Daoling was astonished. He had thought the passage was unoccupied, but suddenly saw several figures, all inching forward along the golden corridor. Their slow progress was driven by a source ahead: a spiritual spring.
The spring misted with divine radiance, exuding life force as vast as rivers and seas—like a fountain of life gushing forth, spraying thousands of golden rays. This energy appeared to be the primal essence of the Spirit Pagoda's life force!
Primal essence was terrifyingly precious; each drop was a rare treasure. Daoling marveled that the end of the golden passage held such a spring. His eyes lit up—he had been absorbing wood-attributed energy, and his physique was undergoing mutation. Strengthening this energy was arduous, but primal essence could accelerate it drastically.
The arrival of a newcomer drew attention. A three-eyed being opened its eyes, divine light bursting forth. A vertical eye on its forehead swirled with terrifying waves, containing a mysterious rune. This creature was far more fearsome than the three-eyed being Daoling had chased earlier—none who entered the golden passage were weak.
"Another arrives. How convenient," the three-eyed being snorted, its expression unfriendly. The spring's essence was limited.
A purple-haired youth turned, surprise flashing in his eyes. Though Daoling masked his form with golden runes, the youth saw through the disguise—this was another top ten finisher from Starfall Academy! It was astonishing that such a youth had reached the ninth floor, where the pressure was overwhelming.
"The Life Spring produces only a dozen drops of Life Essence Liquid each year. Another arrival means smaller shares," a golden-clad figure sneered at the three-eyed being. They all coveted the essence, a well-known secret. The liquid's磅礴 (tremendous) life force could extend lifespan, heal wounds, and aid alchemy—priceless, especially for Body Forging cultivators, though the spring yielded only a dozen drops annually.
"Youngster, leave now. No share for you this year," the three-eyed being warned, its vertical eye opening and closing.
Daoling's hair fluttered in the passage's crushing pressure, like carrying a mountain on his back. "Is this Spirit Pagoda your family's property?" he replied coolly. He was determined to claim the Life Essence Liquid to transform his physique.
The three-eyed being's face chilled. "Try me."
Ignoring the threat, Daoling channeled the passage's surging energy to temper his body, inching forward. His gaze fell on a figure ahead: a少女 (maiden) with a fearsome golden greatsword on her back, its edge humming as it shattered nearby runes—undoubtedly a supreme artifact. Clad in golden armor, she radiated sword qi that made others wary.
As they neared the spring, Daoling quickened his pace, though the pressure intensified. He absorbed energy to replenish his stamina, feeling his mutated physique accelerate as primal essence waves washed over him.
"It works!" Daoling rejoiced. Primal essence would surely transform his constitution.
His recovery outpaced the others, closing the gap with the four powerhouses. "So it's a wood-attributed physique," the three-eyed being sneered, assuming this explained his rapid recovery.
"Be careful," the purple-haired youth warned, eyeing Daoling—losing such a prodigy would be a pity.
Daoling grinned, eager to test himself against these elites. "What lies beyond the golden passage?"
The youth sent a mental message: "Secrets and ancient inheritances, but don't go. The pressure is deadlier—easy to perish."
Daoling was shocked. If the ninth floor was this harsh, the tenth must be a myth.
As he neared a golden-clad figure, the creature radiated凶戾 (ferocious) aura, its voice sinister: "I warned you. Why didn't you listen?" It eyed Daoling hungrily. "Your vibrant life force—consuming you will boost my chance at the essence!"
"You're a fiendbeast? You think you can eat me?" Daoling scoffed.
The golden figure's aura turned icy,怒火 (rage) flaring. "Arrogant fool!" It swiped with a crimson palm, aiming to crush and devour Daoling.
Daoling's fist, coated in golden runes, met the palm. The collision shattered nearby runes, a brutal clash of pure physical might.
"Interesting," the golden figure marveled at Daoling's strength. "Your flesh is perfect. Consuming you will strengthen me!" It struck again, a massive crimson handprint descending.
Daoling formed a fist seal, blood energy surging. Golden light blazed from his body as he met the blow, shaking the passage. The two clashed wildly, their bodies shattering the vacuum.
The golden figure roared, growing more savage, each strike capable of splitting mountains. Daoling matched it blow for blow, his fists unstoppable.
"Fall!" The figure's handprint pressed down like a grinding wheel.
"Begone!" Daoling's golden palm shattered the print. The figure lunged, fist aimed at his chest. Daoling's leg whipped out like a sword, bone striking bone with a clang that collapsed the ground. The impact sent the figure reeling.
"Incredible!" The purple-haired youth was stunned. The golden figure was a beastman with fearsome physical strength, yet Daoling not only matched it but pushed it back.
The maiden with the golden greatsword turned, revealing a stunning face—plump red lips, sparkling eyes, and a delicate nose. She studied Daoling briefly before turning away, taciturn.
Enraged, the golden figure transformed: three zhang tall, shaped like a leopard-tiger, its crimson skin sprouting sharp spines. "You've provoked me! No one can save you now!" It roared, murderous intent overwhelming.