Just as Zhang Tie was filled with doubt and his thoughts churned in disarray, a figure abruptly appeared before him. The figure looked like a bald child, yet he had a white beard.
The phantom of the white-bearded child spoke slowly. "Young friend, you were just within the third trial stage, the Heart Demon Illusionary Realm. Regrettably, you became deeply trapped within that illusion and failed to break free, so this trial attempt is considered a failure."
"An illusion? Those decades of experiences were all an illusion? All fake?" Zhang Tie muttered to himself, still wearing a deeply confused and lost expression. His eyes were somewhat dull and unfocused.
The white-bearded child's phantom sat cross-legged in midair, calm and unhurried. He merely stroked his snow-white beard lightly and waited patiently.
About half an hour passed before Zhang Tie finally seemed to awaken from a great dream and slowly regained his senses.
His thoughts gradually cleared. He remembered how he had entered the secret realm and how he had begun this arduous journey through the trials. His eyes became clear and resolute once more, no longer clouded as before.
"Thank you, Senior, for waiting patiently. Since I failed the trial, may I ask whether there is any punishment?" Zhang Tie cupped his hands in salute and asked respectfully, though a trace of unease showed on his face.
"There is no punishment. I will simply send you out next. If you still have any unanswered questions, you may ask me. However, I am merely the Formation Spirit of this third trial stage, and what I know is rather limited." The phantom answered at an unhurried pace, his voice ethereal and distant, as though it came from far beyond the horizon.
"Thank you, Senior. Where will I arrive after being sent out?" Zhang