Chapter 186: 205. The Spiral Tower
After venting his fury, Tang Hao's Haotian Hammer had completely flattened the rear mountain behind Saint Spirit Village.
"Just you wait, Spirit Hall—!" Tang Hao roared, his bloodshot eyes blazing. "Spirit Hall, thirty years east, thirty years west—don't underestimate the poor in their middle years! Once… once my son becomes a god, it will be the end of your damn Spirit Hall!"
With that, Tang Hao turned and vanished into the distance.
The cold wind howled like blades over the eternally frozen lands of the Extreme North. Across a plain of endless white, a small team trudged forward like ants, moving through the endless snowfall.
At their head glided a woman with long, icy blue hair. Her movement through the snow was light and effortless, like one who walked through a world that bent to her will. The seven figures behind her labored to keep up, soul power protecting them from the bone-chilling cold.
What was strange, however, was that no soul beasts appeared along their path.
Not because the Extreme North was devoid of them, but because every creature instinctively avoided this group.
Their leader was none other than the ruler of this frozen realm—the Snow Empress.
Though she had long since become a spiritual deity in the service of Huo Yuhao, the soul beasts of this land still recognized her aura.
"Teacher, when will we reach our destination?" Luo Xingqi asked.
"We're almost there," replied the Snow Empress.
They soon reached the edge of a towering icy precipice. Beyond the cliff, veiled in blizzard winds and dim nightlight, stood two colossal, intertwined towers spiraling upward into the heavens.
The seven members of Starfire Team stared, awestruck. Some even gaped openly.
"This is the Trial Tower of the Extreme North," said the Snow Empress, folding her hands as pale blue soul power flickered around her. "It is called the Eternal Spiral Tower."
"The Eternal Spiral Tower? What kind of place is this?" Luo Xingqi asked eagerly.
"It is the divine relic left behind by the God of Eternity—and it will be the site of your upcoming trials."
Gathering the frigid power of the north, the Snow Empress raised her hand. A surge of icy energy condensed before the cliff, solidifying into a breathtaking frozen bridge.
Bridge of Eternal Ice.
A monumental span of ice now stretched out before them.
"Follow me," she said, stepping lightly onto the bridge she had created.
Starfire Team followed in awe. Step by step, they crossed the great frozen chasm and reached the other side.
The massive twin towers loomed before them, magnificent and intimidating.
"How do we enter, Teacher?" Mu Yuanfang asked.
The Snow Empress stopped before an enormous altar. "There is a teleportation array here that leads into the Eternal Spiral Tower. Once you stand upon the platform, you'll be transported to the base of the tower to begin your trial."
The seven followed her instructions, stepping onto the giant platform. Faint lines etched beneath them glowed to life, forming a complex pattern of runes. When they reached the center, the array flared—a brilliant light engulfed them.
In the next moment, they vanished from the altar.
They found themselves within the Eternal Spiral Tower.
When they lifted their eyes, they saw a vast night sky full of stars. Around them spread endless forest and a gigantic arena.
Then a voice echoed in their minds:
"Welcome to the Eternal Spiral Tower—beginning trial."
Lin Chen glanced up at the unreal expanse. The starry heavens above and the boundless lands around—it seemed too immense to fit within any real tower.
Then came another announcement:
"Trial Rules—"
"Within the tower, death is not true death. However, each challenge will strip away your awareness of this fact."
"You may explore the forests outside the arena to cultivate or hunt soul beasts. Soul beasts on this floor will not exceed thirty thousand years in age. The soul rings you obtain here may optionally be reflected in reality."
"Both victory and defeat will yield points. Points can be used to hire arena soul masters to hunt on your behalf."
"At each countdown interval, no matter where you are, you will be forcibly teleported to the testing arena to battle the simulated opponent of that round."
"If your team fails and a member dies, the tower will reset once. Reach one hundred resets, and your trial eligibility will be revoked."
"Defeat your opponents successfully, and you will complete the initial training and receive the Badge of Eternity."
"The bearers of the Badge may enter the Eternal Spiral Tower for trials at any time."
The voice faded. The seven looked around, beginning to discuss what they'd learned.
"Look up there," Mu Yuanfang said, pointing at the heavens.
The stars had arrayed themselves into a vast celestial clock, their slow movement marking the passage of time within the tower.
Only thirty seconds remained.
"We don't have much prep time," Ye Qingmei said, frowning.
Lin Chen glanced back at the rule: death here was not permanent. He clenched his fists. "Then no point in hesitating. Let's see what we're up against."
The countdown hit zero.
They were teleported into the arena.
The stands were filled with roaring spectators. On one side, they chanted:
"Shrek! Shrek! Shrek!"
On the other:
"Starfire! Starfire! Starfire!"
In the center of the arena floated a stunning hostess. White feathered wings spread elegantly behind her—a sign of her beautiful Dove Spirit. She addressed the crowd brightly:
"Now, ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the headliners of this Soul Master Tournament—the Shrek Team!"
Across the field, a man in academic robes emerged. His hair was cropped short, and his calm gaze glimmered with quiet confidence. Four men and three women trailed behind him.
They wore the infamous pea-green uniforms, plastered with ridiculous advertisements, but despite their eye-searing appearance, the aura they exuded was united and commanding.
The crowd erupted.
"Shrek! Shrek! Shrek!"
"They look like a typical academy team," Ye Qingmei said doubtfully. "But I've never heard of a Shrek Academy before."
"All advanced academies have standard uniforms," Zhao Hengning muttered. "Those guys look far from serious."
Mu Yuanfang shook his head. "Don't underestimate anyone—especially those chosen as our opponents within a god's relic. Everyone here is extraordinary."
"Now," the hostess announced, "please welcome their challengers—Starfire Team!"
(END CHAPTER)
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