Within the Cosmic Secret Realm.
Revered Light City, on the Light and Dark Continent.
After more than a year, Dongguan finally emerged from the Underground Cavern.
His token was marked with "Guan," "1 year, 92 days," and "1."
"Finally out."
Looking up, Dongguan saw that the light clouds in the sky were somewhat dim. He knew this was what they called "night."
Only a scattering of people entered the Underground Cavern, and even fewer came out.
Many never returned from their first trip into the Underground Cavern. Others survived their first trip, only to disappear forever on a later one.
A token appeared in his hand. It was not the white one he had used to enter the Underground Cavern, but a red one.
The token was a deep crimson, as though stained with blood, and bore the words "Life and Death" in the script of the Light and Dark Continent.
This was the Life-and-Death Token, proof of eligibility for the so-called Life-and-Death Selection.
"You finally came out," a voice said.
Dongguan looked over. It was the staff member who had originally issued his token.
"What is it?"
"The city lord asked me to tell you to go to the Light God Temple as soon as possible. There isn't much time left. The five-year deadline is almost here."
"Five-year deadline?"
"The Life-and-Death Selection has five years of open recruitment, with preliminary rounds held at the same time. In another month, the preliminary finals will begin. After that comes the real Life-and-Death Selection, which requires going to the Light Capital." The staff member's eyes brimmed with longing.
"I think you should relax. You might not even pass the preliminaries, in which case your life won't be at risk. Still, this selection is a little special. A Light Lord is personally presiding