Chapter 100: Core Region of the Infinite Desert - Golden Ancient Tree

Join my Patreon to be 30 chapters ahead of the webnovel releases:

patreon.com/ZeroMoney

I would appreciate your help if you could join my Patreon and support me because it would keep me motivated. 

******

"I'm eight years old, one year older than you."

The child was a bit speechless, suddenly feeling that Tang San in front of him was different from his impression, his thoughts were somewhat divergent.

Moreover, he was also puzzled, why did Tang San come to the Infinite Desert, and even become a master of Martial Soul Theory, reaching level thirty at the age of eight?

By the time he's twelve, will he be about to become a Soul Master?

Also, besides the second soul ring from the Ghost Vine in Tang San's Blue Silver Grass soul ring, none of the others are from plant-type soul beasts, right?

Could it be that this Tang San, for some reason, didn't apprentice under Yu Xiaogang, so he started studying Martial Soul Theory on his own and grew up in a wild manner?

Or perhaps—

Is he the same kind as himself?

"What's your name?"

Tang San didn't care what the other party was thinking and continued to ask.

"Xu Xing."

The child spoke, "Actually, I also understand some Martial Soul Theory."

"Oh?" Tang San showed a keen interest, "Then tell me, what kind of soul beast should my Blue Silver Grass's third soul ring be suitable for? If you can say, I can also consider giving you this Sun Moon Grass, as long as you can offer a price that satisfies me."

Xu Xing cleared his throat a few times, pretending to be as composed as an adult, pondered for a moment, and prepared to probe, saying, "It's well known that Blue Silver Grass can't possess innate full soul power, so your Martial Soul definitely isn't an ordinary Blue Silver Grass."

"That's not correct." Tang San also confirmed his speculation, this guy in front of him was the same kind of person as that deceased Yang Long, "I'd like to ask, how do you know my Blue Silver Grass has innate full soul power?"

"It's simple, ordinary Blue Silver Grass couldn't cultivate so quickly," Xu Xing said confidently, "So, your Martial Soul definitely isn't ordinary Blue Silver Grass."

"You guessed wrong, I don't have innate full soul power, only at level six, and the Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul is not ordinary. I think anyone can see that." Tang San looked disappointed, "I thought you had some insights."

Seeing Tang San looking down on him, Xu Xing felt a surge of unnamed anger and said, "Your third soul ring should choose the Thousand-Year Grade Skyvine."

"Explain." Tang San motioned for him to continue.

"Your Blue Silver Grass wants to have attack capabilities, so it must belong to the control system, right? Don't deny it, you're using Blue Silver Grass to entangle this Sun-Moon Grass right now."

Xu Xing became more confident, "And the Skyvine is a plant-type soul beast, its attack method is also entangling, strangling, and it's very tough. It can definitely enhance the strength of your Blue Silver Grass, not to mention, the Sky Azure vine can absorb the power of stars, it's extremely tenacious, perfect for your Blue Silver Grass."

In fact, Xu Xing didn't want to suggest the Skyvine, but this Tang San in front of him hadn't joined Yu Xiaogang, instead, he started researching Martial Soul Theory on his own, and maybe—

Is he not in the same category as me?

"What does the so-called absorption of star power by the Skyvine specifically mean?" Tang San asked casually.

"Well..." Xu Xing was dumbfounded, where would he know that?

He hadn't even read the "Soul Beast Encyclopedia", knowing the names of soul beasts was from novels in his previous life, and also from listening to people in the sect tell stories about soul hunting.

"The Skyvine doesn't actually absorb star power, the silver-white spots on its body, like stars, are just luminescent organs of the Skyvine, which can be used to attract insects at night, and then capture, devour, and digest them."

Tang San explained, "Even though it's a soul beast, every organ on its body has a corresponding function. The starlight on the Skyvine's body is used to capture insects, and even some soul beasts."

"As for why it's called Skyvine, it's natural because those spots look like stars in the sky."

