The scene shifted abruptly.
The stench of blood and the air of slaughter vanished, replaced by ornate pavilions and exquisitely decorated halls.
Ling Xiao reclined on a cushioned couch, his head resting on the lap of a beautiful woman, while other celestial-like maidens fed him grapes.
Across the grand hall, thinly clad beauties danced gracefully.
The decadent music reached its peak.
Outside, a long time had passed.
“Oh no, this kid’s probably completely lost in the illusion. It’s been nearly half an hour,” the attack department instructor said, worried.
“Such a shame. Perfect in attack and defence, but weak in soul power. People like him falter on the battlefield, easily falling prey to illusions. He could even become a weapon for the enemy,” the defence department instructor sighed, disappointed.
“I told you, the soul power test isn’t easy,” Feng Yanran said helplessly.
“What’s going on?” Lan Yuer was puzzled. She knew how strong Ling Xiao’s soul power was. This shouldn’t be happening.
“Could something really have gone wrong?” Ji Mingkong wondered, equally confused.
Their confusion was nothing compared to the onlookers’.
“This guy’s done for. He’s not as good as that holy son,” one said.
“Probably. But being top-tier in attack and defence is already impressive. Most people can’t match that,” another added.
Amid their chatter, the half-hour mark arrived.
The instructors inside the soul power test door moved to interrupt Ling Xiao’s immersion.
But something strange happened.
Normally, they could easily rouse a student from the illusion, but today, as they approached the Rubik’s World, an invisible force pushed them back. It was utterly bizarre.
“What’s happening?” the attack instructor asked, bewildered.
“Something’s wrong. We can’t get near the Rubik’s World. This has never happened before,” the secret arts instructor said, panicking. Ling Xiao was brought by the vice-dean. If he was lost, the instructor would be in trouble.
“Will he die?” the defence instructor asked, frowning.
“Not die, but he could be trapped in the illusion forever, like a living corpse,” the secret arts instructor replied.
“We can’t let that happen! His attack and defence talents are exceptional. If he becomes a living corpse, I won’t stand for it!” the defence instructor protested.
“What good is protesting? If it comes to it, we’ll have to call the secret arts department head. With his soul strength, he should be able to bring the kid back,” another suggested.
“Then what are we waiting for? Hurry! It’s been over half an hour. We can’t delay!” the defence instructor urged.
“Alright, I’ll get him. Please keep watch here!” the secret arts instructor said, turning to leave.
“No need. I’m fine,” Ling Xiao’s voice suddenly rang out. He removed his hand from the Rubik’s World, smiling at the crowd.
“Impossible!” The instructors and students outside were stunned.
To walk out of the illusion after over half an hour? That was unprecedented. How did he do it?
“No need to be shocked. I just found the Rubik’s World interesting, so I stayed a bit longer,” Ling Xiao said.
It wasn’t just curiosity. Inside the Rubik’s World, he discovered it could enhance his *Soul Dice*, even evolving it into the *Soul Rubik*.
The *Soul Dice*’s flaw was its randomness; each roll produced an unpredictable ability, which Ling Xiao couldn’t control. That’s why he rarely used it.
He preferred control, and the uncertainty frustrated him.
But when the *Soul Dice* evolved into the *Soul Rubik*, the randomness vanished. The six special abilities it once held could now be freely wielded at his will.
How could he pass up such an opportunity? That’s why he lingered in the Rubik’s World.
“But you’ve failed,” the secret arts instructor said, shaking his head. “No matter how you did it, rules are rules.”
“Instructor, that’s not fair. The soul power test is about whether a warrior’s soul is strong enough, correct?” Ling Xiao asked with a smile.
“That’s right,” the instructor confirmed.
“Then I’ve passed. It’s just that my level might be beyond your understanding,” Ling Xiao said.
He wasn’t looking down on the instructors. His soul power, especially his control, far surpassed their comprehension.
The students outside took offence at his words.
Saying he’s better than the instructors? What arrogance! They thought he was promising, but now he seemed too stubborn to admit failure, resorting to nonsense.
“Hmph, if we’re so incapable, go test in another department. No need to stay here,” one instructor said, clearly displeased.
Ling Xiao gave a wry smile. “Instructors, please don’t be upset. I didn’t mean to mock or belittle you. My soul power is simply stronger than yours.”
“What’s this guy on about?” one student scoffed.
“Has he lost his mind?” another said.
“I’ve never seen such a shameless guy. How could my goddess be with someone like him? She must’ve been bewitched,” another grumbled.
The students in the plaza were unhappy, and the instructors inside the test door weren’t thrilled either.
The attack instructor said coldly, “Kid, don’t be too proud. Even if the vice-dean brought you, you should show respect.”
The defence instructor added, “I’m a generous man, but failing the test and arguing while mocking us? That’s not right.”
“Why not give him a chance?” a gentle voice interrupted.
A black-bearded elder with a somewhat intimidating appearance but a soft voice entered the test door.
“Department Head!” the instructors greeted.
The secret arts department head had been summoned by Feng Yanran, who’d been frantic when Ling Xiao seemed in danger.
“Head, this guy’s too arrogant, looking down on us instructors. We’re not capable enough to test him!” the secret arts instructors said, respecting the head but standing by their view that Ling Xiao had insulted them.
