[Vol. 6] Chapter 229: Revealing the Rules and the Battle for Survival
The fox-eared girl’s explanation wasn’t overly long, but she covered all the essential details of the Grand Finals thoroughly.
The first half of the competition revolved entirely around the unique environment and mechanics of [Mirror Valley].
The name [Mirror Valley] comes from the countless silver crystals scattered in every corner. These crystals can be found almost anywhere, growing directly from the ground. They are incredibly durable, said to be impervious to fire, water, blades, or weapons. Some of the tallest crystals reach several meters in height, while the most unusual ones are about the size of a young child. These crystals are the core of [Mirror Valley]’s mysteries.
No one knows how these crystals formed, but they reflect everything around them like mirrors. Being surrounded by them feels like standing in a hall of infinite reflections, an eerie and surreal experience.
The reason [Mirror Valley] causes people to go missing lies in these "mirrors."
It is said that among the many reflective crystals, a few are flawed. These flawed crystals, known as [False Mirrors], appear identical to regular ones but cause strange and unpredictable phenomena when reflecting a person.
A [False Mirror] doesn’t merely show a person’s physical reflection. Instead, it reveals the form of their soul. On the surface, they’re almost impossible to distinguish from normal crystals.
If someone lingers near a [False Mirror] for too long, they may experience bizarre and dangerous effects. These range from sudden madness or seizures to outright disappearance, as if sucked into the mirror itself.
This is why [Mirror Valley] has earned its ominous reputation as the "Valley of Vanishing".
“The power of the [False Mirrors] cannot be entirely resisted,” the fox-eared envoy explained. “However, those with greater cultivation and stronger, more resilient souls are less likely to be affected. Your task in [Mirror Valley] is to actively seek out these [False Mirrors] that have undergone mutations. Using the methods provided by Immortal Island, you must repair them. The more you repair, the better your ranking at the end of the competition.”
As the envoy spoke, a strong contestant from the Southern Kingdom couldn’t hold back and asked,
“Envoy, if the [False Mirrors] are so similar to ordinary ones, how are we supposed to find them? Are we just expected to rely on our eyes to spot subtle differences in the reflections? That might work a few times, but if we need to do this repeatedly, the difficulty is far too high.”
The fox-eared envoy smiled calmly and replied, “You needn’t worry. Immortal Island will provide tools to assist you, which will significantly narrow down the search area.”
“I see… That’s a relief,” the contestant responded, nodding in satisfaction.
Since the envoy from Immortal Island had made such a clear statement, even though she didn’t explain in detail what tools would be provided or how they would help, the strong contestant quickly nodded to show understanding and sat back down.
To the world, and even to these top-tier experts, Immortal Island holds an almost unquestionable position of authority. If they claimed it could be done, it surely could be done.
The fox-eared envoy surveyed the large tent once more before continuing.
“There are a few additional points to clarify. While this competition involves a competitive framework, contestants are strictly prohibited from fighting or harming each other. The principle of ‘first come, first served’ applies.”
“Repairing a [False Mirror] is not an easy task. The later stages of the competition will require you to face powerful adversaries. We do not wish to see anyone wasting their energy on unnecessary internal conflicts.”
“There’s no need to worry about others taking your targets and leaving you behind. The number of repaired [False Mirrors] is just one of several criteria for the final evaluation.”
“If you have the confidence and capability, you may choose to proceed deeper into [Mirror Valley] after the first phase ends. I will personally guide you through the subsequent preparations there. Not only will you receive additional rewards for the evaluation, but you will also have a chance to excel in the key competitive tasks.”
“However…” the envoy’s tone grew serious. “I must emphasize again, the later stages are dangerous, and the risks are significant. How you choose to proceed is entirely up to you. Know your limits.”
The tent fell silent.
Aside from the leaders of the four nations, everyone present was a seasoned, high-ranking expert with substantial strength and experience. Even if they didn’t fully understand the situation, many had heard vague rumors.
After a brief pause, a grandmaster from [Bright Mist] Realm, ranked fifth on the [Ancient Spirit Realm Top 100 List] and previously defeated by Violet in the semifinals, spoke up. He scanned the room and cupped his hands toward the fox-eared envoy.
“Some matters don’t need to be said aloud for us to understand. Now that the finals are upon us, there’s no need to avoid the topic any longer. To make things clear, the 'critical situation' you mentioned…”
“Hmm... It’s evil spirits. Tangible and powerful demons. Everyone, this is far more than just a competition.”
Sitting toward the back and silent until now, Ming Lianyun suddenly spoke. Her words triggered a wave of sharp gasps throughout the tent.