"If the Skyvine could really absorb star power, then it would be the emperor of the plant world, similar to the Lion King of the Lion Group, capable of fighting beyond its level, challenging thousand-year opponents with its thousand year strength."

"However, according to existing records, this kind of plant soul beast, even at the thousand-year level, can be defeated by three or more Great Soul Masters working together. This type of plant soul beast can only absorb a little starlight at most."

Xu Xing's face turned red, not knowing what to say.

Tang San continued, "Of course, I could be wrong, past records could be wrong too, maybe you could choose the Skyvine for your second soul ring. After all, your Martial Soul is the Star Crown, able to cultivate with the power of stars. Perhaps the 'theory' you've come up with is correct."

Seeing Xu Xing unable to speak, the old man scolded Tang San, "You, a Martial Soul Master, are at odds with a child for what?"

"I'm only a year older than him." Tang San reminded everyone of his age again, "I thought I met someone who was also interested in theoretical research like me, a genius youth in theory just like me. I didn't expect him to be no different from others, maybe he heard something and dared to give advice directly to others, not afraid of misleading them and facing retaliation... Well, of course, one of the Four Major Sects has no fear of retaliation."

Listening to Tang San's sarcasm, the old man's face turned ugly. When have the people of the Four Major Sects suffered such grievances?

"If you want to kill me, go ahead, you can do it now, but I can't guarantee that the Star Crown Sect won't expel you." Tang San spread his arms with a smile, as if he was ready to accept death, but his gaze towards Xu Xing was full of deep meaning.

The old man was a bit uncertain, not knowing what confidence Tang San had.

But Xu Xing knew.

Even though the trajectory of this Tang San in front of him was different from the original work he had seen in his past life, that guy Tang Hao must still be lurking in the shadows. If Star Elder dared to make a move, that madman would definitely show up and wipe them all out.

That guy, apart from Tang San, had almost no scruples.

Although Xu Xing guessed wrong, there was indeed a strong person hiding in secret, but just a Soul Saint. However, with the cooperation of the Fire Phoenix, he had the ability to kill a Soul Emperor.

The remaining six people, two Soul Ancestor, three Soul Elder, and finally Xu Xing, this Soul Master, were not enough to fear for Tang San, as the Endless Grassfield and the positive and negative buffs could greatly control and weaken them.

As for how to quickly kill them?

There was a nine-jointed jade snake coiled behind him.

With advantages, they naturally had to be utilized.

Therefore, Tang San didn't fear the Star Crown Sect in front of him, because even if the Fire Phoenix didn't make a move, he was confident that with the help of the hidden Spirit Falcon, he could wipe out all seven of them.

"Star Elder, forget it, let's just give this Sun Moon Grass to him?" Xu Xing was a little scared now. At this moment, he also realized that this Tang San in front of him, being so confident, probably knew Tang Hao's identity. Then thinking about it again, this Tang San was definitely not the same Tang San who jumped off the cliff from the Tang Sect, 99.999% likely to be the same as himself.

Same kind.

It really is the same kind.

It's best not to contact such a similar kind before it develops.

"Please watch your words. What do you mean by 'let'?" Tang San sneered, "Your attitude should be more sincere. You should say: [Sorry for the disturbance, we'll leave immediately, we were wrong just now]. Can't even the prestigious Four Major Sects have basic courtesy?"

Honestly, Tang San felt that this person was quite outrageous... but thinking about it carefully, even the outrageous plan of dumping nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean can be executed, which is against humanity and the earth, compared to that, Xu Xing's words are just a little shameless.

Xu Xing was speechless.

Although they were in the wrong first, the anger was also provoked by Tang San's taking advantage, but now he could only swallow this anger.

Star Elder cursed angrily, "What nonsense Martial Soul Master, this Sun Moon Grass, I've already decided on!"

The atmosphere became tense once again.

"I can't ignore what you just said. My Huo Family won't agree." Fire Phoenix stepped forward.

"So it's the family behind the Blazing Academy." The old man now understood Fire Phoenix's identity, his face suddenly darkened, but he didn't show weakness.

