The Annihilation Ancient Divine Palace · The True Secret to Entering

The atmosphere in front of the palace gates suddenly intensified after the first person successfully entered, but the image of the second person attempting to merge with the deity and being obliterated by the statue was like a cold iron nailed into everyone's hearts. The crowd in front of the palace fell silent instantly, the air seemed to freeze, and only the two guardian statues of the palace still stood majestically, radiating a divine pressure that was impossible to look directly at.

Qin Yu stood with his hands behind his back, his eyes slightly narrowed, the divine light in them like a cold star shining from the abyss. Unlike the restless cultivators around him, he quietly sensed the rhythm of the soul patterns on the guardian statue with his divine sense. He knew that this was not a simple guard, but a judgment image externalized by the Annihilation Ancient Divine Palace as its own "divine soul order." Any trace of greed or restlessness would trigger its "Annihilation Rhythm."

Hong Xiuxiang slowly withdrew her gaze from the statue, turning her head to quietly look at Qin Yu. Her eyes held no panic, but rather a similar clarity and coldness to Qin Yu's, as if telling him with her eyes, "This palace cannot be breached by momentary passion and greed."

Qin Yu returned her gaze. He didn't speak, but his eyes, like a deep sword, communicated with Hong Xiuxiang in the silence. No words were needed between them; they already understood each other's attitude—cautious, calm, and patiently observing.

At this moment, however, a completely different scene unfolded around them. The disciples of the Ming Yuan Ghost Palace gleamed with excitement and greed, whispering amongst themselves like hunting dogs that had caught the scent of blood; the cultivators of the Silent Shadow Asura were rubbing their hands together, their killing intent already restless; several disciples of the Annihilation Dream Sacred Hall the Only Book Realm were frantically writing runes, trying to deduce a way to break the formation; and the people of the Crimson Annihilation Divine Gate and the Eternal Night Observatory Pavilion had burning eyes, staring intently at the magnificent palace gate, wishing they could break through the formation immediately.

This restless atmosphere contrasted sharply with the indifferent expressions of Qin Yu and Hong Xiuxiang. The two seemed like a clear spring isolated from the noisy crowd, undisturbed by any external desires, calmly observing everything with detached eyes.

That is why their figures stand out so prominently at this moment, like two solitary peaks in a raging storm, remaining steadfast no matter how the tide of greed surges.

Qin Yu's gaze grew increasingly profound; he had already understood in his heart that the Annihilation Ancient Divine Palace was destined to be a place not just anyone could enter.

After the comparison between the first and second person, a brief silence fell over the arena. The air was thick with the stench of blood and the burning of souls, a chilling oppression pervading the atmosphere. Yet, the allure of greed and opportunity ultimately ignited the will of the crowd faster than fear.

Among the third group of cultivators, several gritted their teeth and stepped forward. They were cautious, trying their best to adjust their state of mind and spiritual energy, and forcibly suppressing the restless energy within their bodies.

The moment the first person stepped into the area of the divine statue's oppressive aura, he was instantly locked onto by billions of soul patterns. With a loud "boom," golden soul light struck down like lightning, severing his body and sea of consciousness. Without even leaving a scream, he turned into dust and scattered into the void.

The second person tried his best to write the incantation, attempting to resist the power of the soul with logic. However, before the soul pen could finish writing a single word, he was cleaved in two by a sword, and even his Innate Martial Soul vanished in an instant.

The annihilation of these two pushed the fear to its Ultimate. Many disciples around were pale, breathing rapidly, and taking a slight step back, all struggling with whether to continue the risk.

However, the remaining five people in the third batch managed to successfully enter the palace gates amidst this bloody and murderous atmosphere. They moved with extreme caution, some enveloping themselves with their Innate Martial Soul, others clearing their minds of all distractions, and some even closing their eyes tightly, allowing their minds to become completely still, leaving only the thought of "harmony".

Just as everyone held their breath, the gazes of the two guardian statues slowly subsided. Their imposing sword aura and halberd shadows did not strike; instead, they slowly retreated as the five approached.

The moment the five crossed the Threshold, the soul pressure in the world receded like a tide, and the atmosphere in front of the palace gate returned to deathly silence. The palace gate trembled slightly, emitting an ancient rumble. At that moment, it was as if the five had stepped into the Heavenly Palace, which was envied by all living beings, and their backs were stared at by countless eyes.

