Lin Tianyi shook his head at the middle-aged man's well-intentioned advice, refusing with great determination.
In the end, the middle-aged man could only sigh helplessly and, following the rules, lead Lin Tianyi to a pool.
The pool before them resembled the Sea Within Sea. Most astonishingly, this inland pool, which should have been utterly calm, churned with waves like the ocean, moving without wind.
Dense forest surrounded the pool, which appeared to be around five hundred meters in diameter. At its center stood a triangular platform, upon which rose a strange stone pillar.
The stone pillar was shaped like a sharp cone, with a peculiar sculpture carved at its very top. Countless intricate patterns were inscribed across its surface, seemingly a kind of script. An invisible, strange energy emanated from the unusual pillar.
With his exceptional eyesight, Lin Tianyi could see someone sitting beneath the stone pillar, eyes closed and back turned toward it, seemingly meditating in cultivation. Moreover, this person wore black robes.
Having arrived here, the middle-aged Soul Master in yellow became far more restrained. The young yellow-robed Soul Masters also stood respectfully to one side, scarcely daring to breathe.
"Welcome to the Sea Within Sea, the Seahorse Sacred Pillar!" the middle-aged man in yellow said in a special tone.
"The Seahorse Sacred Pillar is one of the Seven Sacred Pillars of Sea God Island.
"The Sea God bestowed divine power upon the Seven Sacred Pillars, using them to convey divine will. Any Sacred Pillar may test visiting Soul Masters.
"Here, you will receive the subject of Lord Sea God's trial."
After saying this, he turned toward the triangular platform in the Sea Within Sea and bowed at a ninety-degree angle.
Channeling his Soul Power, he sent his voice across. At that moment, the middle-aged man almost instinctively