Chapter 4
Story: Mr. Expert, Please Stay Author:qianhu words:11579 Update time:2023-07-03 04:47:12
The surrounding area outside the white mist was a vast expanse of emptiness, with no sight of the ground or the sky, no trace of any human figure, and no exit. Even though there was no immediate danger, it made people reluctant to relax because everything here seemed eerie and mysterious.
"The first trial of the Emperor's legacy, 'Dreaming in the Mist', was passed by two people," a hoarse voice announced out of nowhere, as at the same time, two tables and chairs materialized in the center of the space.
"Admission"
After uttering a cryptic remark, the hoarse voice ceased to sound.
Bai Yi, who had long released his five senses, found himself unable to perceive any fluctuations. It was as if a fish swimming in water without causing any ripples, creating a sense of imminent danger in Bai Yi's heart.
Mu Zihe remained calm as ever, inexplicably forgoing the investigation of the source of the sound. He showed no signs of agitation despite the current circumstances, choosing instead to sit cross-legged and recuperate, preparing for the impending fierce battle.
"Oh~~ Isn't this Muzihe? What a stroke of bad luck! Why do I always run into you?"
Hearing a soft and boneless yet disdainful voice taunting Mu ZIhe, Bai Yi turned his head with caution to look at the person who spoke. The person had a delicate and picturesque face, with a pair of peach blossom eyes that exuded a captivating allure. The intricate and vibrant robe lazily draped over their body. Their slender thighs and fair chest were partially obscured and revealed as they moved, emanating a charm and sensuality befitting of a seductive fairy.
Mu Zihe raised his head coldly and remained expressionless in the face of the fairy's mockery. He simply lifted his head as if he was waiting for something to appear.
"The first trial of the Emperor's Inheritance, Dream-seeking in the Mists, requires passing through three individuals to gain admission," a hoarse voice again quietly sounded.
Not only did Mu Zihao and Bai Yi raise their heads in vigilance, even Hua Yuhàn's expression suddenly changed.
In the center of the space, another table and chairs appeared as the sound resounded. The three chairs were arranged in different angles, which made the three individuals secretly ponder.
With the passage of time, more and more people entered. Initially, everyone's expressions changed due to the eerie sound. After confirming that the person making the sound had no intention of harming anyone, their gazes shifted towards the large circle formed by the tables and chairs. Some couldn't resist the urge and hurriedly rushed to grab a seat at the closest position. However, a strong light suddenly emanated from one of the tables and chairs, strangling that person to death. In an instant, the vast space fell silent, and no one dared to make any careless moves.
"The time has come; admission allowed. Each person has their own opportunities and must not snatch others' chances, with merciless punishment for offenders."
Having observed for a long time, Mu Zihe silently pondered for a moment, then sat confidently in the first seat that had just become available. He entered before Bai Yi, so the first seat should rightfully be his opportunity.
After taking a few steps, Mu Zihe turned his head and glanced at the dumbfounded Bai Yi. "Follow me, your position is the second one."
Bai Yi also instantly figured out the mystery within this and sat down with Mu Zihe.
Some astute individuals detected some mysterious implications in Mu Zhehe's words. Upon seeing both of them sitting unharmed, everyone turned their attention to their own designated seats.
After a stick of incense was burned, everyone also took their seats. They were secretly vigilant, while also speculating in their minds about the dangers of the second trial set by the Southern Barbarian Emperor.
"In the second level of the Southern Barbarian Land's challenge, known as 'Passing the Drum and Transmitting the Flowers,' when the drumbeat stops, those who have received a flower must offer their souls to the flower."
Boom boom boom, a dull drum sound suddenly resounded in everyone's heart. Surprisingly, this drum sound was formed by the beating of everyone's heart!
As the crowd recalled the words spoken by the voice, "When the drums stop, the one who received the flower must offer their soul to the flower," a sense of unease swept over everyone, causing their scalps to tingle. This was the first time Bai Yi had experienced such an eerie phenomenon, and he couldn't help but turn his head to look at Mu Zihe, hoping for some reassurance. Mu Zihe, however, remained calm and composed, which eased Bai Yi's nerves slightly.
In the midst of everyone's fear, a seed of an otherworldly flower silently appeared within the gaps among them, absorbing the unknown nourishment it obtained from somewhere, and gradually transforming into a captivating and blooming abyss flower.
The appearance of the Higanbana also caused everyone's eyes to widen, as they held their breath and watched to see whose home the Higanbana would ultimately bloom in.
The amaryllis quietly blossomed in the air, only to vanish in an instant without a trace amidst the intense scrutiny of the onlookers.
"Save me, Uncle Liu, please save me... my father is the Grand Elder! How dare you not save me!!" The person chosen by the otherworldly flower had turned pale with fear, their continuous and threatening call filled with genuine terror and dread. The crowd disdainfully stared at the person, secretly relieved to find out that the one chosen by the otherworldly flower was nothing more than a pampered and worthless scion! If Uncle Liu refused to rescue this person, their death would be certain. With this thought in mind, everyone started to formulate their own plans.
