Chapter 593: Ghost Domain Phantom City

Cultivators can alter their appearance and skin through elixirs or cultivation techniques, making themselves appear young – sometimes so convincingly that even master teachers are fooled. However, the soul is a different matter.

The soul accompanies a person from birth, continually growing as time passes, and no technique or method can conceal its true state.

For this reason, testing the soul to determine age is the fairest approach, and no one raised any objections.

Soon, all fifty-six participants passed the test. Most were around twenty years old, with the oldest being twenty-nine years and ten months, and the youngest, naturally, Zhang Xuan.

He was still two months shy of twenty. The sight of someone so young entering the grand competition, competing against individuals a decade his senior, drew gasps from countless spectators.

All else being equal, a younger age often signifies greater potential.

"How could the Myriad Kingdom Alliance have declined so much?"

"Indeed, sending such a young contestant to compete against us suggests they've given up hope of winning!"

"After so many consecutive last-place finishes, anyone would lose confidence. They're probably just resigned to their fate..."

Many onlookers also displayed clear disdain.

Although Master Yang had forced fourteen major powers to withdraw in humiliation, the significant event was kept under wraps by a gag order. Consequently, many master teachers watching, and even those participating in the grand competition, remained oblivious to the truth.

Given the Myriad Kingdom Alliance's consistently poor performance, the sight of them fielding a contestant a decade younger than most naturally led others to believe they had simply given up.

"Since all of you have qualified," Master Hong said with a slight smile, "let me explain the details of the selection trial."

Seeing everyone pass the test, Master Hong smiled slightly. "The first stage," he announced, "is a test of mental fortitude!"

"Before you is the Ghost Domain Mirage City, a rare treasure left behind by the five-star master teacher Fei Yuzi. It incorporates the principles of Qimen Dunjia!"

As he spoke, Master Hong gestured with a sweeping hand.

A shimmering distortion appeared before everyone's eyes, and a corner of the previously mist-shrouded circular platform was revealed. It was a towering castle with red bricks, jade-green tiles, white walls, and azure corridors. From a distance, it exuded an ominous, bone-chilling aura.

"The Ghost Domain Mirage City?"

"What exactly is that?"

"I believe I've read about it in some ancient text. It's said to be a unique treasure infused with Qimen Dunjia... But as for its exact function or how it's used for testing, I have no idea!"

"Qimen Dunjia? What is that?"

"It's a specialized, extremely rare profession. I heard that there isn't even a single branch in the entire Phantom Feather Empire."

The sudden appearance of a castle within the mist caused a collective uproar.

Even Hall Master Kang and the others furrowed their brows.

Despite their vast knowledge, this particular item was entirely new to them.

"The Ghost Domain Mirage City has only one entrance and one exit," Master Hong explained with a smile, detailing the rules. "For this test of mental fortitude, all you need to do is enter through the designated entrance and emerge from the exit within the time it takes for one stick of incense to burn. Succeed, and you pass!"

"Is it that simple?"

"I can only see the entrance. Where's the exit?"

"I don't know either, but I suppose we'll find it once we go inside..."

The seemingly simple rules left everyone bewildered, and even Zhang Xuan found it peculiar.

As four-star master teachers with exceptional perception, they reasoned that even if the Ghost Domain Mirage City contained illusionary formations, navigating it shouldn't be overly challenging.

If this was indeed a selection trial, why would it be so straightforward?

"Do you find it too simple?" Master Hong chuckled, reading their thoughts. "Let me tell you upfront, don't get complacent. This stage is not as easy as it seems!"

Spotting their collective doubt, Master Hong smiled. "The Ghost Domain Mirage City can only be entered by one person at a time. Since there are fifty-six of you, we'll need an order of entry. Given that we just determined your ages, I propose we proceed from youngest to oldest... Therefore, Master Zhang will be the first to attempt the trial!"

As the youngest, Zhang Xuan would indeed be the first to enter if sorted by age.

Master Hong's arrangement was also a subtle attempt to gauge the true capabilities of Master Yang's direct disciple.

"Me?" Zhang Xuan blinked in surprise.

"Yes," Master Hong nodded.

"Master Zhang first? Isn't that a bit reckless?" Hall Master Kang, Elder Su, and the others watching from below exchanged glances, a slight twitch appearing at the corners of their mouths.

"I think so too..." Elder Wu nodded vigorously.

He had personally experienced Master Zhang's peculiar methods during the Myriad Kingdom City selection trials. Allowing him to go first seemed ill-advised; Master Hong's decision was rather inappropriate.

"Master Hong," Young Master Ruohuan interjected, stepping forward, "perhaps I could go first instead? Master Zhang could be last!"

"What? You said we'd go by age, and now you're trying to play favorites?"

"If you lack the strength, don't bother coming. If you're afraid at the last minute and dare not step forward, then just go home. Your Myriad Kingdom Alliance might tolerate such disgrace, but don't bring shame upon our master teacher profession!"

"It's a bit late to be scared now, isn't it..."

Upon hearing Young Master Ruohuan's suggestion, the other master teachers competing in the arena scoffed.

Being the first to enter was akin to venturing into the unknown, inevitably carrying a psychological burden. To them, it seemed Zhang Xuan was reluctant to go first and had prompted Young Master Ruohuan to speak on his behalf, clearly indicating his fear.

Considering his youth and cultivation level, their contempt was palpable.

"Rest assured," Master Hong explained with a smile, assuming they feared the unknown, "whether you go first or last, the outcome is the same. The Qimen Dunjia formations within the Mirage City constantly shift and never repeat. Even if you knew what the previous person encountered, it would be of no reference value to those who follow!"

