Rising from the Ashes (Andrew) novel Chapter 2823

Roman, who was exchanging palm strikes with Valerie, furrowed his brow deeply. He turned to look and immediately narrowed his eyes.

He could not believe Andrew was fine.

It was simply impossible!

From Andrew's reaction earlier, he should have completely broken down, been emotionally crushed, and mentally shattered. Even if he did not die on the spot, he should have sunk into a deep and hopeless collapse.

Yet, looking at him now, he had actually stood back up and was continuing deeper into Harmony Cavern.

Could he really resist the trial and defeat his inner demons?

Roman found this utterly shocking. He had entered Harmony Cavern himself, and so had the elders of Mount Lourneau. However, without exception, everyone fell apart when they hit the third emotional barrier, the one that forced them to face their deepest secrets and wounds.

After that, people usually had to be dragged out and given counseling just to stabilize their minds. Otherwise, they would carry long-term damage, such as a broken spiritual foundation that would ruin their martial path forever.

They even had an elder who walked out of Harmony Cavern completely deranged and ended up killing people. That was why the cavern's danger was far greater than any physical injury.

Physical wounds could heal, but damage done to the mind had no cure.

Roman's face darkened as he stared at Andrew's back.

Andrew took slow, steady steps, clearly suffering, yet he did not stop as he moved deeper inside. After what felt like ages, Andrew reached a clearing, and from Roman's outside perspective, he had reached the end of the cavern.

Valerie burst into tears of joy. "Mr. Lawrence, does this mean Andrew passed the Harmony Cavern trial? You said it could push his martial growth forward, but will it really work?"

Roman snapped, "Shut up. Mr. Johnston trains at the very end of the cavern. Only a Martial God can withstand the repeated assault of inner demons long enough to reach that place. Anyone else would be devoured by illusions before they got close and die with their mind shattered."

Harlan muttered, "But Mr. Lloyd disappeared from sight. Moreover, when Harmony Cavern shifts between phases, we can't see inside. This only happens after someone clears all the trials!"

Roman did not answer, but his jaw tightened. He simply could not believe Andrew had made it all the way to the end.

After all, that was where Luther had sealed himself away for his final training in seclusion.

Who knew what was happening now?

Inside the cavern, Andrew found himself staring at a stone platform. On top of it sat a frail, tiny old man with white brows, white beard, and white hair, sitting cross-legged.