In the end, Long Hengxu gave a light cough, breaking the delicate silence in the corridor and forcibly dragging everyone's tangled thoughts back to reality.
Even he, who had weathered countless storms, harbored a measure of shock and doubt. Could two people with no connection really resemble each other to such an extent?
Wu Changkong concealed all the doubts in his eyes and resumed his usual cool composure. "Clear your minds. You're about to enter the Spirit Ascension Platform trial. From this point onward, you can rely only on yourselves."
"The Primary Spirit Ascension Platform only admits Soul Masters with fewer than four rings. Director Long and I cannot accompany you inside."
Long Hengxu smoothly took over, adding gently, "There's no need to be nervous. Teacher Wu and I will be waiting outside the entire time. If you encounter any danger during the trial, don't try to be brave. Withdraw immediately. Once we arrive, the Spirit Pagoda staff will explain the precautions in detail. Listen carefully."
The group changed Soul Guidance Elevators twice, then rounded several more bends in the corridors before finally reaching their destination.
Ding-
A crisp chime sounded, and the Soul Guidance Elevator's metal doors slowly opened. They stepped out into a spacious, neatly arranged circular room.
A staff member wearing the Spirit Pagoda's standard uniform turned toward them and solemnly explained the rules. "The Primary Spirit Ascension Platform admits five people per session. There is no time limit. Whenever you can no longer withstand the dangers inside, press the emergency transmitter on your body, and you will immediately leave the trial and return here."
"The Spirit Ascension Platform is not an entirely virtual world, but a special space that is half real and half virtual. Its operation relies on feedback from vast quantities of real data.