The Tian Dou Empire and the Star Luo Empire were originally hostile countries, with Star Crown Sect in Star Luo and Blazing Academy in Tian Dou, naturally in hostile relations.

It's just that in recent years, the Spirit Hall has developed too fast, and the two empires have been pressed to the point where they can't breathe. They have put their energy into the Spirit Hall, so the conflicts between the two sides have diminished, but they still exist.

Xu Xing felt completely lost in the plot. Tang San unexpectedly had a connection with the Blazing Academy, and moreover, there were quite a few girls around Tang San. Could it be that he was going for a harem route?

Tang San asked, "Is it really so?"

The elder's eyes sharpened, "At the very least, we outnumber you. And, there's the old lady from the Huo family. Can you guarantee that you're absolutely my match? Our number and level of soul masters are higher than yours."

The Fire Phoenix stared fiercely at the elder from the Star Crown Sect, silent but increasingly imposing.

Just as Tang San was about to call out Ling Yuan, the earth suddenly began to tremble, nearby lake water started churning, ultimately forming a vortex and continuously descending, creating a whirlpool.

"What's happening?" The Fire Phoenix stabilized herself, pulling Tang San and the others behind her.

The people from the Star Crown Sect also became vigilant.

Soon, the tremors stopped, the lake water disappeared, leaving behind a hole about sixty meters deep, at the bottom of which was a huge opening, leading somewhere unknown.

"This is!"

The elder from the Star Crown Sect seemed to realize something, immediately saying to the others, "Let's go in!"

With that, the elder picked up Xu Xing and, along with the other five, jumped into the hole, disappearing in the blink of an eye.

"Senior Fire Phoenix, do you know where that opening leads?" Tang San curiously asked.

"I've heard a rumor."

Fire Phoenix frowned, explaining to everyone, "In the core area of the Infinite Desert, there exists a great treasure, but it's surrounded by thick sandstorms, even Douluo-level soul masters find it difficult to pass through. However, it dissipates once every hundred years. As long as you can come out alive, you can gain great benefits."

"Calculating the time, it's about a hundred years since the last time it happened. Maybe it's today?"

Huo Wu was somewhat excited, "Could this opening be the passage to the core area?"

"Indeed, there are indeed some places within the Infinite Desert rumored to directly lead to the core area, but no one knows where they are." Fire Phoenix looked at the opening at the bottom of the large pit, pondering, "Perhaps the Star Crown Sect knows more, after all, they are one of the lower four sects, and their martial souls have the ability to sense treasures."

"In that case, this opening might really lead to the core area of the Infinite Desert. However, the core area shouldn't be too dangerous, right?" Xiao Wu asked tentatively, "After all, that old guy took the children with him."

"Perhaps." Fire Phoenix also wanted to explore, but was unsure whether to go or not.

"Senior, how long does the core area stay open each time it does so every hundred years?" Tang San asked.

"In the records of my Huo Clan, since the core area of the Infinite Desert opened, it has done so five times. The duration is uncertain, ranging from a month to half a day," Fire Phoenix said, "But it's difficult to find the passage to the core area because it opens in different places each time. Even if one were to travel directly from the surface of the Infinite Desert to the core area, once the sandstorms and tornadoes disappear on the periphery, there are countless soul beasts over ten thousand years old outside, making it difficult even for Douluo-level soul masters to break through."

"According to the records of my Huo Clan, three hundred years ago, the Spirit Hall once organized twenty Douluo-level soul masters, over a hundred Soul Douluo, and over a thousand Soul Saints and Soul Emperors to go to the core area, wanting to kill all the ten-thousand-year soul beasts there and take control of the core area."

"But they failed."

"The specific reasons are unknown, but according to the records, only three Douluo-level soul masters managed to escape, while the others were all wiped out. Since then, the Spirit Hall has never sent a large group of people to forcibly enter the core area again. When the core area opens, they only let people search for possible passages on the periphery and in the inner layer."

