The first bolt struck without mercy.
Lightning shaped like a glowing chain slammed into Li Shen's body, ripping flesh and bone apart. Pain exploded through him, raw and absolute.
He fell to one knee—but did not kneel fully.
More chains descended, binding his limbs, crushing his chest. Blood sprayed across the stone platform.
Spectators screamed and fled.
Elder Yue stood frozen, fists clenched so tightly blood ran from her palms. She could not interfere. To do so would invite annihilation.
Li Shen screamed—not in fear, but defiance.
"I didn't steal this power!" he roared. "I earned it!"
The Jade Vein blazed.
A deafening dragon's roar erupted from his body, shattering the lightning chains one by one. Jade light burst into the sky, tearing through the clouds.
For a moment, Heaven hesitated.
The final bolt descended.
Li Shen stood.
The lightning shattered against him.
The clouds recoiled, torn apart by invisible claws.
Silence followed.
Li Shen collapsed, alive.
High above, Heaven retreated.
The first trial had failed.
SEASON 1 ENDS
SEASON 2 WILL BE OUT STAY TUNED