Chapter 1688A – Taunt
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All of the heavenly materials Lin Ming ate had been slowly absorbed by him during his prolonged battle. Slowly, the essence of these materials subtly integrated into his body.
In truth, to the current Lin Ming whose mortal body, soul, and inner world were already extremely powerful, these heavenly materials weren't too advantageous.
To Lin Ming, the most precious things he obtained was the harvest he made in the Laws during those seemingly endless battles.
The opponents he faced in the Gate of Laws all had different combat methods, utilizing different Laws. After experiencing the might of these Laws, Lin Ming was able to broaden his horizons and obtain a far greater harvest.
In particular, during his final battle with the Black Asura, which gave Lin Ming an even deeper understanding of the Asura Heavenly Dao. However, all of this required time to digest.
Although Lin Ming seemed unconscious, the truth was that all sorts of fragments of the Great Dao Laws were submerged in his spiritual sea, slowly fusing into his very being and giving him new understandings.
As Lin Ming was continuing his trial, what was happening outside the Gate of Laws, on the third level of the final trial, was a completely different scene altogether.
The first group of people who successfully reached the third level were the weakest of the trial challengers. They were people who chose the easiest mortal step level difficulty, and within the mortal step level difficulty, one only needed to cross the aerial bridge to pass. There was no need to step onto the ancient continent and battle the numerous opponents that manifested from the Laws of the 33 Heavens.
As such, they only needed 3-4 days to pass the Gate of Laws. Afterwards, they could obtain their rewards and enter the fourth level.
But this fourth level was far more perilous than the last two levels! There was a dramatic rise in difficulty!
On the fourth level, it could be said that every step was filled with murderous intent, every step was a life or death crisis!
After a good number of trial challengers perished, many others decided to give up continuing the final trial and return to the third level. After all, these people were all extraordinary individuals of their respective influences and they had a glorious future awaiting them. After they visited the fourth level they realized that with their strength, they were far more likely to die than to survive. For them, they definitely wouldn't go there just to die in vain.
Without a doubt, the final trial had many great lucky chances within. But if one didn't even have their life, what use were these lucky chances?
So, more and more people returned to the third level. The third level was a place without danger; it was only meant for trial challengers to receive their rewards and rest. These people planned to wait here until the end of the final trial arrived. At that time, they would all be collectively teleported back to the inner Asura Road, at some random place above the Asura Sea.
And at this time, the Gate of Laws began to slowly spin as another batch of trial challengers emerged.
The one leading the group was a high-spirited young man wearing a star crown – he was the Divine Void Third Crown Prince!
"Your Highness Crown Prince!"
As the Divine Void Third Crown Prince appeared, many people who came from influences closely related to Divine Void Divine Kingdom came to greet him.
"Congratulations Crown Prince Your Highness on obtaining victory and perfectly passing the trial!"
Someone immediately sensed the mood and began to flatter him as much as he could. Just by looking at the Crown Prince's energetic and happy expression, one could correctly guess that his trial had gone smoothly.
And in fact, he wasn't wrong. The Divine Void Crown Prince had obtained the highest completion percent possible in the earth-step difficulty at 36%.
"Indeed, this level of accomplishment is truly worthy of Your Highne
highness the crown prince! i think that your highness's earth-step difficulty was far too low, perhaps the heaven-step difficulty would have been just right, haha!"
after confirming that the divine void crown prince had indeed perfectly passed, many people began to compliment him. however, the divine void crown prince's smile didn't last too long. soon after, the gate of laws shook once more.
bigflame, the direct disciple of heavenly union divine kingdom's divine emperor had appeared.
bigflame also had a wide smile on his rotund face. it was clear to everyone that he too had perfectly passed the trial. this left the divine void crown prince frowning a little. when he was undergoing the earth-step difficulty, the process hadn't been too easy for him. he was originally hoping to roll over bigflame with his score, but now it seemed they had both emerged even with each other.
