Entering the Stone Forest

Not far from where Yan Zhao walked, a strange stone forest suddenly appeared ahead. Each stone exuded an eerie aura, with faint lights flickering. As he stepped into the stone forest, the stones began to move slowly, forming intricate formations that trapped him. Yan Zhao attempted to break through the formations with his Immortal Techniques, but found them incredibly resilient. His Immortal Power was like a stone sinking into the sea, completely useless.

Just as he grew anxious, the Inherited Ancient Tome glowed again, and runes appeared, forming a method of breaking the formations before his eyes. Yan Zhao followed the instructions, his fingers rapidly changing hand seals. As the last seal was completed, the formations' light gradually dimmed, and the stones stopped moving.

Exiting the stone forest, Yan Zhao saw a pavilion emitting immortal light in the distance. Powerful restrictions surrounded the pavilion, and as he approached, a strong force repelled him. Yan Zhao knew this was another challenge. He took a deep breath, clutched the ancient tome in his hand, and prepared to face the unknown trial once more.

Just as Yan Zhao was contemplating how to break through the restrictions, a voice, ancient yet majestic, suddenly echoed from the pavilion: "Who goes there? Why do you trespass upon this place?" Yan Zhao quickly cupped his fists in greeting and respectfully replied, "Senior, this junior is Yan Zhao. I happened to pass by and was drawn by the immortal light emanating from the pavilion. I meant no offense." The voice was silent for a moment before saying, "If that is the case, if you can withstand three of my moves, I shall allow you entry." With that, a sharp surge of Immortal Power shot towards Yan Zhao like lightning.

Yan Zhao dared not be careless. He circulated the power granted by the ancient tome, condensing a shield to defend himself. The Immortal Power struck the shield with a loud boom, and Yan Zhao was forced back repeatedly. However, he stabilized himself, his gaze growing more determined. Immediately after, the second and third moves came in succession. Relying on the power of his inheritance and his own tenacious will, Yan Zhao managed to barely withstand all three moves. The voice then conveyed its approval: "Not bad, you have some skill." Following this, the restrictions slowly dissipated. Yan Zhao stepped into the pavilion with a thrilled heart, knowing that a fortuitous encounter that could elevate his strength might be hidden here.

Upon entering the pavilion, Yan Zhao's vision suddenly opened up. The interior was spacious and bright, adorned with various rare treasures. In the center, an old man with white hair but an immortal demeanor sat cross-legged on a cushion. The old man smiled slightly and said, "Young man, being able to withstand my three moves shows you possess some talent. This pavilion holds the Essence of Immortal Techniques I have comprehended throughout my life. If you can pass the final trial, you may take it with you." With a wave of his hand, countless illusions appeared around them. These illusions transformed into powerful Immortals and attacked Yan Zhao. Yan Zhao knew this was the final hurdle and dared not slacken in the slightest.

He circulated all his Immortal Power and unleashed the exquisite techniques from the Inherited Ancient Tome, engaging in a fierce battle with the illusions. For a time, the pavilion was filled with flashing immortal light and the sounds of clashing spells. After an unknown duration, Yan Zhao, with his unyielding perseverance and extraordinary comprehension, gradually gained the upper hand. Finally, he successfully defeated all the illusions. The old man nodded in satisfaction and handed Yan Zhao an Immortal Technique Manual radiating a mysterious glow. Yan Zhao respectfully accepted it, his heart filled with gratitude and excitement. He knew his path as an immortal cultivator would become even more brilliant because of this manual.

Just as Yan Zhao was about to thank the old man again, the pavilion began to shake violently, and an evil aura spread from underground. The old man's expression changed: "Not good, the Seal has loosened, and the evil power is about to revive!" It turned out that this pavilion was built upon a place that suppressed an ancient Malevolent Spirit, and the recent fierce battle had caused a flaw in the Seal.

The old man decisively said, "Quickly use the power of the newly acquired Immortal Technique Manual to help me reinforce the Seal!" Yan Zhao did not dare to hesitate. He immediately opened the manual and circulated his Immortal Power according to its instructions. Together, he and the old man unleashed a powerful spell, its light enveloping the entire pavilion. However, the Malevolent Spirit's power was too strong, and the Seal continued to crack.

Yan Zhao gritted his teeth and poured all his Immortal Power into the Seal without reservation. Through their desperate efforts, the Seal finally stabilized. But Yan Zhao, having exhausted himself, lost consciousness. When he awoke again, he found himself outside the pavilion. The Immortal Technique Manual lay quietly in his embrace, as if foreshadowing an even more thrilling and perilous journey ahead on his path as an immortal cultivator.