Wind Step Technique, Ethan quickly sidestepped and delivered a Swift Slash!
-20 HP to Shadow Swordsman
For the first time, his opponent took a small step back.
Ethan grinned. "Finally, I can counterattack!"
But the shadow swordsman suddenly shifted positions, raising his sword high. Black aura began to swirl around his weapon.
Ethan immediately recognized it—Heavy Slash!
If he was hit by this attack, he could lose a lot of HP at once!
Without hesitation, he activated Shadow Wind Step and jumped backward.
BOOM!
The opponent's strike hit the ground, creating small cracks in the arena.
Ethan knew this was his best chance!
He leapt forward, gathering the last of his Qi, and unleashed the Sword Cry!
Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!
A series of rapid slashes landed on his opponent, forcing him to retreat further!
-15 HP-20 HP-25 HP
The shadow swordsman finally stopped, his body trembling before dissolving into particles of light.
[Second Trial Complete!]
Ethan panted heavily, but his eyes were filled with satisfaction.
"I won!"
A new notification appeared.
✅ Rewards:
Attribute Increase +3 (Agility +2, Strength +1)Shadow Sword Technique – Intermediate Sword Skill!
Ethan stared at the notification with gleaming eyes.
"A new sword technique?! This is getting even more interesting!"
But before he could open his new technique, a mysterious voice echoed across the arena.
[Prepare yourself. The Third Trial Begins.]
Ethan tensed. "What?! The next trial already?!"
The arena began to shift, and new shadows began to appear before him.
The Trial of the Thousand Trials was far from over!