The jade-paved avenue stretched before them, infinitely wide and long. Countless tiny runes flowed on its surface like stars, each carrying an ancient and profound principle. At the end of the avenue stood a towering palace gate, grand beyond imagination, as if connecting to another realm of existence.
According to the voice that had spoken to their minds, the Avenue of Principles was the first trial. Walking this road required not only physical endurance but also the verification of one's cultivation foundation and spiritual roots against the pure dao principles here.
Xiao Qi and his allies stepped onto the avenue simultaneously. The moment their feet touched the jade ground, they felt an enormous pressure descending from the heavens.
This pressure was not physical weight but a pure, overwhelming demonstration of heaven and earth principles. Countless principles of varying attributes descended like a torrential rain, some gentle, some fierce, some life-nurturing, some destructive. They slammed into Xiao Qi's spiritual shield, testing his dao heart and foundation from every possible angle.
The demon clan cultivators behind Ao Qin were the first to falter. Several whose cultivation was relatively shallow staggered, their faces paling. Even the black turtle elder and mermaid woman showed difficulty on their faces, though they grit their teeth and persevered.
Ao Qin activated his dragon yuan, a blue dragon aura erupting around him. The vast pressure seemed to be blocked by the dragon energy, though he still moved slowly.
Mu Xue was serene. She did not resist forcibly but let the principles wash over her like a clear stream over pebbles. Her ice-heart nature caused those countless principles to flow around her harmlessly, though her pace also slowed considerably.
Xiao Qi walked steadily forward. The pressure was immense, but his dao heart was firm, his foundation profound. He circulated his cultivation method, absorbing and filtering the principles, transforming what he could use and letting go of what exceeded his capacity.
As they progressed, the avenue's principles grew increasingly complex and dense. Some cultivators from other forces who had also entered the palace were now visible in the distance, also struggling forward on the same avenue, their expressions ranging from determination to agony.
"Dao heart test... each person faces a different illusion based on their deepest desires and fears," Xiao Qi murmured. He could feel the principles probing his inner self, searching for weaknesses.
His dao heart was forged through countless trials: his love for his sect, his responsibility to protect, his yearning for reunion with his family, his determination to face all challenges. These were the foundations that kept him steady.
The avenue stretched endlessly, yet somehow, after what felt like hours or perhaps days, the entrance to a vast plaza finally appeared before them.