Outside, an atmosphere of fear and greed mingled, with the sounds of Adam's apples bobbing rising and falling. Some, their eyes gleaming with madness, hissed, "If some can get in, it means it's not insurmountable!" Others cowered, their faces ashen, muttering to themselves, "If a few more people go in, even more will inevitably turn to ashes..."

Qin Yu and Hong Xiuxiang remained standing at the back of the crowd. Their eyes met, and there was no envy in their eyes, only calmness and insight.

Hong Xiuxiang said softly, "Those who can enter may not necessarily be blessed; perhaps an even greater peril lies within the palace."

Qin Yu nodded, his gaze piercing through layers of soul mist as he looked at the slowly opening Annihilation Ancient Divine Palace. His eyes were as deep as an abyss, unmoved by anything external.

Behind all the restlessness and fervor, his and Hong Xiuxiang's composure appeared even more aloof and resolute.

A chaotic and restless atmosphere spread throughout the arena. One by one, disciples died at the hands of the palace's guardian statues, their blood and fragments of souls turning into lingering mist in the void, making the air heavy and cold. At the same time, the five figures who successfully entered the palace seemed to ignite a spark of greed, stirring up restlessness in everyone's hearts.

Someone growled, "As long as our minds and spirits align, we have a chance to enter!"

Someone else said in a trembling voice, "No... that was a fluke, a near-death experience!"

Countless eyes wavered between fervor and fear, as if, in an instant, the entire square trembled on a blade.

Behind the crowd, Qin Yu and Hong Xiuxiang stood quietly. Unlike the desire and fear in the eyes of others, his gaze was cold, as if he had already taken in everything. Hong Xiuxiang's eyes were complicated as she softly asked, "Senior Brother Qin, is this Divine Palace... truly a place of opportunity, or a complete prison of death?"

Just then, a barely audible voice transmission quietly reached Hong Xiuxiang's ears. It was Qin Yu's voice, deep and composed, yet carrying an undeniable firmness:

"Miss Hong, don't panic. I've already discerned its pattern—the guardian statues don't indiscriminately kill, but rather use 'greed and fear' as their core criterion. Anyone with even a trace of greed, fear, or wavering will be annihilated; only by completely calming the mind and being free from desires and thoughts can one enter the palace with absolute certainty."

Hong Xiuxiang trembled, her beautiful eyes slightly opening, a surge of emotion welling up within her. She turned her head to look at Qin Yu, a hint of trust flickering in her eyes.

Qin Yu gazed at the heavy, dome-like palace gates, his expression as calm as a blade, and his voice still transmitted telepathically. "Don't rush into action. Let them continue their madness, let their most surging greed fully erupt, before we set off."

His words were like those of a calm and collected hunter, who already had the entire situation under his control.

Blood mist gradually spread to every inch of the void in the palace square, as if the entire world was silently mourning for the disciples who perished beneath the guardian statues. Screams and roars intertwined as countless souls shattered into streams of light under the power of annihilation, dissipating into the dark void.

More and more disciples took that step out of greed, only to be instantly wiped out by the merciless statue and reduced to ashes. At this moment, the atmosphere in the entire square was almost frenzied, with greed and fear like two raging flames, igniting the last vestiges of reason in everyone.

However, amidst this frenzied atmosphere, Qin Yu and Hong Xiuxiang stood side by side, like two rocks in a storm, unmoved and unshakable.

Hong Xiuxiang glanced at Qin Yu, a slight tremor flashing in her beautiful eyes. "Senior Brother Qin, what you call 'no desires and no thoughts'... can it really work?"

Qin Yu's eyes were as deep as the ocean, and he calmly uttered two words: "Yes."

The voice wasn't loud, but it carried an undeniable power.

At this moment, three more people attempted to pass through the barrier in front of the plaza. Two of them were instantly killed by the giant sword's shadow, while only one person managed to step into the palace gate thanks to his formidable cultivation and suppressed mental state. Instantly, the crowd erupted in uproar once again.

"Look! You can really get in!"

"The opportunity is right before us! As long as we overcome this hurdle, we will surely reap immense rewards!"

"But what if it fails..."

"Failure means death! But how can one be worthy of cultivating the Tao without taking a gamble!"

The commotion grew increasingly intense, with some people's eyes turning bloodshot, as if completely controlled by greed, as they charged forward madly. The next instant, the light of annihilation flashed, and their figures instantly turned to ashes.

Hong Xiuxiang bit her lip, her voice trembling slightly. "Too many people... have died."

Qin Yu slowly raised his hand and pressed it against her wrist, his voice low and firm. "Miss Hong, don't let them influence you. Remember, the method I've described is definitely correct. Don't look at those who are blinded by greed; they are destined to die. True opportunities are not prepared for them."

Looking into his eyes, Hong Xiuxiang felt a slight tremor in her heart, and the panic in her chest gradually subsided.

Qin Yu took a deep breath and suddenly said, "The time is almost here. We'll set off after another group of people are killed."

Sure enough, within moments, five more disciples rushed out as if they had lost their minds, only to be instantly annihilated by the giant sword's shadow. Blood-red light rained down on the stone steps in front of the palace. The plaza fell into a moment of deathly silence, everyone's hearts heavy with the oppressive chill of the sword.

In the midst of this deathly silence, Qin Yu's gaze sharpened slightly, and he transmitted his voice to Hong Xiuxiang: "Let's go. Now, it's our turn."

Having said that, he strode forward, his breath as still as water, his mind completely calmed, devoid of any greed or desire, like a peerless divine sword sheathed, silent yet sharp. Hong Xiuxiang followed closely behind, her eyes resolute, suppressing all emotions, leaving only a pure state of mind.

The two stepped into the oppressive aura surrounding the palace gates. The eyes of the two colossal statues flashed with endless annihilation light, staring intently at them. All the cultivators in the entire plaza held their breath, waiting to witness the next death.

However, the statue remained completely still.

In their eyes, the two seemed transparent, untouched by desire and fear, Does Not Exist within the order of judgment.

One step, two steps, three steps...

Qin Yu and Hong Xiuxiang stepped steadily into the gates of the Annihilation Ancient Divine Palace, their figures disappearing into the darkness of the hall.

Outside the square, everyone gasped simultaneously, staring intently at the still-calm statue, their hearts filled with utter shock.

The deathly silence of the square was shattered after Qin Yu and Hong Xiuxiang disappeared through the palace gates. Everyone held their breath, their eyes filled with horror and disbelief.

"They... really went in?"

"The statue didn't move?"

"This is impossible! So many people died just now, how come they're all Anran!"

The discussions erupted like thunder, a mixture of greed and fear. Countless disciples were pale-faced, their eyes burning with fervor, yet they were also suppressed by terror.

Just then, on the other side of the crowd, the female disciples of the Dawn Cloud First Hall stirred slightly.

Their robes fluttered, their aura as pure and elegant as orchids, a stark contrast to the restless atmosphere of the square. The woman at the head of the group whispered, "Since Senior Sister Hong was able to enter, it proves that the methods taught by our master are indeed the truth. Maintain a clear mind, sever all desires, and do not allow even the slightest distraction."

"Yes, Senior Sister."

Several female disciples responded in unison, their steps synchronized as they slowly made their way towards the palace.

As they approached the two towering guardian statues, the terrifying annihilation light flashed once more. Countless people gasped, their hearts leaping into their throats.

However, a miracle happened again.

The statue's eyes merely swept across the scene indifferently, without taking any action. The female disciples remained calm and unmoved, as if they had completely stripped themselves of their desires, leaving only pure existence.

Under the shocked gazes of everyone present, several female disciples of the Dawn Cloud First Hall Anran entered the palace gates and disappeared into the deep darkness.

"Hiss--!"

"What... what kind of magic is this?!"

"Why can people from the Dawn Cloud First Hall also do that!"

"Could it be... that they've all mastered the real secrets to getting started?"

Countless disciples were shocked, and the scene erupted into chaos once again. Some frantically tried to imitate them, forcibly suppressing their emotions and attempting to become "desireless and without thought," but as soon as they took a step, the giant sword shadow of the statue fell, blood splattered in the air, and no remains were left.

The stark contrast is chilling.

A thick stench of blood and a chilling atmosphere permeated the square. Many disciples stared at the palace gate, their eyes no longer filled with greed, but also with an indescribable hesitation and fear.

At this moment, the eyes of several powerful figures from major clans flickered slightly as they secretly noted the performances of Qin Yu and the disciples of the Dawn Cloud First Hall, each harboring their own different schemes.