High above, within a hidden chamber, the Sect Master stood beside the ancient instrument left by the sect's ancestors.
The device resembled a floating ring of bronze engraved with celestial markings. At its center burned a faint black light.
It trembled violently.
The moment Seo Joon stepped into the arena, its glow intensified.
"The Abyssal Vessel is awakening faster than expected," the Sect Master said quietly.
Seol Ah stood beside him, worry in her eyes.
"Will he survive the trial?"
The Sect Master watched the projection of Seo Joon below.
"That depends on whether he conquers his heart… or is devoured by it."
One by one, disciples placed their hands on the Reflection Pillar.
Some screamed.
Some collapsed.
Some emerged trembling.
When Seo Joon's turn arrived, the plaza fell unusually quiet.
He placed his palm on the cold surface.
The world vanished.
He stood alone in endless darkness.
From the void came visions —
His own power consuming the sect.
Seol Ah lying lifeless.
His body overtaken by the Abyss.
A whisper echoed:
You will destroy everything.
Fear surged like a tidal wave.
The Abyssal Heart reacted violently, feeding on the terror, growing stronger.
Seo Joon nearly lost himself.
Then he remembered his purpose.
"I am not a slave to fear."
He guided the chaotic energy inward, circulating it through his meridians.
The darkness shattered.
Outside, the pillar glowed with a strange silver-black light.
Gasps filled the plaza.
"He stabilized it…"
"No outer disciple has done that before."
The illusion returned.
Power beyond imagination.
Supreme cultivation.
All disciples kneeling before him.
The world under his command.
The Abyssal Heart throbbed eagerly.
Take it.
Rule.
Dominate.
Seo Joon felt the temptation.
Unlimited strength… no more weakness… no more suffering.
For a moment, his hand tightened.
Then he shook his head.
"Power without control is destruction."
The illusion dissolved.
The pillar's glow deepened.
High above, the ancient instrument released a piercing hum.
Stage Three — Darkness
The final stage came without warning.
Seo Joon faced himself.
But this version of him had blackened eyes and a cruel smile.
"I am you," the shadow said.
"I am your true nature."
It attacked.
Pure destructive intent flooded the space. The Abyssal Heart resonated with the shadow, eager to merge.
Pain tore through Seo Joon's body.
If he rejected the darkness, he would lose the power.
If he accepted it, he would lose himself.
He made a third choice.
He embraced it — but did not surrender.
"You are part of me," Seo Joon said calmly. "But you do not rule me."
Light and darkness fused.
The illusion collapsed completely.
A Result Never Seen
Seo Joon withdrew his hand.
The Reflection Pillar erupted in swirling black and silver radiance before returning to silence.
Even the elders were stunned.
The presiding elder announced with visible shock:
"Perfect balance… unprecedented."
The plaza exploded with murmurs.
Kang Min stared in disbelief.
From the hidden chamber, the Sect Master finally smiled.
"The vessel walks the path of harmony."
Seol Ah exhaled in relief.
A New Standing
The elder raised his voice.
"Seo Joon of the outer disciples has passed all three stages with exceptional control."
He paused.
"From this day, he is ranked among the top hundred outer disciples."
Shock rippled through the crowd.
Seo Joon himself felt no pride — only the steady pulse of the Abyssal Heart, now slightly calmer.
But as he left the arena, he felt it again.
Hostile gazes.
Jealous intent.
Danger growing in the shadows.
The higher he rose…
…the more enemies he would gain.
And far above the sect, hidden among storm clouds, an ancient presence stirred once more.
The true trials had only begun.