My brother is Shi Hao

The light on the stone platform gradually faded, and Shi Yi and Shi Hao stumbled to their feet. The surrounding landscape had transformed. No longer the desolate altar, it was replaced by a magnificent complex of buildings, towering and imposing, like the residence of an immortal. The air was filled with an ancient and mysterious aura, so oppressive that it made the two brothers' breathing feel a little stagnant.

"Is this... the holy land?" Shi Hao murmured in a low voice, his eyes filled with shock. He tightly grasped Shi Yi's arm, as if this was the only way to find a sense of security.

Shi Yi was equally alarmed, his pupils gleaming with divine light as he tried to discern the true nature of this holy land. However, an invisible barrier blocked his view, preventing him from glimpsing the deeper secrets.

"Welcome to the Holy Land Trial..." The ancient and majestic voice sounded again, as if it came from the sky above, with unquestionable majesty.

An old man suddenly appeared before them. His hair and beard were all white, and he was dressed in a simple robe, yet he exuded an awe-inspiring aura. His eyes were like torches, sweeping over Shi Yi and Shi Hao, as if he could see through everything about them.

"Old...Elder." Shi Yi was the first to react and saluted respectfully.

The old man nodded slightly in response. He slowly spoke, "The Holy Land Trial is a millennium-old tradition of our clan. Only those who pass the Trial can be recognized by the Holy Land and obtain supreme opportunities."

Although his voice was calm, it carried an unquestionable majesty that made people dare not neglect it in the slightest.

"The trial consists of three stages, each of which is filled with danger. If you are not careful, you will lose your life." The old man paused, his eyes becoming more fierce. "Do you have the courage to accept the challenge?"

Shi Yi and Shi Hao looked at each other, their eyes burning with fighting spirit.

"May I ask, Elder, what are the specific contents of the trial?" Shi Yi asked in a deep voice.

The old man pointed to a towering mountain in the distance, its summit shrouded in mist and fog, appearing mysterious and unfathomable. "The first level is the Heavenly Ladder. Once you reach that peak, you'll pass."

"Climbing the ladder to heaven?" Shi Hao looked up and saw that the mountain was steep and dangerous, like a sharp sword piercing the sky, which was daunting.

"This ladder is not an ordinary mountain path," the old man explained. "It is covered with restrictions and formations. If you are not careful, you will fall into the abyss and be shattered to pieces."

Shi Yi frowned, he felt that the trial in this holy land was far more cruel than he had imagined.

"During the trial, you are not allowed to use any external objects, including elixirs, talismans, etc." The old man continued, "More importantly, you are prohibited from helping each other. If you are caught doing so, you will be disqualified."

Shi Yi and Shi Hao were startled. This rule undoubtedly increased the difficulty of the trial.

"In addition, each person only has three chances to challenge. If you fail three times, you will be expelled from the holy land forever." The old man finally said, with a hint of warning in his tone.

Shi Yi took a deep breath. He knew that this trial would be a life-or-death test. He turned to look at Shi Hao with a firm gaze: "Hao'er, are you ready?"

Shi Hao also looked determined and nodded heavily: "Brother, let's get through this together!"

The old man looked at the two brothers, a subtle glint of admiration in his eyes. He waved his hand, pointing in the direction of the ladder. "Go ahead, and good luck to you."

Shi Yi and Shi Hao looked at each other again, and they could see the determination in each other's eyes. They took a step forward and walked towards the sky-high ladder... Shi Yi suddenly stopped and turned to look at the old man who was still standing there, "Elder,"

The old man glanced sideways, waiting for Shi Yi's next words.

Shi Yi's lips moved slightly, "If..."

"What if... we all passed the trial?" Shi Yi's voice echoed in the empty square, with a barely perceptible tremor.

The old man didn't seem surprised by the question. He stroked his long beard, a deep glint in his eyes. "Those who pass the trial will inherit the holy land and become the future guardians of our clan."

"Guardian..." Shi Yi muttered to himself. The towering holy buildings were reflected in his pupils, and an inexplicable desire surged in his heart.

Shi Hao, standing nearby, heard the word "Guardian" and his eyes lit up with excitement. He clenched his fists, as if he could already see himself becoming the Guardian, protecting his people.

"During the trial, everything is possible." The old man said meaningfully, "Whether you can pass it depends entirely on your own luck."

"We will succeed." Shi Yi's tone was firm and unquestionable.

The old man nodded slightly, said nothing more, and turned to walk deeper into the holy land. "Follow me."

Shi Yi and Shi Hao followed closely behind, passing through numerous buildings and arriving at a hidden valley.

At the entrance of the valley stands a huge stone tablet with three ancient characters engraved on it: Lianxin Valley.

"The first trial will take place in this Refining Heart Valley," the old man said, pointing to the valley entrance. "The valley is filled with dangers, so you must be careful."

Shi Hao looked at the deep valley and felt a little worried. He turned to look at Shi Yi with a questioning look in his eyes.

