The Test of the Key of Wisdom

After Ye Qiu and Li Yue confessed their feelings on the mountain peak, their relationship deepened.

Meanwhile, their companions' exploration in the valley also made new progress.

They discovered some ancient footprints that led deeper into the valley, seemingly guiding them to the location of the key of wisdom.

Ye Qiu led the group along the footprints, and as they proceeded, the surrounding environment grew increasingly mysterious.

The branches and leaves of the trees intertwined, forming a natural canopy, and sunlight could only filter through the dense foliage, casting scattered specks of light.

The ground was covered with thick fallen leaves, and every step produced a rustling sound, as if the forest was whispering ancient stories.

As they delved deeper, a narrow canyon appeared before them.

The stone walls on both sides of the canyon towered into the clouds, covered with various strange symbols and patterns, somewhat similar to what they had seen in the underground chamber, but even more complex.

"Everyone be careful, this place looks a bit dangerous," Ye Qiu warned.

The group followed closely behind Ye Qiu, cautiously entering the canyon.

Soon after entering the canyon, countless sharp stone arrows suddenly shot out from the stone walls.

The stone arrows rained down on them, moving incredibly fast, leaving no time to react.

Ye Qiu immediately activated his Energy Shield, once again protecting everyone within it.

The stone arrows struck the shield, producing a dense clattering sound, and faint ripples spread across the shield's surface.

"What's going on?" Lin Yue asked nervously.

Ye Qiu observed the surroundings and said, "These symbols and patterns might have triggered some mechanism.

Don't panic yet, I'll see if I can find a way to disable it."

While maintaining the Energy Shield, Ye Qiu carefully examined the symbols on the stone wall.

With the help of the System, he discovered that these symbols formed a complex riddle, and only by solving it could the stone arrow attack be stopped.

Ye Qiu focused his mind, rapidly analyzing the riddle in his head.

His gaze was concentrated and firm, and a light sweat beaded on his forehead.

After some thought, he finally found the key to solving it.

He touched the symbols on the stone wall with the chaos sovereign scepter in a specific order.

As he did so, the stone arrow attack gradually weakened and then ceased.

"We did it!" Su Yao exclaimed excitedly.

The group continued onward and soon arrived at a large plaza.

Four massive stone statues stood in the plaza, each carved with an ancient sage, their expressions solemn, their eyes profound, as if scrutinizing everyone who came there.

In the center of the plaza was a circular stone platform with four grooves, perfectly matching the shape of the items held by the four statues.

"It seems we need to place the items from the statues' hands into the grooves to proceed," Ye Qiu said.

However, when they tried to move the items from the statues' hands, they found them fixed in place by a powerful force.

"What should we do?" Wan'er asked, a little anxiously.

Ye Qiu observed the statues again and noticed some text carved into their bases.

He stepped forward and carefully read the inscriptions.

It turned out that to move these items, they needed to answer questions posed by the statues.

These questions covered various aspects such as history, philosophy, and wisdom, and only by answering all of them correctly could they gain the power to move the items.

"This is a test of our wisdom," Ye Qiu said, "Let's all think together; we can definitely pass this test."

The first statue posed a question: "In the long river of history, what is the most crucial factor driving the progress of civilization?"

Ye Qiu pondered for a moment and replied, "It is humanity's thirst for knowledge and creativity.

The thirst for knowledge drives people to constantly explore the unknown, while creativity allows people to transform ideas into practical results, thereby continuously advancing civilization."

The System prompted: "Correct answer.

You have gained the power to move the first item."

Ye Qiu stepped forward, easily picked up the first item, and placed it into a groove on the stone platform.

The second statue then asked: "If faced with a difficult choice, where one side represents the interests of the majority and the other represents the justice of the minority, how should one choose?"

Li Yue thought for a while and replied, "True wisdom lies in finding a balance that neither ignores the interests of the majority nor sacrifices the justice of the minority.

Through communication, negotiation, and innovative solutions, it might be possible to find a way to accommodate both."

The System prompted: "Correct answer.

You have gained the power to move the second item."

Li Yue also successfully placed the second item into a groove.

The third statue's question was: "How can one maintain inner peace in a complex and chaotic world?"

Su Yao thought for a moment and said, "Maintaining inner peace requires learning to examine one's own heart, not being swayed by external temptations and distractions.

It means holding fast to one's beliefs, focusing on what one truly pursues, and at the same time, learning to accept and embrace imperfections in life."

The System prompted: "Correct answer.

You have gained the power to move the third item."

Su Yao smoothly completed the task.

The question posed by the last statue was the trickiest: "What is the essence of time?"

This question plunged everyone into deep thought.

Ye Qiu closed his eyes, recalling all the knowledge he had about time, as well as his experiences in different Universes.

