Dawn descended upon the Heavenly Flow Sect like a silent decree.
A deep bell echoed across the mountains — heavy, ancient, and commanding. Its vibration seeped into the air, into the stones, into the very marrow of every disciple.
Seo Joon opened his eyes.
His chest burned.
The Abyssal Heart pulsed steadily within him, no longer raging like before, but never truly calm. It was like a sleeping beast that could awaken at the slightest mistake.
He exhaled slowly, remembering Elder Han's words.
"Do not suppress it. Guide it."
Outside, disciples hurried through the mountain paths. Today was no ordinary training day.
Today was the Trial of the Heart.
The Gathering Ground
Thousands of disciples assembled at the vast Stone Reflection Plaza — a wide circular arena carved from pure spirit stone. At its center stood a towering black pillar covered in ancient runes.
Seo Joon walked among the outer disciples.
For the first time, he truly observed them.
Some radiated sharp sword intent.
Others carried overwhelming physical pressure.
Some stared at him with curiosity. Others with open hostility.
Whispers followed him.
"That's the new disciple chosen personally by the Sect Master."
"He skipped ranks."
"He must have connections."
"He doesn't look strong…"
A tall disciple stepped forward, blocking Seo Joon's path.
His name was Kang Min — ranked 47th among outer disciples.
His gaze was cold.
"So you're the special one."
Seo Joon remained calm. "I am just another disciple."
Kang Min smirked. "We'll see how long that lasts."
He walked past, shoulder striking Seo Joon deliberately. A surge of violent emotion rose from the Abyssal Heart —
— anger
— dominance
— destruction.
For a moment, the world darkened.
Seo Joon's fingers trembled.
Then he breathed.
Slow. Steady.
The darkness receded.
From a distant pavilion, several elders watched carefully.
"He resisted," one murmured.
"His control is improving," another replied.
The Trial Explained
An elder stepped forward before the black pillar.
"The Trial of the Heart tests not strength, but control."
He raised his hand.
"The Reflection Pillar reveals the true state of one's inner world. Those whose hearts are unstable will be consumed by their own emotions."
A ripple of unease spread through the disciples.
"The trial has three stages:
Facing Fear
Facing Desire
Facing Darkness"
His eyes swept across the crowd.
"Failure may result in permanent damage to your cultivation."
Silence followed.