A flicker of white light.
Zhen Huan found himself back in the tranquil silence of the lake's depths. The water around him shimmered with faint spiritual light, but it was unnaturally still—empty, void of life or sound. He looked around.
Nothing.
He took a breath and dived deeper.
But something was wrong.
Why does it feel like… time is racing ahead?
Before he could complete the thought, reality bent again, and he was yanked through space like a thread in a loom.
He stood once more in the white room.
But this time, the pressure was heavier.
No warning. No rest.
Fifteen Aqua Beasts materialized from the mist. They were larger than before—gleaming, solid, emanating cold killing intent. Their cultivation levels surged through the room like crashing waves.
5th Rank Mid-Tier Beasts.
Zhen Huan's eyes narrowed.
He gripped his blade tighter and stepped forward.
Two beasts launched their Water Pulse attacks—rippling energy bombs of condensed liquid force.
Zhen Huan vanished.
Wind Steps.
He reappeared mid-air, his palm shining with brown-gold spiritual light.
"Earth Seal – Five Hand Palm!"
From the air above, five colossal stone hands formed and came crashing down like divine judgment.
Boom! Boom!
Ding!
You killed two 5th Rank Mid-Tier Beasts.
XP Gained: 8,000
Current XP: 124,700
He landed with a splash on the pristine white floor, spinning to strike.
Steel met scale.
Three beasts leapt to intercept, but Zhen Huan was faster—his sword curved in sharp arcs, slashing their necks and spines with pinpoint precision.
Ding!
You killed three 5th Rank Mid-Tier Beasts.
XP Gained: 12,000
Current XP: 136,700
Before he could breathe, two more Aqua Beasts charged—rushing him like twin rivers.
He dodged.
But two others struck from behind, catching him off guard.
Crash!
He gritted his teeth, blood slipping down his chin. The pain was sharp, but he endured it.
"No more holding back."
His blade ignited.
"Inferno Slash – Second Form!"
A wide arc of fire, dark and searing, exploded from the blade and crashed into the enemies.
Ding!
You killed four 5th Rank Mid-Tier Beasts.
XP Gained: 16,000
Current XP: 152,700
The six remaining beasts stopped.
They stared.
Fear crept into their bestial eyes. They dropped low, heads tilted, tails curled beneath them like frightened pups.
Zhen Huan's gaze turned cold.
"Even if you kneel, mercy isn't free."
He raised his blade.
"Inferno Slash – Third Form."
A void-like fire, black as death, cut through the battlefield in a wide arc. The six beasts were consumed in an instant.
Ding!
You killed six 5th Rank Mid-Tier Beasts.
XP Gained: 24,000
Current XP: 176,700
The mist cleared.
Once more, the white room dissolved.
He was back in the lake.
Zhen Huan took a deep breath, feeling the pressure of deep water and time distortions again.
"System… why does time flow so fast in that white room?"
Ding.
If host wishes to unlock time-flow information: 40,000 XP points required.
Zhen Huan nearly coughed water. "What!? That much?"
System: Confirmed.
"…Fine. Take it."
The system drained the XP.
Ding
Item Info:
Name: Prisoner Room
Grade: Immortal King Grade
Cultivation Requirement: Unknown
Description: This space traps its victims in a pocket dimension. Time ratio: 1 hour = 1 month (outside world).
Current XP: 136,700
Zhen Huan's eyes widened.
"I spent three hours inside…"
Ding
Correct. Three months passed in the outside world.
He cursed under his breath. "Then I have to clear those trials much faster next time."
Pushing deeper, he descended into the lower layers of Aqua Valley.
Suddenly—a shimmering barrier blocked his path. He struck it.
It didn't budge.
"System, what is this?"
Ding
This barrier cannot be destroyed with current cultivation.
He sighed. "Then help me destroy it."
Ding
Assistance Cost: 40,000 XP.
Zhen Huan glared. "You're robbing me blind."
System: Confirmed.
"Argh… fine! Take it!"
The system absorbed the points.
Ding
Current XP: 96,700
Barrier unlocking… complete.
The shimmering wall rippled and shattered silently—like a mirror falling apart into water.
Zhen Huan stepped forward, into the unknown depths.