231 – Anomalies in the Immortal Palace! The Third Seven-colored Talent!
by spirapira“After the Immortal Palace opened, the developments really have become more and more exciting. Besides, in the simulation, it is indeed true that Gu Xuan is beginning to target Lin Qinghe; the probability of him being the mastermind has increased.”
Wang Ping looked at the contents of the text simulation, thinking silently in his heart, anticipating the next developments.
【Next, another round of celestial music echoed in the Immortal Palace, indicating the start of the second assessment. This time, the assessment was focused on combat strength; those insufficient in combat within the same realm would be eliminated.】
【These words caused many cultivators’ expressions to change slightly, becoming somewhat tense. Soon, the assessment began, another celestial light descended, enveloping the entire area, covering everyone.】
【Then, your consciousness blurred and you entered a special space, where enemies manifested according to your cultivation level. You had nothing to say about this, casually killing them with a single strike, easily passing the test.】
【As you killed the enemy, your vision returned to the real world, seeing that all the prodigies on the Three Saint List and the Quasi-Three Saint List had opened their eyes, evidently having easily dealt with their enemies.】
【However, for the prodigies at your level, instantly killing the opponent was easy; for the other prodigies, it was evidently not so easy, with serious expressions on their faces, some even becoming pale, sweating profusely, clearly facing trouble.】
【You looked at Cai Yonglong and found his expression extremely grim. You shook your head slightly, hoping Cai Yonglong could make good use of his Golden Finger ability to pass the test. Otherwise, you couldn’t help him.】
【Soon, a large number of people were eliminated. The number of those eliminated this time reached above ninety percent. Only true disciples from hopeful quasi-imperial sects or some rogue cultivator prodigies with great secrets successfully passed the test.】
【And Cai Yonglong barely passed thanks to his Golden Finger ability. This made him bitterly smile, feeling that the Immortal Palace’s assessment was too difficult.】
【After the Immortal Palace expelled the eliminated prodigies, the third assessment began. The third assessment was to break through the secret realm of the Immortal Palace. Only by breaking through the secret realm could one truly join the Immortal Palace.】
【At the same time, the Immortal Palace informed all the prodigies present that killing dream demons in the secret realm could earn Immortal Points. The amount of Immortal Points obtained would affect where one would be placed for cultivation within the Immortal Palace and would also influence future opportunities.】
【These words made all the prodigies stiffen, knowing they couldn’t hide their strength and had to go all out. Otherwise, it would be too regrettable to miss out on opportunities due to this.】
【Only you remained indifferent, treating yourself as a mere passerby.】
【Next, the secret realm of the Immortal Palace opened, and spatial vortices appeared. You entered one of them. However, as soon as you entered, you noticed something was amiss, and your expression changed.】
【Because this secret realm wasn’t the dream demon secret realm used by the Immortal Palace for the assessment, but the secret realm that appeared in the previous two simulations, the one used by the masterminds to trap and kill many prodigies.】
【Moreover, this time the teleportation points of the secret realm were different from before. You found that half of the prodigies were teleported together. These prodigies were mainly from the Saint King List, Great Saint List, and Quasi-Three Saint List, with very few saint prodigies.】
【At the same time, the rules of this secret realm clearly changed as well. It didn’t directly suppress Great Saints and half-step Supremes, but actively sealed their cultivation. Evidently, the masterminds made some adjustments.】
【As the many prodigies frowned, scanning this secret realm which could suppress their cultivation to the Saint King level, you also became cautious and planned to escape immediately.】
【However, just as you were about to escape, numerous light columns appeared from near to far, completely sealing this space, and a complex killing formation quickly formed, cutting off your escape route.】
【This scene caused the prodigies present to be shocked. They weren’t fools; the current situation had clearly exceeded the scope of an assessment, this was an attempt to kill them. Although the Immortal Palace intended to select the best seedlings, it wouldn’t go to such extremes, as that would offend all the powers of the Upper Realm.】
