Chapter 229: Open Cards, Battle for Survival

The Fox-eared Girl’s explanation wasn’t tedious, but she clearly conveyed all the details of the finals.

The first half of this “match” revolved around the unique environment and mechanisms within the Mirror Valley.

The name “Mirror Valley” comes from the countless silver crystals densely spread throughout its corners, found almost anywhere. These crystals are extremely tough, said to be impervious to fire and water, and emerge directly from the ground, with the taller ones reaching several meters high, while the smallest are about the size of a six or seven-year-old child. They are at the core of all the mysteries of the Mirror Valley.

No one knows how these crystals appeared, but while they are unbreakable, they also reflect everything around them like a mirror, making it feel as though one is surrounded by countless mirrors, which is quite bizarre.

The reason why people go missing in the Mirror Valley stems from these “mirrors.”

It is said that among these crystals that reflect everything around them at all times, a small number are flawed. They look no different from normal “mirrors,” but when they reflect a person’s image, they can bring about strange and unpredictable transformations.

This type of crystal is called a “Pseudo-Mirror.” The images they project seem to be mere reflections, but in reality, they represent the state of the soul within a living being, making it nearly impossible to distinguish just by looking at the surface.

If someone lingers too long near a “Pseudo-Mirror,” they will experience various bizarre phenomena under its influence, such as suddenly going insane, frothing at the mouth and collapsing, or even being sucked into the mirror and disappearing.

This is why people go missing in the Mirror Valley.

“The power of the Pseudo-Mirrors is not indomitable. The stronger and more resilient a person’s soul, the less likely they are to be affected. So, you need to actively seek out those mutated Pseudo-Mirrors in the Mirror Valley and repair them using the methods provided by the Fairy Island. The more you repair, the better; this is one of the important bases for ranking after the competition concludes.”

Listening to the Fox-eared Girl’s explanation, a strong warrior from the Nanyuan Holy Kingdom couldn’t help but ask in a deep voice.

“Your Highness the Fairy Envoy, entering the Mirror Valley is one thing, but how can we find those Pseudo-Mirrors that differ from the ordinary crystals? Are we to rely solely on our eyes to observe the subtle differences in reflections? A time or two might be manageable, but if we have to keep searching, won’t it be a bit daunting?”

“Hmm, you needn’t worry about that; Fairy Island will provide items to assist you all, which can effectively narrow the search range.”

“Is that so… then that’s good.”

Since the envoy of Fairy Island stated this clearly, even though she didn’t elaborate on what these items are or how they would assist, the warrior quickly nodded in understanding and sat back down.

Lingyin Fairy Island holds an almost blind trust and lofty status in the eyes of the world, even among these elite warriors. Since they said it can be done, it surely can.

The Fox-eared Girl continued as she looked around the large tent.

“In addition, there are a few points to note. Although there is a competitive mechanism in this competition, mutual strife among contestants is strictly prohibited, and the principle of first come, first served must be observed.”

“Repairing the Pseudo-Mirrors is no easy task, and in the latter half of the competition, you will also face powerful opponents. We do not want you wasting energy on pointless internal fighting.”

“You also need not worry about being robbed of your targets by others; the number of Pseudo-Mirrors repaired is merely one of the criteria for assessing the final results.”

“If you have the confidence and strength, you may choose to venture deeper into the Mirror Valley after the first half ends. I will guide you through the subsequent rounds there. Not only can you gain extra performance in your assessment, but Fairy Island will also provide additional rewards based on circumstances afterwards.”

“Of course… I must emphasize again, the latter half is dangerous, and the degree of danger is considerable. How to choose is still up to you to decide and to act within your capabilities.”

At these words, the tent fell silent.

Everyone present, aside from the high-ranking officials of the Ancient Spirit Realm’s four nations, were those elite warriors of great skill and deep foundations. Even if they didn’t know the truths, they had heard some “rumors” to some extent.

That Master Mingxia from the Mingxia Realm, who had once been defeated by Miss Vilyric in the top four matches and ranked fifth on the Ancient Spirit Realm’s top hundred list, pondered for a moment, scanned the surroundings, and bowed to the Fox-eared Girl.

“Some matters need not be mentioned explicitly by me; everyone should understand. With the finals approaching, hiding things has become meaningless. I hope the Fairy Envoy can clarify what you referred to as danger…”

“Hmm… it’s the Evil Demons, tangible Evil Demons. Everyone, this is not merely a competition.”