for a time, the third crown prince and bigflame became the focus of the entire audience. the two of them could be said to be brimming with success. although the earth-step difficulty was only the second level of difficulty, it wasn't simple at all. perfectly passing was an extremely difficult task and even many proud children of heaven from the various great influences here had only completed a part of it.
for the two to perfectly pass, they would be praised once they returned to their respective true divinity holy lands.
at this time, suya, mo brightmoon, and the others were all looking towards the blood red asura level difficulty exit from the gate of laws. in such a festive atmosphere, the two of them were actually feeling worried and anxious.
because of their profound trust in lin ming, even though he had chosen the asura level difficulty that no one had passed in billions of years, they still anticipated a miracle to occur.
lin ming had been far too hasty in choosing the asura level difficulty. before others had enough time to fully explain to him the situation, the gate of laws had opened and sucked him in.
they didn't think lin ming could complete much of the asura level difficulty. as long as he passed through alive, they would already be thanking the heavens and earth.
"what is it? junior-apprentice sister suya, do you have any troubles on your mind?"
a light voice echoed out, causing suya to frown. she turned to see a robed man walking towards her with a smile on his face. this person was duke fullmoon!
duke fullmoon had chosen the earth-step difficulty. although he didn't perfectly complete it, his performance had been adequate and he had obtained a great many things from the battles. from this alone, duke fullmoon was more than satisfied.
although the third crown prince and bigflame were the two who blossomed in splendor within the gate of laws trial, duke fullmoon was still in an extremely good mood. at this time, he held onto a folding fan, slowly fanning himself with an imposing expression on his face.
he certainly knew what suya was worrying about. the reason he deliberately brought it up was to bring suya down a notch.
he remembered that at the start of the divine rune city auction, when he met suya at the entrance, suya had treated him coldly because of lin ming's presence.
duke fullmoon had kept this memory to heart.
"its nothing."
suya's voice was cold and desolate, as if she didn't care about duke fullmoon's presence at all.
duke fullmoon thought little of it. he chuckled and said, "what, are you still thinking that lin ming will come out alive? it seems that junior-apprentice sister suya really has a deep affection towards this lin ming. but what a pity… heroes in their youth simply do not know their own weight. to choose the asura difficulty so recklessly just to win the attention of others, and yet the result is that no one cares about him. all his grandstanding has come to nothing…"
duke fullmoon smiled, his eyes sweeping over everyone else
Nearly everyone was gathered around the Divine Void Third Crown Prince and Bigflame. Indeed, no one cared about Lin Ming.
In this final trial, Lin Ming wasn't able to arouse much interest at all. After all, these people weren't familiar with him and only knew he was the creator of the 'Lin' logo divine runic symbols.
When Lin Ming chose the Asura level difficulty, the others were startled, but that was all. After a moment, they realized Lin Ming was just putting on an act and he likely had some mental problems. Soon, everyone put this matter at the back of their minds. Now, they were all busy trying to be on good terms with the Third Crown Prince and Bigflame. The Third Crown Prince and Bigflame both came from True Divinity level influences and their talent was also extremely good. If those here could be on good terms with them, this relationship might be of help to them in the future.
As the Third Crown Prince and Bigflame were surrounded by a crowd of people, they slowly floated upwards. They were about to choose their own immortal palace reward.
But at this time, the Gate of Laws violently shook once more.
A blue-clothed woman flew out from the Gate of Laws!
Her clothes floated behind her and her entire body shined with pale blue Law runes. She was like an immortal fairy exiled from the highest nine heavens.
This person was Soul Empress Sheng Mei!
She had perfectly passed the heaven-step smelting trial difficulty. Not just that, but her clothes were unstained and her appearance was otherworldly. It was clear she still had a great deal of strength remaining!
Everyone was stunned. They soon looked up at her.
"Sheng Mei! She came from the heaven-step difficulty!"
"Too fierce! Look at her unbothered appearance, it seems she has perfectly completed it!"