【At this moment, Ji Ziqing, who was proficient in formations, felt his scalp tingle. He recognized the horror of this formation, an ancient killing formation capable of Emperor-slaying might if the head of the formation was strong enough and supported by many cultivators.】
【Although the danger emanating from this formation now couldn’t compare to the ancient formations described in texts, it was still more than enough to kill all of them easily.】
【Instantly, Ji Ziqing shouted, revealing the origin of the killing formation, urging everyone to unite and break the formation; otherwise, they would all die here.】
【These words caused everyone’s pupils to contract. Without holding back, they unleashed terrifying power, jointly attacking the formation, trying to fight against it.】
【However, you didn’t choose to act immediately but instead focused on a figure in the crowd. That figure was Gu Xuan.】
【Gu Xuan was also here, evidently trying to clear his name through this method. This made you smile coldly, intending to see what trick he wanted to pull.】
【Next, you also began to fight, intentionally or unintentionally working alongside Gu Xuan to combat the dreadful killing formation.】
【During the eruption of battle, a large number of Saint Realm natives appeared, supporting the ancient formation, injecting power into it. At the same time, over a hundred black mist figures appeared, standing in the more central positions of the formation.】
【And at the core of the formation, a black shadow with a terrifying aura appeared, holding a blood-red bead, gazing at this side, hoarsely saying that no one could escape.】
【This scene made you frown, uncertain if this figure was the Spacetime Dao Body you once fought.】
【Additionally, this time, the changes in the secret realm were too significant, with more powerful natives. You suspected that in the previous two simulations, the secret realm was still developing, and the masterminds hadn’t fully prepared. However, due to your unexpected appearance, they took action ahead of time, trying to kill the prodigies in advance. Their original plan should be to trap a large number of prodigies all at once now that the Immortal Palace had opened.】
【After all, at this time, all the prodigies of the Upper Realm were truly gathered, both current and those who had sealed themselves for eons, without exception. Planning a trap here would truly leave no stone unturned; any type of prodigy they wanted to hunt was present, just like ordering from a menu.】
“These masterminds are too ruthless. How did they manage to deceive the Immortal Palace, swapping the trial dream demon secret realm with this one? Could it be that there are insiders within the Immortal Palace? If that’s the case, the methods of these masterminds are extremely terrifying.”
Wang Ping looked at the content of the text simulation, his expression very grim.
Wang Ping now felt that it was no longer just about Gu Xuan alone.
No matter how strong he was, he was still a member of the younger generation, hiding deeply, possibly being groomed by the masterminds to develop into a terrifying physique like the Devouring Immortal Demon Body. However, in the bigger picture of the Upper Realm, he was still relatively weak.
Perhaps, as the story progresses, Gu Xuan may grow into the final big boss, but currently, the real threats that make Wang Ping cautious are the emperors behind the scenes…
These people, who plot against the entire Upper Realm, are the real dangers. They are significant figures who could hinder his growth in simulations and easily crush him…
“This is truly troublesome… Looks like I’m going to be doomed again this time… Since they’ve already made a move, it’s impossible for them to let their targeted prey escape…”
Wang Ping sighed, collected his thoughts, and continued to stare at the screen…
As Wang Ping stared at the screen, the text continued to appear…
【Just as your thoughts were racing, the Killing Formation erupted with immense power. Many prodigies began to die, their bodies exploding. Flesh, mana, and essence were absorbed by the layered formation. This caused many prodigies to have grim expressions, knowing that if they did not fight desperately, they were truly doomed…】
【Therefore, these prodigies began to use their real trump cards, employing strategies that would harm both the enemy and themselves, trying to break the formation and escape…】
【You secretly watched Gu Xuan, considering whether to make a move against him. However, you chose to hide your strength and attack the Killing Formation with the crowd, planning your moves cautiously…】
【The battle was extremely brutal. Most of the prodigies died instantly, and blood mist filled the sky. However, due to the sheer number of prodigies, the fierce resistance seemed to work, eventually breaking the layered formation…】
