The pontoon bridge stabilized again, but Lu Mingfei was pale and his forehead was covered in cold sweat. He was panting heavily, turned to look at the three of them, and said with a wry smile, "It's done... but next... you have to keep going."

Tian's expression turned serious: "What do you mean?"

“This place needs someone to maintain balance.” Lu Mingfei spread his hands helplessly, his tone tinged with weariness. “And I am the only one who can bear this power. If I leave, the entire ocean will collapse, and you will not be able to get out.”

"What a joke!" Caesar's face darkened. "You're planning to stay here? To sacrifice yourself?"

Lu Mingfei shook his head slightly, his gaze complex as he looked at the distant horizon: "If this is my mission, then this is the only way. You have more important goals, don't you?"

Chu Zihang was silent for a moment, then walked up to Lu Mingfei, put the Dragon Slayer sword back into its sheath, and said in a low but powerful voice, "We will definitely come back for you. Hang in there."

Lu Mingfei looked at him and grinned: "I hope so. But don't keep me waiting too long, I want to see you make a fool of yourselves in the next trial."

The three of them finally turned and left, heading towards the light at the end of the floating bridge, while Lu Mingfei's figure gradually merged into the blue glow of the ocean. He closed his eyes, feeling the power of the ocean surging within him, and a relieved smile appeared on his lips.

"This time, at least I didn't hold anyone back..."

Caesar, Tian, ​​and Chu Zihang stepped into the trial grounds, where they were greeted by a completely different world. There was no ground, no foothold to cling to; all around was a vast, boundless blue sky. Below them floated broken cloud islands, fragments suspended in mid-air, teetering on the verge of collapse. Each cloud island was covered with intricate runes, emitting a faint light, but this light was gradually dimming, as if symbolizing the sky's life force fading away.

In the distance, an invisible darkness gradually spread, like the prelude to a cataclysmic event. An intense sense of oppression filled the air; the sky began to collapse, and the clouds rapidly descended, as if the entire heavens were about to fall and crush everyone into dust.

Caesar looked up, his gaze sweeping over the scene before him, a slightly mocking smile playing on his lips: "This trial's question is really direct—the sky. It seems I need to become the one who holds up the sky."

Tian glanced at the approaching darkness, his brow furrowing slightly, and calmly said, "The power of the sky is not merely symbolic; it is inextricably linked to the balance of the entire trial grounds. If there isn't enough power to suppress the falling sky, we will all be crushed."

Chu Zihang didn't say much. He gripped the Dragon Cutter tightly, his gaze sharp: "Caesar, you are the most suitable among us to complete this trial. The power of the Sky and the Wind King is already connected to you. This place is entrusted to you. Let's move forward."

Caesar looked at Chu Zihang and chuckled, "It sounds like a mission to my death, but only I, Caesar Gato, can accomplish such a feat. You two can go without worry; the sky won't fall down."

Tian wasted no time. He raised his rune gun and pointed it at the path ahead: "Time is of the essence, Chu Zihang, let's go."

Chu Zihang nodded and gave Caesar a determined look: "We'll be waiting for you at the finish line."

The two turned and left, heading towards the next trial. Caesar stood there, watching their figures gradually disappear into the distance until they vanished completely at the edge of the cloud island.

He turned to look at the approaching darkness, took a deep breath, and gripped his scepter tightly. His Word of Power, "Dust and Wind Serpent," began to activate, and the surrounding air surged, with subtle wisps of wind coiling and swirling around him like serpent shadows. Caesar's gaze deepened and calmed. He raised his scepter and swung it forcefully, the wind transforming into a massive vortex that shot straight into the clouds.

"Since you're going to hold up the sky, let me see how heavy you are," Caesar said in a low voice, his voice filled with unparalleled confidence.

Darkness drew ever closer, the pressure of the falling sky intensified, the surrounding air almost stagnant, making even breathing difficult. Fine beads of sweat appeared on Caesar's forehead, yet his movements remained steady. He swung his scepter, and the Word of Power "Dust Breath Wind Serpent" unleashed countless wind blades, transforming into powerful currents that held the falling sky afloat.

"Don't be so quick to fall," Caesar said through gritted teeth, a hint of disdain in his voice. "You think a little pressure will make me give in?"

The power of the sky and the King of Wind surged within Caesar, the mighty dragon power resonating with his bloodline, making his aura even stronger. The phantom of the wind serpent gradually became clear behind him; it was a gigantic serpent shadow composed of pure wind, its scales shimmering with a pale golden light, as if connecting the entire sky.

But Caesar knew this was no easy task. He could feel the power of the sky constantly trying to break through his suppression; it was an immense force, even beyond his imagination.

“I see…” Caesar murmured, his eyes slightly narrowed. “The sky is not there for me to support, but for me to learn to bear.”

He took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and completely connected his consciousness with the power of the Word. His body seemed to become part of the wind, every wisp of air flowing into his veins. He slowly raised his hands, as if using his body to support the entire sky.

