On the fifth day, Anders arrived again. This time, he brought important information. “In three days, the second trial of Mount Aethermoor will begin,” he said, lowering his voice. “Based on information from the Quinton family, the next trial is called the Heartfall Stair. It has 99 steps, and each one forces you to face your inner demons. Only those who reach the top can proceed to the next stage.”
Grace and Dustin exchanged a glance before asking, “Where is it located?” Anders pointed toward the northeast, beyond the marketplace.
“It’s about 15 miles from here. There is a place called Stormspire Arena. That’s where the entrance is. When the time comes, every faction planning to continue upward will gather there.”
He paused briefly, then added in a more deliberate tone, “However, the arena itself is also a trial. The wind and lightning there never let up. One mistake is enough to get you killed.
“And with so many factions converging, competition for position will be unavoidable. Your Royal Highness, if you intend to go, you should make preparations early.”
After Anders left, Grace gathered the group for discussion
“The Heartfall Stair has 99 steps, and each one forces you to face your inner demons,” she said solemnly. “Some of us may have strong cultivation, but their resolve may not be as steady as it should be. We should be prepared for losses in this trial.”
Dustin replied, “A trial like this has nothing to do with cultivation level. Some people aren’t particularly strong, but their resolve is firm, making them more likely to make it through. Others may be powerful, but if there are cracks in their mindset, this is where they’ll fall.”
He swept his gaze across the group and continued, “Over the next few days, get your heads straight. Whatever you’re holding onto, whatever you’ve been avoiding, face it now. On that stair, you might fool other people, but you won’t fool yourself.”
The group fell silent, each lost in thought. Scarlet stole a glance at Dustin, unease stirring as she wondered what her inner demon would be. Three days later, they arrived at Stormspire Arena.
The terrain was steep and treacherous. A massive platform hung suspended in midair, with a bottomless abyss stretching below and unceasing wind and lightning raging on all sides. Thunder rolled without pause, the force of it so overwhelming that it made even the strongest flinch.
Hundreds of people had already gathered on the platform, including the Quinton family, the Moseys, the remnants of the Jornell family, and the rogue cultivator alliance. Each faction occupied its own territory, watching the others warily.
As Grace arrived with her group, countless gazes turned toward them. Some were curious, others watchful. A few were hostile, while the rest remained cautious.
“The Quinton family is over there,” Adam said quietly, pointing toward the eastern side of the platform. Evander stood calmly with his hands behind his back, as if the dangers of Stormspire Arena didn’t concern him.
Beside him, Elowen idly spun a rune slate in her hand. Behind them stood more than a dozen guards, their energy waves restrained but formidable.
“The west side is the Jornell family,” Adam continued, indicating the opposite direction. The Jornells brought nearly eight people. But each of them carried a sharp, oppressive presence, leaving no doubt they were elite.
Leading the group was a pale-faced middle -aged man. Faint arcs of lightning moved across his body, and the pressure he gave off was enough to unsettle those nearby. He was a mid-stage Core-Forged expert.
“The Jornell family’s real powerhouse has finally appeared,” Grace murmured. The Mosey family occupied the southern side of the platform. Anders stood at the front, speaking quietly with several leaders of the rogue cultivator alliance. When he noticed Grace, he gave a slight nod in acknowledgment.
“Get ready for the trial,” Dustin said. “It’s about to begin.”
Before he finished speaking, the lightning above the Stormspire Arena surged violently. Countless golden bolts intertwined, forming a massive vortex overhead. At its center, a brilliant column of light descended and struck the middle of the platform.
As the light faded, a stone staircase with 99 steps materialized out of thin air. It rose straight upward, disappearing into the vortex above.
“The Heartfall Stair has appeared,” a commanding voice resounded in everyone’s mind.
“Those who ascend must face their inner demons with unwavering resolve. Each step is a trial, and altogether there are 99 in total. Those who reach the summit may proceed to the next level. Fail, and your soul will be obliterated.”
The moment the voice faded, the crowd erupted into motion. Some stepped forward eagerly, while others hesitated, held back by fear.
Evander was the first to step onto the Heartfall Stair. His expression remained calm as he moved step by step upward, his footing steady. The inner demon illusions -enough to make a normal person break down-seemed to have no effect on him.
“Who… Who exactly is he?” someone asked. Evander paid no attention and continued upward. He passed ten steps, then 20, then 30, pausing only briefly at the 50th before continuing on.
“He’s a monster,” Adam murmured. “His resolve is unshakable.”
Then, Elowen stepped onto the Heartfall Stair. She moved with equal ease, even glancing around with curiosity at certain steps, as though observing the illusions rather than being affected by them.