【The moment the formation was broken, the surviving prodigies transformed into divine rainbows, escaping at terrifying speeds. You were among them…】
【However, you and Gu Xuan fled in the same direction. This guy survived the formation, appearing heavily injured, but you sense he is pretending…】
【After reaching a deserted place, Gu Xuan stopped, took out a formation disk, and set up a large formation, sealing off this time and space. Then, he looked in your hidden direction and calmly told you to come out…】
【You squinted your eyes, knowing that Gu Xuan had already discovered you, so you came out. You directly stated that all of this was Gu Xuan’s plan, aiming to devour the prodigies’ essence, trying to probe him…】
【Gu Xuan sneered at your words, claiming not to know what you were talking about. However, he accused you of following him with ill intentions and declared that he had to kill you today…】
【You squinted your eyes, feeling that Gu Xuan is indeed cunning, showing no hint of his true intentions. Since that’s the case, you had nothing more to say and unleashed your true power, aiming to suppress Gu Xuan…】
【Gu Xuan snorted coldly, divine light surged from his body, and his injuries instantly healed. Then he directly engaged in battle with you. Gu Xuan’s hidden strength was terrifying, as he too had comprehended Dao markings…】
【However, this was within your expectations… You greatly suspected that in previous simulations, where you defeated Gu Xuan with cultivation, it was purely because he did not want to expose his true strength. Otherwise, the outcome of those crushing victories could not be known… This guy had hidden too deeply…】
【In a battle at the same realm, you felt immense pressure from Gu Xuan and could not defeat him, no matter what techniques you used. The current Gu Xuan felt even more formidable than the one with the dual Dao markings of space and time in the previous simulation…】
【Clearly, your judgment was correct. A master cannot be weaker than his subordinates. Gu Xuan was hiding very deeply… Besides that, Gu Xuan’s combat experience was terrifying, giving you no chance to injure him. He fought with you engaging in extreme tactical maneuvers, making it difficult for you to trigger the effect of the seven-colored talent: Instant Death Attack…】
【Obviously, Gu Xuan and his family had a much deeper understanding of the Allheavens Playground compared to other forces. They knew that people from the multiverse likely had some extremely peculiar abilities and items, so the battle had to be approached with utmost caution, giving the enemy no opportunity…】
【This irritated you greatly… You knew that if this continued, once Gu Xuan figured out your combat limits, unless you were extremely lucky to trigger Ninefold Resonance along with critical damage and direct instant death, it would be hard to turn the tide…】
【Therefore, you steeled yourself and adopted a strategy of mutual destruction. Gu Xuan sneered, immediately took out a certain item, forming a terrifying defense that blocked your attack…】
【This made you feel alarmed… This item had no Dao markings or formation aura, clearly not from this world, but a special tool from the Allheavens Playground…】
【You found this tool very troublesome, but also realized that the Gu family, with its long history, had a much deeper understanding of the Allheavens Playground compared to other forces. They probably accumulated many peculiar tools through various means…】
【As the battle continued, you became increasingly weary. The mutual destruction strategy gradually reduced your combat power. Therefore, you knew you couldn’t drag it out and decisively invoked the effect of Golden Talent: Life-for-Life…】
【As the effect of Life-for-Life appeared, Gu Xuan’s pupils contracted, his body stiffening, and he instantly lost all signs of life. You equally lost your life. However, due to the activation of the effect of Purple Talent: Substitute Puppet, your death was transferred to a Divine Monarch Realm scapegoat you had arranged outside…】
【Breathing a sigh of relief while looking at the dead Gu Xuan, you felt that the Golden Talent: Life-for-Life was really useful. At the very least, more useful than the seven-colored talent: Instant Death Attack… Instant Death Attack had too many restrictions. Although its upper limit was Emperor—a death that even an emperor could not escape if triggered—Golden Talent: Life-for-Life was only effective below the Supreme Realm. But for now, the golden talent seemed more practical…】
【You felt the seven-colored talent: Instant Death Attack was more of a disgrace to the title of seven-colored…】
