NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 3: Chapter 3 The Dragon Ladder Trial
Recap:
Long Tianyu left everyone speechless at the clan training ground when he took down his arrogant cousin, Long Bao, showcasing his mastery of a heaven-grade technique. Elder Mo then extended an invitation to him for the Dragon Ladder Trial—an elite test that could potentially elevate his status forever.
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As the early morning mist wrapped around the mountains encircling the Long Clan's inner grounds, tall stone stairways, adorned with dragons climbing toward the heavens, led to the ancient trial arena.
At the bottom of the steps stood one figure—
**Long Tianyu**
, his demeanor calm, hands resting behind his back.
> [Bonus Sign-In Location Detected: Dragon Ladder Trial Arena]
> Reward Available: Fiery Scale Battle Robe Defensive Artifact, Rare Tier
"Sign in," he murmured.
> [Sign-In Successful!]
> You've received: Fiery Scale Battle Robe
> Effect: +150% Defense against Qi-based attacks, +20% Flame Affinity
In an instant, the robe appeared around him, a deep crimson hue with golden scale patterns that glimmered like dragon hide.
Footsteps echoed behind him.
A voice called out: "Still pretending to be a dragon, cousin? You're just a lizard in lucky clothes."
It was **Long Rui**, the strongest outer disciple and his final opponent in today's five-stage trial.
Tianyu didn't flinch. "You'll see the difference soon enough."
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The trial arena buzzed with energy, filled with elders, inner disciples, and a crowd of eager spectators.
Five stone platforms formed a circle—the **Dragon Ladder Trial** would pit Tianyu against five elite fighters, one after another, without a moment's rest.
Elder Mo raised his hand.
"Begin the trial!"
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**Stage 1: Iron Palm Wei**
A hulking brute with iron-reinforced gloves charged at Tianyu.
His strength was formidable, but his technique was lacking.
Tianyu ducked the first punch and retaliated with a palm ignited in dragon fire, striking his solar plexus.
**BAM!** One move. KO.
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**Stage 2: Twin Blade Liu**
A dual-wielder unleashed a flurry of fast, sharp blade strikes.
Tianyu activated his new robe and employed the Shadow Movement Technique he had learned earlier from Mei Xue.
After dodging fifteen strikes, he disarmed Liu and sent him flying with a powerful counterattack.
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**Stage 3: Ice Fist Mei Rong**
A fierce female fighter, brimming with ice Qi, stormed into the ring.
She conjured frost storms that swirled around the arena, pushing Tianyu to think on his feet. Harnessing the Fire affinity of his battle robe, he melted the icy ground beneath him and closed the distance. With a powerful Dragon Claw Strike, he broke through her defenses.
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**Stage 4: Shadow Fang Hei**
Meet Hei, the stealthy assassin. Quick, quiet, and lethal.
He unleashed a flurry of shadow kunai from every direction. In the heat of battle, Tianyu slipped into meditation and instinctively activated a bonus technique that had merged with his system:
> Dragon Pulse Barrier
An invisible shield deflected all the blades.
With a surge of energy, he charged forward and took down Hei in just two swift moves.
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**Stage 5: Long Rui The Real Test**
"You've done well, cousin," Rui taunted with a mocking bow. "But this is where your journey ends."
He unleashed his bloodline—an incomplete version of the Dragon Vein Physique. His muscles swelled, and a tempest of Qi erupted from him.
The battle commenced.
Rui's attacks were merciless and honed—lightning-fast punches, shockwaves, and powerful Qi slams. He pushed Tianyu to his limits.
But Tianyu just smiled.
> Activate: Dragon Breath Foundation Flame Path: Second Layer.
His flame Qi surged, radiating brighter than ever. The Fiery Scale Robe ignited, and his meridians glowed like molten steel.
Their final clash sent shockwaves through the arena.
**BOOM!**
Smoke enveloped the field.
As it cleared, Long Rui lay unconscious, embedded in the wall of the platform.
Tianyu stood tall, his robes billowing, flame Qi swirling around him like a regal crown.
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Elder Mo raised his hand.
"Victory to Long Tianyu!"
The crowd fell silent for a moment, then erupted into cheers of disbelief.
He had just defeated five elite disciples!
That last strike—was that the essence of flame?
He's not just a rising dragon; he is the dragon!
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Later that evening, as Tianyu strolled alone , a shadow loomed over the courtyard, cast by the inner sect. A masked elder blocked his way. "You're growing up too fast, boy," the man said, his voice icy. Tianyu narrowed his eyes. "And you're too late."
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Teaser for Chapter 4:
Dark schemes are brewing in the shadows of the inner sect. An assassination has been ordered, but Tianyu is no longer the naïve heir he once was. He's gearing up for his counter-strike.