Above the plaza, screams rose and fell in waves.
The pitch-black tower gate was like the maw of a colossal beast, ceaselessly chewing before spitting out the scraps.
In less than half an incense stick's time,
Several hundred disciples lay sprawled across the ground. Some foamed at the mouth, while others clawed wildly at empty air and howled, their ugly states laid bare.
Greed, rage, obsession.
The Three Calamities of Heart Demons—every living being suffered beneath them.
"If they cannot even pass the first three floors, then their lives will amount to nothing."
Above the clouds, Gu Yanwu did not even raise his eyelids.
Just then, the sixth floor of the tower flared brilliantly.
Lin Dong of the West Hall sat cross-legged within, drenched in sweat, Sword Qi around him in utter chaos.
Clang—
The deep bell toll pierced through the tower walls.
Six chimes.
Lin Dong stumbled out in a wretched state. Though his face was pale, the pride between his brows remained.
Gu Yanwu nodded slightly. "Six floors. Not bad."
Immediately afterward, an explosive roar rang out.
The seventh floor lit up.
Zuo Xiaoqing wielded her edge-less heavy sword, breaking skill with brute force and smashing the illusion apart.
Li Yu followed close behind, relying on the Soul-Protecting Armor to endure the heart demons head-on.
Clang—
Seven chimes shook the heavens.
The two were sent out after exhausting all their strength, drawing cries of amazement from below.
"Seven floors is already the limit."
Gu Yanwu's gaze swept toward the eighth floor, which remained pitch-black.
Passing seven floors meant one had the potential for Spirit Transformation.
In everyone's blind spot,
Shen Yuan was covered in blood. His fingernails had long since shattered, and his ten fingers had gouged two bloody trails across the hard stone bricks.
He was