【You had many thoughts, but did not let your guard down, continuing to fiercely attack Gu Xuan’s corpse to prevent any potential revival…】
【Gu Xuan’s corpse exploded into pieces under your relentless attacks, seemingly dead through and through. Despite this, you remained cautious, intending to keep striking but remembered that this secret realm likely belonged to Gu Xuan and you couldn’t stay long. Therefore, you decided to leave…】
【Just as you were about to leave, Gu Xuan revived, delivering a heart-piercing comment that made you freeze. Although you considered the likelihood of Gu Xuan having resurrection means, you still fell for it. In your current weakened state, you were still in a vulnerable condition…】
【Gu Xuan coldly remarked on your formidable ability that could kill him instantly but noted that revival tools were nothing new. To truly kill someone from the multiverse, one needs abilities that bring absolute death…】
【Not waiting for your reply, Gu Xuan swiftly struck and killed you. Due to having a Rebirth Talisman, you entered a resurrection countdown. Gu Xuan waited coldly at the site…】
【During this period, a shadowy figure appeared, attacking the formation Gu Xuan created. However, Gu Xuan was unmoved. After your resurrection, Gu Xuan, who had already prepared a deadly strike during your revive lag, decisively struck and killed you again…】
【Due to your fall, this simulation came to an end】
At the end of the text simulation, Wang Ping’s consciousness wavered, flashes of scenes and insights flooding his mind…
Eventually, his form reappeared in the secret realm, glaring intensely at Gu Xuan with furrowed brows…
“What on earth is with Gu Xuan? Why would the shadow attack him? Is he not the manipulator behind the scenes? Did I guess wrong? Or is this all an act? But I’m already dead, why would he keep acting?”
Various thoughts flashed through Wang Ping’s mind as he began calculating different scenarios.
Dealing with this guy can’t be done with common sense. Since he’s already made his move, he won’t leave any loose ends behind.
Perhaps, he fears that I may have a way to leak information even after my fall, so he won’t expose even a single flaw. It could also be that he’s still putting on a show for other prodigies to see.
Wang Ping didn’t trust Gu Xuan. His instincts had always been spot-on, and no matter how innocent Gu Xuan appeared, he wouldn’t believe him.
When dealing with such people, it’s better to mistakenly kill than to let go. You have to thoroughly expose his true nature.
If it’s truly a mistake to accuse him, then in future simulations, I simply won’t target him.
Of course, Wang Ping didn’t actually need to care so much.
The struggle to prove one’s Dao is always cruel, irrelevant of personal grudges or right and wrong. They are all enemies to each other, and finding a way to eliminate the other is something no one would question, as long as it’s done cleanly.
Just as Wang Ping’s mind was in turmoil, his consciousness shook, his vision shifted, and he returned to the real world.
Then, the System’s voice rang out.
“Ding, reward generation successful. The host can choose two items from the following rewards:
- Golden Talent: Life-for-Life.
- Random Supreme Artifact.
- Jade Talisman of Golden Light.
- Random Great Sacred Artifact.”
“System, I choose 1. Golden Talent: Life-for-Life and 3. Jade Talisman of Golden Light.”
Wang Ping glanced at the reward list, slightly surprised that there was no Supreme Body, and made his choice.
The Supreme Body can be refined anytime during simulations, it’s not that important, so Wang Ping didn’t care.
Moreover, if a Supreme Body did appear, enhancing cultivation to a true half-step Supreme level, it would actually be more harmful than beneficial.
After all, if his cultivation reached the true half-step Supreme realm, his combat power wouldn’t significantly change, and it wouldn’t be of much help in the Immortal Palace trial. Instead, the cost of his simulations would multiply significantly, and it would be a massive increase.
In such a scenario, it would indeed be a bad move.
As Wang Ping made his choice, information about the Golden Talent: Life-for-Life appeared in his mind.
Additionally, something new appeared in his storage world.
That was the Jade Talisman of Golden Light, which even in simulations, Wang Ping couldn’t figure out its secrets.
“This thing… I don’t know what secrets it hides, nor whether those secrets can fundamentally change my strength.”
Wang Ping took out the Jade Talisman of Golden Light, studied it for a while, then threw it back into his storage world.
Next, Wang Ping planned to start a new simulation.
This time, he had gathered quite a bit of information.
However, the game was still far from over. To fully grasp Gu Xuan’s background, he needed some external assistance.
