The path twisted downward like a tunnel to the center of the world.
It was deeper than anything Shen Hao had walked before. The walls pulsed with waves of ancient energy, and the ground itself felt warmer. His footsteps echoed slowly as they passed through stone halls that hadn't seen light for thousands of years.
The heat kept rising.
Even Lingfeng, who was usually joking, floated quietly now.
Shen Hao wiped the sweat from his forehead. "We've been going deeper and deeper. How far does this go?"
The golem looked back, his voice low. "This is the deepest level of the tomb. It is three times lower than the path we've already taken. We are nearing the heart of the earth."
Shen Hao glanced around. The walls were no longer smooth — they were jagged and red, like cracked firestone. A soft glow came from below.
He looked at the golem again. "And what is the second guardian protecting down there?"
The golem didn't answer at first. Then he said slowly, "He is protecting one of the strongest techniques left behind by our master."
Shen Hao's eyebrows raised. "A technique?"
"Yes," the golem said. "It is powerful — beyond anything you've seen. If you truly master it and absorb the full power of the Aetherblaze Fruit, you could defeat someone two whole levels above your current level."
Shen Hao stopped walking for a second. "Two levels above? That's… a big gap."
"It is," the golem replied. "But mastering it is not easy. And using the fruit correctly is even harder."
Shen Hao nodded, but his expression grew tense. "What happens if I fail?"
The golem answered calmly. "You will not die. At worst, it could cause serious injury. If you push too far… maybe even permanent damage."
Shen Hao looked at him sharply. "Permanent?"
The golem gave a slow nod. "Our master — Lord Mo Han's first disciple — lost hearing in one ear while mastering it. His body lived, but one of his ears… simply stopped working."
Shen Hao was silent for a moment. "That's… serious."
"Don't worry," the golem added quickly. "That kind of injury is rare. Our master only suffered that because he went too far. He ignored warnings. Lord Mo Han told him to stop, but… the situation he was in back then forced him to keep going."
Shen Hao looked curious. "What kind of situation was that? Why did he push himself so hard?"
The golem's voice grew quiet. "That is a long story… and not mine to tell. You still don't understand how big the world of cultivation is. But your master will tell you the full truth — when the time is right."
Shen Hao nodded slowly.
"Then I'll wait. For now, I'll focus on the path ahead."
The tunnel ended at a massive stone gate.
It was unlike anything they had seen so far. The door was huge — as tall as a building — carved with symbols of fire, lightning, and celestial rings. It looked more like the entrance to an emperor's throne room than a tomb.
The golem stepped forward.
"This is it."
He raised both arms and placed his palms on the door.
With a deep grinding sound, the doors began to open.
A bright light flashed from within — so powerful that Shen Hao had to shield his eyes.
What waited beyond was not just a room.
It was the final trial.
The light slowly faded.
They stepped into a vast chamber—larger than anything they had seen before. The air was hotter here, thick with power that made Shen Hao's skin tingle. Flames danced faintly along the walls, though no fire burned. Strange symbols floated in the air, like forgotten words etched in light.
At first, the room seemed empty.
Then the sound came.
A low growl.
It rumbled from deep within the chamber—growing louder… angrier… alive.
A burst of pressure exploded across the air.
And from the far side of the chamber, something moved.
A giant figure stepped out from the darkness. It was another golem—but unlike the one that had guided them. This one was larger, thicker, built for destruction. Its entire body burned with red cracks, like magma flowing under skin. Its face had no features, only glowing eyes and the shape of fury.
Without a word, it charged.
The floor cracked beneath its steps.
It raised a massive arm—glowing with energy—and brought it down toward Shen Hao like a falling mountain.
The air split.
The blow was about to land—
Then—
A voice rang out.
Soft, but heavy.
"No… Brother, wait!"