Shadows on the Horizon — The Waves of Black Magic
The sky above Xiao Yan and Mi-An twisted with darkness. Waves of black magic roiled and twisted like living shadows, stretching toward them with an unnatural hunger. Xiao Yan stayed close behind Mi-An, ducking instinctively behind her as her form moved with fluid precision, striking at the shadows before they could touch her.
Fear gripped him, but he forced himself to remain steady. Is this really what the trials are like? Am I the first to die? Thoughts raced through his mind as he watched her. Every strike she made was deliberate and beautiful, yet carried a dangerous sharpness that made the shadows recoil.
Far below, Nem and Di'or faced their own barrage of darkness. Nem's hand lifted lazily, and with a simple motion, the black waves were swept away, dissipating into nothingness. Di'or stared in shock. How can someone make this look so effortless? she wondered, trying to catch her breath as another wave approached. Nem's calm smile never faltered.
Back at Saint Lu Qi's sect, the Saints observed from afar. "Over three hundred disciples have already perished in the first trial. It's a pity," the Saint of Zi Wu Sect remarked solemnly.
"They must learn to survive if we hope to withstand the Ansha," Saint Lu Qi said, his gaze sharp as he watched the battles unfold.
Three hours passed. Fifty groups had already quit. The highest-ranking group had reached the fourth trial but surrendered, unwilling or unable to face the next. Only two groups remained unbroken: Nem and Di'or, and Xiao Yan with Mi-An.