Once the decision was made, the Blood-devouring Demon Clan’s Clan Leader began issuing orders.
He summoned all the members of the Blood-devouring Demon Clan to this location.
The Clan Leader intended to lead the entire clan in undertaking this challenge together.
Meanwhile, Chu Feng used the power of this place to call upon the people from the Great Thousand Upper Realm and various other forces to gather here.
Entering the Divine Hall was something everyone could participate in, and Chu Feng wanted to give everyone the chance to choose.
Though it was dangerous, Chu Feng still wanted to grant them the right to decide.
“Young friend Chu Feng, can you now tell us what you know?” Finally, Tantai Yinjian spoke up.
This was, in fact, what everyone present wanted to know.
Seeing this, Chu Feng shared everything he knew.
It turned out that, besides refining the souls of millions, the other method to open the Divine Hall required harnessing the power of the Divine Tree.
Thus, Chu Feng couldn’t do it alone—he needed the help of the Blood-devouring Demon Clan’s Clan Leader.
In a moment, opening the gate to the Divine Hall would primarily depend on Chu Feng and the Clan Leader.
However, opening this gate was a matter of life and death, with odds heavily stacked against survival.
Moreover, anyone who chose to enter would face the same risks as they did.
In other words, those who opted to enter the Divine Hall would have their lives in the hands of Chu Feng and the Clan Leader.
If they succeeded, everyone would not only survive but also gain entry to the legendary Divine Hall.
But if they failed, they would all die, leaving not even their corpses behind.
“How can this be? How can we entrust our lives to a demonic clan?”
However, after hearing Chu Feng’s explanation, some immediately voiced their opposition.
“Do you think I’m eager to bring you along?” The Blood-devouring Demon Clan’s Clan Leader snorted, his tone dripping with disdain.
Chu Feng remained silent, but Tantai Yinjian spoke up:
“Young friend Chu Feng’s actions are out of kindness. Whether to join or not is entirely up to each individual.”
“I’m willing to try.”
No sooner had he spoken than the Chu Heavenly Clan’s Clan Leader declared his stance.
Immediately after, all the Chu Heavenly Clan members present followed suit.
Thereafter, people from various forces began arriving one after another.
In just half an hour, over 20 million people had gathered here, with more still arriving.
Of course, most of those who arrived later were from the Great Thousand Upper Realm, their strength relatively weaker.
Chu Feng didn’t disdain their lower cultivation levels and informed them about the Divine Hall.
After learning the details, others began to make their choices.
In the end, 390,000 people were willing to follow Chu Feng and try their luck.
Though 390,000 was a mere fraction compared to the over 20 million, almost negligible in proportion, it was still significant.
After all, entering this place was a matter of near-certain death, and the presence of the feared Blood-devouring Demon Clan members naturally instilled fear.
Thus, these 390,000 people could be considered incredibly courageous.
It wasn’t just courage but also trust in Chu Feng.
“Chu Feng, the Void Divine Tree will eventually close. We shouldn’t wait any longer,” the Blood-devouring Demon Clan’s Clan Leader said.
“Alright, let’s begin.”
Chu Feng nodded.
Then, those who had decided to take the risk with Chu Feng and the others stepped into the clearing.
As for the others, some left immediately to continue searching for Divine Tree Fruits, but most stayed, wanting to see what would happen.
*Boom—*
Suddenly, the heavens and earth trembled as a visible surge of power erupted like a volcano, engulfing the clearing.
However, this immense power appeared only briefly.
In an instant, it vanished.
And when the power dissipated, Chu Feng and the others had completely disappeared.
Only those standing outside the clearing remained, staring at the now-empty space with complex expressions.
…
Somewhere within the Void Divine Tree, Wang Qiang and the Living Dead Man were still gazing at a lake that shimmered like a mirror.
At this moment, the lake reflected the clearing where Chu Feng and the others had vanished.
“They actually chose this method?” The Living Dead Man’s voice carried a profound tone.
“Old man, quick… quick, check on them. How are they now?” Wang Qiang asked, his face full of tension.
“I can’t see. That’s the true Divine Hall. They’ll either die inside or come out alive. As for the process, we can’t see it,” the Living Dead Man said.
“Can’t see? What… what kind of joke is that? Aren’t you the master here, able to… able to control everything?” Wang Qiang said.
The Living Dead Man shook his head: “I only control a portion of the power here. I’m not the true master. There’s only one true master of this place.”
“Who?” Wang Qiang asked.
“The Void Divine Tree,” the Living Dead Man replied.
“Huh?” Wang Qiang was utterly confused, then asked, “You… you’re saying this tree is alive?”
“What… what’s going on?” Wang Qiang pressed.
“I came here because the power of the Void Divine Tree could help me revive.”
“Though I’ve mastered some of its power, it’s only a fraction. The Void Divine Tree still has its own will. It’s the true ruler of this place.”
“As for where it came from or its purpose, I don’t know,” the Living Dead Man said.
“You don’t know?”
“Didn’t you say you’re from ancient times? Is there… is there anything you don’t know?” Wang Qiang said, his face full of disbelief.
“I am indeed from ancient times, but my memories are damaged. I don’t remember many things. But memories will eventually return. Stick with me, and I’ll make sure you learn everything in time.”
The Living Dead Man gave Wang Qiang a faint smile, though his smile was somewhat eerie, making even Wang Qiang feel uneasy.
“Is opening the Divine Hall on their own really a matter of nine deaths and one life?” Wang Qiang asked.
“Nine deaths and one life?” The Living Dead Man chuckled, then waved his arm, causing the surrounding world to plunge into darkness.
In the distance, there was only a faint glow, the size of a firefly.
“See that light?” The Living Dead Man pointed at the dim glow.
“I see it,” Wang Qiang said, his gaze fixed on the light.
“For their journey, if that light represents life, then this darkness represents death,” the Living Dead Man said.
“What?” Hearing this, Wang Qiang jumped in fright, his face filled with worry and brimming with anger.
“You old… old thing, you knew it was this dangerous, so why… why didn’t you stop them? That’s… that’s my brother!” Wang Qiang roared furiously.
“I told you, I only control the power here, not the place itself. When the true master of this place acts, I’m powerless.”
“Do you think opening the gate to the Divine Hall is something that can be done at will?” the Living Dead Man countered.
“What… what do you mean? Just say it plainly, stop beating around the bush!” Wang Qiang was frantic, as this concerned Chu Feng’s life and death.
“In simple terms, their ability to open that gate was permitted by the Void Divine Tree.”
“It was the Void Divine Tree that wanted them to enter.”
“It was the Void Divine Tree that wanted them to face this trial.”
“When the true master of this place acts, even I… can only stand by and watch,” the Living Dead Man said.
