Trials of the Life and Death Cavern

Trials of the Life and Death Cavern

Qin Wentian ventured deeper into the cavern, his senses keenly aware of his surroundings. At the far end, an unusual sight greeted him—a venerable-looking demon ox standing upright like a human. The surreal sight left Qin Wentian feeling more than a little perplexed. But what truly struck him as odd were the facial features of this ox. Upon closer inspection, Qin Wentian realized that this ox appeared distinct from its kin, much like how humans varied in appearance.

When humans observed one another, they easily distinguished individuals based on their unique features. However, when it came to different species, they often perceived them as having uniform characteristics. Yet this ox demon defied that convention; it bore a trace of human-like spiritual essence, clearly identifying it as the colossal guardian that had stood watch outside.

"You find this strange?" The ox demon, whose physique was less imposing now, gazed at Qin Wentian and flashed a grin. "The colossal form outside is merely a clone of mine. I am the one entrusted with overseeing the affairs of the Life and Death Cavern within the Immortal Martial Realm."

Qin Wentian's expression flickered slightly. So there were various enigmatic locations within the Immortal Martial Realm, each guarded by different beings responsible for the trials.

"Senior ox, my speed isn't slow by any means. Does this mean I've passed the test? And speaking of which, wasn't that test rather unfair?" Qin Wentian inquired, his curiosity piqued.

The ox demon chuckled. "Haha, young one, fairness isn't a concern here. I permitted your arrival earlier because I held certain expectations for you. To be frank, those whose speed I deemed insufficient were all trampled to death by me, truly meeting their end. However, individuals like you, whose strength had reached a certain level, were spared from being crushed. Instead, I transported you to the Cavern of Life and Death ahead of time. But don't think of yourself as particularly fortunate just yet. Here, you have only two paths to tread: life or death."

The ox demon's gaze locked onto Qin Wentian, his grin widening. "The Cavern of Life and Death contains four trials: the Cavern of Cultivation Level, the Cavern of Innate Techniques, the Cavern of Mandates, and the Cavern of Combat. Now, you must choose which path to take, and listen carefully. Pass the trial, and you will live. Fail, and you will die. There is no third option."

Qin Wentian furrowed his brow, realizing that trying to reason with this ox demon was futile. Transported to this place against his will, he had no choice but to comply with the test. However, the ox demon's mention of sending him here ahead of time raised questions. Did this mean that if they continued walking along the floating bridge, they would eventually find themselves in this enigmatic realm as well?

"What are the distinctions between the four trials?" Qin Wentian inquired, seeking clarity.

The old ox responded in a tone that was anything but gentle. "Foolish child, the trials are self-explanatory based on their names. Cultivation level: You must advance your cultivation by a set amount within a given time..." The old ox's explanation left Qin Wentian's heart quaking. Did this imply that the Cavern of Innate Techniques required one to grasp a specific innate technique within a designated time frame? As for the Cavern of Mandates, did it demand reaching the next level of understanding within a prescribed period as well?

"Challenging," Qin Wentian muttered under his breath. Advancing in cultivation wasn't a task one could accomplish through sheer willpower. The Cavern of Cultivation Level was undoubtedly a deathtrap, and he had to avoid choosing it at all costs. That left him with three remaining options.

"Attempting to achieve such progress within an arbitrary timeframe seems impossible. Isn't the level of difficulty excessively high?" Qin Wentian inquired further.

"Stop beating around the bush, child. I'll give you a hint. Except for the Cavern of Combat, you can contemplate your choice before proceeding with the other three trials. From a certain perspective, this can be considered a stroke of great fortune. I would never permit ordinary humans to enter this place." The old ox's laughter held a sinister undertone as he added, "Have you made your decision?"

"I possess four Mandates," Qin Wentian replied.

"Select the one you prefer, and if it falls within my control, you may proceed," the old ox instructed. For the more unconventional Mandates, the Immortal Martial Realm might struggle to design a trial. However, for the more common Mandates, they would undoubtedly have suitable challenges.

"Mandate of Demons," Qin Wentian decided, taking a calculated risk.

"Unleash your Mandate of Demons," the old ox instructed. Qin Wentian released his Mandate of Demons, allowing the old ox to sense it. In an instant, his suppressed cultivation base and Mandates were fully restored.

The old ox entered a specific cavern briefly before emerging once more. When its gaze fell upon Qin Wentian again, it emanated a disconcerting intensity.

"Two hours. Evolve your Mandate of Demons to the Perfection Boundary within that time frame, and you will pass. Fail, and you shall meet your end," the old ox said with a twisted grin, causing Qin Wentian's complexion to turn ashen.

"Senior, are you jesting?"

Two hours to reach the Perfection Boundary for his Mandate? This was no laughing matter. If two hours sufficed, the entire Royal Sacred Region would be teeming with individuals whose Mandates had reached perfection.

"In this place, there's only life or death. No jests here. Your two-hour countdown began a minute ago," the old ox declared with an even more radiant smile, its eyes gleaming with an eerie intensity.

"Bastard," Qin Wentian muttered inwardly, his heart racing as he rushed into the designated cavern. He understood the futility of trying to reason with the demon ox. Here, it was the ultimate authority; unless he could somehow eliminate it, there was no changing its decision.

Inside the cavern, a resplendent astral light enveloped him, transporting him to a mysterious realm where everything vanished, replaced by a sprawling mountain range. Before him, a young black eagle came into view.

The eagle was in its infancy, tentatively flapping its tiny wings and emitting adorable chirps.

