Chapter 409: Ch 409: Threatening The Trial Spirits
"Elyndra, here, take it. You can use them to enhance your strength!" Alex gave Elyndra dozens of bottles of 10,000 years old Myriad Celestial Spirit Liquid.
"Ok!" Elyndra didn't refuse. A smile bloomed on her face as she accepted several bottles of Myriad Celestial Spirit Liquid from Alex.
When Alex held the bottle of Myriad Celestial Spirit Liquid, he clearly sensed a very pure spiritual power. He can also tell that this spiritual power was gentle, so much so that drinking it every day wouldn't be a big problem.
So, Alex took out another bottle of this liquid and drank from it.
He immediately felt scorching energy churning inside his body, but unlike typical fiery energies, this one didn't burn or hurt him. It flowed inside him with a soothing intensity, as if it were cleansing and strengthening him from the inside out.
His veins glowed faintly as the liquid spread through his entire system, purifying his blood, nourishing his bones, and reinforcing his cultivation foundation. A refreshing coolness followed right after the initial heat, balancing the intense energy and preventing any backlash.
Alex's eyes widened slightly in surprise.
'It is such an incredible stuff. The spiritual energy feels like it's tailored to improve constitution without causing any instability.'
Seeing Alex drink the Myriad Celestial Spirit Liquid, Elyndra also took out a bottle and gulped down the liquid.
The scorching spiritual power surged immediately inside Elyndra as her face turned rosy and her aura began to rise steadily.
"Sir, drinking the Myriad Celestial Spirit Liquid like that is far too wasteful."
The Trial Spirit in the distance looked like he was about to explode when he witnessed how Alex and Elyndra drank the entire bottle in one go. Its eyes widened in disbelief. The Myriad Celestial Spirit Liquid, a treasure it held in the highest regard, was being consumed so casually. It was unbearable to watch.
The 10,000 years old Myriad Celestial Spirit Liquid was an incredibly rare and precious resource. It was meant to be consumed alongside specially refined pills, allowing cultivators to extract and absorb every trace of its spiritual essence. To simply drink it directly like water was beyond reckless.
"You don't have to worry about how we use it." Alex snorted coldly, and the Trial Spirit hurriedly retreated.
Selyara on the side was also a little speechless. She knew about Myriad Celestial Spirit Liquid and knew it was a precious treasure that not even a Life Creation Stage warrior would easily use.
Alex, on the other hand, was actually drinking it so casually. It made her feel unbelievable.
"Alright, now take us to enter the temple!" Alex turned to the Trial Spirit and spoke.
The Trial Spirit opened its mouth as if wanting to protest but quickly swallowed its words. After a deep breath, it nodded and bowed slightly.
"This way, Sir. Please follow me."
Without another word, Alex began walking deeper into the ancient site, with Elyndra, Selyara, and the still-quiet Aurelius following close behind.
Soon, they arrived at a colossal structure nestled within a chamber of molten rock and glowing mineral walls. It was a temple, shaped like a majestic pagoda. This temple had three floors, each floor glowing with shimmering red-gold engravings that were actually still pulsing with energy.
Alex glanced at the temple and wanted to see some information. Unfortunately, the temple itself was not a treasure, so he was unable to see any information.
As they stood at the entrance of the temple, the White Trial Spirit spoke, "Sir, this temple is known as the Flame Pagoda Temple, left behind by Flame Sword Sovereign from the Era of Nine Swords. Although this temple itself is very ordinary, the formations carved into its floors are incredibly powerful. It can be seen just from the fact that these formations are still functioning after many eras. Each floor of the Flame Pagoda Temple represents a different trial designed to temper one's body, soul, and will. Only by passing all three trials can one enter the Temple Core, where challengers can fight to obtain Flame Sword Sovereign's true inheritance."
It paused for a moment and looked at Alex with a hint of hesitation before continuing, "However, these trials are not ordinary. They are tailored to test the limits of anyone who dares enter. The strength of the trial will scale with the power of the participants. Even with your current cultivation, Sir, these trials will not be easy."
