The sea trembled.
Banks of mist rose from the surface and stretched toward Heaven. From afar, they looked like dragons drawing water upward, or ladders reaching Heaven. They kept moving toward a particular spot.
As though preparing for some kind of ritual.
A line of crimson text appeared:
"In 30 seconds, you will enter the final stage of the Second Dark Crown Ritual: Ten Thousand Demons Entangling."
Xu Yuan took a deep breath and silently prepared for battle.
"You're about to face the real me. Have you figured out how you're going to fight?"
The little girl asked curiously.
"You're joking, right?" Xu Yuan said in shock.
"What's wrong?" The little girl didn't understand.
"How could I possibly beat a beautiful, adorable, powerful girl like you? Absolutely impossible!"
Xu Yuan spoke with utter conviction.
A look that said at least you know your place crossed the little girl's face. She said:
"That's true, but there is still a way."
"Quiet! You're dreaming!" Xu Yuan barked.
"You really can't beat me," the little girl said with a smile, "but if you hold out for ten minutes, the Universe will acknowledge your will. The Universe's most fundamental power will awaken the Second Crown Seed within you and make it grow into a complete Crown."
"That's also one way to complete the Second Dark Crown Ritual."
Xu Yuan nodded. "Thanks for the guidance."
I really am a genius.
If I hadn't had that flash of inspiration and distilled this Ming He, how would I have learned so much?
"Time's up. Here it comes!" the little girl said.
The mist rising from the sea suddenly solidified into enormous pillars standing between Heaven and Earth.
Heaven and Earth became a colossal arena.
Xu Yuan stood at its center.
Lines of crimson text sprang into view: