"I'm starting to struggle," Silvermoon admitted honestly. "The complexity of this has already exceeded my ability to understand it."
Although Silvermoon was an elite mediator of the Virtual Universe Company and had reached the Domain Lord level, her expertise primarily lay in diplomacy and negotiation.
Understanding laws at such a profound level was not her specialty.
"Hold on a little longer," Rowan encouraged her. "There might still be a turning point."
Unfortunately, the situation did not improve.
As time passed, the intensity of the cosmic storm continued to increase.
Silvermoon began to feel immense mental pressure. Her body even started to tremble slightly.
"I feel like I'm about to reach my limit," Silvermoon said through gritted teeth. "The pressure at the level of laws is simply too powerful."
Rowan wanted to help her, but he quickly realized that it was impossible.
This trial tested an individual's understanding and willpower. External assistance could not help.
After holding on for another half an hour, Silvermoon finally reached her limit.
She opened her eyes.
Her face was pale, and her body swayed dangerously.
"I can't continue," Silvermoon said weakly. "I really can't hold on anymore. A trial of this level is beyond what I can handle."
The moment Silvermoon admitted defeat, a gentle light surrounded her.
The light gradually separated her from the cosmic storm and transferred her into a safe space.
"Silvermoon."
Rowan watched anxiously as she was carried away.
"I'm fine. I only withdrew from the trial," Silvermoon's voice came from a distant space. "Continue. Don't worry about me."
Although Silvermoon was safe, Rowan's mood became even heavier.
Now, only he remained to face the terrifying cosmic storm.
And the storm was still growing stronger.
"This is where the real trial begins."
Rowan took a deep breath and refocused his mind.
With Silvermoon's withdrawal, the cosmic storm seemed to determine that Rowan possessed a greater capacity to endure.
The storm immediately began releasing even more terrifying power.
The energy vortex expanded once again.
The fluctuations of law within it also became increasingly complex and profound.
Rowan began to feel pressure unlike anything he had experienced before.
Even with his strength at the World Lord level, facing such a terrifying cosmic storm was an enormous challenge.
But he did not choose to retreat.
Instead, he focused even more deeply on understanding the laws of the storm.
"What is the true nature of a storm?"
Rowan continued asking himself this question.
At first, he believed that a storm represented destruction and chaos.
However, as his understanding deepened, he gradually discovered that the storm contained something else.
Within the seemingly chaotic flow of energy, there was actually a profound order hidden beneath the surface.
"Destruction and creation. Chaos and order."
Rowan gradually began to understand the true meaning of the storm.
"A storm is not merely a force of destruction. It is also a force of reshaping and rebirth."
As this understanding deepened, Rowan discovered that the resonance between himself and the cosmic storm was becoming stronger.
The energy fluctuations that had once seemed terrifying had now transformed into a strange and mysterious rhythm.
But the trial was far from over.
The cosmic storm entered its second stage.
Its power increased dramatically once again.
This time, distortions of time and space began to appear within the storm.
"A storm of time and space?"
Rowan was shocked to discover that the storm was no longer merely an energy phenomenon.
It had become a higher application of the laws of time and space.
Within the storm of time and space, the passage of time was no longer uniform.
Sometimes, a single second seemed to last an entire year.
At other times, an entire year seemed to pass in the blink of an eye.
Space also began to twist.
Distance lost all meaning.
Something that appeared to be within arm's reach might actually be tens of thousands of kilometers away.
This distortion of time and space caused Rowan tremendous difficulty.
His perception was severely disrupted.
He even began to question his own existence.
"Is this an illusion? Or is this a genuine distortion of time and space?"
Rowan struggled to maintain a clear consciousness.
"I have to find the pattern hidden within it."
After a long period of observation and thought, Rowan gradually discovered the operating principles of the storm of time and space.
Although it appeared completely chaotic on the surface, the distortions actually followed a certain pattern.
"So that's how it is."
Rowan suddenly understood.
"The storm of time and space isn't creating chaos. It's revealing the deeper mysteries of the laws of time and space."
After understanding this point, Rowan began trying to follow the rhythm of the storm.
He allowed his consciousness to merge with it.
It was an extremely dangerous process.
The slightest mistake could cause him to become lost within the distorted flow of time and space.
But Rowan succeeded.
His consciousness achieved a certain degree of synchronization with the storm of time and space.
He began experiencing an unprecedented level of comprehension.
In this state, his understanding of time and space underwent a qualitative transformation.
"Is this what the Storm King truly intended to pass down?"
Rowan sighed inwardly.
"Not merely skills or knowledge, but a deeper understanding of the essence of the universe."
The storm of time and space continued for a long time.
However, to Rowan, time had already lost its meaning.
He was completely immersed in his comprehension of the laws and had forgotten everything outside himself.
Just when Rowan believed the trial would continue like this indefinitely, the cosmic storm entered its third stage.
This time, the nature of the storm underwent a fundamental transformation.
The violent energy flows gradually became gentle.
The distortions of time and space also slowly returned to normal.
But an even deeper trial had begun.
This was the ultimate test of will and character.
During this stage, Rowan began seeing various illusions.
Some displayed immense wealth and power.
Others showed the people he cherished most facing danger.
The illusions were incredibly realistic.
They were almost impossible to distinguish from reality.
"This is a trial of the state of mind."
Rowan quickly understood the nature of this stage.
"The Storm King is testing my character and my moral boundaries."
Within the illusions, Rowan saw Silvermoon facing danger and needing him to abandon the trial to save her.
He also saw the Virtual Universe Company facing a crisis and requiring him to return immediately to handle it.
Even more terrifyingly, illusions of his family and friends appeared before him.
They all begged him to make certain choices.
The temptation of these illusions was extraordinarily powerful.
Several times, Rowan almost allowed himself to be convinced to abandon the trial.
But each time, he used rational analysis to discover the flaws within the illusions.
"A true powerhouse must possess more than overwhelming strength."
Rowan silently repeated this principle in his heart.
"They must also possess an unwavering will and the right character."
He resisted every temptation and threat.
The trial of the mind was more difficult than the previous trials of law.
That was because it directly attacked the weaknesses of human nature.
Even a powerhouse with an unshakable will would find it difficult to remain completely rational when facing the deepest fears and desires within their heart.
But Rowan endured.
His experience and cultivation had allowed him to understand himself more deeply.
He knew what truly mattered.
Although the process was difficult, he was never deceived by the illusions.
Finally, after enduring all three stages of the trial, the cosmic storm gradually began to subside.
The violent energy flows returned to peace.
The distorted fabric of time and space stabilized.
The tempting illusions disappeared without a trace.
"Congratulations, Rowan."
The voice of the Storm King, Severus, echoed through the starry sky.
"You have passed every trial I established and proven that you possess the qualifications to inherit my legacy."
As Severus's voice appeared, a massive figure began to materialize within the starry sky.
The figure wore storm armor and held a lightning scepter in his hand.
Countless miniature cosmic storms revolved around his body.
He appeared both majestic and mysterious.
"Your understanding of the laws of the storm has already reached a considerable level," Severus continued.
"But more importantly, you have demonstrated the character necessary to become a true powerhouse."
"Strength can be obtained through cultivation. Character, however, can only be forged through countless trials."
"Thank you for your recognition, Senior," Rowan replied respectfully. "I will cherish this legacy and use it for the right purposes."
"I believe you will."
Severus nodded in satisfaction.
"Now, accept my legacy."
As soon as he finished speaking, Severus's figure began to shine.
Countless beams of light shot out from his body and gathered into a complex rune formation.
This formation contained the Storm King's lifelong comprehension of the laws, his secret techniques, and his inheritance.
Its value was impossible to measure.
The rune formation slowly flew toward Rowan.
Then, it merged into his body.
In an instant, Rowan felt an enormous stream of information surge into his consciousness.
The information contained profound understandings of various laws, powerful secret techniques, and unique insights into the essence of the universe.
"This legacy will greatly increase your strength," Severus's voice began to weaken.
"But remember this. A true powerhouse does not rely on strength to rule over others. They use wisdom and character to guide the world toward a better future."
After speaking his final words, Severus's figure began to fade.
The entire starry sky trial ground also began to dissolve.
Rowan found himself returning to the stone hall.
Silvermoon was waiting for him nearby.
"You succeeded."