Some people cried out in alarm. But Sheng Mei didn't bother with these people. Instead, as soon as she appeared, she flew directly towards an immortal palace.
The immortal palace she chose was as large as a mountain. The one she chose was a second-rank immortal palace!
Woosh!
Soul Empress Sheng Mei flew into the immortal palace without stopping at all. The entire process was like a comet passing through the skies, free and easy, filled with beauty.
"She is truly worthy of being called Soul Empress Sheng Mei. Even after completing the heaven-step difficulty she is still so calm. We are far inferior to the likes of her," the Divine Void Crown Prince whispered, his face still as happy and joyful as a spring breeze. He didn't envy Sheng Mei's results at all, because he and Sheng Mei never stood on the same plane to begin with. So, there was no reason to compare himself with her.
She was someone who stood at the peak of the entire soul race. Within every spiritas of the 33 Heavens, she was the highest status woman there was. She was a character that could stand on par with Soul Emperor Divine Void, so there was no meaning in competing with her.
"Haha, Crown Prince is too modest. Soul Empress Sheng Mei is a divine being, but if the Crown Prince is compared to Soul Empress Sheng Mei, the differences aren't too great! Crown Prince can still show disdain for all other heroes!"
Many people began to flatter once more. They couldn't match up to Sheng Mei, but they could establish relations with the Divine Void Crown Prince. So, when Sheng Mei appeared, she didn't steal the limelight of the Divine Void Crown Prince.
As many people were speaking, the Gate of Laws shook once more.
Chapter 1688B – The Shadow In the Vortex
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Everyone was stunned and looked towards the Gate of Laws. They saw that it was the exit of the heaven-step difficulty that was shaking.
"Mm? Someone else came out?"
Before everyone had time to respond, a black-clothed young girl came hurtling out!
This young girl had a simple and beautiful appearance. Her body was slender and her complexion was only slightly pale. There was a bit of blood that stained her clothes.
It was clear it hadn't been easy for her to pass the Gate of Laws!
This young girl that looked to be 17-18 years old was actually Xiao Moxian!
"Eh… she also passed?"
Many people were surprised. They originally believed that if Xiao Moxian were to enter the heaven-step difficulty, the chances were she would have more misfortune than good luck. But they never imagined she would successfully pass the trial.
"It isn't strange. If I enter the heaven-step difficulty I can also pass, but my completion percent would be far too low. The benefits simply aren't worth the cost," the Divine Void Crown Prince suddenly spoke at this time.
Although it sounded like he was boasting, he was actually correct. If he could perfectly complete the earth-step difficulty, that meant that even though he could pass the heaven-step difficulty, he would at most obtain a 40-50% completion rate. But with this completion rate, the rewards wouldn't be as good as perfectly completing the earth-step difficult.
"That woman was with Lin Ming, right?"
"Yes, she's likely Lin Ming's woman. I really underestimated her. Even so, look at her… It seems she has reached her limits. She probably barely passed."
"Haha, that might not be so." The Divine Void Crown Prince shook his head. As he looked at Xiao Moxian, there was a hint of appreciation in her eyes. "It's already impressive for her to pass the heaven-step difficulty. Now, I'm curious as to what her completion percent is. 20%? 30%? Or perhaps she just barely managed to pass?"
"Little sister Xian'er, are you okay!?"
Seeing Xiao Moxian's bloodstained clothes, Mo Brightmoon felt her heart tighten. When Xiao Moxian had chosen the heaven-step difficulty, she had indeed felt nervous. But because she had experienced Xiao Moxian's strength, she knew that even though Xiao Moxian couldn't compare to Sheng Mei, she should still be able to survive the Gate of Laws without a problem.
Now, she saw Xiao Moxian come out. Although it seemed Xiao Moxian had approached her limits, at least she was safe and well. Mo Brightmoon could finally relax.
"I'm good." Xiao Moxian gripped her fists. Although her tumbling blood vitality was in an extremely poor state, she still had an excited expression on her face.
