However, the instant the ancient tome opened, a strange and powerful suction force erupted from within it like a raging torrent. Caught off guard, Yan Zhao felt the tome in his hands suddenly become extraordinarily heavy, as though an invisible hand had seized him tightly, leaving him utterly unable to break free.
His heart jolted as he immediately realized something was wrong. He hurriedly mobilized all the spiritual energy in his body, trying to resist the bizarre pull. Yet the suction force was as immovable as a mountain; no matter how he struggled, he could not stop his body from being slowly drawn into the book.
Yan Zhao's heartbeat grew increasingly rapid, and a thin layer of sweat formed on his forehead. Gritting his teeth, he gave everything he had and engaged in a thrilling tug-of-war against that overwhelming force.
At last, after desperately holding on for some time, Yan Zhao managed to steady himself. Looking closely, he discovered that he was actually standing within a Mysterious Space shrouded in clouds and mist, dreamlike and unreal. A faint haze filled the surroundings, making it seem like an immortal paradise.
Within this space, ancient runes flickered with faint light like stars in the night sky. Some shone brightly while others dimmed, as though silently recounting the passage of time and tales from ages past.
Suddenly, a White-haired Old Man appeared out of thin air before Yan Zhao like a ghost. His hair was silver-white, and his gaze was deep and sharp, as though it could pierce straight through one's soul.
The old man stared at Yan Zhao and slowly said, "Boy, the fact that you were able to come here means you have some affinity with this ancient tome. This tome is an Ancient Immortal Artifact, and it conceals a great secret of the Immortal Realm. However, this secret cannot be uncovered so easily. Only one truly destined for it can comprehend its mysteries."
Upon hearing this, anticipation and curiosity welled up in Yan Zhao's heart. He looked at the old man and asked, "Then how can I become one destined for it?"
The old man smiled faintly. "If you can pass my three trials, I will tell you this secret."
Yan Zhao's heart tightened, and a chill rose up his spine, but he quickly calmed himself. He knew that if he wanted to unravel this mystery, the trial before him was likely the key. Thus, without hesitation, he nodded firmly and declared, "Senior, please set the trial. This junior will certainly do his utmost to face it."
Seeing this, the White-haired Old Man's lips curved slightly, revealing a trace of barely perceptible approval. He casually flicked his sleeve, his long robe sleeve tracing an arc through the air with effortless grace. In an instant, a blazing sea of fire appeared before Yan Zhao, as though it would devour the entire space.
"The first trial is to cross this sea of fire." The White-haired Old Man's voice rang beside Yan Zhao's ear. "This is Ancient Flame Demon Fire. Its power is exceptionally ferocious. Without unyielding willpower and profound spiritual energy, you cannot pass through it."
Yan Zhao took a deep breath and steadied himself before immediately circulating the spiritual energy throughout his body. He felt a powerful force surge within him, as though every cell in his body had been awakened. Then, without the slightest hesitation, he resolutely stepped into the sea of fire.
The moment he touched the flames, Yan Zhao felt a scorching heat rush toward him, as though it would burn his skin away. The flames were like savage fire dragons, baring their fangs and claws as they lunged at him, instantly wrapping tightly around him. Every step felt like treading on blades, the pain excruciating enough to be nearly unbearable.
Yet Yan Zhao bit down on his lip and refused to let out even the slightest groan. He had only one belief in his heart: he had to cross this sea of fire and unravel that mystery. Relying on sheer willpower, he trudged forward step by difficult step, each one seeming to drain all his strength.
Second by second, time passed. Yan Zhao did not know how long he had walked through the sea of fire; it only felt as though an entire century had gone by. At last, he saw the end of the flames—a bright exit. Summoning the last shred of his strength, he charged forward and finally crossed the terrifying sea of fire.
The moment he stepped out of the sea of fire, he felt his body had been exhausted to its limit, as though he could collapse at any moment. Yet his gaze remained exceptionally resolute, like a burning flame. Though his clothes were tattered and ruined, scorched beyond recognition by the fire, his heart was filled with accomplishment and anticipation for the unknown.
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