The Golden Light spirit artifact stared at Zhang Fan as if he were a monster. In the first layer of the trial, Zhang Fan had escaped the illusion within just three breaths. This willpower and state of mind were indeed strong, but with its vast experience, it was not surprised.
However, Zhang Fan's profound comprehension of the sword path at the Condensing Core stage was what truly astonished the Golden Light.
"I just practiced casually, don't take it so seriously," Zhang Fan said with a shrug. He felt a sense of familiarity looking at the artifact spirit that bore an exact resemblance to Zi Wu True Immortal.
The artifact spirit shook its head. Although it had already determined the outcome of this competition, it was ultimately just an artifact spirit, akin to artificial intelligence on Earth, strictly adhering to the programs set by its master.
...
Two days passed. In the seven Dao Discussion Arrays, almost every cultivator had reached their limit. The farthest to progress, True Monarch Tian Hua, was trapped in the ninth layer.
Dao Venerable had spent two days and barely broke through to the seventh layer, while Sikong Xia, who had been quite low-key, had reached the eighth layer.
"Only one day left. To break through the eleven-layered Dao Discussion Array, a miracle is needed! I'm not reconciled!"
Dao Venerable persisted in the seventh layer, countless blades flying at him. He could only block them head-on, unable to comprehend their intricacies, his state of mind on the verge of collapse.
Every nine layers of the Dao Discussion Array presented a significant hurdle. The difficulty from the ninth to the tenth layer increased exponentially. He hadn't even reached the first hurdle, and breaking through the eleven-layered array truly required a miracle.
...
"Condense for me!"
True Monarch Tian Hua formed array seals, which scattered throughout the Dao Discussion Array like a formation disk. They overlapped with the seals of the formation that enveloped him. As more seals appeared, the formation set up by True Monarch Tian Hua gradually took shape, and once they completely overlapped...
"Haha, I never expected Tian Hua to set up a Heaven-grade formation under such circumstances. Heaven favors me!"
True Monarch Tian Hua's laughter echoed in the Dao Discussion Array, filled with utter joy. He gently pushed his hands forward, and the Heaven-grade grand formation that had been enveloping him trembled slightly before vanishing completely.
New array seals appeared around the Dao Discussion Array, and a new Heaven-grade grand formation gradually enveloped True Monarch Tian Hua, emitting a terrifying aura.
The smile on True Monarch Tian Hua's face did not diminish. In less than half a day within the Dao Discussion Array, he had broken through eight layers, but he had been trapped in the ninth for two days. To break through the ninth layer, he needed to set up a Heaven-grade grand formation.
In the past, at most, he could set up Earth-grade linked formations. Although some of their power could reach the threshold of Heaven-grade grand formations, their intricacies were significantly lacking.
Now, with the tempering of the ninth layer, he had finally made a major breakthrough in the path of formations. He could now be called a Heaven Master of Formations.
Even with less than a day remaining, True Monarch Tian Hua was absolutely confident in facing the tenth and eleventh layers of the Dao Discussion Array. This confidence stemmed from his own strength and cultivation.
...
Zhang Fan waited patiently, contemplating what the final trial would be.
Boom!
A figure emerged from the void and landed in the grand hall of the second level of the immortal mansion. It was True Monarch Tian Hua.
In this final moment, only True Monarch Tian Hua had broken through his limits and conquered the eleven-layered Dao Discussion Array.
True Monarch Tian Hua's gaze swept across the grand hall, where he saw Zhang Fan standing, watching him with a smile. This caused True Monarch Tian Hua's heart to sink slightly.
Zhang Fan's success in passing the eleven-layered Dao Discussion Array did not surprise him, but the sacrifice of the other six companions, leaving him alone to face Zhang Fan, made him feel immense pressure.
"Congratulations to you all for passing the second trial. It shows you are indeed very outstanding."
The Golden Light artifact spirit glanced at True Monarch Tian Hua with a peculiar look and said, "Next is the third trial. If you can pass it, you will obtain the opportunities left by the master. I believe you all know that these are opportunities that can change your destiny."
True Monarch Tian Hua's expression was calm, yet a hint of nervousness stirred within him. Although he had passed the eleven-layered Dao Discussion Array, Zhang Fan had also passed it, and even earlier.
He was now a true Heaven Master of Formations. Given enough time to set up formations, he was confident he could resist even a cultivator who had survived the third Nascent Soul tribulation.
However, no one would give him that time.
"The third trial is a life-and-death duel between the survivors!"
"According to the master's arrangement, no matter how many people pass the eleven-layered Dao Discussion Array, they will engage in a life-and-death duel. The methods are unlimited, the means are unlimited. Whoever can survive until the end is the final victor."
As soon as the Golden Light spoke, True Monarch Tian Hua's eyes dimmed instantly. A life-and-death duel. Even if his combat power doubled, he likely couldn't withstand a single move from Zhang Fan. This trial was equivalent to a direct pronouncement of his death.
"Of course, cultivators who can pass the eleven-layered Dao Discussion Array at the Golden Core stage and reach the second level are rare geniuses, even in the Wu Shan Star Domain. Even if they haven't condensed a top-grade Golden Core, they are comparable."
"The master cherishes talent. If anyone is willing to give up participating in the third trial and serve the master of the immortal mansion for a hundred years, they will be granted freedom."
"What is your choice?"
Although the Golden Light artifact spirit spoke of "you all," its gaze was fixed on True Monarch Tian Hua, as it, controlling the immortal mansion, was fully aware of the disparity in their strengths.
If they were to engage in a battle to the death, True Monarch Tian Hua would surely die. Therefore, it posed this question.
True Monarch Tian Hua was not someone who feared death, but if he could live, why would he choose to die?
Moreover, he had gained great insights in the Dao Discussion Array and was confident he could break through to Nascent Soul within ten years. After achieving Nascent Soul, his lifespan would greatly increase, making serving as a servant for a hundred years not an unbearable prospect.
"I choose to serve the master of the immortal mansion for a hundred years," True Monarch Tian Hua stated.
Zhang Fan was somewhat surprised by this outcome. He had originally intended to eliminate True Monarch Tian Hua in the second level. Although it was a pity, for Zhang Fan, there was no hesitation.
However, the spirit of the immortal mansion had offered True Monarch Tian Hua a way to live, and Zhang Fan had gained a servant.
Under the witness of the Golden Light artifact spirit, Zhang Fan and True Monarch Tian Hua simultaneously swore a Heavenly Dao oath, and their relationship transformed from adversaries to master and servant.
"Tian Hua greets Master!"
A complex emotion flickered in True Monarch Tian Hua's eyes. He and True Monarch Nine Swords had traversed more than half of the Wu Shan Star Domain to seek opportunities in this land of fortune, only to end up in such a situation.
True Monarch Nine Swords had died, and he was forced into servitude, forbidden from leaving for a hundred years.
"En."
Zhang Fan nodded and then turned his gaze to the Golden Light artifact spirit. The Golden Light artifact spirit understood and, with a wave of its hand, opened a passage and stepped into it.
"You wait here," Zhang Fan instructed before also entering the passage, his figure disappearing from the second level of the immortal mansion.
Watching Zhang Fan's receding figure, True Monarch Tian Hua was filled with envy. Zhang Fan, already incredibly monstrous, would surely reach unimaginable heights after obtaining the opportunities left by Zi Wu True Immortal.
...