As the wick burned, golden flames immediately surged skyward within the entire lampshade. Amid the rolling blaze, they instantly filled the whole lampshade.
At that moment, Li Yan and the others felt as though their hair and clothes were being scorched, as if they might burst into flames at any moment.
Breathing became difficult, and their chests felt unbearably tight, as though they could not catch their breath. Those Golden Core Realm cultivators on the high platform nearly fainted on the spot.
Yet in the next instant, before the high temperature released by the Blood Tuo Lamp could spread down to the plaza below, it suddenly curled back in.
The cultivators could even see with the naked eye that the vast stretches of space distorted by the heat rapidly returned to normal. That intense scorching heat quickly withdrew into the lampshade.
Only then did Wu Gouzi turn his gaze back toward the two sects below and continue speaking.
"I have already explained the rules. From the moment the first cultivator enters the lampshade, the challenge will begin to be timed. You have only one day to clear it.
"Although this trial was set by the Blood Lamp Sect, temporary control has been handed to the Pure Yang Hall in order to ensure fairness. You may rest assured on that point.
"You now have a quarter of an hour to discuss matters. Afterward, the cultivators entering the lampshade should proceed directly to the base of the lamp. Broken Army Sect will enter from the south side, and Bright Flame Sect from the north.
"Once you arrive there, a gap will open at the bottom of the lampshade. You must enter within five breaths. Otherwise, it will be considered that person has abandoned the challenge!
"These are two escape talismans. If, after