Spiritual Realm Salvation

Chapter 5: The Trials of Spirit Mountain -Mount Hope

Nancy's white phoenix unfurled its wings, shimmering with starlight, as it bore her aloft towards the mysterious peak known as Mount Hope.

The phoenix's wings beat against the air, emitting a soft, encouraging cry, yet Nancy's heart remained heavy. She knew this trial was not just a test of strength, but a honing of her inner spirit. Having shouldered too many responsibilities from a young age, she was mature and resilient, yet beneath this strength lay her deepest fears and self-reproach. She must confront her past here, vanquish the shadows within, to truly gain redemption and power.

The phoenix gently alighted at the foot of the mountain, and Nancy leaped off, her feet meeting the soft earth. She looked around, realizing this place was starkly different from the rest of Paradise. An indescribable oppression filled the air; the sky was veiled by thick clouds, as if even light was consumed. Unconsciously, Nancy hugged her own arms, feeling a chill sweep over her.

Mount Hope loomed before her, towering into the clouds. The mountain had a peculiar translucent quality, as if formed from crystal and mist. Wisps of ethereal clouds encircled its middle, sometimes gathering, sometimes dispersing, making the entire mountain appear enigmatic and unfathomable. At the mountain's base lay a dense silver forest, leaves rustling gently in the breeze, producing a fine sound, like whispers.

Nancy took a deep breath and looked up at the fog-enshrouded peak. A golden palace was faintly visible there, its outline shimmering with a faint light, as if beckoning her. She knew her trial awaited there.

"I can do this," Nancy whispered to herself, trying to bolster her spirits. But as she took her first step, a strong sense of unease suddenly washed over her. The surroundings began to warp and distort, as if the entire world was spinning.

When all settled, Nancy was horrified to find herself back in her childhood home—the dilapidated apartment she thought she had escaped forever, filled with painful memories. The familiar living room came into view, wallpaper peeling, furniture worn and tattered, the air thick with an oppressive, suffocating atmosphere.

"You should not exist..."

A deep, cold voice came from behind. Nancy spun around to see her father—the man who had brought her endless nightmares—standing before her, his eyes dark and hostile.

"You're nothing but a burden," her father's voice was like a dagger, stabbing at Nancy's heart.

Nancy felt a sharp pain in her chest, and she retreated involuntarily. Images long buried in her memory surged forth: herself at nine, small and fragile, standing between violence and fear, desperately protecting her younger sister. She was the only hope and light in their home at that time.

"No... it's not true..." Nancy muttered, her voice trembling. Her hands began to shake involuntarily, and the sense of powerlessness deep inside her surged once again.

"Maybe... maybe I really am powerless..." her voice was a whisper, her eyes gradually clouding with tears of confusion.

At that moment, a warm breath suddenly rose in her chest. That warmth seemed to come from her deepest memories, a power she had never noticed before—the spark of hope.

Nancy slowly lifted her head, her vision blurred with tears, and she saw a familiar figure—her sister, the little girl she had tried so hard to protect. Her sister stood in the corner of the room, her eyes full of trust and dependence, her small hands tightly clenched, as if waiting for her protection.

"Lily..." Nancy softly called her sister's name, a warmth suddenly igniting in her heart. She remembered how, in those difficult days, her sister had given her strength and courage. Even in the darkest moments, Lily's smile could always help her find hope again.