Xuandu spoke slowly:
"Please, Fellow Daoist."
The hunched old man looked at him and enunciated each word:
"Though that fragmentary map can bypass thirty percent of the restrictions around the mystic realm's edge, deep within the realm lies a restriction that even Azure Mystery and Green Wood dare not touch lightly."
"That restriction was left behind by a Hunyuan Taiji existence. None below the Zenith Heaven Nine Heavens Peak may enter."
"Though Fellow Daoist has already reached the peak, a trial is hidden within that restriction."
"If you fail to pass it, you will suffer backlash."
"At best, you will be severely injured. At worst, your Dao Foundation will collapse."
Xuandu's expression did not change upon hearing this.
There was not the slightest ripple in the depths of his calm eyes.
"May I ask what the trial is?"
The hunched old man fell silent for a moment before slowly speaking:
"That restriction will reflect the deepest part of a cultivator's Dao Heart."
"If one's heart is steadfast, it will remain unmoving like a boulder."
"If one's heart wavers, one will suffer backlash from one's own Dao."
"Over countless eras, no fewer than a hundred have attempted it."
"Fewer than three were able to emerge unscathed."
His words fell like the evening drum and morning bell.
Shen Ni stood at Xuandu's side, a glimmer flickering in the depths of his blood-gold eyes.
He looked toward Xuandu, his gaze carrying a trace of solemnity.
Though Master could foresee everything and possessed a Dao Heart as steadfast as a boulder,
that restriction had been personally laid down by a Hunyuan Taiji existence.
Even if only remnants remained, it was not something an ordinary Nine Heavens Peak could take lightly.
Yet Xuandu did not hesitate in the slightest.
He looked at the hunched old