CHAPTER 364: TRIAL GROUND

Orion exhaled deeply, steadying his breath as anticipation tingled through his fingertips. He mentally commanded the Golden Headband to manifest, carefully channeling mana and soul energy toward it.

Instantly, the space above his brow shimmered gently, a soft, vibrant glow emerging. In mere moments, the Golden Headband materialized, resting firmly yet comfortably around his forehead, its intricate patterns and ancient runes glowing subtly.

The room around him seemed to fall into complete silence. Taking another steady breath, he poured more mana and soul energy into the band, causing its golden glow to intensify, radiating a luminous brilliance.

Lumi’s excited voice resonated softly within his Sea of Consciousness, brimming with anticipation.

[It’s activating, Master! Be careful and stay calm. (๑•̀ㅂ•́)و✧]

Orion nodded slowly, focusing his mind and breathing steadily. The golden glow gradually expanded, scattering delicate, glittering particles of light around him like a gentle, golden snow.

The room began to distort subtly, space bending as if reality itself were gently folding inward. A peculiar sense of weightlessness washed over him, followed by a brief moment of profound emptiness.

Orion felt his consciousness detach from his physical form, slipping gently from the confines of his room. A soft hum filled his senses, soothing yet otherworldly.

After a brief moment of blankness, Orion felt himself become solid again. Carefully, he opened his eyes.

The scene before him had changed completely. Orion stood atop a boundless expanse of white clouds, bathed in serene white light both warm and comforting.

The sensation of being suspended within this vast realm was both disorienting and exhilarating. Before him stood three places, each vividly unique and strikingly clear.

The first area to the right immediately caught his attention. Countless beings from a myriad of races—humans, elves, dwarves, dragons in humanoid form, and many more—sat serenely atop enormous lotus flowers.

Each being was deep in meditation, their expressions peaceful and profoundly serene. Their postures radiated tranquility, harmony, and immense spiritual clarity.

A subtle, ethereal mist wafted around them, shimmering gently, accentuating the profound spirituality of the scene.

Orion’s gaze shifted toward the second location at the center, and the contrast was immediate. This realm emanated vibrant social energy and warmth, filled with beings who sat comfortably on exquisite furniture—luxurious chairs, plush sofas, intricately carved tables.

They engaged in animated conversations, laughing, discussing, and sharing stories with smiles of pure joy.

The energy was inviting, comfortable, exuding warmth and companionship. It felt like a haven, a place of rest and connection.

Lastly, Orion’s attention was drawn toward the third location on the left side—a grand staircase seemingly carved from luminous crystal, ascending infinitely upward.

Several individuals, expressions brimming with determination and resolve, ascended the radiant steps.

Each step they climbed appeared heavier, more taxing, as though each level required overcoming personal limitations. Orion noticed some ascending with relative ease, while others struggled, pushing themselves beyond their limits.

Orion’s brows knitted in curiosity and wonder as he silently studied each scene, deeply intrigued.

Lumi, equally mesmerized within his Sea of Consciousness, gently voiced her amazement:

[What an extraordinary place, Master... (๑°o°๑) Each location seems to have its own use.]

Orion slowly nodded, inwardly voicing his contemplation. ’It seems so. The first place seems to be for meditation, I wonder what it helps with. While the second is for socializing. And the third... hmm... seems like trials. The same I had to go through to get the Headband.’

’However, I have one question,’ his eyebrow twitched as he looked at the dozens of people in the three zones, ’Why are there so many people here fighting for Wukong’s Legacy? I thought it was going to be a trial ground, not a social ground.’

Lumi softly chuckled and agreed.

[Hehe, looks like we will need to head to the second zone to ask for more details from someone. Maybe one of the older members here can help.]

Orion shook his head lightly, inwardly amused by Lumi’s suggestion. However, seeing no better alternative, he nodded slightly and began making his way toward the bustling second zone at the center.

The white clouds beneath his feet felt surprisingly solid, gently supporting each step as he walked forward. His gaze drifted around curiously, taking in the lively atmosphere of this peculiar gathering spot within Sun Wukong’s mysterious realm.

As Orion entered the second zone, the animated chatter momentarily hushed, dozens of gazes briefly flickering toward him with curiosity.

However, after merely a heartbeat, everyone quickly resumed their previous conversations, ignoring him altogether.

Orion couldn’t help but raise a brow slightly, realizing he was treated as just another newcomer, a face they would see once and perhaps never again. It was clear that new faces appeared here quite often, becoming nothing special to the seasoned individuals present.

Surveying the area carefully, Orion’s attention was caught by a solitary figure seated apart from the bustling crowd.

The young man sat quietly, his posture upright and dignified. He had an unmistakable air of a seasoned warrior, someone who had weathered countless trials and battles, projecting an aura of cool aloofness.

Strangely, no one bothered to interact with this individual, almost as if an invisible boundary separated him from the others. Orion decided he would approach him; perhaps this aloof expert could shed some clarity on his confusion.

Clearing his throat gently, Orion stepped toward the seated young man and politely inquired, "Excuse me, are you free?"

The young man slowly lifted his head, regarding Orion with an aloof yet calm expression. "Indeed I am. What do you want, little one?"

Orion’s lips twitched involuntarily at being called ’little one,’ especially since he could sense clearly the young man before him wasn’t significantly stronger than himself.

Still, he inwardly shrugged it off, choosing not to fuss about the mild provocation. He calmly took a seat beside him, offering a cordial smile. "Can you tell me more about this place? I’m new here."

The young man nodded slowly, his expression relaxed yet somewhat indifferent. "Newcomers like you appear frequently," he remarked, glancing briefly toward the bustling crowd nearby.

Orion raised an eyebrow, puzzled. "But isn’t this supposed to be the Legacy Ground of Sun Wukong? Why are there so many here?"

The young man chuckled softly, amusement flickering in his eyes. "Yes, it appears you’re one of them," he remarked knowingly. "Allow me to tell you something clearly and plainly. You’re not special. Hundreds of others have also acquired Lord Sun Wukong’s legacy."

Orion’s eyebrow subtly raised, but he kept his expression calm as he quietly listened.

The young man continued slowly, "This is something of a secret among trial-takers, and we don’t reveal it in the outside world. This place you’re standing in is structured as a tower, spanning multiple levels."

"Right now, we’re at the lowest floor. To obtain the true legacy, whose nature remains a complete mystery, you must ascend this tower. However, nobody has yet managed to reach the highest floors or glimpse the real core of Lord Sun Wukong’s inheritance."

Orion took a deep breath, his thoughts spinning rapidly as he absorbed the information. He carefully asked, "Then, how exactly can one ascend this tower?"

The young man glanced meaningfully toward the grand crystal staircase located on the left side, his voice calm yet firm. "The only path to higher floors is via that staircase. You can attempt it as many times as you want. To qualify for entry to the next level, you need to reach at least the 50th step."

Orion turned his head, quickly counting the radiant crystal steps. He found exactly 81 steps ascending upward, their crystal surfaces shimmering gently in divine radiance.

Puzzled, he looked back at the young man and inquired, "Then, why does the stairway have exactly 81 steps? There must be another reason behind it, right?"