Martial Ascent to Divinity-Chapter 441 - 426: The Maze
Zhou Leng found another opportunity, and the Cyan Flame cast spells, learning to get three consecutive perfect scores without Zhou Leng’s help after five or six attempts.
Then, the Cyan Flame chose to take the formal test and passed with full marks.
Both of them smiled.
"Next question!"
With Zhou Leng’s help, the Cyan Flame’s test scores continued to rise.
Some were due to Zhou Leng’s exceptional dynamic vision.
Some were feigned coincidences that actually used the knowledge of the Seven-Colored Divine Texts.
Others were techniques and sensations purely from a Martial Artist, surprisingly effective.
But there were some things Zhou Leng couldn’t help with, as his understanding of Demon Spirit Technique was not deep enough.
On the second retake, the Cyan Flame scored 285, increasing by 16 points overall.
The Cyan Flame said, "You’re really something, a muscular Martial Artist, crushing Demon Spirit Masters in spellcasting techniques."
"It’s all just luck, just assisting," Zhou Leng replied.
"Come, let’s try the third retake."
Together, for the third retake, the Cyan Flame improved to 288 points.
The Cyan Flame laughed and said, "Satisfied now. A score above 290 in the Three High Towers is enough to rank in the top five. After all, this is based on the trials of High-Level Civilizations, extremely difficult."
Happy with the high score, the Cyan Flame and Zhou Leng enjoyed snacks and chatted.
The snacks in the Demon Spirit World are no less than those on Blue Star, and due to the diversity of creatures, they come in various varieties.
Though the cooking methods are slightly inferior to those on Blue Star.
After resting, the voice of the old man echoed.
The two walked forward.
In the city of the High Tower.
Cyan Blue, who said it was on the way but actually came specifically for his son, had been living outside the Demon Spirit Plaza for days.
Like many parents of trial takers, he ate food from his Magic Spirit Bag when hungry, reluctant to spend on more expensive take-out.
When tired, he climbed into a sleeping bag to rest, afraid of missing important news.
When the path of techniques was completed, Cyan Blue’s face blossomed with wrinkles and a beaming smile.
The Cyan Flame ranked 96th.
This was the best result in the Cyan family’s history.
Then Cyan Blue was stunned.
Zhou Tian Extremity ranked 97th.
Cyan Blue rubbed his eyes, and after a long while, he sighed.
"So that’s it."
"Who would’ve thought that a Martial Artist could be so cunning, so scheming."
"He knows he is a Martial Artist, unable to pass some tests, so he chose to disguise himself as a Demon Spirit Assistant, secretly possessing the Ancient Spirit Bird medal."
"Those inside can’t see the rankings, so the little Flame is naturally unaware."
"Someone like him, with such meticulous thoughts and ruthless methods, even I am far inferior."
"Perhaps his purpose in befriending the little Flame was precisely for this Ancient Spirit Road."
"The position of Demon Spirit Masters in the Three High Towers is too high, he doesn’t dare offend them, others have too poor talents, little Flame is the best target."
"The little Flame is in danger..."
Cyan Blue sighed again, frowning deeply, beginning to worry about his son’s life.
This kind of thing, Cyan Blue had done it before.
The only result is killing to eliminate a witness.
Cyan Blue took out the Magic Mirror, contacting all family members to gather in High Tower City.
Zhou Leng and the Cyan Flame stepped into the fifth palace.
In an instant of entry, Zhou Leng blinked.
The world before his eyes turned semi-transparent.
"Something’s wrong. It’s an illusion."
Zhou Leng recalled his moderate ability to break illusions.
He slowly turned his head.
This was a desolate wasteland, the ground yellow and withering, ruins standing in the distance.
Besides that, there were semi-transparent light and shadows forming a complex and magnificent labyrinth.
Zhou Leng recalled the information provided by the Cyan Flame earlier, this should be the Illusion Realm path.
Only then did he discover, the Cyan Flame was not around.
