310: Chapter 310: Breaking Through!

Lurking in the bushes, Lu Qiu was like a lifeless rock, completely blending into the surrounding environment.

He quietly witnessed the brief meeting between the three Demonic Path Nascent Soul Cultivators—Old Ancestor Ji Yin, Layman Qingyi, and Savage Beard—before the canyon entrance.

Although the three were laughing and chatting, with their words carrying the politeness expected among peers, the undercurrent of surging tension and mutual probing that permeated the air could not escape his keen Divine Sense.

Every exchange of glances, every casual pause, revealed their mutual wariness and calculations.

He did not rush to reveal himself, nor did he attempt to eavesdrop on the specific content of their conversation.

Given the cultivation and vigilance of those three, getting too close would pose a risk of exposure, even for him.

He only needed to know that these three had begun to interact according to the "script," and that the pawn he had planted, Blood Fiend Immortal Master, had successfully attracted the attention of Old Ancestor Ji Yin; that was enough.

That pawn had been firmly embedded within the opponent's camp.

After confirming that the three had dispersed—some entering the canyon, others settling nearby—Lu Qiu floated out from his hiding spot like a ghost, silently and unhurriedly flying toward the magnificent canyon entrance.

His escape light was dim and steady, devoid of any worldly aura, as if he were merely an insignificant breeze between heaven and earth.

As the distance closed, the full view of the giant mountain gradually became clear before his eyes, bringing a sense of overwhelming shock.

It was a towering giant mountain several thousand zhang high, with a massive body that seemed to support the spine of this world, giving one a sense of insignificance and humble oppression.

The entire Peak was composed of an extremely hard, strange giant rock that appeared in shades of cyan and black; the stone texture was delicate and smooth, as if polished by countless years, giving a sense of ancient, unchanging weight and vicissitudes.

The surface of the mountain was as smooth as a mirror, devoid of any vegetation; even moss could not attach to it, as if it had been repeatedly tempered by some great power.

What was most shocking was that this giant mountain seemed to have been split in two from the middle by a giant axe in the hands of a Heavenly God, creating a bottomless, massive fissure tens of zhang wide with masterful craftsmanship!

This fissure extended from the mountain Peak all the way to its Foundation, with an unbelievably neat cut, forming a natural canyon passage leading into the interior of the mountain!

Standing at the entrance and looking up, one could only see a sliver of the sky, with the cliff walls on both sides standing straight like they had been carved by a knife, giving one a sense of smallness as if they were in the land of giants.

But what was even more bizarre was that the middle part of this split mountain was not empty.

Instead, it shimmered with two distinct, contrasting rays of light with a clear boundary—the left half was shrouded in a layer of deep blue light, as if from ten-thousand-year-old ice; that blue light was eerie, emitting an extreme chill that threatened to freeze one's Soul, and merely catching sight of it made one feel a chill rise from their spine.

The right half was covered by a layer of scorching red light, as if from the molten lava at the Earth's core; that red light was intense, emitting a terrifying high temperature capable of melting steel, causing the air near the red light to twist and deform.

The red and blue lights intertwined and collided in the middle of the mountain, yet they remained distinct and did not interfere with each other, forming an incredibly eerie scene.

Viewed from afar, the entire giant mountain seemed to have been divided into two completely different worlds: one half was a Hell of extreme cold, the other a deep abyss of blazing flames, and the fissure in the middle was the only path to these two worlds.

At the entrance of the canyon, dozens of Cultivators had already gathered.

These figures were scattered in groups of three or two on the open ground in front of the entrance; some were sitting cross-legged in meditation, some were whispering, and others were gazing solemnly at the two passages.

These Cultivators were at least at the Early Core Formation Stage, with most being at the Middle Core Formation Stage or Late Core Formation Stage; each possessed a composed aura and sharp gaze, clearly being individuals who had weathered many storms.

As for those at the Foundation Establishment Stage, after picking enough Spirit Medicine in the Spirit Medicine Garden following the first trial, the vast majority wisely chose to give up, lacking the courage to attempt this notorious second trial, the Ice-Fire Path.

