Soul Transformation.

In the land of the Qinxia Kingdom, that was a legendary realm, with the last cultivator known to have reached that level being born ten thousand years ago. According to legend, the esteemed elder was in secluded cultivation, not to be disturbed unless the entire kingdom was on the brink of destruction - only something of that level was worthy of his personal attention.

Even with the long lifespan of cultivators, that lifespan was mind-boggling to them, which is why his existence was relegated to a mere legend, and only a select few knew if it had any merit or not. Being in the very presence of a Soul Transformation expert was enough to affect a cultivator's strength and mindset greatly; being able to hear their insights was naturally a much grander boon.

Recognising all this, Xue Yueliang felt more apprehensive than excited about this opportunity; something deep within her told her to be wary.

"A Soul Transformation expert?" Li Hua whispered, her eyes glittering, "How much do you think my cultivation would improve?"

"I think this is more about firming your mental state." Xue Yueliang whispered back. "Or your Dao Heart if you're lucky."

The hand gripping her arm relaxed as Li Hua calmed down, not as excited as before.

"There's no need to be dispirited," Xue Yuelaing comforted, "It will make it easier for you to cultivate faster in the future."

A huge part of cultivating was facing your inner demons and emerging victorious each time, so having a stable mental state was important. As a cultivator of a top sect, Li Hua should have known this, but her thoughts appeared too simplistic.

"So, will it be like when my master forced me to watch the tides ebb and recede?"

"Uhh..." Xue Yueliang frowned, "I don't think so."

Going from her previous experience, she assumed it would be to stare at a painting or scripture until you pull meaning out of it, but she didn't have the heart to tell her that.

We will find out what it is soon enough. More than her curiosity, she was much more impatient to receive her ring and the treasures she had won. The two-year period would end anytime now, she had made a promise, and the last thing she wanted was for him to disappear into nothing.

I did not even manage to ask him about the red-haired figure in the mural.

"In order to gain the insight of these old experts, each of you will be transported to a boundary they created; if you are compatible with their path, they will impart their wisdom to you; otherwise, you can move on to the next expert. You have a week to find the expert most compatible with you, and you can only hear what they have to say once. I cannot promise there will be no danger, so if you wish to take your prize and leave, now is the time to do so."

The ten stared on with excitement, not one choosing to step out at the mention of danger - everyone here understood that opportunities and risk came hand in hand.

"Each place you visit will be related to your path in some manner. Perhaps, your fated encounter will be the first place you are transported to, but it all depends on if luck has your side."

The Dragonoid looked at their ardent gazes, clicking his fingers, and the giant screens broadcasting them disappeared. Before they could react, silver-white light enveloped them, forcing them to close their eyes, and when they opened them, they were elsewhere, left with the parting words, "Good luck."

The first thing that greeted Xue Yueliang was a statue, a head taller than her, speared into the ground. The earth cracked around it, and the corpses of various sizes surrounding it contrasted against the vitality and life-likeness of the statue. It gave off an eerie feeling like it had siphoned the life out of its surrounding creatures, even the earth it was stepping on.

A demonic cultivator.

Xue Yueliang felt tightness in her chest stealing lifeforce was not something unknown to her, but she was aware of its dangers, and with the many gazes looking on her, she did not dare try to comprehend it.

I don't need it anyway.

Xue Yueliang carefully backed away, not daring to turn her back to it, as Hei Yu, who was in her arms, hissed at the statue, unwilling to let down his guard either.

After an incense stick's worth of time, Xue Yueliang finally seemed to exit the boundary as the scenery around her changed, the first thing alerting her to it being the pool of blood she stepped into.

A gruesome battlefield scene surrounded her; bodies were littered on the ground, mutilated beyond recognition, and pleas of wounded soldiers rang out, but they were mercilessly butchered by the spectre of a man holding a cleave. None were spared, whether weakened or in full strength, badly wounded or fully healed, pleading or courageous; death ended them all.

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What is this?

Xue Yueliang was curious but conscious of the screen floating above her; she did not dare show too much of her interest.

I was right to have a bad feeling.

Accepting an evil technique in front of so many people would make her a public target, and there was no way she could hide when this thing dutifully recorded her. Carefully watching the spectre massacring the battered remains of the army, Xue Yueliang noted the cold indifference in his eyes; he did not take enjoyment from their death or pity its futility. He was detached from his surroundings. It was as if their pleas were not directed to him and their death and pain were not caused by him; complete indifference.

Senseless murder was not something Xue Yueliang was unfamiliar with; however, the complete lifelessness in his eyes was not appealing to her.

Do I even want to know why he's acting like that?

Xue Yueliang shook her head, doubting the Dragonoid's earlier words, as she quietly left this boundary too, letting the man continue his senseless massacre. Finally, her nose was graced with something other than the putrid smell of death, and a flowery scent drifted about.