"Little sister Xian'er, you must make haste and adjust your condition."
Suya quickly took out a wound recovery pill. She and Mo Brightmoon didn't ask about Xiao Moxian's completion percent. This was not the right time to ask about such matters. Xiao Moxian's wounds came first, and they were also still worried about Lin Ming.
"Really, women are no inferior to men. I must say I admire her…"
Duke Fullmoon rubbed his chin, watching Xiao Moxian with a brilliant light in his eyes.
This woman's talent was far too amazing. Even though she barely passed, she still surpassed over 95% of those present!
Moreover, she had outstanding looks. This caused Duke Fullmoon to feel not so good in his heart. How had such a good piece of cabbage been grabbed up by a pig? That boy Lin Ming was far too blessed when it came to women!
Luckily, Lin Ming was far too stupid and entered the Asura level difficulty like the fool he was. Chances were, he had already died by now. If this was true, this woman was now alone!
Thinking of this, Duke Fullmoon began to develop tempting thoughts. He thought of taking Xiao Moxian under his wings. Since he was rising to fame, he needed to build up his own power and forces. If he could capture Xiao Moxian's body and mind, she would undoubtedly be an excellent dual cultivation partner. Not only could he drink deep in his lust for her, but it would also be a great help for himself.
"This miss is called Xian'er, right? What amazing abilities you have! It seems we have had some misunderstandings before, but to meet today in the final trial could be called a stroke of luck. As they say, you won't know someone unless you fight them. No matter what problems we've had in the past with each other, allow me take the initiative to apologize for anything I might have done wrong. How about we clean away any past animosities we might have?"
Xiao Moxian was already sitting down, about to enter meditation to restore her wounds. After she received Suya's pill and was about to swallow it down, she heard this disgusting and repugnant voice sound out in her ears. As she looked up, she saw Duke Fullmoon swinging his fan, looking down at her with a proud and happy expression.
It was like Xiao Moxian had just finished a wonderful meal, and just as she was basking in the enjoyment of it, she discovered a giant fly on her plate. Not only did any happy feelings she had had disappear, but she was even a little enraged.
"You want to apologize? Isn't your skin too thick? Who do you think you are? I don't even remember who you are," Xiao Moxian icily said, not bothering with Duke Fullmoon.
"Haha, Miss Xian'er is too playful. Don't we martial artists have photographic memories? How could Miss Xian'er possibly not remember me?" Duke Fullmoon said, putting on his most noble and elegant demeanor. Since he had thoughts of taking in this woman, he naturally had to endure her temper a little.
But who knew that Xiao Moxian wouldn't fall for his act? She ignored him, treating him as if he was nothing more than empty air.
Xiao Moxian swallowed the pill and started to meditate.
Duke Fullmoon frowned. Even he had limited patience. In front of so many people, Xiao Moxian had done the same as slapping him across the face. He naturally didn't feel good about this.
He spoke, his voice much icier, "Smart birds and beasts know where to make their home, and wise men understand their circumstances. You aren't counting on your lover leaving the Gate of Laws, right? Hehe! If he kept a little lower profile, with his little cheap tricks in the divine runic arts he might have caused some small influences to have some interest in him. But what a pity…"
Duke Fullmoon coldly sneered.
But this sneer actually caused a deep killing intent to flash in Xiao Moxian's eyes. She was originally a daughter of the demon and monster race, and towards her enemies, she would feel no pity, nor would she show mercy. In particular, this Duke Fullmoon had actually touched upon her reverse scale of rage, cursing Lin Ming to die!
It had to be known that even though Xiao Moxian had 120% confidence in Lin Ming, this final trial was still established by the Asura Road Master. The difficulty Lin Ming chose was the hardest one there was, so how could it be easy to pass?
Xiao Moxian feared Lin Ming would try to chase perfection and choose to challenge some test that surpassed his limits, finally meeting danger. As Xiao Moxian heard Duke Fullmoon speak such words, a deep and profound killing intent began to swell up within her!
