Hearing Blue-Shade God-Venerable’s words, Evan Chu felt much more at ease. He could now seize this time inside the Origin Worldstone to focus on cultivating the Wind-God Sword Art. At his current strength, he was confident he could master the first three forms.
Although the Wind-God Sword Art’s attack power couldn’t match Sevenfold Absolute Cleave, its speed was astonishing. The third form might even surpass Heaven-Cleave in power. Of course, to reach the might of Divine Cleave, he would likely need to master all the forms. Even so, this was enough for now—at least he wouldn’t need to use Sevenfold Absolute Cleave and risk exposing his true identity.
“Brother, I’ve decided to give it a shot. I’m confident I can make it out of the Origin Worldstone alive. Heavenblade Sect might look like they’re helping Rainbow Court, but they clearly have their own agenda. I won’t let them get what they want.” Evan Chu said.
At that moment, Vice Sect Master Shangguan’s figure flickered, leaving a trailing shadow as he appeared atop the platform. In his hand was a palm-sized black stone. “This is the Origin Worldstone. You only need to infuse it with divine power to enter, but you must set the exit conditions first.”
We’ll set a limit of two days. Time inside the Origin Worldstone flows differently than outside—one day outside equals half a month inside. So, two days outside means a full month inside. That’s plenty of time for everyone to complete their tasks.
Of course, the Origin Worldstone is extremely dangerous. There are hidden currents, divine fire, and Coldflame—any of these can kill someone at the God-King Realm outright. So inside, you’ll need both strength and luck to survive.
Anyone who collects more than fifty Immortal Tokens and wants to exit the Origin Worldstone early can use blood as a guide. Once you activate the blood-lead, I’ll sense it and let you out. But if you don’t have enough tokens, you won’t be allowed to leave. I’ll leave a strand of divine sense on this giant Testing Screen—when the blood-lead is triggered, it’ll display what’s happening inside the Origin Worldstone.
So you’ll need to find a secluded spot to use the blood-lead and take out your tokens. If you qualify, you can reclaim your blood-lead and exit; otherwise, you’ll have to wait until the elimination period ends. I trust everyone understands.
The Origin Worldstone is also a place for tempering and trial. Its space is vast and the terrain is complicated. There are treasures and vicious beasts inside. My Heavenblade Sect disciples have entered it countless times, suffering heavy casualties. If you want to withdraw, now’s the time—once you enter, you’ll have to endure until the trial ends before you can leave.
We’ll send the God-Lord Realm contestants in first. As for the friend from VIP Room 28, are you ready? If you wish to withdraw, there’s still time.”
Evan Chu hadn’t expected Vice Sect Master Shangguan to ramble on for so long. Something that could’ve been explained in a few words, he turned into a whole lecture—Evan could only shake his head. "I’m ready. Since this is a chance to temper myself, I have to treasure it. If I end up losing my life in there, I’ll have no one to blame but my own lack of skill."
Rainveil and Zoe Rainveil’s expressions both changed slightly. Evan’s choice was basically a death sentence. Making it out alive? Was that even possible?
“Evan, you absolutely mustn’t act on impulse! I think you should just give up—I don’t want you risking your life for Zoe. Things have gotten far more complicated than any of us imagined.” Rainbow Court Mistress Rainveil sent a secret voice transmission to Evan Chu.
“Don’t worry, Mistress. I’m certain I’ll make it out. I’m very confident in myself. As long as there aren’t any mid- or late-stage God-Emperors among them, I won’t be in any real danger. Trust me.” Evan Chu replied.
Rainveil was stunned by Evan’s reply. She even wondered if she’d heard wrong—if only mid- or late-stage God-Emperors could threaten him, that meant early-stage God-Emperors posed no danger. In other words, Evan had the strength to slay an early-stage God-Emperor. How could that be possible?
For a moment, Rainveil was completely dazed. Meanwhile, in the crowd, Lena Zhong was beside herself with worry. "That idiot Evan—how could he do something so reckless? Didn’t he promise not to enter the Marriage Tournament? Now he sees Zoe and he’s willing to throw his life away? Am I really less important to him than Zoe?"
“Lena, you’re in disguise right now, so your true beauty isn’t on display before him. If you showed your real face, I’m sure he wouldn’t make such a choice. Or perhaps he’s reached some private agreement with Rainbow Court Mistress Rainveil. Let’s just watch and see what happens.” Master Wan comforted her.
No one really knows Heavenblade Sect’s true intentions in getting involved this time. There are people from all Ten Great Powers in the Marriage Tournament—it might even be the beginning of a God Realm crisis. If you and Evan truly have fate, then he’ll make it out alive.
A youth this gifted would make a fine son-in-law for me. For now, don’t worry too much—let things take their natural course, and don’t force anything.” Master Wan advised Lena Zhong.
At that moment, a small commotion broke out among the Marriage Tournament contestants. Several dozen people left the lineup—clearly, they’d been scared off by Vice Sect Master Shangguan’s warning about the dangers inside. No woman was worth dying for, especially when it was far from certain she’d end up with them.
Rainbow Court Mistress Rainveil spoke up: “Since Vice Sect Master Shangguan of Heavenblade Sect has already made all the arrangements, Rainbow Court will leave it to you. Everyone, prepare to enter the Origin Worldstone. I hope all who go in will return safely.”
Of course, Rainveil’s words were pure formality. Once inside the Origin Worldstone, even having two survivors out of ten would be a miracle—she was just giving everyone a bit of hope. The crowd in the Martial Testing Ground began murmuring again.
Vice Sect Master Shangguan’s palm shone with white light, shooting into the Origin Worldstone. Instantly, the black stone blazed with dazzling white radiance—truly a wondrous sight. “Step up one by one. I hope you’ll surprise us.”
As his words fell, the God-Lord Realm contestants approached the Origin Worldstone in turn, channeling divine power and vanishing one after another before the crowd—much like Evan Chu’s Timewheel Bracelet.
Half an hour later, all the God-Lord Realm contestants had entered the Origin Worldstone. Next came the God-King Realm group. For Evan Chu—a mere God-Lord—to enter alongside the God-Kings was nothing short of miraculous.
Once everyone had gone in, Vice Sect Master Shangguan’s palm flashed with white light again, striking the Origin Worldstone. This time, the light shot toward the Testing Screen on the platform—just as he’d explained before. Whenever someone collects enough Immortal Tokens and uses the blood-lead technique, the results will appear on the screen.
After entering the Origin Worldstone, Evan Chu carefully surveyed his surroundings. He found himself in a forest, where the spirit aura was thick, just like the outside world. Birds and beasts roamed the woods, but none were strong enough to threaten him.
Plenty of people had entered with him, but when he swept his divine sense over dozens of li around, he didn’t find a single soul. “Looks like this is going to be another tough trial. Hopefully, I’ll manage a breakthrough…”