"Could you give me the spiritual charm first, miss, so I can survive the trial for now? I could go to the Abandoned Land once I'm ready. That would be safer."
Chen Lin sounded her out.
Entering the Abandoned Land was also one of his tasks. If he failed to complete the others, he would have to make a trip there in the end anyway.
"I suppose I could, but there has to be a deadline. At least... let's say within sixty years. Any longer than that won't do. If you haven't obtained what I need by then, you'll have to come keep me company."
The Slender Woman answered casually.
"All right."
Chen Lin agreed without hesitation.
Whatever the case, completing his tasks came first. As long as he could do that, his strength would surely improve further, giving him at least some assurance of safety when he entered the Abandoned Land.
He immediately spoke again.
"But let me make the unpleasant terms clear first. If I complete the Ascension Trial and leave this realm, or some other irresistible force interferes and prevents me from completing your task, that won't count as breaking our agreement."
"Complete the Ascension Trial?"
The Slender Woman looked at Chen Lin as though he were an idiot.
"You're dreaming."
"The Ascension Trial is nothing but a... never mind. I won't shatter your illusions. If that's what you believe, go ahead and try. I hope you succeed."
With that,
she touched a finger to the center of her brow.
A strand of invisible energy was drawn out, then flashed into Chen Lin's Wooden Ring.
"Done."
"Whenever you want to use that spiritual charm, just activate the ring. Information about the item I need is in there too. Good luck."
As her voice faded, Chen Lin felt