Chapter 595 - Chapter 595: Chapter 531: The 9th Tier "Soul Master (1/2)

Chapter 595: Chapter 531: The 9th Tier “Soul Master

Night had fallen, and Nasir City was delicately enveloped by a profound darkness, as if the whole world held its breath in anticipation of the sacred moment soon to unfold.

Every window along the streets glowed with a soft, warm light, each ray carrying the endless hopes and devout prayers of the citizens of Nasir.

Although television had been invented, only a select few in high society could afford it, and most families in Nasir City still relied on radios or newspapers for outside information.

At this moment, every single person was aware of one thing.

That was, the “pillar” of the Fischer family, the legend of the Cyart people, the strongest among the Dawn Church, the “Death God” feared by all enemies…

Mr. Chris Fischer was about to ascend to the Ninth Tier of the God Pantheon stairway!

In fact, because of the level of knowledge dissemination, all those who were not Blood Receivers had only a superficial understanding of the God Pantheon stairway, naturally, the core secrets could not be spread to the public.

Nevertheless, that did not hinder the prayers for Chris.

For the people of Nasir City, they had virtually grown up listening to various heroic tales of Chris Fischer, and maintaining and worshiping him, a “living saint,” could even be said to have become a “political correctness”; anyone who dared to insult Chris would provoke public anger, and their entire family would risk death and injury.

Tonight, the hearts of everyone in Nasir were tightly linked by the ceremony soon to arrive.

They knew that on the edge of the city, the legendary Chris Fischer stood at the threshold of fate, prepared to face an unprecedented soul trial.

This was not only a test for him personally, but it was also the hope for Nasir City and the entirety of Cyart!

The air was infused with an ineffable solemnity and tension, as even the breeze seemed to become cautious, and the citizens closed their eyes and meditated at home, silently blessing the mighty one who was about to embark on his journey.

The bell of the Dawn Cathedral, built over the last thirty years, echoed in the night sky, melodious and deep, each strike as if recounting the legends of past heroes and appearing to commence the evening’s ceremony.

On the dining tables in every household, although dinner was ready, most people had lost their appetite, their thoughts already drifting to Fischer.

The Ninth Step on the Path of Tranquility was named “Soul Master.”

In the assortment of steps traditionally aligned with assassins in the Path of Tranquility, “Soul Master” was a special step designed for spellcasters.

And the ceremony to ascend as “Soul Master” was essentially a great test of the Extraordinary Exponent’s soul and spiritual power.

The ceremony demanded that the Extraordinary Exponent delve deep into the mysteries of the soul, to grasp and harness the power of the soul, with the goal to achieve a deep understanding of, and… control over, the soul and consciousness.

At this very moment, the members of the Fischer family had already set up a soul trial ceremony site in the Dawn Cathedral of Nasir City, according to the contents described in the Divine Oracle.

Chris stood within it, and he was about to confront his own inner fears, desires, and obsessions.

Felix, Christine, and others watched him nearby, and then the ceremony finally began.

The trial took the form of dreams, illusions, and mental attacks, beginning to test Chris’s willpower and his ability to control soul power.

A series of bizarre scenes flashed before his eyes: at times he was in the midst of a blazing battlefield, surrounded by the moans of comrades and the sneers of enemies; at other times, it transformed into a peaceful and serene countryside, family gathered around, but beneath that warmth lurked secrets and betrayals unknown.

Each dream was so vivid, most would struggle to tell if they were memories, fantasies, or present reality; the surges of emotion swelled in his heart, continuously testing Chris’s will and faith.

As Chris struggled to free himself from these turbulent dreams, a web of illusions noiselessly enveloped him.

The surrounding darkness suddenly came to life, taking various shapes: huge monsters roared and lunged, their sharp claws and teeth flashing cold light; beautiful women tempted him, their words filled with sweet traps; and ancient sages scrutinized him with profound gazes, posing soul-piercing questions one after another.

As Chris struggled indistinguishably with the illusions, an invisible force suddenly struck like a sharp blade cutting through his consciousness, intending to shatter his thoughts into disarray.

Amidst the pain and chaos, Chris felt as if the whole world was against him, his own thoughts no longer under control.

However, at his darkest moment, a hidden flame in the depths of his cold heart was ignited.

That was Chris’s long-standing love for his family, loyalty to his friends, steadfastness in his faith, and the yearning for self-transcendence.

He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, allowed his heart to return to Tranquility, and with a strong will built up a mental barrier.

Deep within, Chris heard his own voice:

“Persevere.”

“Fischer… can only be borne by you…”