When Silvermoon saw Rowan return, she was both happy and slightly envious.
"How does it feel?"
"The harvest was enormous."
Rowan gave a concise answer.
"It wasn't merely an increase in strength. More importantly, I gained a new understanding of many things."
Rowan felt the new power flowing through his body.
The sensation was both familiar and unfamiliar.
The Storm King's inheritance was not merely the transmission of skills and laws.
It was more like a deep fusion of consciousness.
Rowan could sense fragments of Severus's memories.
He could feel the Storm King's profound understanding of cosmic storms and his unique insights into the true nature of power.
However, among this precious inheritance, Rowan discovered a strange and troubling gap.
There was no information about the Storm King's final days.
Nothing about how he had died.
The absence was extremely abrupt.
It was as if that part of his memory had been deliberately erased.
"This is strange."
Rowan thought deeply.
"Logically speaking, such a complete inheritance should contain every important memory. Why is the only missing part related to his death?"
Silvermoon noticed Rowan's unusual expression.
"What happened? Is there a problem with the inheritance?"
"It's not a problem."
Rowan carefully chose his words.
"It's a question. The memories regarding the Storm King's final days are completely blank. It makes me curious about how he actually died."
"A powerhouse at the level of a King-level Immortal should have an extraordinarily long lifespan," Silvermoon analyzed.
"Other than a stronger enemy, only certain special circumstances should be capable of killing someone like that."
Indeed, the vitality of a King-level Immortal was extraordinarily powerful.
Under normal circumstances, such an existence could survive for tens of thousands of years or even longer.
For someone so powerful to die, there had to be some unknown secret hidden behind it.
"Guardian."
Rowan turned toward the mysterious figure that still stood nearby.
"I want to know more about the Storm King's final days."
The Guardian remained silent for a moment.
It seemed to be considering whether it should answer.
Finally, it slowly spoke.
"I do not know the exact cause of my master's death either. I am merely an echo of the consciousness he left behind. The memories I possess are limited."
"Then tell me what you do know," Rowan continued.
"Even fragments of information will be useful."
"The last period of time I remember was when my master became extremely anxious."
The Guardian recalled the past.
"He often stayed alone in his laboratory, researching things I could not understand."
"Sometimes, I could hear him talking to himself."
"He would say things like, 'There isn't enough time,' or 'I must find a solution.'"
"What was he researching?"
Silvermoon asked curiously.
"I do not know the specific details."
The Guardian shook its head.
"My master sealed all of those research materials inside his private residence. Even I was unable to enter."
Rowan's eyes immediately brightened.
If the Storm King had stored his important research materials inside his private residence, they might be able to find some clues there.
"Where is his residence? Can I enter it now?"
"Of course."
The Guardian nodded.
"Since you have obtained my master's inheritance, you now possess complete control over this temple. Every area is open to you."
As it spoke, the Guardian raised its hand and drew a complex rune formation in the air.
The formation emitted a gentle light.
It then transformed into an exquisite crystal key and floated toward Rowan.
"This is the temple's master control key," the Guardian explained.
"With it, you can enter any area and access any facility."
Rowan took the crystal key.
The moment he touched it, he immediately felt a strange connection with the entire structure.
It was as if the enormous temple had become an extension of his own body.
Every room and every passage fell within the range of his perception.
"This feeling is incredible."
Rowan sighed.
"I can sense the structure and functions of the entire temple."
Indeed, through the master control key, Rowan could clearly perceive the complete layout of the temple.
The structure was far larger than the portion they had explored earlier.
It contained hundreds of rooms with different functions.
There were laboratories, libraries, cultivation chambers, treasure vaults, and even a small ecological garden.
But the most eye-catching area was the Storm King's private residence at the very top of the temple.
The entire uppermost floor belonged to that area.
It was enormous and protected by multiple layers of defensive formations.
Even now, after gaining control of the temple, Rowan could still sense the terrifying power of those defensive formations.
-------------------------------
Already hooked? Tell me what reeled you in leave a review, spark the fire with a comment, and if we hit every 250 Power Stones, a bonus chapter drops!
The evolution's just begun. Dive deeper into Unbound Evolution and stay leagues ahead!
[email protected]/_tey
Change @ to a.