Led by Long Hengxu, they took the elevator down. The descent took only half as long as it had when Tang Li came with Lin Ye, probably because the Junior Spirit Ascension Platform was far less important than the Intermediate Spirit Ascension Platform.
When they stepped out, several Spirit Pagoda staff members greeted them. Long Hengxu handed one of them an unusual yellow card. Without a word, the staff member checked it, then led them to the Simulation Pods they had reserved for the Junior Spirit Ascension Platform.
A ring of enormous soul-device screens lined the room. Images flickered across them, all lush green: a simulation of the Star Dou Great Forest.
"There are six slots for the Junior Spirit Ascension Platform, with no time limit. If the danger becomes too much, press your distress signal and you'll return here. Now, a few things you need to know..."
The Spirit Pagoda staff member explained the platform in detail, including how it simulated pain, the basic rules of survival, and the dangers they might face.
"The rest you'll have to experience for yourselves. Just be mentally prepared."
Just then, the door to the circular metal room opened. A burly, hard-faced middle-aged man walked in, his booming voice like the beat of a great drum.
"That's right. Be mentally prepared, and don't panic when something happens. Soul Beasts aren't frightening if you handle them properly. This is just a trial, and I think it'll leave a lasting impression on you."
"Uncle Lin!" Tang Li and Tang Wulin cried out together.
It was Lin Ye. As deputy head of the East China Sea Spirit Pagoda's Spirit Ascension Platform division, he rarely had much to do. Bored, he had glanced at the surveillance feeds, spotted Tang Li and Tang Wulin, and come over to