243: Chapter 243: Testing the Gods (19)

Inside the purgatory,

At this time, Nangong Yan and his lieutenant had successfully absorbed enough Yin energy, significantly boosting their soul power, and were preparing to leave this Purgatory of Yin.

As Nangong Yan and the lieutenant stepped out of the Purgatory of Yin, they ran into Lord Yan and Qian Ye, who had come to check on the situation.

Lord Yan nodded slightly. "Congratulations to you both for passing this stage. However, do not celebrate too early."

With that, he pointed toward a distant tower shimmering with a strange light. "The next stage is that tower, known as the Illusion Heart Pagoda.

Upon entering, you must resist the onslaught of various inner demons." Nangong Yan and the lieutenant exchanged a glance and walked toward the Illusion Heart Pagoda without hesitation.

Stepping into the tower, the surroundings became unpredictable and ever-changing.

The lieutenant was the first to encounter an inner demon; he saw his brothers-in-arms who had died on the battlefield due to his own mistakes. His face was filled with guilt, and he nearly collapsed.

Nangong Yan, on the other hand, saw a scene where he spent his life pursuing power, only to end up abandoned by everyone.

Outside, Qian Ye and Lord Yan watched everything happening inside the tower. "Do you think they can make it through?"

Lord Yan shook his head, unable to see anything particularly special about the two of them.

Qian Ye smiled faintly without saying a word.

The two continued to watch.

Inside the tower, just as the lieutenant was about to be consumed by his inner demon, he remembered the promise he had made to his brothers before setting out—the oath that he would definitely bring everyone back alive.

He jerked his head up, his eyes turning resolute, and let out a loud shout that dispelled the inner demon's illusion before him.

On Nangong Yan's side, he felt a sharp pain in his heart after seeing the image of being deserted by everyone, but he soon realized that true strength did not just come from possessing power, but from being able to protect what one cherished. He also pulled himself together and broke through the inner demon.

A flash of light appeared within the Illusion Heart Pagoda, and the two of them appeared at the top.

Lord Yan was beyond surprised.

Nangong Yan shouted to the outside, "We've passed!"

Lord Yan's brow furrowed as he muttered, "How could they break through so quickly?"

Qian Ye gave a half-smile.

"This is something that you, a ghost, cannot understand."

Qian Ye waved her hand; humans were always the creatures with the greatest potential.

They were also the beings with the most steadfast willpower.

As long as their goal was set, they could be invincible.

Since the task was over, it was time to leave.

Before leaving, Qian Ye handed Xiao Hua over to Lord Yan.

"He damaged his origin while protecting me. Your Yellow Springs Road is the perfect place for him to recover."

Lord Yan planted him by the side of the Yellow Springs Road, where he could absorb some nutrients.

When it was time to go, Xiao Hua was very reluctant to part.

Master, Master, you must not forget me.

And, and... and Ling Ling.

The next second, he received a smack on the head. "Can't you just rely on your own ability to take human form quickly and come find us?"

Instantly, this gave Xiao Hua motivation.

That's right, he needed to rest well and strive for a speedy recovery.

He felt full of drive at the thought.

Finally, the three of them—Qian Ye, Nangong Yan, and the lieutenant—left the Yan Domain.

Even when his feet touched the ground, Nangong Yan still felt it was surreal that he had actually made a trip to the Hall of Yama.

The three went straight back to the Holy City. As soon as they stepped inside, they felt a tense atmosphere permeating the air.

Not knowing what was happening, the three had no choice but to find Meng Yu, Tai You, and the others first.

They eventually found them in that Ancient Mansion.

Before them, a black vortex was continuously spewing black mist.

"This... what happened?"

Seeing Qian Ye, her familiar voice gave them a mainstay.

Blue Shadow stepped forward and explained the situation.

It turned out that ever since they left, black holes of various sizes had been appearing here, spewing black mist and eroding the city.

"The person behind this is so malicious."

"To destroy an entire city of people just like that." Nangong Yan clenched his fists; the person behind this was truly insane.

"For now, we should quickly deal with this black hole in front of us," Meng Yu suggested from the side.

It had only been a few days of peace, and now the city was in a state of panic again.