“Using the forces and power of the Upper Realm, it’s difficult to thoroughly understand Gu Xuan. Since they did these things, even the Immortal Palace’s Diviner couldn’t deduce anything, which means they have countermeasures against divination. Therefore, if I snitch, no one will believe me; I can only rely on myself.”
“And relying on myself… Unless I draw a seven-colored talent that can help me, breaking the game is basically impossible. If I give up entering the Immortal Palace and hide in the Taiyi Emperor Palace, I might live longer and use that time to enhance my cultivation.”
Various thoughts flashed through Wang Ping’s mind, and he finally smiled bitterly.
Does he have to tread the old path of hiding and cultivating again?
If that’s the case, it indeed feels quite disheartening.
“Forget it, hiding is hiding. I’m already used to it.”
Wang Ping sighed and planned to start a new paid simulation.
“System, start a paid simulation.”
Wang Ping spoke in his heart.
“Ding, consuming four million upper-grade divine sources, the Life Simulator is starting, talents refreshing…”
The System’s voice sounded.
“Ding, talent refresh successful, congratulations to the host for successfully refreshing to a seven-colored talent: Source-Breaking Eyes; a red talent: Lunar Roar.”
Seven-colored talent – Origin-Breaking Eyes: an advanced version of the Heaven’s Origin Divine Eyes pupil technique talent, capable of seeing through illusions, breaking the source, and can also brew a world-shaking divine ability – Source-Breaking Tribulation Light.
Red talent – Lunar Roar: The host’s roar under the moonlight can slightly increase combat power.
“What the heck!”
Wang Ping looked at the talents he refreshed, completely stunned.
What is this, his luck has become too good, really getting what he wants.
This time, he actually refreshed a seven-colored talent again, and it’s an advanced version of the Heaven’s Origin Divine Eyes, which is extremely useful for seeing through Gu Xuan’s true nature.
“Speaking of which, could my luck have been enhanced after joining the Taiyi Emperor Palace? But, was it all used up on refreshing talents? Is that why I was so unlucky in the Life Simulation?”
A possibility suddenly crossed Wang Ping’s mind.
As he became stronger, especially after joining the enormous organization, Taiyi Emperor Palace, and becoming the designated heir, his luck became intertwined with that of the Taiyi Emperor Palace, making the probability of refreshing high-quality talents much higher than before.
In theory, in the Life Simulation, he had become the foremost heir of the Taiyi Emperor Palace, his luck was exceedingly strong, ranked highly on the Saint King List, and had defeated numerous prodigies. Even with poor foundational conditions, such an increase in luck should somewhat offset them compared to those top-tier prodigies on the Three Saint List, but it shouldn’t make him appear so pitiful.
So, Wang Ping had this conjecture.
Just as Wang Ping was about to choose this talent for the simulation, the notification sound of the chat group system rang, making Wang Ping pause slightly.
“Ding, detecting anomaly in the world of group member Ding Xuan (88), group mission released: eliminate the anomaly. This group mission is of high difficulty, and the proxy group leader Wang Ping (66) is to select four members to participate in the group mission. Please make your selection promptly.”
“Uh, another anomaly that requires me to handle?”
Listening to the chat group system’s notification sound, Wang Ping raised an eyebrow slightly.
In today’s chat group, it’s filled with strong individuals. Lin Yuanyuan, Zhang Jun, Chen Yao, and others can all hold their own. As long as it’s not an anomaly that has gradually grown in the Cultivation World, they can typically handle smaller anomalies.
“Ding Xuan, I remember he transmigrated to a game world. Can anomalies appear in game worlds too? Or is that world a type where gaming is universal?”
Wang Ping’s eyes flickered, deep in thought.
While pondering various questions, Wang Ping opened the chat group page.
Wang Ping (66) @ Ding Xuan (86): “Ding Xuan, have you discovered any unusual circumstances? Also, I haven’t seen you upload specific information about your world.”
Ding Xuan (86): “Uh, I’m totally confused, no idea why this group task suddenly appeared, it’s quite bewildering. As for the information about my world, ahem… I’ve been grinding in the newbie village, so much that the players don’t want to log on anymore…”
Wang Ping (66): “…”
Everyone: “…”
This guy Ding Xuan is too ridiculous. While everyone tries their best to understand their transmigration world, he spends his time strengthening himself through the chat group to bully players, joining easy missions occasionally, and doesn’t even know what his world is like. He’s too laid-back.