"Furthermore," he added, "if you fail to exit within the allotted incense burning time, the attacks will automatically cease, ensuring no life-threatening danger, even if your cultivation is insufficient."

"No need to worry, I can manage it..."

Seeing that someone wanted to go in his stead, Zhang Xuan smiled and waved his hand.

While the Ghost Domain Mirage City sounded formidable, Zhang Xuan was unconcerned.

"Please proceed!" Master Hong beckoned, a look of approval on his face as Zhang Xuan agreed without a hint of fear.

"Alright."

Zhang Xuan stepped towards the entrance and walked inside.

Watching him vanish, Young Master Ruohuan offered a wry smile. "Of course, I know you can handle it. I'm just afraid... the Ghost Domain Mirage City won't be able to handle *you*..."

Frankly, having spent considerable time with Zhang Xuan, he knew him all too well.

He appeared unassuming, yet his actions inevitably terrified people.

Not only had Elder Wu and Elder Bai been driven nearly mad by him, but recall their time at the Ice Plain Palace: they had gone there to cultivate using the Yin-Yang Pond, yet Zhang Xuan had managed to drain its source water before they even saw the pond itself.

He was simply too unconventional.

The Ghost Domain Mirage City seemed formidable, and he would have been more at ease if anyone else had entered. With Zhang Xuan inside, who knew what kind of chaos would ensue?

"I just hope nothing goes wrong..."

Clasping his chest, Young Master Ruohuan's face flushed then paled.

"Don't worry, Master Zhang's capabilities are exceptional; he should be in no danger!"

Noticing Ruohuan's troubled expression, Song Chao approached him.

Having been unable to see Zhang Xuan lately, he frequently visited the Master Teacher Hall and had already become acquainted with Young Master Ruohuan.

Both had been "tormented" by Master Zhang, giving them a shared topic. Furthermore, their noble backgrounds and aristocratic bearing fostered a sense of mutual respect, even as rivals.

"Ahem, I'm not worried that Master Zhang is in danger, but rather..." Young Master Ruohuan trailed off, then added, "I just hope I'm overthinking this!"

"Not worried he's in danger? What do you mean? Are you perhaps worried that the Ghost Domain Mirage City itself is in danger?"

Before Song Chao could reply, a young man nearby scoffed, flicking his sleeve. "What a joke!"

They turned to see a young man with a prominent nose and thick eyebrows.

"That's Liao Wuzhi from the Cold Qi Sect. He's ranked second in potential, just behind Luo Xuan!"

Young Master Ruohuan recognized him.

Despite his unpleasant remarks, the young man's true abilities were not to be underestimated.

He was the Cold Qi Sect's foremost genius, considered one of the top contenders for the championship, second only to Luo Xuan.

"Well... Master Zhang is indeed quite capable..." Young Master Ruohuan replied, somewhat awkwardly, unsure how to elaborate.

"Capable?" Liao Wuzhi snorted. "You clearly don't understand how terrifying this Ghost Domain Mirage City truly is!"

"Terrifying?" The two exchanged a surprised look. "Brother Liao, do you know something about it?"

"Of course! I once read a detailed description of this artifact in an ancient text!" Liao Wuzhi's chin lifted, his eyes gleaming with pride.

Many hall masters were unaware of its specifics, but his knowledge set him apart as well-read and intelligent.

"The Ghost Domain Mirage City," Liao Wuzhi explained, his hands clasped behind his back, a detached air about him, "is imbued with Qimen Dunjia, specifically the Three Wonders, Eight Gates, and Six Jia. It contains the spiritual essence of various entities: the Chief Deity, the Soaring Snake, the Great Yin, the White Tiger, the Black Tortoise, the Nine Earth, and the Nine Heavens. Those who enter will fall into endless, inescapable dread! Individuals lacking sufficient mental fortitude will find their soul defenses easily breached, leading them to lose all confidence!"

"I've heard of Master Zhang," he continued. "To defeat Young Master Ruohuan shows he has some capability, and achieving four-star at such a young age is indeed impressive. However... being so young, having lived a smooth life without experiencing setbacks, his mental fortitude is undoubtedly insufficient! This particular trial... will likely be his greatest hurdle!"

As a top contender for the championship, he was not only powerful but also skilled in analysis.

Although Zhang Xuan was young, his ability to stand out from the Myriad Kingdom Alliance indicated he was no ordinary individual. Thus, Liao Wuzhi held no disdain for him.

Nevertheless, while Zhang Xuan was undoubtedly a genius, his youth and presumed lack of mental fortitude would be his greatest vulnerability.

He likely wouldn't pass this stage.

"If my analysis is correct," Liao Wuzhi stated, "he probably won't last more than five to ten minutes inside before his mental fortitude collapses, leaving him trapped!"

"Five to ten minutes?"

"Indeed!" Liao Wuzhi waved a dismissive hand, a proud expression on his face. "This thing is incredibly potent. I've secretly calculated it, and even I could only endure for the full incense-burning period at most. The time set by Master Hong is quite precise... You absolutely must exit within that timeframe, or no one can hold out! He's so much younger than me; lasting more than five minutes would already be commendable..."

Liao Wuzhi waved a dismissive hand, a proud expression on his face, and was about to continue speaking when he suddenly froze, as if he had seen a ghost. His eyes widened, his entire body went rigid, and his lips began to tremble uncontrollably.

"What... what's happening?"