Spirit Pearl's Guidance

The Green Ping Sword collided fiercely with the giant statue's core, erupting in a blinding flash as dazzling as the sun, impossible to look at directly. Yet although Yan Zhao's strike contained the full strength of his body, the statue's defenses surpassed all imagination. This all-out sword strike had merely left a tiny crack in its core, as fine as a spider's thread.

The statue had clearly been enraged by the blow. With a furious roar, its massive arms whipped about wildly like a gale and rainstorm, smashing toward Yan Zhao and the Ice Dragon with the force of thunder. Yan Zhao's heart tightened at the sight, and he hurriedly controlled the Ice Dragon to dodge nimbly. The Ice Dragon coiled and wheeled through the air, swift as lightning, cleverly evading the statue's attacks.

However, just as Yan Zhao let out a slight breath of relief, something unexpected happened. The previously insignificant crack suddenly emitted a strange force, like an invisible great net that tightly bound the Ice Dragon. The Ice Dragon struggled desperately, trying to break free, but that force was as hard as steel. No matter how it struggled, it was all in vain.

Yan Zhao was frantic with worry. He could only watch as the Ice Dragon was restrained, powerless to help. At this critical moment, an idea suddenly came to him. Taking a deep breath, he mobilized all the spiritual energy in his body and continuously poured it into the Green Ping Sword. Sensing Yan Zhao's spiritual energy, the Green Ping Sword's radiance abruptly blazed brighter, like burning flames.

Holding the Green Ping Sword, Yan Zhao did not hesitate to slash at the crack again. This time, the Green Ping Sword was even more powerful than before. Under its violent impact, the crack swiftly spread, covering the entire core like a spiderweb. As the cracks spread, the statue's movements gradually slowed. The force of its attacks visibly weakened, and its once-overwhelming momentum began to dissipate.

Seeing this, Yan Zhao secretly rejoiced. He knew his chance had come. With a loud shout, the light of the Green Ping Sword in his hand grew even more dazzling, like the blazing sun hanging overhead. Mustering every ounce of his strength, he viciously cleaved the Green Ping Sword toward the statue's core. This strike contained Yan Zhao's boundless fury and determination, carrying vast spiritual energy as it streaked through the sky like lightning splitting the night.

With a thunderous crash, the statue's core finally could not withstand the blow and shattered completely. Deprived of support, the statue's body came crashing down, kicking up dust that filled the sky, as though the whole world trembled with it.

As Yan Zhao watched the statue fall, the boulder in his heart finally hit the ground. He let out a breath, and at the same moment, the Ice Dragon regained its freedom. They had successfully defeated the powerful statue and continued on their immortal adventure into the unknown. Just as Yan Zhao was about to ride the Ice Dragon away, a flash of light suddenly gleamed from the shattered statue's core, like a shooting star streaking through the night sky, instantly drawing his attention. Looking closely, he saw a palm-sized golden Spirit Pearl shoot out from the statue's core. Like an elf that had finally gained freedom after being imprisoned for ages, it danced joyfully through the air.

The Spirit Pearl emitted a gentle, mysterious glow, like the first ray of sunlight at dawn—warm and intoxicating. Though its light was not dazzling, it seemed to possess an irresistible magic that drew Yan Zhao's gaze and made him instinctively want to move closer.

Yan Zhao's heart stirred, and powerful curiosity surged within him. He extended his right hand and carefully caught the Spirit Pearl. The instant his fingers touched it, a vast torrent of information flooded into his mind like raging tides, plunging his thoughts into chaos.

When he gradually came back to his senses, he discovered that the Spirit Pearl was actually a Trial Key left behind by an ancient great expert. It was said that anyone who could unlock this Trial Key could obtain a powerful Immortal Law Inheritance and become a peerless powerhouse. Yan Zhao was beside himself with excitement. He knew this was an opportunity that came once in a thousand years; if he could pass the trial, his strength would surely soar by leaps and bounds.

Following the Spirit Pearl's guidance, Yan Zhao and the Ice Dragon set out together for the Trial Grounds. Along the way, they passed through dense forests and crossed perilous mountain ranges, finally arriving at a hidden valley.

Mists and clouds swirled through the valley, making it seem like an immortal realm. Concealed by the drifting fog, an ancient Immortal Mansion flickered in and out of view, like a paradise hidden beyond the mortal world. Yan Zhao was immensely excited. He guided the Ice Dragon closer to the Immortal Mansion, wanting to investigate it thoroughly.

However, when he was still dozens of zhang away from the Immortal Mansion, a powerful restriction suddenly appeared, blocking him outside like walls of bronze and iron. Runes flickered across the restriction, radiating immense pressure, as though warning any who dared intrude rashly.

Yan Zhao furrowed his brow. Staring intently at the restriction, he began to mobilize the spiritual energy within him, attempting to unravel its mysteries. At the side, the Ice Dragon exhaled icy breath, answering Yan Zhao's spiritual energy as they struck together against the indestructible restriction.

Just as they were giving it their all, faint strains of immortal music drifted from within the Immortal Mansion. The sound was clear and melodious, like heavenly music, as though tempting them to press onward. Yan Zhao's heart stirred. Where exactly was this immortal music coming from? Could it be connected to the trial within the Immortal Mansion?