The Trial Realm shifted once more, shaping itself into an arena unlike any Chen Xin had seen before. Towering pillars carved from black stone stretched toward a storm-darkened sky, etched with ancient runes that pulsed with eerie light. At the center floated a golden sigil—the mark of the final combat test.
The voice returned—deep, thunderous, and final.
"This is the crucible of your soul. Face your opposite: the God-Killer. A being forged to end gods and mortals alike."
From the swirling fog emerged a figure draped in shadows. His armor was black as void, his great weapon a massive cleaver, glowing with destructive energy that seemed to devour light itself. His eyes burned with cold emptiness.
Chen Xin's breath caught.
This was no illusion.
The God-Killer was a remnant of an ancient destruction deity, bound to test those who sought to transcend mortality.
Without hesitation, the duel began.
The God-Killer's cleaver crashed down like a meteor. Chen Xin raised his reforged fragment blade—still crude, still incomplete—but burning with the intensity of his will.
Steel clashed with divine destruction; sparks exploded, sending shockwaves that shattered nearby pillars. Chen Xin moved with the grace of a dancer, his swordplay a symphony of precision and resilience.
The God-Killer struck again and again, relentless and merciless. But Chen Xin did not yield. Each parry, each riposte was a statement: he was more than a broken soul. He was a sword reborn.
In a final surge, Chen Xin summoned every ounce of strength and will, slashing through the God-Killer's defense with a roaring cry.
The cleaver shattered.
The God-Killer staggered, then vanished into mist.
Chen Xin collapsed to one knee, chest heaving. Around him, the Trial Realm trembled as if acknowledging his victory.
From the shadows, the sword spirit returned.
"You have passed the crucible. Your soul burns brighter than any blade before."
A glowing shard of steel floated before Chen Xin, reshaping itself into a gleaming sword.
Wuqing—the Merciless—was born.
The blade sang with sorrow and strength.
And Chen Xin finally felt the first true spark of his Sword Intent ignite.