Ding~
The melodious chime echoed within the secret realm, and everyone suddenly found themselves in an open area. Some were still in combat stances, indicating they had just been battling with monsters.
At this moment, ripples appeared in the void, and the resolute text reappeared.
[The first round of trials has ended...]
[Eight people have advanced, one person has died, and one person has been eliminated.]
"One person has died?" Li Ran raised an eyebrow.
The participants in this secret realm were all prodigies from various sects, with profound cultivation and numerous aces up their sleeves.
Even if they couldn't overpower their opponents, they should be able to retreat safely. Unless...
Someone had resorted to killing.
Li Ran glanced at Song Qingsong, noticing bloodstains on his robe.
It seemed he had been injured.
He immediately grasped the situation.
The culprit behind the death was likely Song Qingsong.
Perhaps he feared he wouldn't have enough monster bones to advance and decided to forcibly seize someone else's spoils.
'Righteous sect my ass, this little bastard is the most ruthless among us.'
At the same time, Yue Jianli also cast her gaze toward the scene, and she and Li Ran exchanged a meaningful look across the space.
It was clear they had similar thoughts.
Following that, beams of white light descended upon the participants, enveloping them all.
Shrouded in the white light, the eight participants gradually faded away, heading to the second round of trials.
Meanwhile, the one who had been eliminated wore a frustrated expression as they were transported out of the secret realm.
...
When everyone opened their eyes, they found themselves in a completely new landscape.
Before them stood a lush, small mountain covered in luminous spiritual plants and herbs, far superior in grade to what they had encountered before.
"Oh my goodness!"
"The spiritual energy here is so dense, it's even better than a Spirit Gathering Array!"
"Are these immortal materials covering the ground? A lawn made of immortal materials?"
"This is incredible! Truly worthy of the inheritance of an Immortal Emperor!"
The young talents exclaimed in astonishment, behaving like children who had never seen the world.
Compared to this place, the previous location seemed like child's play.
Even if they didn't obtain the final inheritance, the opportunity to gather these herbs in this place was more than worth the journey.
Ripples appeared in the air:
[Second round of trials, herb gathering...]
The task for this round seemed straightforward.
Participants had to gather herbs on the mountain in front of them within a time limit of one hour.
The quality and grade of the herbs they collected would determine the six individuals who would advance to the next round.
Compared to the previous round, this trial appeared to be much more peaceful, with everyone seemingly focused on herb gathering.
Of course, the limited supply of immortal materials was bound to cause some contention.
[Trial begins.]
With the command given, the participants eagerly entered the herb-covered mountain.
Li Ran and the others also ventured in.
Gathering herbs was a skillful task.
Firstly, precious immortal materials might not always be the most conspicuous, making it a challenge to identify them.
Secondly, the technique used in collecting them was crucial; improper methods could ruin their properties and deplete their spiritual energy.
Li Ran had no knowledge of this, but he was in no hurry.
'I may not be good at herb gathering, but I excel at robbery. I can go rob others later,' he decided.
With this in mind, he strolled leisurely through the herb-covered mountain.
Meanwhile, Xiao Qingge followed him closely, diligently searching for any traces of the Life Fruit.
After about the time it takes to burn a stick of incense, Li Ran stretched lazily.
"You take your time exploring. I'm going to 'harvest some vegetables'."
"Harvest vegetables?" Xiao Qingge looked puzzled.
...
Song Qingsong proceeded through the herb-covered mountain.
He was the oldest among the group of cultivators and had the most extensive experience.
Apart from his cultivation, he had dabbled in various other fields of knowledge.
Herb gathering happened to be his specialty.
'Heh, I've extensively studied the 'Alchemical Classics,' 'Herbology Compendium,' and 'Harvesting Techniques.' Nobody understands herb gathering better than me!'
With full confidence, he began his search.
Soon enough, he had a discovery near a rocky wall.
"A Thousand-Year White Vine! This is an immortal material that can be used to refine the Pure Soul Pill, with the effects of sharpening the mind and purifying the soul! How lucky!'
He used the most professional methods to carefully collect it.
Not long after, his eyes lit up again.
'Extreme Yang Grass, another immortal material! While its appearance is indistinguishable from regular immortal materials, the tips are slightly reddish. Only those who understand this would notice!'
Song Qingsong's smile grew brighter.
This round, not only would he secure a place in the next stage, but he would also gain so many treasures!
He was overflowing with good fortune!
As he happily gathered herbs, someone suddenly appeared behind him and patted his shoulder.
"Who?!"
Song Qingsong jumped in surprise and swiftly turned around.
Upon recognizing the intruder, Song Qingsong became nervous.
"Li Ran? Why are you here to find me instead of gathering herbs properly?"
Li Ran scratched his head. "I'm not good at herb gathering."
Song Qingsong's eyebrows twitched, and a sense of unease filled his heart. "So, you came here for..."
"To rob," Li Ran finished the sentence.
Song Qingsong's face turned pale. "You can't do this. Such actions violate the rules. I gathered herbs with my own abilities..."
Crack
Li Ran cracked his knuckles, showing a slightly impatient expression. "I can't gather herbs, and you can't fight. But I'm not an unreasonable person. I'll give you two choices."
"What are the two choices?" Song Qingsong swallowed nervously.
"First, you willingly give me the herbs."
"And the other?"
"Second, I'll beat you up, and then you willingly give me the herbs."
Song Qingsong shivered and handed over his storage ring.
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