After finishing his story, the elder returned to the main topic and said, "Do you know what I'm about to tell you next?"
"I don't know. Please enlighten me, Senior." Evan Yang listened to the story, feeling a mix of regret and admiration for the branch's fate. If they still had that artifact, their strength would be unimaginable.
"I just mentioned I wanted to choose someone. Do you know why?" The elder smiled.
"Why? Is this about that artifact?" Evan Yang asked, curiosity and a sense of burden in his voice.
"Yes, exactly. That artifact is said to have disappeared together with an ancestor of this branch, and the place where it vanished is somewhere in the Immortal Realm. Unfortunately, that space is extremely unstable. If your cultivation exceeds the Heavenly‑Immortal level, it might collapse. That's why I need to find someone at the Heavenly‑Immortal level." The elder explained.
"Uh? You're really asking me to go into that space?" Evan Yang felt the weight of the responsibility—if nobody before had succeeded, why should he be able to?
"Yeah, what's wrong? Are you scared?" Seeing Evan Yang's expression, the elder laughed.
"No, not at all." Evan Yang laughed.
"Good, since that's the case, I'll choose you." the elder said.
"Is that artifact really in that space?" Evan Yang asked suspiciously.
"Yes, that's right. And soon that place will open again. When the time comes, follow the route I give you—slip in when no one is paying attention. Once you're inside, everything depends on you. There could be unexpected changes." The elder's worry showed in his eyes.
"Open? There's a set time for this?" Evan Yang asked curiously.
"There is, but it's only for newcomers. Now, you're a newcomer—when the time comes, you'll be sent in with all this year's new disciples. It opens once a year, because that place holds the essence of Ninety‑Ninefold Purefire. Whoever can comprehend it will become stronger. If you can't, you'll be sent out when time's up. But there's a secret spot—very few know about it. Our ancestor tried to explore it, but never returned." The elder said, his voice tinged with regret.
"The essence of Ninety‑Ninefold Purefire?" Evan Yang hadn't expected Fire God Palace to have such a place.
"Yes, but only the outstanding newcomers are qualified. So, in a few days, you'll have to go through the selection. You must make sure you get in." The elder said.
"There's a selection? Who does the picking?" Evan Yang asked suspiciously.
"Of course, it's the senior disciples—they form an assessment team and evaluate the newcomers. Whoever passes can go." The elder explained.
"Assessment? What if they deliberately make things hard for the newcomers?" Evan Yang felt this selection method was a bit strange.
"That depends on luck. As long as it's not too obvious, it's usually tolerated. If they go too far and exceed the assessment standards, the Enforcement Corps will step in." The elder said, clearly concerned.
Evan Yang nodded. "I see."
"I believe you'll definitely get in." the elder said.
"Thank you for the kind words, Senior." Evan Yang smiled.
"We'll see how your luck turns out." The elder smiled.
"Senior, what exactly is the essence of Ninety‑Ninefold Purefire?" Evan Yang thought for a moment and asked his lingering question.
"That...it's hard to explain. Everyone sees something different there—it all depends on your ability to comprehend." The elder said.
Evan Yang thought for a moment and said, "I see. Well, I have to see it for myself."
"Alright, once you pass the assessment, I'll tell you the other route. After that, it's up to you. If possible, do your best to retrieve that item." The elder said.
"What exactly is that space? Have you ever been there, Senior?" Evan Yang asked curiously.
"I've never been—I've always been blocked outside. I tried with many people, but only those at the Heavenly‑Immortal level can go in. Yet, so far, no one has ever come out, so no one knows what happens inside." The elder sighed.
"I see. How many people have tried before?" Evan Yang asked curiously.