A few hours passed while Bai Jingshen enjoyed the beautiful scenery. Sam finally woke up again too. It still took some time until the young man would be in his best condition again, but it seemed like the being observing their trials thought they had rested enough as it finally spoke to them:
"Well done. You… passed the first… two trials. Now let's… continue. The next… trial… awaits."
Bai Jingshen though about asking for more time since this senior had been pretty easy going so far. However, he held himself back, as you never knew what these old masters would deem disrespectful. Therefore, he waved his hand at Sam, before walking over towards a hallway which had appeared on a wall a while back.
The two young men were surprised as the weapons in their hand crumbled into dust while nearing the wall. Bai Jingshen took a deep breath, putting up his guard, and followed the hallway.
Once again, the two young men entered a big cave, as a crystal above their head began to illuminate their surroundings. Bai Jingshen just thought about wanting to talk to the overseer, before suddenly the ground beneath their feet turned into a slope. With a scream the two men rushed glided down into a dark hole. Bai Jingshen could only think about how a set of stairs would have done the job, before the darkness devoured them.
Bai Jingshen heavily landed on his butt, but fortunately found the ground to be softened by a floor of plants. He looked around himself and realized that he got separated from Sam. He wouldn't worry about his friend, however. By now Sam seemed capable enough to complete a trial of his own. Therefore, the young man focused on his own situation.
The raven-haired man stood up and observed the new surroundings. He found himself in a small room covered in plants. Shining lines once again created different sceneries along the walls. He saw pictures of majestic forests, all kinds of living beings, towering mountains and ever expanding seas. He was captivated by their beauty, feeling that they possessed a deeper meaning. Unfortunately, he couldn't figure it for now, so he could only look for his task in this room.
Bai Jingshen quickly spotted a conspicuous place on the walls. It looked like a handprint, giving off a mysterious aura, which seemingly held the plants off from growing over it. The former emperor was surprised as he just now realized that the plants in this room still seemed colorful and prosperous. Without any directions the young man could only go forward and carefully put his hand on the imprint.
Suddenly he felt like his soul was sucked out of his body. Everything around him turned blurry, as colorful light raced past him. He had a feeling of wanting to throw up but wasn't able to in this state. He couldn't tell if his weird trip lasted for seconds or months, as he suddenly stopped on the leave of a towering tree. He gasped at the pure majesty of this being he assumed to be the World Tree. He wasn't able to see its crown from where he stood. This seemed only natural however, as the single leave he stood on already rivaled Thobar Bionics' training grounds in circumference. Bai Jingshen turned around and walked to the leave's edge.
Looking down he was once again surprised, as even the closest mountains looked so small. He could see lakes, forests, swamps, and land covered in rocks. Bai Jingshen slowly took in this fascinating sight. Although he was able to cross planets in his last life, but he could somehow tell that this scenery had something magical to it.
After a few minutes the immortal being began to talk in his mind:
"Fascinating… isn't it?"
"Yes. This is unbelievable beautiful. Is this the elves' world?"
"No. Only the leave… you… are standing on is… real. This is just… a small world… arranged by the… Supreme Ruler."
Bai Jingshen drew a sharp breath. He heard about small worlds, but even as the White Illusion Emperor he wasn't strong enough to create them himself. He finally got a real idea about how strong the Supreme Ruler had been. While looking it his environment Bai Jingshen had to admit it was hard to imagine, that such a master could die. At this point however he couldn't curb his curiosity and had to ask:
"Was the elves world an immortal realm? Were there others of the Supreme Ruler's strength?"
"No. Our world… was only a mortal world… The Supreme Ruler… was unique. Only him… could grant immortality."
Now the former emperor was thoroughly confused. What this being just told him didn't confirm to his knowledge at all. On the other hand, he also didn't know what the strongest beings were capable of, so he had to let his questions go for now. After a while of not hearing from Bai Jingshen the overseer continued:
"Now… let us commence… the trials. No need to be… serious. I… will only ask questions. Please answer… instinctively."
The young man was glad he didn't have to fight, but thinking about it, answering questions on instinct might be just as hard. Bai Jingshen quickly realized however, how he should accomplish this feat, as a light smell suddenly reached his nose. He didn't recognize it and only felt his whole being turning light as a feather. He simply let himself drop onto his back, closing his eyes and enjoying the warm embrace of this leave. In his blissful state he realized what incredible profound aura this plant possessed. Once again, he wished to see the world tree in person, while listening to the overseer's voice:
"Listen… young one… a king has no children… because he considers everyone… their child. He gives out… power… to the worthy. His wish… is to strengthen… as many as… possible. How do you… prove yourself… worthy?"
"I will accept the king's power and venture into the unknown. I will guide the way for others. Exploring myself, the power and new things before me."
In his blurry state Bai Jingshen found it hart to concentrate, Answering this question however, the young man felt like suddenly receiving a tight hug. He felt warm and comfortable, his own mind elevating. He even felt more… himself?
"I see… Next question. The king… gifted you his power… letting you wield it. How… do you feel… about the king?"
"The king has my respect. He rules over everything, but still seeks his own growth by letting his people grow."
Bai Jingshen once again felt a tight embrace. He realized it wasn't motherly, but rather like a child hugging their parents. He smiled while imagining himself returning the embrace, but he wasn't even strong enough to lift his arms right now.
"You are far… on your path. Last question… The king… is satisfied with… your deeds… He invites you… to share his throne… What will you… do?"
"I will reject the king. I will search for my own way to become the strongest."
Suddenly Bai Jingshen felt a waver of sadness hit him. He had the feeling as if he made a massive mistake. The overseers voice turned silent, as the child in his arms broke out in tears. The former emperor somehow managed to shake of his dizziness. He began to deeply think about his last answer. Was this really him? The king was good to him and offered to share his throne. Why not accept it? No! The king had helped him so much on his path. He had to accept the king's wishes! And he had to carry the king's will with him. So only one correct answer remained in Bai Jingshen's head.
To the being's massive surprise, Bai Jingshen managed to open his mouth again:
"I apologize. I will share the king's throne. But I won't stop. I will respect his wishes and become stronger than the king! I will become emperor!"
With Bai Jingshen's words the whole world began to shake. Even the overseer was confused, as he somehow felt happiness, but he couldn't feel it as clear as Bai Jingshen. The former emperor felt the imaginative child in his arms suddenly stop crying in his arms. Instead, it seemed to beam with joy, before jumping up and dancing around. With a clear laughter it seemingly approached the leaves edge before simply vanishing.
The young man slowly woke up from his weird state. He opened his eyes and found himself still standing in the small room. Everything that happened almost seemed like a dream. Taking a deep breath however, Bai Jingshen felt better than ever before. His path forward had never been this clear, as his mind felt closely attuned to the world around him. Bai Jingshen finally felt like he really arrived in this world, feeling an incredibly strong sense of belonging. He didn't have any prove, but he was certain the attunement phase everyone had to go through just severely shortened for him. It wouldn't take long before Bai Jingshen could stay in this world forever, without being sent back by the world's laws.
The former emperor took a deep breath as a rumbling sound brought him back to reality. He looked at the wall in curiosity as a new door opened again. This time he was able to see what laid beyond it.