Nie Yun's words rang across the square with startling force. Everyone turned in surprise.
Everyone here was a genius, proud enough to defy the heavens and sooner die than bend. Seeing someone step forward and offer to take the pill left many of them disappointed.
In their eyes, if they stood together, even an opponent that strong could not cut off every path of retreat. But once someone yielded, the shadow of defeat would spread like a plague, breaking down more people's resolve.
"Good!"
Pleased that someone had finally agreed to take the pill, the old man nodded. With a flick of his finger, a streak of golden light flashed, and a golden pill appeared before Nie Yun, spinning in midair.
"Thank you!" Nie Yun reached out and caught it, but did not swallow it. Instead, he looked up. "There's something I don't understand. Could you explain it, senior?"
"Ask." The old man was pleased to see him accept the pill so readily.
"Just a few simple questions." Nie Yun smiled sheepishly. "After taking the pill, how do we attempt the trials? And where are they?"
"You can see the hall before you. Climb the stairs and enter, and you'll reach the trials. Once you step inside, a Formation will envelop you and present you with an entirely new martial technique. You must cultivate it to a certain level within half an hour to pass!"
The old man paused after his explanation.
"And if we can't pass?"
"If you fail, a puppet with strength equal to your own will appear. Defeat it, and you can continue to the next trial. If you can't even get past the puppet, you'll be transported out and lose the right to proceed!"
The old man continued, "Of course, passing a trial earns you a