A crimson banner fluttered above the courtyard: "Outer Sect Trial – The Bridge of Broken Jade."
Whispers flooded the training grounds as disciples gathered before the ancient trial ground. The bridge shimmered with jade-like stone, veined with glowing runes. Legends claimed it revealed a cultivator's deepest fears.
Zhang Hao stepped forward first, chin high. "Let me show you amateurs how a true genius walks."
As he took his first step, shadows burst from the bridge, wrapping around him. Illusions twisted—failed breakthroughs, jeering elders, and a burning phoenix devouring his core.
He screamed and leapt back, drenched in sweat.
Laughter erupted. Even the elders stifled smirks.
"Next," called Elder Mu dryly.
But no one moved.
Except Han Li.
Still holding his broom, the janitor calmly approached. Murmurs followed him. Some laughed. Others watched in uneasy silence.
He stepped onto the jade bridge.
Instantly, the sky darkened. Thunder rolled.
The bridge's illusions changed.
Vast celestial armies, giant beasts, and angry gods materialized. From the clouds, a thousand figures screamed one name: "World-Ender!"
Han Li exhaled.
He swept his broom gently across the bridge.
The illusions cracked and vanished like sand in the wind.
At the bridge's end, a black figure—himself—blocked his path. It held a twisted broom of fire.
"You fear your own power," the shadow hissed.
Han Li nodded. "And I've made peace with it."
With one casual flick, the shadow dispersed.
He stepped off the bridge.
Complete silence.
Elder Mu's hands trembled. "What… what cultivation realm is he?"
Han Li bowed. "Just a janitor."
Somewhere far away, a slumbering statue shed a tear of fear.