“After a thousand years, are those terrifying creatures stirring again?”
“No wonder Immortal Island chose this particular time to descend. The [Demon Rebellion]... this isn’t something to take lightly.”
“Could it be connected to that prophecy everyone’s been talking about?”
“Is it... is it possible to withdraw from the competition now?”
“Silence! What kind of behavior is this?!”
A thunderous roar from Sect Master named Liu Rong, known as the [Wandering Sovereign], immediately restored order. At over 500 years old, the grandmaster’s overwhelming presence silenced the panicked murmurs, and he turned his stern gaze toward the unsettled crowd.
“You are supposed to be the elite of your domains, the finest selected from countless contenders. Just because demons are vicious and infamous, does their mere name reduce you to trembling cowards? Do you not understand that demons are enemies of all living beings? The Ancient Spirit Realm is vast, but if this truly becomes an unstoppable flood, where will you run?!”
“This…”
The rebuke left many of the present experts visibly ashamed. Once the room quieted, Liu Rong turned toward the Spirit Veil representatives seated at the center of the tent. He cupped his hands respectfully and spoke in a voice loud enough for all to hear.
“To be honest, several years ago, I was invited by the Peach Blossom Sage of Cangyun Mountain to assist, alongside other sages, in suppressing the chaos caused by a [Beast of Chaos], Taotie, in the [Great Secret Realm of Chaos]. At that time, she warned us of an imminent disaster. She said that within three to ten years, the Ancient Spirit Realm would face a crisis comparable to the [Demon Rebellion] from a thousand years ago. The movements of the [Beast of Chaos] was but the harbinger of this calamity.”
“It is well known that the Peach Blossom Sage holds an unparalleled position of respect and power. Although she is not officially ranked among the ‘Top 100 of the Ancient Spirit Realm’, her abilities far surpass ours. Taking her warning seriously, I ceased my secluded cultivation and began closely monitoring external disturbances.”
“Indeed, half a year ago, when Immortal Island suddenly announced the new [Four Saints' Immortal Selection Ceremony], I knew something was unusual. I wasted no time rallying my disciples to attend and support the event. Now, it seems the Sage’s prediction was entirely accurate.”
The envoy from Immortal Island, who had hesitated earlier, gave a slight nod, confirming the grandmaster’s words.
Liu Rong’s words, though seemingly indirect, were a deliberate effort to emphasize the importance of this matter. By openly expressing support for the cause, he subtly tied everyone present to the same metaphorical warship, ensuring that no one would quietly back out due to fear of the demons. His intentions were well-meaning, aimed at uniting the group.
The fox-eared envoy nodded and continued, “This competition is indeed of great importance. The demons pose a formidable threat, and we do not deny that Immortal Island hopes to rely on your strength.”
“However, the rules of the [Four Saints' Immortal Selection Ceremony] remain unchanged. Participation is entirely voluntary. If anyone here prefers not to venture deep into [Mirror Valley], you may choose to stay and assist the four nations’ armies with defense or leave this place entirely to pursue other paths. Immortal Island will not hold it against you afterward.”
The crowd exchanged glances, their expressions uncertain. Suddenly, a gray-haired girl seated at the head of the Western Kingdom’s delegation spoke up.
“Demons are enemies of this world, and it is our duty to protect the Ancient Spirit Realm ourselves. Immortal Island’s willingness to extend a helping hand in such a critical moment is already an immense kindness. To say they’re relying on us is far too harsh.”
“I, Ling Feng, on behalf of all my colleagues, pledge our full support. This is the collective stance of Western Kingdom. Not a single one of us will retreat!”
Mo Ziqing, an experienced leader from the Eastern Kingdom, chimed in at just the right moment.
“Eastern Kingdom has never feared any foreign threat throughout its history. This is also the will of our Saint.”
As his words fell, the leaders of the Southern Kingdom and Northern Kingdom immediately followed suit.
“Indeed! These defeated foes were already driven back by our ancestors a thousand years ago. What’s there to fear?”
“Haha! I, for one, won’t give up this rare opportunity to seek blessings from Immortal Island. Those who lack the courage should just go back home and farm their fields!”
“Exactly! What’s there to fear? I’m in!”
“I’ll join too!”
The rallying cries of the crowd grew louder, and their earlier hesitation faded. With courage reignited and a clearer understanding of the stakes, many voiced their determination to participate.
The Immortal Island envoys exchanged glances, their previously solemn expressions softening into faint smiles.
“Well then… we’ll be counting on all of you.”