The Mechanical-Bone Ape fell silent for a moment, then let out a long sigh.
"Enough about me. Let's talk about the situation at hand."
"Generally speaking, a trial should be repeatable. You've already given your domain to Qin Siyang. Can you really hold the Second Phase of the trial again? If someone else passes the Second Phase, could you produce another domain to give that candidate?"
"No."
The Land-Carrying Mirage shook his head. "So from now on, there won't be a Second Phase. Finding the correct island will mark the end of the trial."
The Mechanical-Bone Ape listened with interest, resting his head against the Abyssal Squid beside him as he asked curiously, "Canceling the Second Phase? Interesting. Sounds like you might risk breaking the rules. Careful, or you might not make it back to the Star Sea alive."
"It doesn't count. I studied the [Evolutionary Contract] closely. The Second Phase and any higher phases are considered bonus challenges funded by the Examiner. If a candidate fails, the Examiner gains no additional benefits. That's precisely why the Second Phase can be canceled at any time."
"So the Second Phase is a one-time offer? First come, first served?"
The Land-Carrying Mirage corrected him. "Not first come, first served. More like 'first come, first to die.' According to our original plan, no one could have passed the Second Phase."
"A [Miracle Worker] might," the Mechanical-Bone Ape replied with a smile. "You left no way to pass your trial at all, yet he found a loophole and ultimately passed. I have no explanation for that other than a miracle."
"Who says we left no way to pass? Using the island's fire to drive off the other gods' trials was the final answer!" the Ice Dolphin immediately protested. "Don't talk nonsense, you old monkey!