She subconsciously traced her spatial ring. But this action caused Suya's heart to skip a beat. Suya quickly stopped Xiao Moxian by saying, "Little sister Xian'er, don't be impulsive. There are many people here, you absolutely cannot start a fight!"
Duke Fullmoon's complexion had completely darkened. He finally became aware that this woman belonged to Lin Ming until her death and would never submit to anyone else. If so, he was done being kind to her.
"You want to kill me? How interesting! It seems you would rather do things the hard way! I urge you to consider your circumstances some more. With your strength and your background, do you have the capital to contend with me? If that little beast Lin Ming were still alive and the Divine Runic Masters Guild was here to support you, I might fear you a little. But now, who else do you have?"
As Duke Fullmoon spoke, the Gate of Laws trembled once more.
Duke Fullmoon was startled. He turned to look. At this strange time, just who would come out? As Duke Fullmoon saw what was happening, surprise flitted across his face. This time, it was the exit to the Asura level difficulty that was shaking!
For a time, the noisy crowd calmed down. Even the Crown Prince and Bigflame who were ready to soar towards their immortal palace rewards stopped, surprised that there was something occurring at the exit to the Asura level difficulty.
The deep red Gate of Laws was the color of blood. It's shaking was abnormal. Not only did violent surges of energy start spinning around, but even the power of Laws nearby stirred up.
The feeling it gave off was as if there was a terrifying storm developing w within the Gate of Laws!
"There's a change in the Asura level gate, or could it be…"
The Divine Void Crown Prince felt his heart turn cold. This sort of feeling was as if there was a problem itself with the Asura level gate! As if some extraordinary accident was about to occur!
As for the words yet to be spoken, he didn't finish them. He thought it might be Lin Ming coming out, but he soon overruled these thoughts.
As the Divine Void Crown Prince's voice fell, all of the other martial artists immediately raised their guards. In the final trial, anything was possible. If there was a problem with the Asura level gate, it could be a multitude of things. For instance, there could be a terrifying flow of energy rushing out, or it could even be some of the powerful enemies used to test trial challengers! Nothing would be strange!
In this sort of situation, no one was willing to bet their lives on chance. In particular, the weaker young elites began to retreat.
And at this time, with a loud bang, an explosion that shook the heavens and earth blew out. The Asura level gate violently detonated!
A savage flux of energy swept out. All of the martial artists outside were surprised. They quickly raised shields of true essence or astral essence to protect themselves, but many of them were still sent flying backwards.
There were some of them that already planned to turn tail and run. Even the Divine Void Crown Prince and the others were completely vigilant of their surroundings.
As for that violent flux of energy, it didn't last for long. It soon gathered back together, converging at the Asura level gate, forming a blood red vortex!
Everyone was bewildered. As they looked towards that blood red vortex, they immediately saw a silhouette appear. This person had disheveled hair and ruined clothes, slowly stepping out and dragging a spear behind him. Every step this person took seemed to resonate with the heartbeats of all martial artists outside!
The flexible armor covering his body had been shattered to pieces and his boots were nothing but strips of barely intact cloth. It was hard to imagine what sort of ruinous battle he had just been in. But in contrast to his harried appearance, his eyes flashed like bolts of lightning in the night sky. Even the blood red light of the Asura level gate was unable to cover up the blinding light of his spirit!
His eyes shook everyone present, as if they were all seen through by him.
The moment this person's shadow appeared, Duke Fullmoon froze like statue. For a long time, the only movement was his wildly twitching throat. He gulped again and again, and then finally said with a trembling voice, "That person… that man… that is Lin Ming!??!"
"Lin Ming! The Divine Runic Masters Guild's Lin Ming!"
Many people cried out together with Duke Fullmoon.
Lin Ming had come out! He had come out from the Asura level difficulty Gate of Laws!?
This was… unbelievable!