Time seemed to slow to a crawl at that moment. Caesar showed no fear; a calm smile even graced his lips. He knew this was not merely a trial, but a challenge to his own limits.

"The pride of the Cato family will never be crushed," Caesar said softly, his voice filled with determination and fearlessness. "I am the king who holds up this sky!"

The fall from the sky gradually stopped, the darkness was dispelled by the wind serpent, and the azure light was restored. Caesar stood in the center of the cloud island, kneeling on one knee, sweat dripping from his body, but his gaze remained sharp and resolute.

"Heavens, Chu Zihang." He looked up at the distant void, a smile playing on his lips. "Don't let me down. Go all the way to the end."

Chu Zihang and Tian stood in the training ground, surrounded by a desolate, shattered wasteland. The ground was riddled with cracks like a spiderweb, and crimson magma gushed from the fissures, radiating scorching heat, as if the entire earth was collapsing. The sky above was incredibly gloomy, and a tremendous rumbling sound could be faintly heard, as if the world was about to be completely torn apart.

Tian gripped the rune gun tightly, his gaze calmly fixed ahead. He said in a low voice, "This is the trial of the earth. Chu Zihang, I'm afraid only you can handle this."

Chu Zihang nodded, gripping the Dragon Cutter, his gaze sweeping over the shattered landscape around him. He could feel that every crack in the earth was emitting a faint groan, like a life form on the verge of collapse.

“These lands need to be pieced back together,” he said in a deep voice, “but with my strength… I’m afraid it won’t be enough.”

Just then, a familiar voice came from the crack. Chu Zihang's body trembled, and he looked up abruptly, only to see a familiar figure slowly emerging from the lava. Xia Mi's figure appeared on the scalding lava; she was still wearing a white dress, her eyes calm and gentle.

“Xia Mi…” Chu Zihang’s throat tightened slightly, and complex emotions surged in his heart like a tide.

“Zihang.” Xia Mi’s voice was soft, yet carried an undeniable strength. “Do you remember our battle in Nibelungen? Back then, you also raised your sword amidst the collapse of the city. This time, you can do it too.”

Chu Zihang took a deep breath, his gaze gradually regaining its composure. He said in a low voice, "You are just an illusion. The trial is using your image to try and lower my guard, but I won't believe you so easily."

“Perhaps I am just an illusion, but illusions can also convey true will.” Xia Mi took a step forward, her figure merging with the surrounding cracks. “I am not the enemy of the trial, but your companion. Together we will repair the earth and complete this trial.”

Tian stood to the side, a thoughtful look in his eyes. He didn't interrupt, but quietly watched the interaction between Chu Zihang and Xia Mi. Clearly, the real challenge in the trial wasn't simply strength, but the inner struggle.

Chu Zihang stared at Xia Mi for a moment, then finally nodded. He raised the Dragon Cutter, its blade igniting with a pale blue light that resonated with the earth's energy. He said in a deep voice, "If you truly want to help me, then let's fight together."

Xia Mi smiled slightly, and her figure instantly transformed into countless silver specks of light, merging into the cracks in the earth. These specks of light began to spread along the cracks, gradually connecting the shattered land.

Chu Zihang wielded the Dragon Slayer Sword, unleashing continuous sword energy that pushed the lava and shattered ground back into place. His movements were precise and powerful, each strike seemingly carrying an unwavering determination.

"Zihang!" Xia Mi's voice came from all around, "The core of the rift is deep in the earth. You must go deep there and use your power to completely stabilize it."

"Understood." Chu Zihang didn't hesitate and jumped directly into the largest crevice. The scorching lava almost enveloped him, but his Dragon Cutter emitted a blazing white light, clearing a path for him.

Tian stood at the edge of the crevice, watching Chu Zihang's figure disappear into the lava. His hands clenched slightly, his gaze profound. "This trial is not only a test of strength, but also a test of his inner reconciliation."

A moment later, the earth began to tremble violently, and Chu Zihang flew out of the crack, a blinding light following behind him. The light was like surging life, filling all the cracks and restoring the earth to its original wholeness.

Xia Mi's figure reappeared, standing in front of Chu Zihang with a weary smile on her face: "You did it, Zihang. The earth has regained its balance."

Chu Zihang looked at her, his gaze complex. He said in a low voice, "Is this really over?"

Xia Mi smiled slightly, took a step back, and her body gradually became transparent: "The road ahead is the trial of heaven. I cannot accompany you to the end."

"Wait—" Chu Zihang reached out his hand, but Xia Mi's figure had already turned into countless points of light and merged into the air of the training ground.

Tian stepped forward and patted Chu Zihang on the shoulder: "You've completed your part. Leave the rest of the trials to me."

Chu Zihang didn't speak, but simply nodded slightly, put away the Dragon Slayer sword, and stood at the edge of the training ground. He knew that every step of this path had to be borne by someone, and this was precisely the mission they shouldered.

Tian raised his head, gazing at the vortex gradually appearing deep within the trial grounds—the entrance to the next trial. A flash of calm and resolve crossed his eyes as he strode forward. The path ahead now belonged to him alone.

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