"We speculate that the danger encountered by those who forcibly entered from the outside is not only from the soul beasts, but perhaps also from things within the core area of the Infinite Desert itself."

After understanding the situation, Tang San decided to explore, but he still needed to absorb the soul ring of the Sun-Moon Grass first.

Approaching the Sun-Moon Grass, he plucked the Sun-Moon Pearl, causing the entire Sun-Moon Grass to wither down. A deep purple soul ring emerged from it, slowly fitting onto his Blue Silver Grass with his guidance.

With the absorption of the soul ring, Tang San's face became slightly more refined, his hair growing a bit more, and the blue-silver parts increasing.

And the Nine-Jointed Jade Coral, used as a hair ornament, also absorbed the life force emitted by Tang San and the sun-moon brilliance from the halo of the Sun-Moon Grass. Golden and silver lines appeared on the jade-like scales, forming a pattern of a golden sun and a silver crescent moon, with nine scales arranged in sequence. There was even a tendency for a tenth scale to grow.

"Tang San has a little snake on his head." Huo Wu exclaimed.

"That's Tang San's pet," Xiao Wu, who was somewhat arrogant in front of Tang San, never called him San Ge, still a bit proud, "named Nine-Jointed Jade Coral, with strong poison. It's said that even a Douluo can turn into pus within moments after being bitten."

"Is it true? Such a small snake is that powerful?" Huo Wu was skeptical.

"Huo Wu, there are indeed some poisons in this world that even Douluo can't detoxify," Fire Phoenix said, "So, we need to be vigilant when traveling outside."

In fact, Fire Phoenix also felt fortunate to be on good terms with Tang San, unlike those people from the Star Crown Sect who were so arrogant.

It occurred to her that if the Nine-Jointed Jade Coral could really kill a Douluo with its poison, then even killing a Soul Emperor would be a piece of cake. Those seven people from the Star Crown Sect would probably really die at the hands of Tang San.

No wonder he dared to come to the Infinite Desert at such a young age. It turns out he had such confidence.

Half an hour later, Tang San finished absorbing the soul ring. The Nine-Jointed Jade Coral still hadn't fully grown the tenth scale, so it resumed its role as a hair ornament, tying up Tang San's hair.

"San Ge, did you absorb the soul ring smoothly?" Guang Ling was excited, as if Tang San absorbing the soul ring successfully made her happier than her own breakthrough in soul power.

"Very smoothly. My soul power has reached level thirty-two. The seven-thousand-year soul ring brought me quite a bit of soul power." Tang San now felt how much soul power each level of the Soul Emperor required, thinking to himself, "No wonder geniuses can break through to the Soul Ancestor level before the age of twenty-five in the Continental Advanced Academy Soul Dueling Tournament. It's extraordinary."

And those who can reach the Soul King level before the age of twenty-five are the geniuses among geniuses.

Tang San estimated that at his current rate of soul power improvement, he could reach level forty by the age of twelve.

"Tang San, shall we go down and explore?" Huo Wu had already discussed with Fire Phoenix and decided to go down together to take a look. After all, since the passage to the core area of the Infinite Desert had opened, it would be a pity not to explore it.

After all, soul masters always have a spirit of adventure.

"I have the same intention."

Tang San nodded slightly, looking at Xiao Wu and Guang Ling.

Xiao Wu said, "I definitely want to go in."

Guang Ling said, "Me too."

Tang San agreed, releasing his Blue Silver Grass to wrap around the waists of Fire Phoenix, Huo Wu, Xiao Wu, and Guang Ling, saying, "My Blue Silver Grass is extremely tough. Everyone is tied together. If we encounter danger or get lost, we can find each other again by following these leaves."

Then, the five of them jumped into the large pit and reached the entrance.

Tang San took out a luminous soul tool, resembling a flashlight but with a deep black interior that couldn't be seen through. However, at ten meters, there were some large water plants growing, showing signs of being grabbed. It was estimated that the seven people from the Star Crown Sect had climbed down using these water plants.