In this moment, as Suya saw Lin Ming, her eyes became wet. Her understanding of Lin Ming was far worse than Xiao Moxian's. She originally thought Lin Ming's chances of survival were slim, with nine chances of death and one chance of life. But now that she saw Lin Ming appear, she was ecstatic!
Lin Ming's completion percent was unimportant. As long as he could emerge alive, that was all that mattered.
"Big Brother Lin, you really passed!"
Xiao Moxian happily shouted. She ran towards Lin Ming and flew into his arms like a gust of wind.
According to what she knew of Lin Ming, since Lin Ming was able to come out, he would inevitably have obtained a massive harvest from the Asura level difficulty. Lin Ming's character was that of one who didn't concede easily. No matter what he tried to do, as long as he did it he would put his all into it!
"Big Brother Lin..." At this time, Xiao Moxian sniffed. Even though she was confident in Lin Ming, emotions were irrational. She feared that Lin Ming might have experienced some accident. Only upon feeling Lin Ming's warm and solid chest did she feel relieved.
"I'm fine." Lin Ming gently rubbed Xiao Moxian's head. He let out a long sigh. This trial hadn't been easy at all. Facing the Black Asura's last attack, he had nearly lost his life then and there.
Chapter 1689 – Flying Towards the Immortal Palace
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Suya naturally couldn't show such open emotions like Xiao Moxian. With Lin Ming's safe return, she tried to remain as calm and serene on the outside as she could.
"Sir Lin, thank the heavens and earth you managed to come out safely."
Mo Brightmoon also came forwards. She asked with concern, "Lin Ming, are you wounded?"
Looking at Lin Ming's appearance, it was hard to imagine what sort of brutal battle he had just undergone. That sort of scene must have been shocking.
Behind Mo Brightmoon, Fanny Fafa and Thousand Slaughter also rushed up to congratulate Lin Ming.
Thousand Slaughter heavily patted Lin Ming's shoulder, not saying anything. Although they had only met some time ago, he and Lin Ming had fought side-by-side and there was some camaraderie between them.
Lin Ming's teammates and friends, all of them celebrated his arrival. As for the other martial artists, they were still stewing in their shock, unable to regain their composure.
The storm in the Asura level gate just now was unusually fierce and wild, leaving all of them panic-stricken. They never imagined the real reason for this storm was that Lin Ming had completed the Asura level Gate of Laws trial.
Asura level difficulty. It had already been unknown billions of years since anyone had chosen this path. No one knew just what sort of scene would occur after passing it.
"How can this be… he's clearly a divine runic master, and learning the divine runic arts requires a massive amount of time. In particular, to reach Lin Ming's level in the divine runic arts required an incredibly long time. I heard he has a skeletal age of a hundred years and his divine runic arts have reached unbelievable heights, so how can his individual strength be so abnormal? Can he really be some old monster in disguise?"
Old monster? There's no need to lie to us! There's no meaning in doing so anyways. Don't forget, the higher your skeletal age in this trial, the more difficult the trials will be that you face. If you think Lin Ming is really an old master, could he pass the Asura level trial?"
It was unknown who said this, but the hearts of everyone suddenly went cold!
That's right! If there was a martial artist over 10,000 years of age that stepped upon the ancient continent and faced the manifestations of Laws here, the opponents they would face might be at the Empyrean level!
To fight Empyrean after Empyrean, just who could withstand that?
The Gate of Laws smelting trial was the same as confirming Lin Ming's age. So, everyone that suspected Lin Ming's talent wasn't able to say a single thing to him.
"This brat!" Duke Fullmoon's lips twitched, his heart burning with anger. "He just barely managed to pass that trial in such a miserable condition. He injured himself in order to crawl into the limelight and show off, and yet to do so he gave up his chance of perfectly passing! What's there to be proud of!?"
Duke Fullmoon's jealousy towards Lin Ming had already reached the pinnacle. He was well aware that no matter what Lin Ming's completion percentage was, his talent had surpassed his own by a great amount.
