Chapter 96: First Steps into the Upper Realm
A brilliant flash of light swallowed Chen Yu and his companions as the Ascension Gate closed behind them with a thunderous boom. Reality twisted. Gravity shifted. When their senses returned, they were standing on a vast floating platform made of obsidian-like stone, suspended among drifting islands under a sky filled with swirling auroras and distant stars unlike any sky they had ever known.
Cold, thin air bit at their skin. The world here felt sharper—each breath carrying the weight of countless powerful beings. Mana density was so high it made the very air feel like liquid energy pressing against their chests.
Hui’s crimson eyes widened as she stretched her arms, feeling the primal energy flowing freely through every fiber of her being. "This... this is how the upper realm feels? It’s like the world itself breathes power."
Vornark’s feline pupils glowed with hungry excitement, his nose flaring as he caught unfamiliar scents. "I can feel it too... it’s invigorating. Even the weakest here would crush entire cities below."
Nyzelia flicked a strand of silver hair behind her pointed ear. "And yet, this also means we’re prey now—until we prove we’re predators."
Chen Yu nodded slowly, eyes fixed on the horizon, where colossal spires of floating mountains pierced clouds glowing with purple lightning. He felt the oppressive aura of this realm pressing on him like an ocean. "We’ve arrived at the proving grounds of the heavens. Don’t let your guard down, not even for a second."
As they stood together, enormous floating platforms drifted around them, each carrying groups of other ascenders from countless lower realms—beastfolk roaring defiance, demonic figures cloaked in shadows, human cultivators radiating killing intent. Some groups glanced at Chen Yu’s team with curiosity, others with naked hostility, eyes flickering with the desire to test the newcomers.
A shimmering rune flared above them, casting beams of light across the platform. A voice rang out—ethereal, neither male nor female, yet carrying infinite authority. "Welcome, ascenders. Ahead lies the Trials of Recognition. Prove yourselves worthy to step upon the sacred lands of the upper realm. Or fall here, forgotten."
A massive staircase of floating stone steps appeared before each group, stretching into the clouds. Faint, ghostly images of fierce beasts and monstrous warriors shimmered between the steps—guardians of the trial.