Chapter 715: You Won!

"Boom!"A deafening roar erupted as the rune core shattered under Li An's powerful strike, and the raging attacks vanished into nothingness. Li An staggered, nearly losing his footing, yet a smile of victory spread across his face.

"Li An, you won!"Guo Yao cheered excitedly, rushing forward to support Li An, her eyes brimming with joy and admiration.

However, just then, a cold voice suddenly rang out, shattering this brief tranquility.

"Li An, your trial is far from over."Eileen's figure slowly emerged from the void, her gaze deep and mysterious, as if capable of piercing straight into the heart.

Li An paused slightly, then regained his composure. He looked at Eileen, a hint of wariness flashing in his eyes: "What do you mean?"

Eileen smiled faintly, offering no direct answer. Instead, she raised her hand lightly, and a illusory light gate slowly opened before her. Inside the gate lay a chaotic, indistinct space, as if connecting to another unknown world.

"Li An, your final test is to fight against your own heart."Eileen's voice was calm and firm. She gazed at Li An, her eyes flickering with hope.

Hearing this, a strange chill surged through Li An's heart. He took a deep breath, striving to steady his emotions, then stepped toward the illusory light gate. Guo Yao tried to stop him, but Li An gently shook his head to halt her.

"I'm fine, Yao'er. This is my trial; I must face it."Li An's voice was gentle yet firm. He lightly patted Guo Yao's shoulder, then turned and stepped into the light gate.

The instant Li An entered the gate, the scene before him changed abruptly. He found himself in an illusory space, surrounded by chaotic, indistinct mist, as if immersed in endless void.

"Welcome to your inner world, Li An."A low, eerie voice sounded in Li An's ear, seeming to come from a distant void yet also from the depths of his own heart.

Li An frowned, scanning the surroundings warily. Suddenly, a black shadow darted out from the mist, heading straight for him. Li An flashed aside, narrowly dodging the shadow's attack. He squinted and realized the shadow was none other than himself—a version of himself with a grotesque face and eyes filled with murderous intent.

"Is this the fear and regret within my heart?"Li An was secretly startled; he never expected his inner world to be so terrifying. But he quickly steadied himself, knowing that only by conquering these negative emotions could he truly complete the trial.

The battle erupted immediately. Li An engaged in a fierce clash with the fear and regret within his heart. Every attack, every defense, seemed like a dialogue with his own soul. Li An gradually discovered that these negative emotions were not invulnerable; they stemmed from his past experiences, from his self-doubt and unease.

"I will defeat you!"Li An roared, and the spiritual energy within his body surged once more, transforming into a dazzling beam of light that struck directly at the grotesque version of himself.

Yet, that grotesque self seemed to possess immortality; no matter how Li An attacked, it recovered swiftly, as if endless. Li An gradually felt his strength waning; his attacks grew sluggish, and his defenses became riddled with flaws.

"You cannot win, Li An. The fear and regret in your heart are your eternal shackles."The grotesque self let out a triumphant laugh, its voice echoing through the illusory space, as if it would utterly devour Li An.