Duke Fullmoon's words were not approved by anyone else. In the world of martial artists, those with strength had status, those with strength had respect!
Some people sighed beside Duke Fullmoon. "Even if his completion percentage is zero, that is also too freaking amazing. I fear even the Divine Void Third Crown Prince or Bigflame wouldn't have the courage to say they could enter the Asura level difficulty and come out alive, even with zero completion percentage. Moreover, Lin Ming is a divine runic master, so combat is for him something he only does on the side…"
Many people repeatedly mentioned Lin Ming's attainments as a divine runic master. But they couldn't help but do this; his skills in the divine runic arts were too well known.
As these words fell into Duke Fullmoon's ears, he felt them extremely grating to hear. However, there were some people that agreed with Duke Fullmoon; for instance, the Divine Void Third Crown Prince and Bigflame.
They were originally the leading heroes of this final trial. And because they had perfectly completed the earth-step Gate of Laws, there were many people that gathered around them to flatter them. They had been in high spirits this entire time, but now Lin Ming's appearance had snatched away their limelight and also struck them in the face.
Now it seemed that their self-satisfied accomplishments, everything that they were so excited and ecstatic over, was the same as the plays of a clown.
They could lose to Soul Empress Sheng Mei; that was the natural state of affairs. But they would not allow themselves to lose to a junior like Lin Ming.
"If you can't obtain any completion percentage, it's useless anyways! The rewards of the final trial are decided by the completion percentage you have at the end. If your completion percentage is low, what meaning is there in even attempting it?" The Third Crown Prince coldly snorted.
Bigflame also lowered his voice as he said, "I also want to know just how many completion percentage points this grandstanding fellow has."
There were no eternal friends or enemies, only eternal benefits.
Bigflame and the Third Crown Prince originally hated the sight of each other, but that was because they were both struggling to take the spotlight in this final trial and become the top person here. That would be the greatest honor for them and also the greatest honor for their sect. Their struggles here were the same as their struggles for their own future.
But now, their limelight had been stolen by Lin Ming, so what use was it to continue struggling against each other?
As such, Lin Ming had now become their common unifying enemy. The two of them immediately band banded together to present a unified front.
At this time, Lin Ming was talking with Suya, Mo Brightmoon, and the others. He just learned from Suya what the reward for the Gate of Laws was. As he looked up, he could see the countless immortal palaces that filled the skies!
These immortal palaces filled the heavens like stars. There were large ones and small ones, all of them in varied styles and sizes.
"Lin Ming, if you wish to enter the immortal palaces you will need a sufficient completion percentage."
"Even the lowest level one, the immortal palaces the size of a thatched hut, require at least a 30% completion. But the imperial palace sized immortal palaces, they require 35%!"
"As for the mountain-sized immortal palaces that Sheng Mei entered, they require a 40% completion!"
As Suya spoke, she looked at Lin Ming with some worry in her eyes. She was afraid Lin Ming wouldn't have enough completion percentage to enter the imperial palace sized immortal palaces. If this were true, Lin Ming would truly have suffered a loss; otherwise, if he were to enter the heaven-step difficulty with his strength, he might have been able to compare with Sheng Mei!
"Oh? So there were such rules…"
Lin Ming also found it strange. When he passed through the Gate of Laws, the Black Asura had said that as long as he could receive three moves, he would be given a reward, and that this reward would be one of the most precious rewards in the Asura Road's final trial!
But after passing the trial, he had yet to see anything. Right now, he learned that these rewards were all held within the immortal palaces!
As Lin Ming recalled how the Black Asura had described the reward as 'one of the most precious', Lin Ming felt his blood rush to his head. He impatiently wanted to know just what the reward was.
His eyes soon locked onto the largest immortal palace in the sky, the one the size of a planet. That immortal palace had the most terrifying aura. It was also expected that the precious reward the Black Asura described would be in that immortal palace!