A jade gourd rushed through the air towards the Amaryllis lily, but with a "snap," it was knocked down in midair.
With the shattering of the jade gourd, a middle-aged man stood up in fury. "I am Liu Hai, I implore all fellow daoists to show mercy. Do not obstruct me from saving my young master." Without waiting for the others to react, he hurled a flying sword towards the Netherworld Flower.
At this moment, a series of loud thuds echoed. The heartbeats of everyone suddenly came to a halt. Uncle Liu's expression immediately changed, for how could he not know the significance of the drums ceasing?
"No!!" Amidst Uncle Liu's furious roar, everyone saw in shock as the man who had called out earlier suddenly had countless branches bursting out from his chest.
Those branches and twigs absorbed nutrients from the man's heart, thriving and growing, but in a split second, they completely drained his body!
A breeze, seemingly coming out of nowhere, swept through, dispersing this body into scattered ashes that fell onto the petals of the otherworldly higanbana. And from the extraordinary higanbana's stem, a tender leaf sprouted!
Everything happened in the blink of an eye...
Witnessing all of this, the crowd couldn't help but shudder with fear. Some even thought of the legendary tale of the Higan Flower, where the flowers and leaves never coexist. Yet, here they were, witnessing the eerie sight of the Higan Flower blooming with both flowers and leaves. In that moment, they all deeply regretted entering this place.
Between Bai Yi and Mu Zihe, they locked eyes and could see the seriousness and panic reflected in each other's eyes.
And in the next moment, the Higanbana flower also vanished, thus avoiding the incoming flying sword. It was all because a "thump... thump... thump..." sound resounded once again.
For a moment, the vast space fell into silence, and everyone held their breath, anxiously searching for any trace of the Higanbana flower. In their hearts, they silently prayed not to be chosen by the Higanbana flower.
"Save me! I will repay you... Ah!!" The drumming stopped once again, and that person died under the flowers before they could even finish speaking. The time until their death was unexpectedly shrinking slowly!
Within the time it takes to burn a stick of incense, people have been dying one after another. The expressions on everyone's faces have turned pale. After the majority of the people have died, the Higanbana flower seems to have absorbed the nutrients and blossomed more enchantingly. The green leaves on the flower have also multiplied, giving off an increasingly eerie and unpredictable aura.
Those who stayed behind were filled with palpable anxiety, while others remained indifferent. Those who remained indifferent mostly had seen through the situation, for the chosen ones by the Higanbana were all individuals with weak cultivation. So far, the outstanding talents from various sects and schools all sat comfortably in their chairs without a hint of worry.
Dong dong dong. The sound of drums resonated once again. I wonder whose misfortune it is this time?
Sitting in a place, Confucian scholar's face slightly turned angry, annoyed that the flower from the other shore appeared out of nowhere in front of him! With so many talented individuals from various sects, this flower from the other shore dares to pick a fight with him first. Does it think he is weak? Frowning, he immediately spoke out.
The paragraph you provided translates to: "The Master said, 'The path of great learning lies in being morally upright, in being benevolent to the people, and in seeking to achieve the ultimate goodness...'" A powerful aura emanated from his body, and this overwhelming aura forced the opposing muddy potatoes to retreat.
Ruyi glanced coldly at the opposite Mu Ziran, "Soldiers advance, attack the commander," and the Higanbana followed his control, advancing like an army, and turned to attack Mu Ziran.
Mu Ziran coldly stared at the slowly approaching Higanbana. He held a folding fan in his hand, fanning it open and producing a swirling breeze.
As the wind rose and the clouds surged, everything vanished into nothingness, dispersing. The gentle breeze formed from the fluttering fan spread outwards, faintly causing ripples in the air. In an instant, it created a wave, scattering the flowers on the other side. And in that direction... stood Mu Zihe and Bai Li, sitting there.
Bai Yi nervously looked at the amaryllis flower rushing towards them. Deep regret filled his heart. How could he have come to this place of inheritance without cultivating his abilities and just following his master's instigation?
Mu Zihe looked calmly at the Higanbana blowing towards him from the other side. Without allowing it to approach, he nonchalantly took out another withered Higanbana, and threw it towards the eerie Higanbana, saying, "King against king, let me see who is more formidable."
Mu Zihe's Higanbana was obtained by chance from the underworld. Now, he could see if it had any unique abilities.
The green-leaved spider lilies on the other side saw the withered spider lily and ceased to grow, seemingly concerned. For a moment, as if they had consciousness, they turned their heads and lunged towards the other side. They struck down another person again before the drumbeat stopped.
After killing this person, the branches of the man-eating flower also bloomed with five hundred leaves, as if undergoing a significant evolution, swaying and stretching gracefully in the air.
Everyone's faces grew serious, and it was already evident earlier that this mysterious Higanbana flower possessed some intelligence. At this moment, it is likely that it has gained full consciousness.