Still reeling from his ordeal in the Infernal Realm, Ruwen yearns to recover in the Third Secret. But rest evades him – the Bamboo Viper Master’s Trial began days ago. To avoid forfeiting his hard-won knowledge, participation is mandatory, despite the risk.
The Trial poses heightened danger after Ruwen drew on forbidden Shadow Clan techniques to battle the Infernal God. In doing so, he broke a solemn oath – and the Founders’ punishment will be swift. However, intense training has braced Ruwen for adversity ahead.
Greater concern comes from chaos back home. Attending the Trial delays his return and ability to intervene. But Ruwen expects a swift Test; unraveling the Steps’ secrets will be trivial after months of intense study. The delay should pass unnoticed.
Yet upon entering, Ruwen learns of a seventh Step, not six – his assumptions already shattered. Worse, the Founders spread word of his broken oath; consequences mushroom beyond his expectations.
What seemed a simple Trial now appears a maze of traps. Failure to solve the riddle of the seventh Step could mean eternity lost in shadows. And should Ruwen emerge victorious, harsher judgment for his broken vow likely awaits. Amidst the peril, an ancient relic speaks prophecy: Ignore its warning, and death will find him. The stakes could not be higher.
I aimed to tighten the prose, emphasize narrative tension, and streamline some plot points. Please let me know if you would like any modifications or expansions to the rewrite.
Ridiculous…..He beat all of them in their realm and the come to him after he levels wayyyy up and its a match…….the end fight was trash to make the book last.
…….almost epic