Wang Ping (66): “Regarding this mission, those who want to participate can sign up.”
Wang Ping, feeling exasperated, decided to address the matter seriously.
Since there’s no intel, he’ll have to rely on his Life Simulator for the simulation.
Lin Yuanyuan (80): “Count me in… but I’m currently on a mission.”
Chen Yao (71): “I’ll second that.”
Cai Yonglong (1): “Hehe, no need to say, I’m definitely in for this mission with Brother Wang.”
Chen Si (83): “And me, QAQ.”
Chen Kang (67): “Same old rule, if my sister goes, I go.”
Wu Jun (20): “Me, me, I want to go too.”
Zhang Yueying (86): “Well, too late, no spot for me.”
Fang Yun (3): “This is classic, another bunch of support following Brother Wang on a group mission…”
Qin Tian (77): “Sigh, after all, I can’t keep up… My position as a mission partner is gone, o(╥﹏╥)o…”
Wang Ping (66) to Qin Tian (77): “You, kid, lack a powerful cultivation world.”
Wang Ping (66): “Okay, let’s not talk anymore, let’s get ready to transmigrate.”
Wang Ping shook his head, then stopped chatting and directly input the names of the participants for the mission.
Soon, Wang Ping, Cai Yonglong, Chen Si, Chen Kang, and Wu Jun all turned into a beam of white light and disappeared, heading to the world where Ding Xuan was.
When Wang Ping and the others arrived in Ding Xuan’s world, their expressions became quite subtle.
Because Ding Xuan no longer had the image of a fierce ‘tigress’ in their impressions but appeared more like a catgirl.
“Hehe, Brother Wang, unexpected, right? Recently I managed to transform into a humanoid form… Ah, the woman’s body I’ve longed for…”
Ding Xuan said rather perversely.
“Speaking of perverse, it really has to be you…”
Wang Ping’s forehead was full of black lines, speechless.
Although he already knew this guy was a pervert, wanting to transmigrate as a woman during soul crossing, seeing that kind of morbid expression still made him at a loss for words.
Cai Yonglong, Wu Jun, and Chen Kang also twitched their faces, looking at Ding Xuan with extreme disdain.
Chen Si even backed away a few steps in fear.
Realizing this, Ding Xuan coughed lightly to return to normal, her passionate fervor slowly dissipating.
Then, her expression became serious as she spoke, “Brother Wang, although I don’t know the specifics of our world’s situation, you should have noticed changes in your bodies, right? Besides, you can also silently recite ‘attribute panel’ in your mind.”
Wang Ping squinted his eyes. Upon arriving in this world, he naturally felt the changes in his body.
To be precise, it felt as if his strength wasn’t as potent now, giving off an unreal sensation.
Immediately, Wang Ping silently recited ‘attribute panel’ in his mind.
Then, an attribute panel appeared in front of Wang Ping, making him raise his eyebrows slightly.
Name: Wang Ping
Level: 999+
Race: Human
Super God-level BOSS
Strength: ???
Speed: ???
Endurance: ???
Agility: ???
Spirit: ???
Mana: ???
Skills: ???
Information: A special BOSS from beyond the realm, mysterious origin, defeating it grants great rewards.
“Interesting, I’ve actually become a BOSS.”
Wang Ping looked at Ding Xuan and slowly spoke.
“Brother Wang, it seems we have also become BOSSes. Also, our talents have turned into exclusive skills.”
Wu Jun couldn’t help but speak up.
Cai Yonglong, Chen Kang, and Chen Si all nodded with some surprise.
“That’s how it is. Those who come to our world will likely become NPCs or BOSSes. In this world, only players are special.”
Ding Xuan sighed and said.
“So, to prevent being killed by these players, I’ve been constantly killing them, not letting them leave the newbie village… Otherwise, if they grow up, it’ll be catastrophic, a real fourth apocalypse, they could possibly grind me to death.”