Ming Linyun, who had been silent and seated further back, suddenly spoke up, replacing the slightly hesitant Fox-eared Girl as she revealed the truth, causing gasps to ripple through the crowd.

“After a thousand years, are those terrifying beings about to stir again?”

“No wonder Fairy Island chose this moment to descend; the unrest of the Evil Demons… this is no joke.”

“Could it be that the prophecy that spread like wildfire before…”

“C-can we withdraw from the competition now…”

“Silence! What kind of disorderly conduct is this?!”

The Master Liu Rong, known as the “Traveling Respect,” a 500-year-old Master, shouted angrily, immediately stabilizing the atmosphere in the tent, then barked at the panicking crowd.

“You all are elites chosen from a domain, top warriors handpicked! Even if the Evil Demons are cunning and brutal, fearsome in reputation, do you think a mere name can frighten you?! Don’t you know the Evil Demons are enemies of all living beings? Even if the Ancient Spirit Realm is vast, if a flood breaks through the dam, where will you flee?!!!”

“This…”

After silencing the discussions and seeing many warriors look ashamed, the Traveling Respect then turned to the several Lingyin envoys seated in the center, bowing respectfully again as he spoke in a tone audible to all.

“To be honest, several years ago, I responded to the invitation of the Peach Blossom Saint at Cangyun Mountain, alongside a number of revered Saints, to assist in suppressing the rebellious ‘Chaotic Beast’ Taotie in the Chaos Secret Realm. At that time, she told us that within three years, perhaps ten years at most, the Ancient Spirit Realm would surely face a huge crisis comparable to the Evil Demon unrest of a thousand years ago, and the movements of the Chaos Beasts signify this disaster.”

“As we all know, the Peach Blossom Saint holds a revered position and mysterious power. Although she is not listed among the top hundred of the Ancient Spirit Realm, she is far beyond what I can reach. After receiving her warning, I took it seriously, halting my secluded cultivation, closely monitoring the situation outside.”

“Sure enough, more than half a year ago, Fairy Island suddenly announced it would hold the next Four Saints Selection Tournament. At that moment, I sensed something unusual, not daring to be lax, hence the call to my disciples to come support. It seems what the Saint said back then has truly come to pass.”

The representative envoy who had regained her composure slightly nodded.

The Traveling Respect’s words seemed somewhat incoherent, but in reality, it was another way of underscoring the importance of this matter, publicly expressing support while binding everyone together on the same ship named the Ancient Spirit Realm, lest some might secretly withdraw due to fear of the Evil Demons. His intentions were truly admirable.

“This competition indeed carries great weight. The Evil Demons are making their move. We do not deny that Fairy Island seeks to utilize your strength, but the rules of the ‘Four Saints Selection Tournament’ have always been here; participation is entirely voluntary. If anyone is unwilling to venture deep into the Mirror Valley and take risks, you may stay and assist the four nations’ armies in defense or simply leave and seek another way. Fairy Island will never hold it against anyone afterwards.”

Everyone exchanged glances, and suddenly, a Gray-haired Girl seated in the main position of the Xiyuan Spirit Kingdom camp took the initiative to speak.

“The Evil Demons are shared enemies of this world; the Ancient Spirit Realm must be protected by us personally! We are grateful that Fairy Island would lend a hand at this critical moment; what is there to talk about utilizing?”

“I, Ling Feng, represent all my colleagues in wholeheartedly supporting this. This is the attitude of our entire Xiyuan Spirit Kingdom; not a single person will flee at this critical moment!”

The worldly-wise Master Mo Ziqing chimed in just at the right time.

“Qiguo has never feared any foreign enemy throughout history; this is also the will of our Holy Monarch.”

As soon as he finished speaking, the respective leaders from the Nanyuan Holy Kingdom and the Beiyuan Universe Kingdom immediately responded.

“Indeed, having been defeated by our forebears a thousand years ago, what is there to fear?!”

“Ha! I certainly don’t want to miss this rare opportunity to seek Holiness from Fairy Island. Those cowards without this bit of courage should just return home to farm!”

“Yeah! What is there to be afraid of? I want to participate!”

“I want to participate too!!”

Encouraged by the courage and understanding of the situation, everyone loudly agreed, and the envoys exchanged glances, finally revealing a hint of lighthearted smiles on their slightly solemn faces.

“Then… we’ll be relying on you all.”

   

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