When Suya saw Lin Ming was looking at the planet-sized immortal palace, she sighed and said, "That planet sized immortal palace is the only one of its kind within the entire third level. Even if you pass through the heaven-step difficulty you still wouldn't have enough completion percentage to enter. I fear only through perfectly passing the Asura level trial would one be allowed to enter. My estimation is that in the last several billion years, there has never been anyone that has entered. As for what rewards are inside, no one knows."
In Suya's heart, that immortal palace was no different from a bedtime story. It was only meant to be looked at, not obtained.
"No one has gone in for billions of years?"
Lin Ming's eyebrows arched up. This wasn't too surprising. All he had to do was recall how abnormally difficult the Gate of Laws had been for him to realize this. He already had an extremely high level of talent and also understood the Asura Heavenly Dao, which gave him a massive advantage. But even so, he had nearly lost his life in order to pass.
"That's right. These immortal places are not just the area to take your reward, but also the entrance to the fourth level. If your completion percentage isn't enough, you can't even enter the fourth floor."
Suya gave a detailed explanation. At this time, Lin Ming grasped Xiao Moxian's hand and said, Come, let's go take our rewards, and then go to the fourth level!"
As Lin Ming spoke, he turned to Mo Brightmoon and the others and said, "Everyone, let's go together."
"Great!"
Mo Brightmoon, Thousand Slaughter, Fanny Fafa, and Suya all nodded and flew upwards.
Lin Ming flew in the front. His speed wasn't quick but his movements seemed weightless. Soon, he flew up thousands of feet. The immortal palaces were coming closer and closer.
At this time, Lin Ming discovered something strange.
Besides his group of people, no one else had moved.
The rewards were in the air but no one went to take them. Rather, they sat beside ancient trees, laid down on the ground, floated in air, or were doing nothing at all. They weren't even recuperating or discussing potential tactics for the fourth level.
Rather, they were all looking at Lin Ming.
On the faces of these people were a multitude of emotions. There was curiosity, playfulness, admiration, ridicule, and more. But without a doubt, every single one of them was waiting for Lin Ming to make his choice!
Lin Ming immediately understood what was happening. They all wanted to see just what his completion percentage was.
And they couldn't be blamed for wanting to know. Lin Ming was the only one in the last billions of years to have chosen the Asura level difficulty, and the only one they had ever heard of surviving. They all wanted to know just what his completion percentage was.
The Divine Void Third Crown Price traced his chin, a happy and thoughtful expression on his face.
The Asura level difficulty was something even Soul Empress Sheng Mei could only complete a portion of. And if one completed only a portion, they could only choose the second rate mountain sized immortal palaces or the third rate imperial palace sized immortal palaces.
If Lin Ming barely managed to pass and his completion percentage was too low, perhaps he might only be able to choose the hut sized immortal palace.
If Lin Ming rumbled out from the Asura level gate, passing through endless slaughter and facing epic fights that shook the heavens to do so, and even nearly losing his life in the process, if he were to choose the hut-sized immortal palace in the end then that would be far too great a joke!
As long as he could mock Lin Ming, he could naturally restore the shame he felt.
At that time, he would enter his imperial palace sized immortal palace and slap Lin Ming across the face!
Bigflame was also thinking the same thing as the Third Crown Prince. As for Duke Fullmoon, there was no need to mention him. No one wanted more than him to see Lin Ming smash his head into a barrier.
Lin Ming's movements slowed. He frowned. He hadn't expected such a scene to occur. If he didn't choose his immortal palace, everyone would just be waiting for him.
Lin Ming originally didn't want his choice to be seen by others, but now it seemed unavoidable. Moreover, it seemed many martial artists remaining in the third level were considerable weaker. For instance, the first batch of martial artists that passed through the Gate of Laws had chosen their rewards before entering the fourth level. But because they couldn't withstand the dangers of the fourth level, they were forced back to the third level where they had to wait until the final trial ended and were teleported out. In any event, it was impossible for Lin Ming to wait for them.