While floating in the air, I let my mind wander, not fixated on deep hatred, not worried about the recovery of my physical body, not anxious about the future, but just silently appreciating the unique tranquility of this misty landscape.
A moment before the time it took to drink a cup of tea passed, the surging black and white mist up ahead suddenly parted to the sides, like a tide giving way to a king, and a gentle, warm gate of light suddenly appeared at the edge of the field of view.
This light gate was not majestic or tall, only about ten feet high. This gate was made entirely of pure pale golden light, with a gentle and controlled flow of light that was not dazzling, domineering, or intimidating, but rather warm and calming, subtly seeping into the mind and soul.
Compared to the dark and tense atmosphere of the first level of the labyrinth and the bloodthirsty and murderous atmosphere of the soul beast space on the second level, the entrance to the third level was like two completely different worlds, with an immense contrast that instantly calmed the mind and allowed the nerves that had been tense for days to slowly relax.
Without hesitation, without trial, without caution, David’s soul stirred slightly, turning into a soft and condensed purple light, then plunged into the pale golden light gate.
A moment later, the world spun, light and shadow shifted, and the surrounding space instantly changed.
The view before me suddenly opened up, changing completely.
The third level was neither a complex and enthralling underground labyrinth, nor a closed and cramped trial chamber besieged by soul beasts, nor a dangerous place filled with killing intent and restrictions. Instead, it was a quiet and peaceful forest retreat, untouched by the world.
The forest was not big, only a hundred feet in diameter. The terrain was gently undulating, the soil was soft and fertile, the grass was lush and green, and small spiritual flowers were blooming quietly everywhere, emitting a delicate fragrance.
The trees in the forest were sparse and scattered, not dense and dense, with graceful branches and lush green leaves, showing no trace of the sinister scene of withered trees and cold yin energy that surrounded the Ancient Soul Forest.
Warm sunlight penetrated through the gaps in the tree canopy, scattering like scattered gold on the ground, creating light and shadow that swayed gently in the wind, a scene of gentle beauty.
There was no terrifying aura of fighting souls, no bloodthirsty stench of soul beasts in the air, only the pure scent of grass and trees and the gentle fragrance of spiritual flowers blended and lingered, refreshing the mind and nourishing the soul.
In the distance, the occasional clear and melodious bird song echoed from within the forest, its soft notes adding a touch of lively life to the tranquil forest.
This place was not a dangerous trial, but rather a secluded paradise hidden in the chaotic world, far from bloodshed, a secret realm perfect for quiet cultivation.
David’s purple divine soul floated quietly in the air at the edge of the forest. With a little thought, the golden light protecting him from the Great Luo Golden Scripture subconsciously shone with a faint halo, illuminating only a three-foot radius around him. It was not for defense, but simply to investigate the surroundings and guard against hidden trickery.
His gaze swept around him, carefully examining every inch of the forest, every tree, and every breath of air.
The forest was calm and quiet, with plants growing peacefully. There were no hidden boundaries, no hidden illusory arrays, no lurking soul beasts, and not even the slightest hint of hidden killing intent or evil plans.
Quiet, too quiet.
Peaceful, too peaceful.
The atmosphere was so calm that it felt unreal, so gentle that it made one feel restless.
David pondered to himself, speaking in a low and slightly wary voice: “The first three levels are increasingly difficult. The first two levels are life and death battles, very dangerous, but the last level contains absolutely no killing intent or warning. This strangeness is definitely not a good thing.”
The safer something seems, the greater the danger that lurks behind it. The test here is not through violence, but elsewhere.
Deep within his sea of consciousness, Bei Mingyuan’s remnant soul slowly awakened, his voice that carried pity and clarity accumulated over the years resounded softly: “You saw it right. The Tree of Souls takes wood, the Tree of Souls takes wood. People all think they are taking wood, seizing treasures, and looking for opportunities to reshape their physical bodies, but that’s not the case.”
This final trial was not about retrieving wood, perfecting cultivation, or protecting the soul; it’s about protecting your heart.
“Heart?” David’s soul shook slightly, and he asked in confusion.
“Yes, that’s the heart.”
Bei Mingyuan explained slowly, in a serious tone, “On the path of trials, external forces can be overcome, but inner demons are the most difficult to conquer. No matter how strong your combat power is, you cannot fight them head-on.”
No matter how high a person’s wisdom, he can see illusions; but the obsessions of the human heart, love and hate, revenge and peace are the hardest things to explore and the hardest to let go of.
“Follow the guidance of my divine sense and look towards the center of the forest. That is your goal, and also the source of your inner demons in this tribulation.”
David did as he was told, looking up in the direction indicated by Bei Mingyuan’s divine sense, his gaze penetrated the sparse trees and reached the center of the forest.
In the middle of a stretch of open space, an ancient tree stood quietly, alone, neither leaning nor dependent on anything, neither humble nor overbearing, standing right at the center where the spiritual energy of the entire forest gathered.
FAQ Novel
Q: What makes the third trial different from the previous challenges?
A: Unlike the bone-chilling cold or dazzling chaos of earlier levels, the third trial is notably bland and silent, demanding a mental and spiritual approach rather than brute force.
Q: Why does David choose to abandon his defenses and embrace vulnerability?
A: David believes that facing this final challenge with a defensive or brute-force mindset would lead to falling into hidden traps, making vulnerability a strategic choice to connect with the Dao of Heaven.
What are your thoughts on David’s unconventional approach to this new challenge; do you believe it will lead to success or further peril?