The soul power that spread out like a tide gradually dissipated after a few minutes, and a bright light shot out from Chen Xiao's room.
Finally, under Little Fairy Doctor's expectant gaze, the closed door opened, and a figure stepped out into the bright light.
"Xiao..."
Little Fairy Doctor was about to step forward when she suddenly realized that Chen Xiao's current state was clearly not right; his body seemed extremely ethereal.
"This is... a soul!"
Little Fairy Doctor's lips parted slightly, unable to hide her astonishment.
In this era, the soul was a nebulous existence for powerful individuals. Its power was not only colorless and formless but also difficult to guard against when encountered.
Moreover, truly humanoid souls were extremely rare. After all, condensing the elusive soul into a stable human form that could last for a long time was something even some Dou Zun level experts found difficult to achieve.
The 'Chen Xiao' who walked out of the room nodded slightly at Little Fairy Doctor but could not speak. He turned to look at the figure on the bed inside the room.
There, Chen Xiao's main body also got up. As his main body strode forward, the 'Chen Xiao' condensed from his soul also moved, heading towards his main body.
With each step he took, his body would shrink a little. By the time he reached his main body, he had transformed into a palm-sized ball of invisible light, which gently landed on his main body's forehead and disappeared without a trace in an instant.
The moment the soul re-entered Chen Xiao's brow, his body trembled slightly, and the soul's pressure that permeated the surroundings vanished instantly.
Raising his eyes to meet Little Fairy Doctor's gaze, Chen Xiao smiled faintly, his spirits high.
At this moment, he felt an unprecedented sense of clarity!
And it was only today that he truly had the confidence to look down upon those in the Dou Zong stage!
Before today, although Chen Xiao had many methods and trump cards, he only dared to compare himself with the geniuses of the major forces in the Central State. When he thought of people from ancient races, he always had reservations.
It wasn't that he lacked confidence, but rather that the foundation of the ancient races was too profound, and their geniuses could not be judged by ordinary standards.
But now, things were different. With his soul having entered the Spirit Realm, Chen Xiao could fearlessly face anyone below the Dou Zun level with his soul power alone!
"I remember Cao Ying mentioning before that a prerequisite for becoming an eighth-grade alchemist is a Spirit Realm soul. In this regard alone, you are no less than those eighth-grade alchemists."
Little Fairy Doctor's gaze was affectionate, her smile radiant.
It seemed that Chen Xiao's breakthrough brought her more joy than her own strength increasing.
"There aren't many eighth-grade alchemists on the continent, but there are quite a few people with Spirit Realm souls. Their breakthroughs have brought them immense improvements, but it's still not enough to dominate the continent."
Although the breakthrough was worth celebrating, thinking about the challenges ahead, the road was still long and arduous.
As the two were talking, they both sensed something and flashed out.
Upon coming outside, they saw the High Priest standing far away on a high platform.
"Emperor Heavenly Spirit Mortal, one realm, one heaven. Congratulations, young friend, on entering the Spirit Realm."
Listening to the High Priest's congratulations, Chen Xiao cupped his hands slightly.
It was both a courtesy and an expression of gratitude for his help.
Recalling his state during the breakthrough, the strange power that felt like the origin of his soul clearly could not have come from nowhere.
And within this Holy City, the only one who could provide help so silently was this unfathomable High Priest.
As he understood more and more, and his consciousness entered the great hall where the trial was held, meeting the two Saintesses from the past, Chen Xiao increasingly realized that the High Priest's words were full of loopholes.
However, what was more peculiar was that he did not feel the slightest bit of malice.
"High Priest, Cold Night is approaching. May I come in for a chat? I'd like to understand more about the trial."
Entering the Spirit Realm soul made Chen Xiao more confident.
Moreover, he now understood quite a bit, and it was time to focus on the trial.
It would be great if he could pass, as this would give him the opportunity to gain more fortuitous encounters from the Dream Realm.
If something went wrong midway, he could cut his losses in time and leave quickly, so as not to delay too long here.
"It seems you've made up your mind, young friend. Then I'll chat with you. I hope it will be of some help."
The High Priest nodded with a smile and took a step forward, landing in front of them.
Entering the house, Cold Night arrived as expected.