As time passed, the eagle matured, and its wings developed into formidable instruments of flight. It soared gracefully through the skies, moving with the effortless grace of a fish in water. With each passing moment, it honed its hunting skills, diving into the ocean to capture prey, engaging in fierce battles with other demons, and growing stronger through adversity.

Gradually, a coldness crept into its eyes, and an aura of tyranny and boundless sharpness radiated from it. It swooped down from the heavens to seize a massive python, clashed with formidable foes in demon-infested forests, and displayed disdain for those weaker than itself.

The black eagle's strength continued to grow, its wingspan expanding to a remarkable 1,000 meters. It stood as the undisputed sovereign of the skies, perched atop a mountain peak, and surveyed its subjects below. Its mere gaze compelled submission.

Qin Wentian watched this captivating life journey as though he were a spectator, experiencing the black eagle's pride, arrogance, and contempt for humanity. It was a demon that defied the natural order, challenging the heavens and the earth, its eyes fixated on the sky as if it could tear it asunder.

When the vision finally dissipated, Qin Wentian remained immersed in the black eagle's perspective, the memories of its life replaying vividly in his mind.

The Mandate of Demons, he realized, was a comprehension drawn from demons themselves. To perfect this Mandate, one had to understand the solitary arrogance, the pride, the imposing demeanor, and the disdain and contempt for humanity that demons exhibited.

Closing his eyes, Qin Wentian entered a state of deep contemplation, seemingly forgetting the passage of time. Demonic qi surged from within him, and his astral energy surged, absorbing energy from the constellations within this realm, filling his Yuanfu to capacity.

However, achieving a Mandate breakthrough was no simple task. While his comprehension of the Mandate of Demons had deepened, reaching a breakthrough was not an overnight affair. Qin Wentian lost track of time, but time did not stand still. An hour slipped away unnoticed.

Recalling his days as the primordial great roc, when he had wrought havoc across Grand Xia and cleaved the Pill Emperor Hall with his sword, Qin Wentian realized he had never truly contemplated himself during that period. Back then, as he traversed the land, demons had bowed to him in absolute submission. The memory of standing atop a mountain peak, gazing at his countless demonic subjects, flooded back to him.

When he summoned the will of the Mandate of Demons, it often lacked the imposing, regal demonic aura he had exuded as a primordial great roc. During that era, everything had felt so tangible because he had truly been a demon.

"In fact, I've already sensed what it feels like to have the Mandate of Demons at the Perfection Boundary. When I assumed the form of the primordial great roc, the essence of humanity was scorched away, leaving behind pure demonity. The being I was and the feeling I had back then, that was the epitome of perfection," Qin Wentian reflected. He closed his eyes, allowing his demonic qi to swirl around him. Unintentionally, a pair of demonic wings sprouted from his back. The center of his forehead radiated a chilling sharpness as he attempted to reconnect with the days when he was a primordial great roc, recapturing the sensation of the perfected Mandate of Demons.

A ferocious demonic qi whipped up a tempest, shrouding him completely. Thunderous cracks echoed, causing the entire space to tremble. When Qin Wentian opened his eyes, the aura of a true demonic being emanated from him – imposing, proud, disdainful of humans, cold, and filled with solitary arrogance.

"BOOM!" The demonic qi erupted in a frenzy, smashing against the cavern's ceiling. Qin Wentian stood up, turned, and walked out.

Upon exiting, Qin Wentian faced the ox demon, his back covered in cold sweat. The process of comprehension had demanded his complete immersion. He had even lost track of time, but it had taken nearly two hours for him to succeed. This trial was a harrowing ordeal.

"Congratulations on passing the test of the Life and Death Cavern," the ox demon congratulated. However, Qin Wentian didn't feel as jubilant as he had expected. He inquired, "Since you, senior, control the tests here, do you know the status of my friends? Have they passed as well?"

Fan Le, too, should have been transported to the Life and Death Cavern. Unbeknownst to him, the ox demon's actions had sent the other participants fleeing in terror, while Ouyang Kuangsheng had been brought here for the test.

"You wish to help them?" the old ox grinned with a hint of mischief.

"Yes," Qin Wentian affirmed.

"Take the trial once more, and if you succeed, I will consider sparing him. But keep in mind, it's not just your friend taking the test in the Life and Death Cavern," the old ox cryptically mentioned, causing Qin Wentian's face to pale.

Take the trial once again?

He had been extraordinarily fortunate that his Mandate of Demons had unexpectedly broken through to the Perfection Boundary. If not for his transformation into a primordial roc years ago, he might have met his demise today. A second trial would undoubtedly be even more perilous.

"The trials in the Life and Death Cavern are of utmost importance and can significantly impact your standing in the Immortal Martial Realm. They also offer an opportunity to enhance your strength. It's a fantastic offer, isn't it?" the old ox continued to cajole Qin Wentian.

"Utter nonsense," Qin Wentian grumbled inwardly. Rankings held little significance to him; he sought to bolster his strength. However, to achieve that, he needed to pass the trial. If he failed, it meant death.

"If I undertake the trial again, will you promise to help my friends?" Qin Wentian asked.

"I will consider it. In the Life and Death Cavern, I am the arbiter of fate," the old ox replied, still sporting a mischievous grin that left Qin Wentian with no further insights.

"Very well. In that case, I choose the trial of innate techniques. I hope, senior, that you will honor your promise," Qin Wentian declared with determination. Apart from Fan Le, the ox demon had mentioned that one more friend of his was currently undergoing this trial. It was uncertain whether they would succeed or fail. Qin Wentian had no choice but to give it his all and stake his life on the line. Whether he had another true self or not, he would make the same choice. To him, the lives of his comrades were more valuable than his own.