Life Talisman

*Clack!* Having searched to no avail, the Grand Shaman pondered for a brief moment before gently pressing the stone disc into the recess. *Click, click...* Without requiring any further action from them, the stone disc suddenly began spinning on its own, turning faster and faster. *Rumble...* The next instant, the massive slabs of stone slowly parted to both sides, opening a doorway before the group. Witnessing this, everyone exchanged glances. None of them had expected the stone hall to open so easily. Not daring to be careless, they did not recklessly rush in. Instead, each summoned their own magic treasures for protection, staring intently into the hall in full battle readiness. The stone hall was pitch-black and deathly still. An unknown restriction seemed to lie within, blocking their spiritual senses from peering inside. The Grand Shaman hesitated briefly and signaled for the others to remain outside. Just as she was about to step into the stone hall, the Dead Leaf Cicada flashed to the front. In an indifferent tone, Old Devil Fang said, "Your evasion techniques are inferior to mine. I'll scout the path. However, let me make things clear upfront: if what you're looking for isn't here, I will leave immediately. As for the conditions you promised me earlier..." The Grand Shaman waved her hand to cut him off and replied in a deep voice, "Fellow Daoist Fang, you need not worry. Regardless of the outcome, I will fulfill my promise." "Good!" The Dead Leaf Cicada flew silently into the stone hall and vanished from their sight. *** Before the Hall of Seven Kills, on the White Jade Square. The entrance to the Inner Hall was now open. Lingzhuzi's gaze swept over the gathered Nascent Soul Patriarchs. "Since the Inner Hall is masterless, this poor Daoist shall take the liberty of stepping forward. I presume every fellow Daoist is familiar with the rules of the Trial Realm. Across the Canglang Sea, every cultivator who has successfully reached the Nascent Soul stage has a single opportunity to enter the Trial Realm. Fellow Daoists, if you have not yet undergone the trial and intend to enter the Trial Realm this time, please step forward." A moment later, more than twenty cultivators stepped forward together from the front row of Nascent Soul cultivators. Seeing this, a hint of surprise appeared in Lingzhuzi's eyes, and he remarked in astonishment, "The number of fellow Daoists participating in the trial this time is actually greater than in previous openings. Fellow Daoist Wenxian, if I recall correctly, it has been barely forty years since your Nascent Soul breakthrough. Is it not too hasty to take part in the trial so soon?" Lingzhuzi looked toward a Daoist and questioned him frankly. The Daoist carried a Seven Stars sword on his back and possessed ancient, striking features. He seemed to share some past connection with Lingzhuzi, as he first offered a respectful Daoist bow before answering, "Rumors are rampant in the outside world that the intervals between the openings of the Hall of Seven Kills are shrinking because the immortal restriction is shifting. No one knows what unforeseen upheavals the future may bring. Even if this poor Daoist were to practice bitter cultivation for several centuries more, I would only have a slim hope of passing the Trial Realm—and whether the Trial Realm will even still exist by then is an unknown. I merely worry that if I miss this chance, I will never have another opportunity to undertake the trial. Even if I fail to obtain any rewards, broadening my horizons is good enough..." "Indeed. We share the same concerns as Daoist Wenxian. If we continue to wait, the Hall of Seven Kills might cease to exist entirely. You two Daoists certainly understand the Hall of Seven Kills far better than the rest of us. Could you disclose a thing or two about why these successive changes keep occurring?" Other Nascent Soul cultivators spoke up in agreement with Daoist Wenxian. Some looked toward Lingzhuzi, while others glanced toward the Demon Master. Lingzhuzi chuckled. "The Trial Realm was established by our predecessors by drawing upon the power of the immortal restriction, a blessing bestowed upon later generations. Once formed, no one can alter it. Moreover, the depths of the Inner Hall are layered with ancient restrictions, concealing countless secrets within. The areas explored by us human cultivators do not even amount to ten or twenty percent. What this poor