Shi Yi gave him an encouraging look and said, "Don't worry, Hao'er, we will definitely pass."

The old man reiterated the rules of the trial, especially the one about "no helping each other," in a particularly stern tone. Shi Yi and Shi Hao both nodded solemnly, indicating that they understood.

"Remember, during the trial, you are not allowed to use any external objects, including elixirs, talismans, etc." The old man reminded again, "If you are found doing so, you will be disqualified immediately."

Shi Hao took a deep breath and tried to suppress his inner uneasiness. He looked at Shi Yi with trust in his eyes.

Shi Yi patted him on the shoulder, giving him silent encouragement.

Seeing this, the old man said nothing more and turned to walk towards the valley entrance. "Go in."

Shi Yi and Shi Hao looked at each other and walked into the Lianxin Valley.

As soon as we entered the valley, a scorching heat hit us, as if we were in a furnace. The surrounding scenery had also changed dramatically. The lush trees had disappeared, replaced by a sea of red rocks, and even lava was flowing on the ground.

"It's so hot!" Shi Hao couldn't help but exclaim, and beads of sweat oozed out of his forehead.

Shi Yi also felt a surge of heat, but he suppressed the discomfort and observed his surroundings. Divine light flickered in his pupils, attempting to discern the mysteries of the valley.

"Brother, look!" Shi Hao suddenly pointed ahead and shouted.

Shi Yi followed his gaze and saw a red fruit tree growing in the magma deep in the valley, with a fruit on the tree emitting a dazzling light.

"That is... the holy fruit!" Shi Yi recognized the fruit at a glance and couldn't help feeling excited.

"It seems that this is our target." Shi Hao's eyes also burned with desire.

"But..." Shi Yi frowned. He felt a powerful pressure coming from the depths of the valley, which made him feel a little nervous.

"What's wrong, brother?" Shi Hao noticed something strange about Shi Yi and asked with concern.

Shi Yi did not answer, but stared at the holy fruit with a scorching gaze, a flicker of determination in his eyes, "Hao'er, remember, no matter what happens, you must..."

Before he could finish his words, a deafening roar suddenly rang out from the depths of the valley, and the ground began to shake violently...

"...Survive." Shi Yi's voice was interrupted by a sudden roar. He pushed Shi Hao aside and faced the powerful pressure himself.

Deep in the valley, a giant beast with flames burning all over its body slowly walked out. It looked like a Qilin, but was even larger. Its eyes were like two burning torches, emitting a suffocating pressure.

"It's the Fire Kirin guarding the holy fruit!" Shi Yi's heart sank. He didn't expect the first level of the trial to be so dangerous.

Shi Hao, who had been pushed aside, steadied himself. Seeing the terrifying Fire Qilin, his expression turned serious. "Brother!" He wanted to rush over to help, but was stopped by Shi Yi's low shout.

"Don't come over, Hao'er! This is my trial!" Shi Yi's voice was full of determination, divine light flashed in his pupils, and a powerful aura burst out from him.

The old man stood at the entrance of the valley, watching everything that happened in the valley, with a glint of admiration in his eyes. He stretched out his hand and waved it, and a golden light fell on Shi Yi and Shi Hao, forming an invisible restriction.

"This is a restriction. You are not allowed to use power beyond your own strength limit in the valley, otherwise you will be eliminated." The old man's voice echoed in the valley.

Shi Yi and Shi Hao both felt the power of the restriction on their bodies, and their hearts trembled. This meant that they could not rely on external forces and could only rely on their own strength to deal with the challenge before them.

The Fire Kirin roared loudly and charged towards Shi Yi. Its huge hooves stomped on the ground with a dull sound, and the surrounding magma began to churn.

Shi Yi took a deep breath, divine light flowed in his pupils, he formed seals with his hands, and a powerful gravity field instantly unfolded, enveloping the Fire Kirin.

The Fire Qilin's speed suddenly slowed down, and its huge body seemed a little clumsy under the influence of gravity.

Shi Yi seized the opportunity and appeared in front of the Fire Kirin in a flash. He swung his fist and smashed it hard on the Fire Kirin's head with a powerful punch.

"boom!"

With a loud bang, the Fire Qilin was knocked back several steps, and a noticeable dent appeared on its head.

However, the Fire Qilin had thick skin and flesh, and the punch did not cause any substantial damage to it. It roared angrily, and a stream of scorching flames spewed out of its mouth, sweeping towards Shi Yi.

Shi Yi retreated quickly, narrowly avoiding the flame attack. He knew that with his current strength, it was almost impossible to defeat this Fire Qilin.

He had to find another way.

Shi Yi's eyes fell on the holy fruit deep in the valley, and his heart moved. He knew that as long as he could get the holy fruit, he could pass the first level of the trial.

The Fire Kylin is the last barrier to protect the holy fruit.

Shi Yi glanced at Shi Hao, who was not far away, and a hint of determination flashed in his eyes. He had to find a way to lure away the Fire Qilin and create an opportunity for Shi Hao.