After a while, Ye Qiu slowly opened his eyes and replied, "Time is a dimension, a measure of change in all things in the Universe.

It witnesses the birth, growth, and demise of life, connecting the past, present, and future.

Time is also a perception; it exists within our consciousness, influencing our understanding and experience of the world."

The System prompted: "Correct answer.

You have gained the power to move the fourth item."

Ye Qiu placed the last item into a groove.

As the final item was placed, the stone platform emitted a dazzling light.

After the light faded, an exquisite box rose from the platform.

Ye Qiu stepped forward, opened the box, and inside was the key of wisdom.

The key of wisdom glowed with a soft blue light, as if containing endless wisdom and power.

"We finally found the key of wisdom!" everyone cheered excitedly.

However, just as they were about to leave the plaza, the surrounding space suddenly distorted.

A colossal figure appeared before them—a giant composed of pure energy, whose body emitted an intense radiance that made it impossible to look at directly.

"Although you have found the key of wisdom, to take it with you, you must first pass my test."

The giant's voice boomed like a great bell, echoing throughout the plaza.

"Who are you? Why are you stopping us?" Ye Qiu asked loudly.

The giant replied, "I am the Guardian of Wisdom; guarding this key of wisdom is my mission.

Only those who truly possess wisdom and courage can take it."

"Then how will you test us?" Li Yue asked.

The giant said, "I will pose an ultimate question.

If you can answer correctly, you may leave with the key of wisdom.

If you answer incorrectly, you will remain here forever."

Everyone's expressions grew serious; they knew the importance of this question.

The giant slowly began: "In a world full of deception and lies, how can one find true truth?"

This question plunged everyone into deep thought.

Ye Qiu repeatedly pondered the key to the question in his mind, recalling his journey and the beliefs he relied on when facing various difficulties and challenges.

Li Yue was also thinking, remembering the various people and events she encountered in the Jianghu, wondering what was the true truth behind all the genuine and fake appearances.

After a long while, Ye Qiu spoke: "In a world full of deception and lies, to find true truth, one must first maintain a clear mind and independent thinking ability.

Do not be swayed by external voices; learn to question and analyze.

At the same time, rely on your inner self and intuition; true truth often aligns with kindness, justice, and love.

Furthermore, one needs to continuously explore and verify through practice, to comprehend the essence of truth through experience and understanding."

The giant listened to Ye Qiu's answer and was silent for a moment.

Then, his body gradually dissipated, leaving only one sentence: "You have passed the test; take the key of wisdom and leave."

The group successfully obtained the key of wisdom and left the mysterious valley.

On their way out, they were filled with confidence for the future.

"With the key of wisdom, we are one step closer to completing our mission," Ye Qiu said.

Li Yue nodded: "Indeed, but we cannot relax our vigilance.

Next, we still have the key of strength and the key of courage waiting for us to find."

The other companions also expressed that they would continue to fight alongside Ye Qiu and Li Yue, facing future challenges together.

As they continued their journey, their next destination gradually appeared in their sight.

It was a mountain range covered in ice and snow, where the key of strength was rumored to be hidden.

The mountains soared into the clouds, and the snow on the peaks sparkled with dazzling light under the sun, as if showcasing the challenges that lay ahead.

As they approached the mountain range, a cold chill washed over them.

The temperature dropped sharply, forcing everyone to put on their warm clothes.

At the foot of the mountain, they encountered a mysterious old man.

The old man wore a thick white robe, his face was covered with wrinkles, but his eyes were remarkably sharp.

"You've come to seek the key of strength, haven't you?" the old man asked.

Ye Qiu nodded: "Yes, elder, do you know the whereabouts of the key of strength?"

The old man smiled: "I do, but obtaining the key of strength is not an easy task.

This mountain range hides countless dangers, as well as a powerful Guardian Beast.

Only those with sufficient strength can pass the test."

"We are not afraid of difficulties; whatever the challenge, we are willing to try," Li Yue said firmly.

The old man narrowed his eyes slightly, carefully scrutinizing the incredibly firm and eager gaze of the few people before him.

After a long moment of silence, he slowly spoke: "Very well, since you have made such an unwavering determination, then I can give you a small hint.

You see, the legendary key of strength has always been closely guarded by an extremely massive and unfathomably powerful Guardian Beast."

At this point, the old man paused, seemingly recalling detailed information about this Guardian Beast, then continued: "According to ancient records, this Guardian Beast is as huge as a small hill, its entire body covered in scales as hard as iron, its sharp claws can easily tear through steel, and the flames it breathes can instantly reduce a forest to ashes.

Therefore, if you wish to obtain the key of strength, you must first defeat this formidable and terrifying Guardian Beast."