Fire Phoenix's martial soul was the Blaze Phoenix, which could fly and carry Guang Ling and Xiao Wu; Huo Wu's martial soul transformed into the Sun Goddess, floating all along and being able to carry her down.

Tang San, on the other hand, grabbed the water plants and climbed down.

Although he had a ten-thousand-year Blue Silver Emperor right leg bone, which gave him flying abilities, he didn't want to use such a valuable soul bone to test a Soul Emperor.

Even though this Soul Emperor had praised his theories.

After descending nearly a hundred meters, they finally reached the bottom.

In front of them was a semi-circular passage about twenty meters high, with strong traces of human activity. The ground was paved with flat slabs of stone but was very damp, with some white water plants growing between the cracks and many small fish and shrimp jumping around.

On both sides and the top of the passage were embedded luminous crystals similar to the luminous soul tool.

Tang San closed the luminous soul tool, released his martial soul, and rooted to explore whether there were any mechanisms on the inside of the passage.

After absorbing the third soul ring, Tang San's Blue Silver Grass had a rooting range of two hundred meters in length, width, and depth, and if he only controlled the roots to grow in one direction, the roots would only spread on the surface and could reach a length of nearly two thousand meters.

"The length of this passage exceeds two kilometers." Tang San retracted his martial soul and reported, "There are no mechanisms, at least not on the way here, but the walls on both sides are uncertain."

"Alright, let's move forward." Fire Phoenix took Guang Ling and quickly ran, with Tang San, Xiao Wu, and Huo Wu following closely behind.

After running two kilometers, Tang San probed again, and so on, until they had run nearly fifty kilometers and reached the end. There was no road ahead.

Looking up, it was pitch black, but there were stairs nearby leading upwards, and they were made of hard material, presenting a dark silver color.

"Could this be Deep Sea Mithril?"

Tang San guessed secretly, although he worked in a blacksmith shop in Nuoding City, the small Nuoding City couldn't come into contact with rare metals like Mithril, so he couldn't be sure.

However, Tang San didn't speculate too much and began to climb up.

After climbing nearly a hundred meters, he finally reached the top.

There was light above, but it was shimmering.

It turned out that above them was a suspended lake, with many fish swimming inside, and the light was shining through the lake, illuminating the area below.

"We're under the lake!" Huo Wu reached out and found that she could pass through; indeed, it was water. But how was this water suspended above their heads?

"It seems we have to pass through this lake." Tang San released his Blue Silver Grass martial soul, forming a huge Blue Silver Ball, allowing Xiao Wu, Huo Wu, Guang Ling, and Fire Phoenix to dive into it, then giving it a push at the last moment, causing the Blue Silver Ball to enter the water.

Instantly, the huge buoyancy carried the Blue Silver Ball upwards.

Tang San let the four people stick to the edge of the Blue Silver Ball and not move to avoid losing balance.

Huo Wu exclaimed in amazement, "Blue Silver Grass can be used like this! But why doesn't the water come in below?"

"Because there's air inside the Blue Silver Ball." Tang San explained simply, "Air is also a substance. Since I tied the Blue Silver Grass tightly, water can't get in."

"Then why not seal the bottom as well?" Huo Wu wondered.

"For balance." Tang San said, "If the bottom were also sealed, it would truly be a ball, and we wouldn't be able to control the balance. I guess it would roll over during the ascent."

Five minutes later, under the buoyancy of the Blue Silver Ball, they finally reached the surface of the lake.

Following Tang San's signal, they leaned to one side, causing the Blue Silver Ball to flip over and become a Blue Silver boat.

Tang San also used his soul power to control the Blue Silver Grass to weave again. In no time, the Blue Silver Ball became a small boat.

This was the effect of enhanced control!

Looking around, behind them was a forest oasis, while in front of them, three thousand meters away in the lake, there was a small island with a nearly towering tree, clearly visible even from three thousand meters away.

"What a big tree." Xiao Wu couldn't help but marvel.

"I can feel the strong vitality." Tang San's Blue Silver Grass was mainly cultivated for vitality, so he was naturally extremely sensitive to vitality. "This should be the legendary Life Tree: Golden Ancient Tree."

