Title: Cultivation Online – Rise of the Shadow Disciple

Title: Cultivation Online – Rise of the Shadow Disciple

Chapter 3: Trial of Shadows

Yuan tightened his grip on the Empyrean Overlord Sword as the shadowy figure advanced. The Abyssal Void pulsed with dark energy, making the air heavy around him. Yet, beneath the weight of the oppressive aura, Yuan's spirit burned brighter.

The masked figure raised a hand, and tendrils of black energy surged from the ground, twisting like living serpents.

"If you cannot overcome the shadows, you are unworthy," the Shadow Disciple's voice echoed, cold and sharp.

Yuan narrowed his eyes. "I've faced worse."

With a swift motion, he slashed his sword, sending a wave of radiant energy that cut through the approaching tendrils. The void trembled, but the shadowy energy reformed instantly.

[System Alert: Shadow Manipulation detected. Initiating Trial of Shadows.]

A new window appeared in Yuan's interface:

[Trial of Shadows: Survive three phases of shadow mastery to prove your worth.]

Phase 1: Shadow Bind – Resist the grasp of the void.

Without warning, the ground beneath Yuan shifted. Shadowy chains burst forth, wrapping around his ankles and wrists. He staggered but channeled his spiritual energy, igniting a golden aura around his body.

"Break!" he roared, unleashing a shockwave of spiritual force. The chains shattered—but only briefly. They reformed stronger, glowing with crimson runes.

Xiao Hua, hovering nearby, called out, "These shadows react to your fear. Stay calm, Yuan!"

Yuan took a deep breath. Calm. Focus.

Instead of resisting, he shifted his energy inward, allowing the shadows to touch his skin. As the tendrils wrapped tighter, he felt their cold presence but sensed something deeper—a void of pain and regret lingering in the magic.

The Shadow Disciple's eyes glowed beneath the mask. "You're learning faster than I expected. But will it be enough?"

Yuan smirked. "I'm just getting started."

He activated Heaven's Vision, a technique enhancing his perception. The world around him slowed as he traced the flow of the shadow energy. There—at the center of the void—he found the core.

With a swift motion, Yuan focused his power and thrust his sword into the ground. A burst of light exploded, striking the core of the shadow formation.

[Phase 1 Complete: Shadow Bind Dispelled.]

The chains crumbled into dust.

The Shadow Disciple tilted his head. "Impressive. But can you face your own darkness?"

Phase 2: Shadow Reflection – Defeat the shadow of your heart.

A ripple spread across the void, and from it emerged a perfect copy of Yuan. His reflection stood silently, eyes burning with cold malice.

"I will defeat you," Yuan declared.

His shadow smirked. "You can't defeat what you refuse to accept."

The battle with himself had begun.

To be continued…