Those who could stand here were all Cultivators who had some confidence in their own strength, or possessed some special means, and wanted to gamble for a greater Opportunity.

In everyone's eyes, there was a glimmer of desire for Opportunity and vigilance toward the unknown.

Lu Qiu's gaze swept calmly across the crowd like a breeze skimming over water, and he soon discovered two familiar figures among them.

One of them was naturally Han Li.

He was still wearing that inconspicuous cyan robe, his face plain and ordinary, his aura restrained to around the Early Core Formation Stage, blending into the crowd without attracting attention, as if a drop of water had merged into the ocean.

He was sitting cross-legged in the shadows of a corner, his back against a rock, eyes closed as he adjusted his breathing, as if he did not care much about anything in the outside world.

But when Lu Qiu's gaze swept over him, his eyelids moved imperceptibly, and his eyelashes trembled slightly, serving as a silent response, before he immediately returned to calm.

Between the two of them, no extra communication was needed; a single glance was enough to convey each other's meaning.

The other was the Deputy Alliance Leader of the Fengle Alliance, dressed in a simple and elegant white palace gown, her hair slightly disheveled, yet her posture remained upright.

She did not go to chat with anyone, nor did she fight for a good spot near the entrance; instead, she sat quietly cross-legged in a relatively secluded corner, likewise resting with her eyes closed, adjusting her state.

There was a trace of faint fatigue between her brows, but even more so, a sense of firmness and determination.

Her aura was steady and restrained, clearly having adjusted herself to her optimal state.

Seeing that Alliance Leader Ling had also appeared here, Lu Qiu's heart stirred slightly, causing a ripple.

It seemed that in the previous Spirit Medicine Garden, she had not found any Spirit Medicine that could make her decide to quit, or that was sufficient to compensate for the risks of this trip.

In the end, she still chose to take the risk and attempt this second trial, the Ice-Fire Path.

For her, this was perhaps a gamble she had to take—betting her own life to strive for that sliver of Opportunity to reach the Nascent Soul stage.

"With her cultivation at the Peak of the Late Core Formation Stage, and being an Alliance Leader, she must have some trump cards; passing through this Ice-Fire Path should be somewhat certain. But if she encounters the 'Black Desert' or 'Blood Ice Forest' secretly released by the Star Palace Elders... I fear it will be ominous for her." Lu Qiu thought to himself, his gaze lingering on her for a moment.

Although he and Alliance Leader Ling did not have a very deep friendship, they had collaborated after all, and could be considered acquaintances, and his impression of her was not bad.

If there was an Opportunity, he would not mind giving her a helping hand.

But if it meant putting himself in danger or exposing his own plan to help her, he would not do it.

Inside this Void Heaven Palace, the primary task was to preserve himself and complete his own goals.

"Everyone has their own path. This Void Heaven Palace is, after all, an Opportunity left by ancient Cultivators to benefit later generations, and it is also a cruel screening process. Whether one can seize the Opportunity and survive ultimately depends on one's own ability and fortune." Lu Qiu thought, withdrawing his gaze.

He did not go up to acknowledge Ling Feiyan, nor did he try to dissuade her.

He respected everyone's choices and understood that everyone had their own path to walk.

Too much interference is not necessarily a good thing.

He likewise found an inconspicuous corner in the crowd, brushed the dust off the ground, and sat down cross-legged.

He closed his eyes and began to adjust his breathing, maintaining his state at its Peak.

At the same time, he quietly attached a sliver of Divine Sense to Blood Fiend Immortal Master, and through that exquisite Primordial Spirit imprint, sensed the movements on Old Ancestor Ji Yin's side from afar.

He could feel that Old Ancestor Ji Yin's aura was not far away, like a poisonous snake lurking in the shadows, emitting a cold and dangerous aura.

Not long after, several powerful auras successively tore through the air from afar and descended upon the canyon entrance without any concealment.

Those auras were like tangible waves, instantly suppressing the auras of all the Core Formation Cultivators present, making the air become heavy.

The person in the lead was tall and burly, like a moving iron tower, with a face full of flesh and fierce, copper-bell-like eyes flashing with an overbearing and brutal light; it was none other than Savage Beard!