Fire Phoenix may not recognize the Golden Ancient Tree, but she can sense that here, the soul power within her body becomes active, greatly enhancing the speed of soul power cultivation. "Is there anything special about this tree?" she asked.

"This kind of tree is said to be the representative of the consciousness of the Douluo Continent's plane. Its main function is singular: to condense the energy of heaven and earth and refine it," Tang San explained the greatness of the Golden Ancient Tree. "It can be said that this tree can provide the best cultivation environment for over ninety percent of the different types of martial souls on the continent."

"Even individuals with zero innate soul power, like ordinary people, can have soul power and start cultivating if they live under this Golden Tree for years."

Fire Phoenix was astonished, her mouth agape.

Huo Wu blurted out, "Doesn't that mean any family could become the strongest in the world as long as they obtain this Golden Ancient Tree?"

"If they are content with the current situation and the Soul Master realm doesn't progress, and if a certain family obtains this tree without being discovered, then yes," Tang San acknowledged Huo Wu's statement but added a slew of conditions. Then he continued, "However, Fire Phoenix, as you mentioned before, the Spirit Hall dispatched twenty Titled Douluos in the past, and all of them returned empty-handed, indicating there must be some taboo."

Afterwards, the group began rowing the boat, preparing to check out the small island.

Five of them planned to row the boat ashore.

Although Fire Phoenix could fly, with the core area of the Infinite Desert opening up, there might be other people arriving here in need of preserving soul power.

After reaching the shore, the group disembarked from the Blue Silver Boat, stepping onto the soft golden sand.

Looking up, they could see the wide canopy almost covering the entire island, with the tree trunk having a diameter exceeding a hundred meters, entirely golden as if cast in gold, but not as dazzling as actual gold.

Under the canopy, there was a continuous expanse of ruins, most of which were dilapidated, but everyone could feel a simple and ancient atmosphere.

As Tang San traversed the walls covered in moss and vines, he could still sense the former glory of this place.

"It's truly astonishing that there's such a vast ruin here," Huo Wu murmured to herself, then clenched her fists. "Tang San, do you think there might be any ancient treasures left in these buildings?"

"This place only opens once every hundred years, right? Even if there were, they've probably been taken by someone," Tang San expressed no expectations for finding ancient relics. However, he did have some hopes for some natural treasures born from this Golden Ancient Tree.

Even if he didn't recognize them, as long as they looked fancy, he could pick them and study them slowly when he returned.

Fire Phoenix led the way, Tang San brought up the rear, Xiao Wu and Huo Wu guarded the sides, and Guang Ling walked in the middle as the group headed towards the Golden Ancient Tree.

As they got closer to the Golden Ancient Tree, Tang San felt the vitality becoming richer. Even the Blue Silver Grass martial soul began actively absorbing the rich vitality, displaying golden veins.

Xiao Wu and the others felt comfortable as well, feeling that cultivating in this place would yield twice the result with half the effort.

When they reached within two hundred meters of the Golden Ancient Tree, the group noticed that there was a door atop the tree trunk, along with stairs, windows, and balconies.

It was actually a treehouse!

A treehouse with a diameter of over a hundred meters and a height of nearly a kilometer!

"It's truly unbelievable. Could humans from ancient times build rooms on such a massive tree? And make the tree remain alive?" Xiao Wu muttered to herself, unsure if she was shocked, scared, or filled with hope.

Fire Phoenix came to her senses and sighed, "With just this tree, it could accommodate the population of a small city if people lived in it."

At that moment, a figure flew towards the Golden Ancient Tree, attempting to enter through one of the windows on the tree trunk.

But before they could approach, a beam of red light shot out from below, piercing through their chest and knocking them down.

That flying Soul Master was a Soul Saint, but they were still instantly killed!

Fire Phoenix hurriedly looked down.

Around the Golden Ancient Tree, there was a ring of monsters, averaging about twenty meters in height, made entirely of gray-brown steel, yet still mobile.

