The Celestial Starstone hovered before Jin Long, its radiant glow casting a serene light over the entire Astral Plane. The calm after the battle was almost surreal, the air still humming with lingering celestial energy.
Jin Long's fingers trembled as he touched the Starstone's surface. The crystalline structure was smooth and cold, yet it pulsed with a gentle warmth that resonated deep within him. Yue Lan stood beside him, her eyes reflecting the Starstone's light.
"What now?" Yue Lan whispered, her voice a mix of awe and apprehension.
Before Jin Long could respond, the Starstone began to hum—a deep, resonant sound that echoed through the entire plane. Rays of light shot out from it, forming a massive sigil in the sky. The sigil shimmered with countless symbols, each one radiating a distinct energy.
Jin Long's eyes widened. "These symbols... they're the Starbound Crystal's runes."
Suddenly, a voice echoed through the air, a voice ancient and powerful.
"Bearer of the Starbound Crystal, you have awakened the first phase. But this is only the beginning. To unlock the true potential of the Celestial Starstone, you must traverse the Seven Realms of Ascension."
The air around them shimmered, and the sigil in the sky morphed into a map—a map of seven distinct realms, each one radiating a unique energy.
Yue Lan's eyes narrowed. "Seven Realms of Ascension? What are they?"
The voice continued, as if answering her question.
"The First Realm: The Realm of Endurance, where the body is tempered against the flames of the Celestial Forge.
The Second Realm: The Realm of Wisdom, where the mind must outwit the guardians of knowledge.
The Third Realm: The Realm of Reflection, where the past and future converge.
The Fourth Realm: The Realm of Shadows, where one must confront their deepest fears.
The Fifth Realm: The Realm of Tribulation, where one faces the trials of fate.
The Sixth Realm: The Realm of Harmony, where the heart and spirit are united.
The Seventh Realm: The Realm of Eternity, where time and space become one."
Jin Long swallowed, his fists clenching. Each realm sounded more perilous than the last.
"The Seven Realms..." Yue Lan said, her voice tinged with worry. "If each realm is as dangerous as the first, then—"
"The Starbound Crystal chose me for a reason," Jin Long said, his gaze firm. "If I have to pass through all seven realms to master it, then that's what I'll do."
Yue Lan nodded, her expression resolute. "Then I'll go with you."
Before Jin Long could respond, the Celestial Starstone began to glow even brighter, and the ground beneath them trembled. The Starstone split open, revealing a small, crystalline shard at its core. The shard hovered before Jin Long, its surface etched with the runes of the first realm.
"This shard will grant you passage to the First Realm," the voice said. "But beware, the challenges within will test you in ways you cannot imagine. Once you enter, there is no turning back until the trial is complete."
Jin Long reached out, the shard pulsing with energy as he grasped it. A surge of power coursed through him, and his surroundings blurred. The Astral Plane dissolved, replaced by a new landscape—a vast, fiery wasteland.
Jin Long and Yue Lan stood amidst the flames, the air thick with heat and ash. In the distance, a massive forge loomed, its fires burning with a blinding intensity.
"This is it," Jin Long said, his jaw clenched. "The Realm of Endurance."
Yue Lan stepped forward, her eyes scanning the horizon. "The air is heavy... something feels off."
Suddenly, a thunderous roar echoed through the air. From the forge, a colossal figure emerged—a massive, armored beast wreathed in flames, its eyes burning like molten lava.
Jin Long's heart pounded. The beast's presence radiated raw, oppressive power.
"Welcome, challenger," the beast rumbled, its voice like rolling thunder. "I am the Guardian of Endurance. To proceed, you must withstand the Celestial Forge's flames without faltering."
Without warning, the forge erupted, and a wave of scorching fire surged toward them. Jin Long gritted his teeth, bracing himself as the flames washed over them, searing their skin and threatening to consume them whole.
But amidst the heat and the pain, the Starbound Crystal pulsed within him, its power pushing back against the flames.
"Yue Lan!" Jin Long shouted, reaching out. "Stay close to me!"
Yue Lan grasped his hand, and together, they faced the relentless inferno. The trial had begun, and the first step toward the Seven Realms of Ascension was upon them.