Alex narrowed his eyes slightly but remained calm. He didn't think much and led everyone inside the temple.
The White Trial Spirit didn't expect Alex to stay quiet. When it came back to its senses, Alex was already inside the temple. The Trial Spirit also hurried inside.
"You told us that the trials here are designed to temper one's body, soul, and will. Why don't you tell me what the rewards are for passing these trials? Also, what does every floor test?" Alex asked.
"The first floor tests a percipient's physique, bloodline, and cultivation. The second floor tests the purity and strength of one's soul, and the third floor tests the firmness of one's will and heart. Whether you have the resolve to pursue power no matter the cost, the clarity to distinguish truth from illusion, and the courage to face your deepest fears, everything will be tested on the third floor."
The Trial Spirit introduced Alex and others to the trials. Then it paused again before continuing, "As for the rewards, they vary depending on how thoroughly each trial is passed. However, only those who pass all three floors perfectly will obtain the qualification to challenge the final trial and fight for the inheritance left behind by the Flame Sword Sovereign."
Alex nodded, thought for a few seconds, and suddenly said, "Alright, bring out all those rewards. I'll take them away!"
Take them away?
His words not only caused the Trial Spirit to be stunned, but even Selyara, Elyndra, and Aurelius were startled, not expecting Alex to want to rob the rewards here as well.
"No, Sir, that won't do. To obtain those items, you must undergo the trials. Each trial is overseen by a different Trial Spirit, and without their permission, you are not allowed to take anything!" the Trial Spirit said through gritted teeth. It could not believe Alex still wanted to rob other Trial Spirits after emptying its wallet.
Alex had no interest in wasting his time taking trials. So, he didn't hesitate to say, "If they refuse to give me the treasures meant to be rewarded, just bring those Trial Spirits to me."
The White Trial Spirit was stunned. It opened its mouth, wanting to say something, but then saw Alex's indifferent gaze and hesitated.
Clearly, Alex did not want to hear any excuses.
Alas, after countless eras of waiting, it had hoped for worthy challengers to appear. But instead, a bringer of misfortune had arrived, threatening to drain the temple's treasures.
The Trial Spirit was overwhelmed with frustration and helplessness.
Elyndra, Selyara, and Aurelius stood beside the Trial Spirit, all equally dumbfounded by Alex's bold actions. They had always believed that one had to follow the rules, listen to the Trial Spirits, and complete the trials in order to earn any rewards. That was the proper way... at least, so they thought.
But Alex had done something completely different. He hadn't followed the rules or pleaded for the favor. Instead, he had threatened the Trial Spirit directly... and it had worked once. Perhaps, it'll work again.
The three couldn't help but exchange glances.
"Sir, please wait a moment. I'll go and summon them now!" the White Trial Spirit said after taking a deep breath, and then, a soft spiritual light radiated from its body as it shot directly in a direction before disappearing.
"Rumble!!!"
It didn't take long when the entire hall suddenly trembled violently with a thunderous roar. At the same time, three powerful auras erupted from the depth of three floors. The intensity of these auras was overwhelming, filling the space with a heavy pressure that made the air feel almost solid.
Alex, Selyara, and Elyndra managed to withstand this kind of aura, but Aurelius' face turned pale as a suffocating wave of energy pressed down.
Just then, a warm glow enveloped Aurelius and then extended outward, forming a protective barrier around him, shielding him from the crushing pressure.
In the next moment, four Trial Spirits shot out from the depth of the Pagoda. Expressions on three Trial Spirits' faces were filled with annoyance as they glared at the white Trial Spirit who just returned to Alex's side.
"Sir, they've all arrived," the white Trial Spirit said respectfully.
Alex gave a faint nod, and without hesitation, unleashed his Shadow Devouring Flame. The Shadow Devouring Flame immediately erupted with radiating intense heat as they instantly surged around the three incoming Trial Spirits.
Feeling the terrifying pressure of the Shadow Devouring Flame, those three Trial Spirits instantly felt their hearts clench in unease, as a cold sweat trickled down despite the overwhelming heat.