Following the sounds of laughter and chatter, she saw a kind and gentle woman, surrounded by children younger than ten, talking to them with a gentle and unhurried pace. Her words could not be heard, but the contentment in their faces drew her in. A man appeared from within the void, carrying a tray filled with snacks and tea, laughing together as they sat down, preparing to enjoy the tea.

Perhaps she was too drawn in, but the woman turned to her, their gazes meeting and a gentle smile graced her face. Her lips parted, ready to part in her insight, causing Xue Yueliang to wake up from her trance. She shook her head, indicating she did not wish to receive her insight, and lightly bowed toward her before moving off to leave the boundary.

Hei Yu whimpered, saddened they were leaving but did not protest too much, "I can't be mediocre, Hei Yu." Xue Yueliang said to him, understanding he was hiding his bitterness.

"I can't settle or sit still. I need to be strong for both our benefit." Hei Yu climbed up from her arms onto her shoulder, cuddling her, understanding her misgivings. Xue Yueliang wondered why he was so attached to her. Was it because of their connected souls, or was there an even deeper connection she was unaware of? She sighed, deciding to distract her with other matters as she neared the boundary.

A statue, a spectre and a memory; I wonder how will the next one present.

"Why would they broadcast this?"

The princess asked, a frown appearing on her normally calm features. Others witnessing their battles was understandable; it was a great way to stimulate the youth and allowed them to grow their fame, but personal insights into the Dao were private. It was not only odd for them to allow this to be witnessed by millions, but it was also actually malicious. Yao Niang worriedly looked at Xue Yueliang, wondering what she was planning to do - she did not doubt that she noticed this peculiarity.

Walking from one destruction to another, Yao Niang couldn't help but contrast it to the boundary Li Hua found herself in.

She was met with a giant field, livestock lazily munched onto the grass, and a hunched man appeared to be rearing them. His walking stick alternated between the ground and the air as he used it to aid his walk and guide the livestock. Li Hua quietly watched him moving around, taking in this familiar scene without moving or talking. The elder never appeared to be fatigued, continuously working on this menial task as the time rapidly changed from her perspective.

Day in and day out, nothing but his clothing changed; he was patient, calm, and never gave up. Soon Li Hua found herself helping him, pitying him for working alone in his old age. He never acknowledged her existence, working alongside her in perfect harmony, and the rotation of days became faster, but the contentment she felt from this simplicity was unmatched; however, doubt took place in her heart. After all this time, the man did not acknowledge her existence, continuing regardless of whether she helped or not.

Rather than impatience, she felt a sliver of regret, "I guess it's about time I gave up."

Li Hua sighed, cupping her hands toward the elder, preparing to leave, and he finally looked at her, sending her off with a nod.

The boundary blurred, and she appeared in a different place, a place that released a strong sense of danger. She carefully held the bow on her back, sweeping the area multiple times, trying to find the expert who built this space.

A pure white door appeared in front of her, inviting people to open it, and Li Hua took on the invitation, ready for any danger that would lunge at her, but she was met with a full throne room instead.

A figure with a regal aura sat on the throne, his mere presence commanding the attention of the room, as the many figures below were intimidated, not daring to speak a word out of turn. They appeared to discuss an important matter, with sombre expressions on their faces, trying to convince each other of their correctness, but to no avail.

Suddenly, the figure on the throne slammed his hand down, shutting them up, and a single syllable left his mouth. The many people in the room stared at him with admiration, looking like they were saying many words of praise. He appeared pleased but still dismissed them with a wave of his hand. Now in the emptied throne room, only he and Li Hua remained.

A shadowy man appeared from the void, kneeling to him, and then was given permission to stand. They chatted cordially, but Li Hua was only able to make out one thing - they appeared to be discussing the syllable he had said earlier. The shadowy man, too, exited, and finally, the figure on the throne met her gaze.

"What would you say are the marks of a leader?"

His voice was deep and metallic, instantly drawing the attention of any who heard it, but against her usual behaviour, Li Hua felt the need to think about his question deeply - a half-assed answer would not be worthy of him.

Creek.

A black door, appearing to have been coated by years of blood, was quietly opened, unnoticed by the two in the throne room.

"Purr?"

Hei Yu purred in Xue Yueliang's arm, staring at Li Hua, who did not seem to acknowledge them in confusion. He wanted to rush toward her but was stopped, "Shush, Hei Yu, she's busy."

Xue Yueliang did not expect to see her here but was not too surprised. The silent Li Hua finally answered the question, and a hint of determination appeared on her features, "..."

Due to some mystical power, neither her words nor the figure's response was heard, but his next actions startled everyone.

It did not matter if they were watching Li Hua or following someone else's journey; all gazes landed on the scroll in the figure's hand.

"It can't be," Xue Yuelaing was stunned, an extreme desire radiating from her.

Though there was no way for anyone to be sure, everyone simultaneously knew what it was - the scroll belonging to the esteemed Soul Transformation expert.

It shimmered with faint light as it flew into Li Hua's calloused hand and every inch of Xue Yueliang's body begged her to snatch it.