He swaggered in, every step causing the ground to tremble slightly. Wherever he passed, the surrounding Cultivators subconsciously retreated, lowering their heads, not daring to meet his gaze, as if they were being approached by a ferocious beast.

Following closely behind him were Old Ancestor Ji Yin and Layman Qingyi. Old Ancestor Ji Yin maintained his usual gloomy appearance, his complexion sallow and his gaze sinister. Like a venomous snake, he slowly swept his eyes over everyone present, as if inspecting prey. Those caught in his gaze felt a chill run down their spines.

Layman Qingyi, on the other hand, remained smiling, holding a bamboo slip, looking like a harmless old scholar. Yet, everyone knew that this seemingly kind old man was also a ruthless, bone-crushing figure who would devour you without leaving a trace.

Behind Old Ancestor Ji Yin, Immortal Master Xuesha followed closely, head bowed and attitude respectful, as if he were truly nothing more than a loyal servant.

His appearance drew the attention of some Cultivators who recognized him. Many cast surprised looks, but seeing him following Old Ancestor Ji Yin so respectfully, no one dared to say anything. They quickly looked away, fearing to bring trouble upon themselves.

Immediately afterward, three more figures, whose auras were no weaker than those of Savage Beard and the others, descended from the sky like three unsheathed swords, landing in the middle of the area.

The leader was none other than the majestic Wan Tianming, with his purple robes, jade belt, and square-jawed, dignified face!

His gaze was like lightning, sweeping across the entire field, carrying the imposing aura of a leader of the Righteous Path.

Behind him followed Tianwuzi and Mutengzi, two Nascent Soul Cultivators of the Righteous Path. As the three stood together, their auras connected, forming an invisible pressure.

With this, all the Nascent Soul Cultivators entering the Void Heaven Palace for this trip, with the exception of Madam Wen who had left early, had arrived.

The Righteous Path, the Demonic Path, and the Star Palace hidden in the shadows—these three forces were now gathered here. The atmosphere at the valley entrance instantly became heavy, like a drawn bowstring ready to snap at any moment.

Finally, the two white-robed Elders of the Star Palace—Elder Qin Heng and Elder Qin Yue—arrived unhurriedly.

They did not stand with the many Nascent Soul Cultivators but chose a slightly distant high ground. Standing with their hands behind their backs, their white robes fluttering, they looked like detached observers, coldly watching everything before them.

But Lu Qiu knew that these two old foxes were the biggest variables and the masterminds behind this game.

Just when everyone thought they would have to wait for some time—Suddenly! From the direction of the giant mountain shrouded in red and blue light, a flash of even more dazzling and blinding light erupted!

The light shot into the sky, dyeing half the heavens in red and blue! Immediately afterward, the entire earth began to tremble slightly, and a series of muffled rumbles came from the ground beneath their feet!

"Rumble..."

Amidst a deafening roar that shook the earth, the mountain wall near the valley entrance, made of hard, dark-green boulders, actually began to move like a living thing. With a "creak, creak" sound, it slowly split apart to the sides, revealing two narrow tunnel entrances, each only wide enough for a few people to pass through side-by-side!

Gravel fell with a rustling sound, and dust filled the air.

Of these two tunnel entrances, one was located in the area shrouded in blue light; thick frost covered the entrance, emitting a bone-chilling cold. The other was located in the area shrouded in red light; the air at the entrance was distorted, and waves of heat rolled out, as if it led to an erupting volcano.

As soon as the entrances opened, distinct, contrasting auras gushed out from within, causing the nearby Cultivators to change expressions.

Outside the tunnel entrance on the left, shrouded in blue light, a stone tablet about three or four feet high slowly rose from the ground. The tablet was ancient, covered with the traces of time, and inscribed with a few archaic seal characters—"Ice Crystal Path"! The calligraphy was vigorous and powerful, seemingly containing the rhythm of some great Dao.

Outside the tunnel entrance on the right, shrouded in red light, another stone tablet rose, inscribed with—"Magma Path"! The handwriting was equally ancient, and flames seemed to dance within the strokes.