The old man’s voice echoed.
"Fifth round of the Ancient Spirit Road, the Labyrinth Road. Those who pass through the labyrinth can achieve victory. There are 100 labyrinth hearts here, hidden within a hundred Demons. Hunt these Demons to have a chance of obtaining a labyrinth heart."
Zhou Leng was surprised it wasn’t the Illusion Realm path, quietly observing.
The semi-transparent labyrinth covered the entire wasteland.
Inside the labyrinth stood several Demon Spirit Masters and some enormous Demons.
Some Demons appeared ordinary, while others had a ball of light suspended above their heads.
Within his line of sight, there was no sign of the Cyan Flame, it seemed they were teleported to different locations.
Beyond a certain distance, his power was limited, unable to see through.
Nonetheless, he saw the familiar Three High Towers Demon Spirit Master, the Song of the Long Wind, whom he encountered before.
Zhou Leng took out the Demon Spirit Artifact given by the Cyan Flame earlier, but couldn’t establish contact.
The distance of the Demonized Watch was insufficient as well.
After a brief estimation, Zhou Leng pretended not to see through the illusion, and along the current maze path, he sprinted quickly towards the nearest Demon with a ball of light above its head.
Loud footsteps on the ground, attracting the attention of nearby Demon Spirit Masters, who immediately became alert and released magical probes.
The Song of the Long Wind, with his seasoned experience, quickly sent out a Demon Spirit Bird upon hearing such a loud rumble.
A fleeting shadow zipped past.
The Demon Spirit Bird didn’t clearly see it.
Changfeng’s Song cast a spell to restore the scene and finally saw a vague and somewhat familiar figure. 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢
"It’s that Zhou Leng, trouble... Keep a distance from him. Fortunately, he doesn’t seem to enjoy excessive slaughter," thought Changfeng’s Song.
In the distant labyrinth.
Cyan Flame walked for a while and encountered a Demon Spirit Master.
The Demon Spirit Master wore the emblem of the Staff of Destruction, with chestnut curls and a hooked nose that marred his delicate features.
"Barren Sand Ridge, you’ve joined the Staff of Destruction?" Cyan Flame was both surprised and delighted.
The two of them had attended the same Demon Spirit Elementary School, playing together since childhood. Later, Barren Sand Ridge’s father made a fortune, leaving their hometown, and they lost contact for years.
Unexpectedly, after so many years, the childhood playmate had become a member of the Staff of Destruction, one of the Three High Towers.
"Cyan Flame, long time no see." Barren Sand Ridge was also taken aback for a moment and then smiled.
"It must be the Demon Spirit God that brought us together. This is the path of the labyrinth; we should join forces to obtain the heart of the labyrinth. There’s no need for us to compete; cooperation is better."
"Of course, if we work together, we’re sure to obtain the heart of the labyrinth!"
Cyan Flame, meeting a childhood friend, opened up, talking as they walked.
Barren Sand Ridge was not as talkative as in his childhood but responded consistently.
"I came in this time with a friend named Zhou Leng. He’s a Martial Artist..."
While Cyan Flame was meeting an old friend in a foreign land, Zhou Leng killed an Innate Demon at the Bone Forging Stage.
At the moment of the Innate Demon’s death, a light sphere flew out from it, landing above Zhou Leng’s head, slowly rotating and emitting white light.
"It seems that the heart of the labyrinth can be obtained not only by Trial Takers but also by Demon Spirit Assistants. Let’s see if I can get two, so I can give one to Cyan Flame."
With this thought, Zhou Leng ran quickly, ignoring those demons without the heart of the labyrinth and paying no attention to the Demon Spirit Birds, rushing to another demon.
After a battle, he killed the demon.
The second heart of the labyrinth hovered in place, remaining motionless.
No matter what method Zhou Leng tried, he couldn’t obtain it.
What a pity.
At this time, a Demon Spirit Bird flew over, making a sound.