Daoist knows is no more than what you all know. However, according to my observations, aside from the shortened interval between its emergences, the Hall of Seven Kills shows no other abnormalities. The timing of the Inner Hall's emergence was never fixed in the first place; the fluctuations have simply been slightly larger these past two times. The more frequently the Hall of Seven Kills appears, the more opportunities we have to enter the Inner Hall. That may not necessarily be a bad thing..." Hearing these words, the Nascent Soul cultivators fell into deep contemplation, yet none chose to withdraw. Lingzhuzi paused before continuing, "Since fellow Daoists have made up your minds, please enter through the side door on the right..." Before he could finish, someone abruptly interrupted him. "Wait!" A plump old man offered Lingzhuzi a Daoist bow. "Daoist Lingzhu, this old man wishes to forfeit my trial and grant this qualification to a junior." Lingzhuzi said with a hint of puzzlement, "Fellow Daoist Mu, your junior is free to enter the Trial Realm to temper herself without restriction... Wait. Could it be that you wish to..." The plump old man nodded. "Indeed. This old man remembers a rule of the Trial Realm: if I forfeit my qualification, it can be exchanged for a Life Talisman to bestow upon a junior." As soon as these words were spoken, a commotion broke out among the crowd. A grey-robed old man beside him marveled repeatedly, "Old Ghost Mu, no wonder you brought that girl along! Everyone gets only one chance in their life to take part in the trial, yet you're actually willing to give it up!" The plump old man replied candidly, "Had the Hall of Seven Kills emerged at its normal interval, waiting another century or two would have given this old man some hope of claiming a reward. Forcing my way in right now would merely squander my chance in vain." "Fellow Daoist Mu, that is not entirely correct. Even if you fail to obtain a reward, entering the Trial Realm once would still bring you benefits. Over the years, those who made the same choice as you have been few and far between," Lingzhuzi said, shaking his head in an attempt to dissuade him. The plump old man cupped his hands. "This old man's resolve is set. I ask Daoist Lingzhu to instruct me on how to condense the Life Talisman." Seeing his determination, Lingzhuzi pressed no further and pointed toward the plaque. "Fellow Daoist, do as follows..." The plump old man stepped forward and reached his hand into the pillar of light. Moments later, the light pillar brightened slightly, and a speck of azure light flew out from the plaque, descending slowly into his palm. It was a translucent jade plaque. In the center of the jade plaque was a striking, blood-red ancient character: *Life*. A look of delight surfaced on the plump old man's face. He stepped down the dais and handed the Life Talisman to the young maiden. Only then did the maiden realize the tremendous price her grandfather had paid to pave a path for her. She clutched the Life Talisman tightly in her fair hand, her gaze resolute. Gaze after gaze of envy fell upon the maiden. Though the vast majority had no idea what the Life Talisman was used for, something that required a Nascent Soul Patriarch to surrender their qualification in exchange was bound to serve an extraordinary purpose in the Trial Realm. She had a Nascent Soul senior protecting her. That was something one could not envy even if they tried. Qin Sang listened to the murmurs of the surrounding cultivators, but could glean no clear explanation, which showed just how rare this Life Talisman truly was and how few people knew about it. "Fellow Daoists, please..." Lingzhuzi gestured with an inviting hand. The Nascent Soul cultivators preparing to participate in the trial filed into the Hall of Seven Kills one after another. Before the hall's entrance stood an invisible screen of light. Whenever someone stepped through, the light screen shimmered faintly, and their figure vanished from sight. Once the last Nascent Soul Patriarch had entered the hall, Lingzhuzi looked at the crowd of Core Formation cultivators and said flatly, "Given your cultivation, wandering aimlessly in the Inner Hall would be no different from seeking death. According to the rules, only Core Formation cultivators who complete at least three trials will gain recognition. Therefore, if you wish to enter the Inner Hall, you must first enter the Trial Realm."