When Lin Yun’s gaze fell on Gong Yi, a trace of worry flickered in his eyes.
Gong Yi had started this trial before him, yet he stood motionless, clearly still trapped in a sealed state of consciousness.
Lin Yun knew the difficulty of this stage well. If Gong Yi couldn’t break the seal, his consciousness might remain locked forever.
This stage seemed simple, just a matter of breaking a barrier, but how many could truly succeed?
For a powerhouse to suddenly become powerless, the stark contrast was hard to accept.
Especially for those who had been immortal for tens of thousands of years, accustomed to vast strength and lofty status, to be abruptly sealed, with no response from heaven or earth, that alone could deeply unsettle one’s emotions.
The environment within only made it easier for one’s spirit to collapse.
Worst of all was the absence of hope.
Even Lin Yun, who had always been confident in his willpower, had nearly faltered.
This stage was a hidden pitfall; even those who had weathered great storms could easily stumble here.
The immortal leader from the Taixu Tavern and Bao Gang, who had come before, chose to forfeit and leave. In hindsight, their decision seemed wise, though they missed the rewards, they preserved their lives.
“Little one, I didn’t expect you to actually succeed,” the tree spirit’s voice rang out.
“Senior, how is Gong Yi faring?” Lin Yun asked urgently.
Though their acquaintance was brief, Lin Yun had a good impression of Gong Yi, considering him worth befriending.
“It doesn’t look good. His consciousness may be sealed forever,” the tree spirit replied.
“Is there… any chance to let him withdraw? I’d be willing to forgo my reward for this stage as a price,” Lin Yun pressed.
If there was a chance, Lin Yun was willing to save Gong Yi!
Trading his reward for Gong Yi’s life felt worthwhile to him.
“You’re a loyal one, willing to sacrifice like that,” the tree spirit remarked.
But then its tone shifted, “Unfortunately, the rules are set. If he can’t pass the trial, his fate is sealed. The path of cultivation is fraught with danger and risk. He chose to face this stage, so he must bear the cost of failure. Daring to take on such a perilous trial is itself a test.”
“Alright then,” Lin Yun could only nod.
Though he wanted to help, it was beyond his power.
“Little one, since you’ve passed this round, head to the lake’s opposite shore. There’s a hall there with rewards awaiting you,” the tree spirit’s voice sounded.
Lin Yun nodded, glancing once more into the distance at Gong Yi’s figure.
“Senior Gong Yi, I can’t help you, but I wish you luck. I hope you can break the barrier,” Lin Yun murmured.
With that, he leapt from the lotus leaf, soaring towards the lake’s opposite shore.
Upon reaching it, a massive hall stood before him.
Lin Yun ascended the steps, heading towards the hall.
The hall’s doors were open, and he walked straight in.
Inside, the dilapidated hall felt desolate and empty.
As Lin Yun entered, a figure materialised in mid-air within the hall.
“Not a true lifeform, but a construct of an array!” Lin Yun observed.
“Congratulations on passing the trials to reach this place. Soak in the Jade Yao Pool for an hour, that is your reward. Go,” the figure said to Lin Yun.
Looking up, Lin Yun saw a pool within the hall, its water an unusual purple.
Xin Yu from the Heavenly God Palace was soaking in it.
Lin Yun didn’t yet know what made the Jade Yao Pool special, but he quickly approached it.
Xin Yu, sensing movement, opened his eyes and looked at Lin Yun.
“Lin Yun, it’s you?” Xin Yu stared in astonishment.
During the three arena challenges, Xin Yu had passed before Lin Yun, moving on to the next stage, so he hadn’t seen Lin Yun clear them.
After passing the consciousness seal trial, Xin Yu, eager for the reward, had hurried forward without noticing Lin Yun’s figure on the lake.
He never imagined the second to arrive here would be Lin Yun!
“Indeed, it’s me,” Lin Yun replied with a smile.
“I’m truly surprised. I never expected you to be the second to make it here. I underestimated you,” Xin Yu admitted with a sigh.
From the start of the first stage, Xin Yu hadn’t paid much attention to Lin Yun.
In his eyes, though Lin Yun was talented and had set a new record in the entry trial, he was still only at the Eternal Realm. To Xin Yu, Lin Yun hadn’t yet matured, so while he could imagine others reaching this point, he couldn’t fathom Lin Yun passing the earlier stages to arrive second!
Seeing Lin Yun here sent a jolt of shock through him!
“You flatter me, Senior Xin Yu. Compared to you, I’m still far behind,” Lin Yun said with a humble smile.
“I’ll have to reassess you from now on,” Xin Yu said.
He continued, “Hurry in. I won’t waste more words. There’s only an hour to soak, and I need to make the most of it.”
With that, Xin Yu closed his eyes.
Lin Yun, eager, stepped into the Jade Yao Pool.
He knew that with each stage, the rewards grew richer, so this pool had to be extraordinary!
As he entered, Lin Yun felt the water’s energy surging towards him, flooding into his mind.
His spirit felt as though it were bathed in an exquisite celestial pool, indescribably refreshing.
This pool greatly enhanced divine consciousness!
Lin Yun immediately recognised the pool’s remarkable effects.
His divine consciousness began transforming under its influence!
And it wasn’t just that, his physical body was nourished too, though the primary effect was on divine consciousness!
“Haha, excellent!”
Lin Yun let out a delighted laugh, then closed his eyes, fully embracing the Jade Yao Pool’s profound nourishment.