Two paths, representing two completely different trials, now lay before everyone. The air was filled with tension and anticipation.

Suddenly, some of the closest, impatient Cultivators, with excitement and greed flashing in their eyes, took the first step and headed toward the two paths. Their steps were hurried, as if one moment of delay would mean their Opportunity would be snatched away by others.

Some chose the Magma Path. But just as they approached the entrance and before they could even enter, a scorching, violent wind that made one dizzy and parched, like a tangible wave of fire, rushed toward them!

The terrifying high temperature instantly caused the protective spiritual light on the Cultivator's body to flicker violently, and his hair began to curl and scorch. He was forced to retreat hurriedly, circulating his energy to resist, his face showing shock and his heart silently lamenting.

Others chose the Ice Crystal Path. At that tunnel entrance, white, icy energy billowed out like thick fog, and faint sounds of howling winds emanated from within—sounds like ghosts wailing and wolves howling, chilling one to the bone. Merely approaching it made one feel as if their blood were about to freeze, and their exhaled breath instantly turned into frost, filling their hearts with endless cold.

Several nearby Cultivators instantly had a layer of white frost form on their eyebrows and hair, forcing them to retreat quickly and circulate their energy to drive away the cold.

Both paths had their own perils and difficulties. For a moment, the crowd, originally eager to try, fell into a brief silence, each person weighing their own strength and considering which path to choose.

"Hmph! Does mere ice think it can stop your Savage Grandfather? I'll take this Magma Path; it's perfect for dispelling the cold!" Savage Beard was the first to make a choice.

He grinned, revealing a set of bone-white teeth. There was no trace of fear in his eyes, only excitement and the glow of challenge.

He swaggered directly toward the entrance of the Magma Path, which was emitting rolling waves of heat. With a flicker of his figure, he vanished into the crimson light, as if swallowed by flames.

Old Ancestor Ji Yin cast a cold, sinister glance at the entrance of the Magma Path, then looked at the entrance of the Ice Crystal Path, a flicker of contemplation in his eyes.

Ultimately, he let out a cold snort and, without a word, took Immortal Master Xuesha and walked directly toward the bone-chilling entrance of the Ice Crystal Path.

His figure was engulfed by the white icy energy and soon disappeared from sight.

Layman Qingyi smiled, stroked the bamboo slip in his hand, and followed closely behind, choosing the Ice Crystal Path and walking in with a composed gait.

Wan Tianming, Tianwuzi, and Mutengzi exchanged a few words in low voices, seemingly exchanging opinions, and ultimately chose the Ice Crystal Path as well.

In their view, while the cold of the Ice Crystal Path was terrifying, it was at least relatively controllable, whereas the unknown flames and magma in the Magma Path might conceal more variables and dangers.

The three of them walked into the Ice Crystal Path together, their figures vanishing into the cold mist.

The remaining Cultivators also made their choices based on their own Cultivation Techniques and preparations. Some chose the Magma Path, while others chose the Ice Crystal Path.

For a time, figures surged and flocked toward the two passages, like soldiers rushing to the battlefield, carrying determination and anticipation.

Lu Qiu remained sitting cross-legged in the corner, unhurried and calm. Like a stone statue, he quietly watched those Cultivators scramble to pour into the passages, like moths to a flame, going to meet their unknown fates.

He waited until most of the Cultivators had left, and only a few remained, still watching or hesitating, before slowly standing up and brushing the non-existent dust from his robes.

His gaze turned toward the entrance of the Ice Crystal Path, which radiated endless cold.

The white icy energy at the entrance was like the maw of a giant beast, waiting to devour any living creature that entered.

"Old Demon Ji Yin... chose the Ice Crystal Path? Perfect, I have the same intention."

A trace of icy killing intent flashed in Lu Qiu's eyes. That killing intent was like a spark deep within the ice; though weak, it was enough to ignite a prairie fire. He silently thought to himself: "Right here, I will end you."

He hesitated no longer, took a step forward, and walked unhurriedly toward the entrance of the Ice Crystal Path.