Chapter 165: Revelation of Truth
Grim continued swimming through the mist, following the pearl lanterns that seemed to lead him deeper into the realm’s heart. The sounds of distant battle grew fainter, replaced by a profound silence that felt almost sacred. The currents here hummed with a different tone.
The mist around him began to thin, revealing a structure that didn’t shift or fade like the illusions he had encountered. Carved from white jade and mother-of-pearl, it rose from the sea floor like a temple, its walls inscribed with symbols that seemed to glow as he approached them.
As he approached the entrance, the jade doors opened without sound, revealing a circular chamber. The walls were lined with silver, and pearl lanterns floated at precise intervals, creating a pattern of light that was both beautiful and somehow meaningful.
"Grim van Ambrose," a voice spoke from everywhere and nowhere, carrying the weight of centuries. "You seek passage to the heart of the West Sea, but first you must prove your worthiness."
"I don’t have time for tests," Grim replied, his hand moving to his sword hilt. "Jiaolong is—"
"Time moves differently here," the voice interrupted. "The trials will reveal what you truly are, beneath the masks you wear for others."
The chamber filled with a soft light that seemed to penetrate deeper than his eyes, reaching into memories and thoughts he had tried to keep buried. The silver walls began to show images—not illusions, but visions drawn from his own past.
He saw himself as he had been in his previous life—a street kid with a mouth full of curses and eyes full of rage. Dead at nine from pneumonia, just laying there while everyone just ignored him.
"Your first life ended and no one even noticed." The voice observed. "Yet you were given another chance. Why?"