"My friend Zhou Leng, I’m Changfeng’s Song. How about we make a deal?"
Zhou Leng turned to look at the azure Demon Spirit Bird, hovering in the air, about the size of a magpie.
"How do we trade?"
"One person cannot obtain two hearts of the labyrinth; you can only take one. I have two options, you choose either. The first option: I get the heart of the labyrinth, follow you, and together we’ll help your friend Cyan Flame get the heart of the labyrinth, then cooperate to leave here."
"Or, I can buy this heart of the labyrinth with money or treasures. I could completely wait for you to leave and secretly acquire it, but I respect strong people like you and don’t want conflict."
Zhou Leng, no novice without experience, believed only half of Changfeng’s Song’s words.
Changfeng’s Song truly didn’t want conflict, but secretly acquiring it might not be true since both were far apart and could be discovered by other Demon Spirit Masters at any time.
Zhou Leng asked, "If our opponent is a Demon Spirit Master from the Three High Towers, would you assist us in fighting them?"
After a while, Changfeng’s Song replied helplessly, "There is a rule that within the ancient spirit trial, there is to be no conflict between the Three High Towers. If a Demon Spirit Master from the Three High Towers targets your friend, I cannot intervene."
"Then it’s useless. I choose the second transaction, but you must help me find Cyan Flame."
"Alright, I agree."
"What’s your offer?"
"My family isn’t wealthy, I don’t have spare cash, but I’m skilled in making Demon Spirit Artifacts. I have several artifacts worth a total of fifty million Long Guoyuan, is that acceptable?"
"Make it one hundred million; the heart of the labyrinth can get you into the top 100, worth far more than a hundred million."
Changfeng’s Song agreed happily, "Alright, please wait. I’ll come over."
In Zhou Leng’s mind, this person seemed quite straightforward, so he stayed there.
At this time, another Demon Spirit Bird flew over, looking at Zhou Leng, then at Changfeng’s Song’s Demon Spirit Bird.
"Did you hunt and kill two demons on your own?"
"Take a guess," Zhou Leng replied.
"Are you waiting for a friend, or are you willing to sell?"
"Already sold."
"For how much?"
"One hundred million Long Guoyuan."
"I’ll offer one hundred fifty million Long Guoyuan."
Changfeng’s Song’s Demon Spirit Bird was furious, "I’m Changfeng’s Song of the Elemental Heart. Please don’t make the Demon Spirit Master a laughing stock of the Ten Realms."
"I don’t care about being a laughing stock, only about the heart of the labyrinth. Is the Elemental Heart amazing?" the new Demon Spirit Bird said and then looked at Zhou Leng, "Respected human Martial Artist, what do you say?"
Zhou Leng responded, "It’s not about the money. The other party is decent, and since it’s been agreed upon, it’s not for resale, sorry."
"You may not be able to keep it."
"Try it," Zhou Leng said.
"You’re a Demon Spirit Assistant, not protected by the ancient spirit trial."
"You’re right, give it a try."
The new Demon Spirit Bird fell silent, flying off to observe from a distance.
Changfeng’s Song quickly said, "You truly are a trustworthy Martial Artist."
After a long while, Changfeng’s Song still hadn’t arrived.
Zhou Leng noticed that the maze here was changing.
Upon closer inspection, within the transparent labyrinth paths, Changfeng’s Song was wandering aimlessly.
Zhou Leng said, "Follow my directions; I don’t want to waste time."
Zhou Leng didn’t bother to explain and guided Changfeng’s Song through the route.
With nothing to lose, Changfeng’s Song took the guidance as a last-ditch effort and reached nearby within ten minutes.
"You truly are a magical Martial Artist," said Changfeng’s Song, still perplexed about the situation.
He handed over Demon Spirit Artifacts valued at one hundred million, and Zhou Leng glanced at them briefly, thinking this person was indeed good, that the cost was a hundred million, not the selling price.
If sold well, these items could be worth about three hundred million or even more.