The moment the temperature plummeted, Little Fairy Doctor had already summoned the Netherworld Poison Flame, causing the temperature inside the room to quickly rise.
Chen Xiao invited the High Priest to sit down and, without beating around the bush, directly asked, "May I ask, High Priest, do you know the specific aspects of the trial left behind by that senior?"
Hearing this, the High Priest sighed, "Alas, although I am the High Priest of the Holy City, I don't actually know much about this trial. The specific information is probably only known by the Saintesses who have participated in the trial throughout the ages."
"What I know is only a general outline."
"It is said that the senior once obtained some inheritance related to formations and even bore the title of 'Formation Heaven Saint Hand.' When he appeared to rescue my White Tribe, he set up a great formation with a single gesture, trapping several top experts. Therefore, according to our speculation, there must be trials related to formations, and one must have talent in this area to obtain his inheritance."
"Regarding this point, young friend, you don't need to worry. It is said that mastery in one art leads to mastery in all arts. As far as I know, formations and alchemy share common ground, both requiring a high level of soul power. The stronger the soul power, the easier it is to learn."
Not only in formations, but in any aspect, people with stronger soul power have more advantages.
This is the benefit of having a powerful soul!
"I have read many ancient books and even studied the art of beast taming. I don't have a deeper understanding of formations, but there are some famous great formations in the current Dou Qi Continent. However, they seem to have fundamental differences from the formations the High Priest mentioned."
Chen Xiao frowned slightly.
He was aware of many of the major formations on the Dou Qi Continent.
The most common were the sect protection formations, which most forces with some background possessed.
Then there were formations like the Yun Yan Covering Sun Formation of the Yun Lan Sect.
Or, the Soul Clan's Spirit Devouring Life Annihilation Formation, secretly laid out in the Central State.
The deployment and activation of these formations required prior preparation, which was vastly different from the way the expert mentioned by the High Priest could casually set up a formation to trap enemies.
The expert's methods were more akin to those of the Spirit Formation Masters from the Great Thousand World.
Could it be that this person stumbled upon similar inheritances by chance?
"It's been too long, so I can't be sure. However, according to ancient records of our clan, the formation techniques of that senior were indeed unique."
"Apart from this potential formation challenge, the rest are more conventional. The stronger one's strength, the higher the probability of passing the trial. Within the same realm, the stronger the combat power, the greater the chance."
"In the past, whenever a Saintess underwent the trial, the High Priest of that era would have them leave a soul imprint to confirm their life or death. The stronger the combat power, the longer the soul imprint would last before dissipating, so this point can be confirmed."
Chen Xiao nodded slightly. A test of strength was within his expectations.
No top expert wanted their inheritance to fall into the hands of the mediocre.
In fact, many experts would rather have their ultimate skills buried with them than settle for an unsuitable successor.
"I see, so that's how the High Priest was able to determine that they had all perished from their dissipating soul imprints."
Without mentioning the two Saintesses he saw during his breakthrough, Chen Xiao seamlessly followed the High Priest's explanation, expanding his thoughts.
The High Priest nodded, "Precisely. If you are determined to participate in the trial, young friend, you must remember one thing: once the trial begins, it cannot be interrupted. You either pass the trial and accept the inheritance, or... you can only remain within it forever."
Chen Xiao was not surprised by this.
The inheritance of a top expert was incredibly precious, so having only one chance was indeed normal.
If one could repeatedly attempt it, then someone would eventually pass through sheer persistence, which would be too much of a mockery.
"High Priest, can two people enter the trial together?" Little Fairy Doctor interjected into the conversation, which was rare.
As long as the conditions allowed, she didn't want to be separated from Chen Xiao.
Although she knew Chen Xiao had the means to retreat safely, waiting alone outside was still an ordeal.
"Yes, but after entering the trial, the difficulty you face will increase significantly. This is because the trial's difficulty is based on your strength; the stronger you are, the higher the difficulty. Unless you are as in sync as Qing Huan and Xing Yao, having an extra person does not offer an advantage. Therefore, I suggest you enter one after the other."
Upon hearing this, Chen Xiao also nodded.
He and Little Fairy Doctor definitely couldn't be separated.
After all, he only had one pre-emptive chance left. If they encountered insurmountable danger, being together would allow them to leave together.