The attack just now came from the eyes of one of them.

Tang San also noticed, but among the five of them present, he was the most surprised because these monsters resembled Gundam, or rather, giant mechas.

It seemed there were intelligent AIs among them as well.

"If this Golden Ancient Tree is the one from the Exceptional Tang Sect, then the original Tang San should have discovered this place after becoming a god, destroyed all these mechas, forcibly opened the door, and transplanted this Golden Ancient Tree to Shrek Academy."

Tang San saw some people standing under those mechas, and the mechas didn't attack them. He pondered, "These mechas might be guardians. They might pose some tests for intruders, and those who try to forcefully enter the Golden Ancient Tree will be ruthlessly eliminated by the mechas."

"If what Fire Phoenix said about the Spirit Hall's expedition here is true, then these mechas' strength shouldn't be underestimated; they can overpower Titled Douluos."

Fire Phoenix felt some dread and asked Tang San, "Should we approach?"

"Let's move closer, Fire Phoenix. As long as we don't barge in, we shouldn't be attacked," Tang San pointed at the people standing under the mechas.

Fire Phoenix, upon hearing this, calmed down and decided to lead Tang San and the others forward for a closer look.

Approaching the mechas, Tang San truly realized how massive they were. Standing in front of such giant humanoid beings, he felt like an ant.

"So, you've come too," said the elder from the Star Crown Sect when he saw Fire Phoenix and the others approaching, snorting coldly as he stared at Tang San. "You absorbed that Sun Moon grass, didn't you?"

"Seven thousand years, but it was nothing," Tang San said lightly. "Once you leave, you'll need to find another Sun Moon grass."

"Hmph!"

The elder snorted before continuing, "Shall we cooperate?"

"I'm interested to hear more," Tang San said, focusing on the elder.

"Inside this ancient tree, there are many storage soul devices, and even attack-type soul devices. But getting in won't be easy; it requires passing tests," the elder divulged part of his knowledge, pointing at one of the mechas. "Similar to defeating monsters like these."

"This is absolutely impossible!" Fire Phoenix frowned. "These monsters can kill a Soul Saint with one blow. Their strength is at least at the level of a Titled Douluo. How could we possibly defeat them?"

"Monsters at the level of Titled Douluo, how could we possibly defeat them by joining forces?"

"It's a pipe dream! Moreover, there's not just one of these monsters here, but enough to encircle the entire Golden Ancient Tree."

"Don't get too excited; I'm not looking for a scapegoat," the elder said. "To enter inside, there are two ways to pass the test. The first is what I mentioned earlier: defeating monsters like these. As long as we initiate the challenge, these monsters will create duplicates of themselves based on our respective strengths. If we defeat them, we can enter and obtain a soul device. After that, we can attempt higher-level challenges. Once successful, we can obtain more items."

"Okay," Fire Phoenix relaxed slightly.

"Is the challenge one-on-one?" Tang San asked.

"Yes," the elder nodded.

"In that case, what are the conditions for cooperation?" Tang San narrowed his eyes.

Fire Phoenix also realized the problem—since the battle is one-on-one, how could they cooperate? Could these people just be trying to use them as probes?

"Don't get too excited; I'm not looking for a scapegoat," the elder said. "To enter inside, there are two ways to pass the test. The first is what I mentioned earlier: defeating monsters like these. As long as we initiate the challenge, these monsters will create duplicates of themselves based on our respective strengths. If we defeat them, we can enter and obtain a soul device. After that, we can attempt higher-level challenges. Once successful, we can obtain more items."

"Understood."

Tang San looked at the mechas and noticed the number "15" on their chests. "What does that mean?" he asked.

"That's the countdown for this place's opening, 15, meaning there are fifteen days left," the elder explained. "Once the time runs out, everyone must leave, or these monsters will attack us indiscriminately."

With all explanations given, the elder from the Star Crown Sect asked, "How about it? Master Tang San, Fire Phoenix, do you want to cooperate?"