"Hao'er, remember what I said!" Shi Yi shouted, then turned and ran towards the depths of the valley.

Seeing this, the Fire Qilin immediately gave up attacking Shi Yi and started chasing him.

Shi Hao looked at Shi Yi's back, his eyes filled with worry and anxiety. He knew that Shi Yi was trying to buy him a chance.

He clenched his fists and secretly vowed in his heart that he must pass the trial and live up to Shi Yi's expectations.

Shi Yi dodged the Fire Kirin's attacks while moving closer to the Holy Fruit. He knew he had to get the Holy Fruit as soon as possible, otherwise both he and Shi Hao would be in danger.

He was getting closer and closer to the holy fruit, and his heart was getting more and more excited.

At this moment, he suddenly felt a powerful force coming from behind...

"Brother, be careful!"

Shi Yi turned around suddenly and saw a flash of golden light. Shi Hao had rushed over recklessly, holding a piece of precious bone emitting a chill in his hand, blocking him from behind. The chill from the precious bone collided with the flames of the Fire Kirin, making a sizzling sound and forming a short-lived barrier.

"Hao'er, you..." Shi Yi was shocked. He didn't expect Shi Hao to be so impulsive.

"Brother, let's go together!" Shi Hao said firmly, without any fear in his eyes.

The Fire Kirin was enraged by this sudden change and let out a deafening roar, the flames from its mouth becoming even more intense. Although the cold energy emitted by the treasure bone could resist it for a while, it could not last.

Shi Yi took a deep breath, knowing he couldn't hesitate any longer. A divine light flashed in his pupils, and he quickly formed seals with his hands. A powerful gravity field unfolded once again, enveloping Huo Qilin and his two brothers.

"Hao'er, use your supreme bone!" Shi Yi shouted.

Shi Hao nodded, a look of determination flashing in his eyes. He pressed the treasured bone to his chest, and the power of the Supreme Bone instantly erupted. A powerful suction emanated from him, absorbing the flames spewed out by the Fire Kirin.

Although the Fire Qilin's flames were fierce, they were unable to withstand the devouring power of the Supreme Bone. Its flames were constantly absorbed, its body began to shrink, and its aura became weaker and weaker.

Seeing this scene, Shi Yi was delighted. He knew they had a chance. He increased the intensity of the gravity field to further suppress the power of the Fire Qilin.

Under the dual pressure of the gravity field and the supreme bone, the Fire Kirin finally couldn't hold on anymore. It let out an unwilling roar and fell to the ground with a bang.

Shi Yi and Shi Hao both breathed a sigh of relief, and the pressure on their bodies suddenly eased.

"Brother, we succeeded!" Shi Hao said excitedly.

Shi Yi nodded, his eyes filled with joy. The two brothers joined forces and finally defeated the guardian of the first level.

The old man stood at the entrance of the valley, watching everything happening in the valley, with a hint of admiration in his eyes.

"Yes, you have passed the first test." The old man's voice echoed in the valley.

Shi Yi and Shi Hao took a deep breath and stepped into the flaming valley, instantly feeling the scorching heat. The air was filled with the pungent smell of sulfur, and beneath their feet lay scalding volcanic rock. The surrounding landscape was distorted by the intense heat. Shi Hao subconsciously activated the power of the Supreme Bone, and a faint golden light enveloped him, shielding him from the scorching heat.

Shi Yi activated his double pupils, and two rays of divine light shot out, piercing the distorted air and allowing him to clearly see the situation deep in the valley. He discovered that there seemed to be an altar at the end of the valley, emitting a faint golden light. This must be their target.

"Hao'er, follow me closely." Shi Yi said in a deep voice and took the lead to step forward.

Shi Hao followed closely behind, and the two struggled forward through the Valley of Fire. The intense heat put immense strain on their bodies and minds, making each step feel incredibly heavy. Sweat continuously dripped from their foreheads, quickly evaporating.

"Brother, this flame..." Shi Hao spoke with difficulty, feeling his throat was about to be dried out.

Shi Yi said nothing, but silently took out a pill from his storage bag and handed it to Shi Hao. "Hold it in your mouth, don't swallow it."

Shi Hao took the pill and put it in his mouth. A cool breath instantly spread, making him feel much more comfortable.

The two continued to move forward. The temperature around them grew higher and higher, the air thinner and thinner, and breathing became difficult. Shi Yi felt that his body had reached its limit, but he still did not stop. He had to persevere, for himself and for Shi Hao.

Suddenly, Shi Yi stopped and stared straight ahead. Shi Hao followed his gaze and saw a magma lake in front of him, the magma roiling and emitting a suffocating heat wave.

"It seems that we have to cross this lava lake to reach the altar." Shi Yi said in a deep voice.

Shi Hao looked at the roiling magma and swallowed, "Brother, this..."

Shi Yi patted Shi Hao's shoulder and said, "Don't be afraid, I'm here." A gleam of light flashed in his eyes, "Hao'er, do you believe me?"