However, this meant it would be impossible to bring Qing Huan and the others with them, so he would have to find another opportunity later.
Therefore, it was best to pass the trial and emerge safely from the testing grounds.
"One last question, how do we participate in the trial?"
"It's very simple. Please look here. Outside Tinglan City stands a stone monument, behind which lies a hidden space. From here, you can enter the trial grounds at any time," the High Priest said, taking out a map and pointing.
Tinglan City was tens of thousands of miles away from the Holy City, separated by over a dozen cities and numerous mountain ranges. Those with insufficient strength couldn't even reach it within a hundred miles.
"I'll give you this map as well. Not many people in the Dream Realm know about the trial, but in Tinglan City, there are a few individuals who do. If you have any doubts, you can inquire with them later."
Chen Xiao nodded his thanks.
He had asked all his questions, and the night passed quickly.
When the extreme cold subsided and daylight returned, the High Priest rose to take his leave without lingering.
Chen Xiao stood at the doorway, watching the High Priest's receding figure until he finally retracted his gaze.
"Did you discover any other problems?"
Little Fairy Doctor put away the Netherworld Poison Flame and leaned against him, her familiarity with Chen Xiao's state evident.
Chen Xiao nodded slightly. Only now did he have the chance to recount the scene he witnessed with his consciousness during his breakthrough yesterday to Little Fairy Doctor.
"It's not just that. The more the High Priest talks, the more he does, the more flaws appear. For example, his self-address. I remember he referred to himself as 'this seat' yesterday, but today he called us 'young friends.' While he was very polite, upon closer thought, there are problems everywhere. Sometimes I can't help but wonder if he's not afraid of our suspicion at all."
A person who is so casual is either guilt-free or has everything under control and is confident they can manage everything.
However, the High Priest's strength was undeniable. In fact, in Chen Xiao's perception, the High Priest was like a candle in the wind, likely facing his end within another decade or so.
"Compared to this High Priest, I'm more surprised that the Saintess Qiwu from ten thousand years ago is still alive. I remember Qing Huan and Xing Yao saying that she was already a Dou Zun when she 'perished.' After another ten thousand years, her strength has likely reached an extraordinary level!" Little Fairy Doctor frowned slightly.
On the Dou Qi Continent, reaching the Dou Zun realm allowed one to easily live for over a thousand years. Dou Sheng experts, as long as they weren't extremely unlucky, could live for several thousand years with ease.
But ten thousand years...
That was on a different scale.
If Chen Xiao hadn't said it himself, Little Fairy Doctor would have found it hard to believe it was true.
Over such a long period, let alone someone as naturally gifted as a Saintess, even an ordinary person, if they could survive, could transform into a top expert through the accumulation of years!
"What she said to you is also interesting. According to her, Saintess Xuanyin shot herself in the foot. She clearly did something to you, or secretly helped you, but your consciousness intruding disrupted her plan. Yet, we've only been in the Dream Realm for three days, and we've interacted with very few people. We've only heard of Saintess Xuanyin through Qing Huan and the others."
Listening to Little Fairy Doctor's analysis, Chen Xiao couldn't help but nod slightly.
That's true!
This small world is shrouded in mist.
"Let's not worry about that for now. Since we know where the trial grounds are, we should go check them out first. No matter what, I have to experience that trial."
Pushing aside his doubts for the moment, Chen Xiao spoke.
The follow-up to the advance payment of the Purple Spirit Cold Qi required completing the trial.
He hadn't yet encountered the Heavenly Demon Puppets he knew about before entering.
Coupled with the Bone Spirit Cold Flame he'd seen with his consciousness, the trial held immense allure for Chen Xiao. He absolutely refused to leave like this.
"So, shall we head out now?" Little Fairy Doctor nodded gently.
"Let's wait a moment. We don't have any acquaintances in this Holy City. These past few days, we've been indebted to those two little Saintesses. Following the pattern of the last two days, they'll likely come over again. We should say goodbye to them."
As soon as Little Fairy Doctor finished speaking, she saw two fiery figures appear at the end of the street.
One was hopping and skipping ahead, seemingly possessing boundless energy.
The other followed quietly behind, forming a stark contrast.
"If we take them out, what do you plan to do with them?"
Chen Xiao hadn't really thought about this question carefully.
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