Fire Phoenix looked at Tang San, who thought for a moment before saying, "Okay."

"That's good," the elder smiled. "With a martial soul theory master like you arranging tactics for us, it'll be more reasonable."

"Let me see the situation first," Tang San didn't refute but also didn't agree. After all, the specifics of one-on-one combat needed to be confirmed first.

"Master Tang San is now a Soul Ancestor. You can go first, and if you're defeated, surrender directly," the elder shook his head. "We have the most Soul Ancestors here, so we can relay."

"We've had some conflicts before, and I can't confirm whether the information you provided is true or false. If it's false, and these monsters capable of killing Soul Saints appear... I only have one life," Tang San stared straight at the elder. Seeing no change in his expression, he continued, "Otherwise, let Xu Xing go first. Isn't he just a Soul Master? After he surrenders directly, I'll let Guang Ling go next."

The elder remained silent for a while before shaking his head. "No, Xu Xing is too weak; he's just a Soul Master and can't fight."

"In that case..." Tang San took out a transparent glass bottle containing green liquid from his storage soul device and shook it in front of everyone. "This is a poison I prepared. Only I can cure it. Senior, drink it as a guarantee, how about that?"

The elder's face changed immediately, and he promptly refused. Poison is something that even Titled Douluos would be wary of, let alone him?

"In that case, how can we believe what you say?" Tang San put away the Nine-Section Emerald Poison and chuckled. He had no good feelings for someone who tried to snatch their soul beasts as soon as they arrived. "After all, you were trying to snatch the soul beasts we guarded for four months as soon as you arrived."

"I don't really trust the Star Crown Sect either," the leader of the Yuzhi Clan spoke up, turning towards Tang San's side. After all, "Self-Analysis for Soul Masters" had benefited them a little, and many soul master teams sought out their younger generation for hunting and soul battling, making their lives a bit better.

"Niu Gang, you!" the elder's expression changed.

"I feel the same way. Since it was suggested by Senior Star, it's only fair for him to test it first," Bai Luo, the leader of the Saint Dragon Sect, also spoke up with a sense of justice.

In the Free Soul Master group with heavy bloodthirst, no one spoke, just quietly watching.

"Fine, then we'll go first," the elder snorted coldly and ordered, "Xu Lin, you go first."

"Yes, Senior Star," Xu Lin complied.

Xu Lin, with a soul power just reaching level thirty, released the Star Crown Martial Soul. Two yellow soul rings surrounded his body, then he shouted towards the twenty-meter-high mecha in front of him, "I'm going to challenge the trial!"

[Challenge initiated!]

A mechanical voice emanated from the mecha, then it raised its hand and pressed down on the ground. A platform measuring about a hundred meters in length and width rose from the ground, with a height of about fifty centimeters.

[Now announcing the challenge rules:]

[1. Any means can be used during the challenge.]

[2. Surrendering or falling outside the arena counts as a challenge failure.]

[3. As long as one remains on the platform, whether unconscious or not, the challenge is not considered over.]

[4. Spectators are not allowed to provide audible hints. Otherwise, the challenger and the one providing the hint will be eliminated together. (Note: To prevent malicious exploitation of this rule, the challenger can apply for a higher-level challenge. If successful, they survive.)]

[Now, the challenger, please declare your name!]

Xu Lin took a deep breath and said, "Xu Lin, direct disciple of the Star Crown Sect, with the Star Crown Martial Soul. Level thirty long-range elemental control system Soul Master."

As Xu Lin finished speaking, the twenty-meter-high mecha emitted a beam of light from its eyes, scanning Xu Lin's body. Then, its knees opened up, and something made up of countless metal blocks fell down, splitting and recombining on the platform into an exact replica of Xu Lin, even down to the face, but with a silver metallic sheen over its entire body.

Tang San observed this peculiar robot and thought to himself, "The soul power fluctuations emitted are almost identical to Xu Lin's. It should be some kind of extremely advanced soul device... Ancient remnants, with quite a high level of technology."

(End of this chapter)