NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 19: Chapter 19: The Bay of Fallen Stars.
The journey towards the Bay of Fallen Stars was a peaceful one, but the mood of the group had changed. The battle against the Twilight Lion had not only brought them together as a team, but also made them aware of the real danger that surrounded them. Each carried with them the lessons learned from the fight, with a renewed determination to face the challenges to come.
Finally, after two more days of marching, they arrived at their destination. The Bay of Fallen Stars was a place of almost unreal beauty. The white sand reflected the sunlight like tiny shards of crystal, and the water was so clear that one could see the multicoloured corals at the bottom.
However, what was most striking was the sky. Even in broad daylight, there was a strange starry glow on the horizon, as if time and space were slightly distorted in that place.
"It's beautiful," Yue Lian commented, her silver eyes reflecting the scene before them.
Tang San nodded, her gaze fixed on the water. "But don't let the beauty distract you. This place is charged with spiritual energy. Something powerful is protecting it."
Xu Tian, his instincts always alert, scanned the surroundings. "Then where is the portal the Matriarch spoke of? I don't see anything that resembles an entrance."
Tang San walked towards the shore, closing his eyes as he extended his spiritual perception. "It's not in plain sight. According to what I know, the portal to Sea God Island only activates under certain conditions. We probably need to pass a test to reveal it."
"Another test?" Xu Tian sighed, folding his arms. "What will it be this time? A sea monster? An impossible puzzle?"
Before anyone could respond, a voice echoed through the air, deep and ethereal, as if coming from the depths of the ocean.
"Travelers, you have reached the threshold of the unknown. Only those who possess the courage and wisdom to face the will of the sea will be able to proceed. Present your martial spirits and prove your worth."
The group exchanged glances. Yue Lian was the first to step forward, raising a hand to summon her martial spirit. A radiant moon appeared behind her, casting a silver light that spread like a cloak over the bay.
Tang San and Xu Tian did the same. Blue Silver Grass unfurled around Tang San like a living energy field, while Xu Tian's Dawn Sun shone brightly, radiating warmth and strength.
"Now, let us wait," Tang San said, his voice calm but alert.
---
The Trial of the Sea
The bay began to change. The previously calm water began to churn, and the starry glow on the horizon intensified. Three pillars of light emerged from the ocean, each lining up in front of one of them.
Translucent figures, made of water and light, emerged from the pillars. Each one was shaped like an ancient warrior, with armor that reflected the colors of the sea and weapons as sharp as crystal.
"Each of you will have to face a Guardian of the Sea. Only by defeating them will you be able to open the portal."
Xu Tian smiled, adjusting his sword in his hand. "Finally, something direct."
The three Guardians attacked at the same time, each focusing on one opponent.
---
Xu Tian's Combat
The Guardian that faced Xu Tian was swift, moving like a sea current. His spear of light launched quick and precise attacks, forcing Xu Tian to keep his guard up.
"Do you think that's enough?" Xu Tian muttered, activating his third spirit ring. A wave of golden fire surrounded his sword, increasing its destructive power.
With a war cry, Xu Tian counterattacked, launching a series of rapid strikes that forced the Guardian back. However, the enemy was not giving up easily. The Guardian's spear transformed into a torrent of water that attempted to engulf Xu Tian.
"Not so fast!" Xu Tian shouted, channeling his solar energy to evaporate the water, leaving the Guardian vulnerable. He seized the moment and launched a final attack, cleaving the Guardian in two.
---
Yue Lian's Combat
Yue Lian faced a Guardian that seemed more ethereal than physical. Each time she attacked, the enemy would fade away like mist, reappearing behind her.
"An illusion-based opponent? Perfect," Yue Lian said, closing her eyes to concentrate.
She activated her fourth spirit ring, creating a dome of moonlight around her. The silver energy illuminated the area, revealing the Guardian's true positions.
"I found you," she said with a calm smile, firing an arrow of light that pierced the Guardian. With a flash, the enemy disintegrated.
---
Tang San's Combat
Tang San's Guardian was larger and stronger than the other two, with a sword that seemed capable of cutting through the very air. Tang San, however, did not lose his cool.
"Let's see how resilient you are," he said, activating his fifth spirit ring.
The Blue Silver Grass transformed into a swarm of whips that surrounded the Guardian, restricting its movements. However, the Guardian broke through the restraints with ease, launching a devastating attack towards Tang San.
Tang San dodged at the last moment, counterattacking with his most powerful technique: the Sea God Net. A net of blue light fell upon the Guardian, immobilizing it and draining its energy until it disappeared.
---
As the three Guardians were defeated, the pillars of light coalesced into a single point, creating a portal in the middle of the bay. The water around the portal began to spiral, creating a vortex that seemed to absorb starlight.
"That must be it," Yue Lian said, looking at the portal in astonishment.
Tang San nodded. "It's time to go. Prepare for whatever comes next. This was just the beginning."
With one last glance at each other, the three of them walked towards the portal, ready to face what awaited them on the Sea God's Island.