As they ventured deeper into the cave, they discovered many rare Spiritual Plants along the way. For example, there were Grass Fruits that could increase one's Cultivation Base, Snow Ginseng that could be used to refine healing Medicinal Pills, and spirit condensing grass that could strengthen one's Divine Sense. Lin Yaoyao picked these Spiritual Plants one by one and stored them properly. Her movements were gentle and her gaze focused, as if she were handling precious works of art. These Spiritual Plants were precious Materials for refining Medicinal Pills and would be of great help to their cultivation, so Lin Yaoyao naturally wouldn't miss them. She carefully identified each type of Spiritual Plant before picking them with caution and placing them into her Storage Ring.
Shen Mo, on the other hand, held her long sword, vigilantly observing the surroundings to protect Lin Yaoyao and Bai Li. Deep within the cave, the light was dim and the air was damp. Various strangely shaped rocks and plants appeared particularly eerie and terrifying in the faint light. Shen Mo's steps were light, her movements agile, and her gaze sharp. She pushed her spiritual power to the limit to ensure she could detect any abnormalities immediately.
As they walked, an altar appeared at the end of the cave. The altar was constructed from massive blocks of bluestone, standing about three zhang high and circular in shape. It was carved with many ancient and mysterious runes that emitted a faint golden light. In the center of the altar sat a white jade box. The surface of the box was smooth and delicate, emitting a soft white light. Dense ripples of Spiritual Qi fluctuations radiated from the box, drawing the eyes of the three.
"What is that?" Bai Li asked curiously, pointing at the white jade box. Her silver eyes shimmered with light, and her two fox tails swayed gently behind her like sensitive antennae, probing the Spiritual Qi fluctuations emitted by the white jade box. Bai Li was very sensitive to Spiritual Qi and could clearly feel the dense spiritual energy contained within the white jade box, far exceeding any treasure she had seen before. This filled her with curiosity and anticipation for what was inside; perhaps the contents of this box were the key treasure to breaking her Bloodline Seal and helping her achieve the Awakening of her Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox form.
Lin Yaoyao and Shen Mo's gazes were also drawn to the white jade box. They slowly walked to the front of the altar and observed the white jade box closely. The white jade box was pure white and flawless, emitting a soft white light. Its surface was carved with many intricate patterns that looked lifelike, as if they were flowing, filling it with a sense of mystery. A powerful surge of spiritual energy radiated from the white jade box like ripples, making them feel refreshed. Lin Yaoyao and Shen Mo exchanged a glance, both seeing surprise and anticipation in each other's eyes.
"The contents of this box must be extraordinary." Lin Yaoyao's voice carried a hint of excitement. She was full of curiosity about what was inside the white jade box and couldn't wait to open it and see exactly what treasure lay within.
Shen Mo nodded in agreement, but she remained vigilant. "We should be careful. Both this altar and the box are emitting powerful spiritual energy fluctuations; there might be some danger." Her tone carried a hint of worry. In this Secret Realm full of unknowns, any treasure could come with danger. They had to be cautious to avoid falling into a trap.
Bai Li walked to the front of the altar, her silver eyes flashing with excitement. She reached out her small hand, wanting to open the white jade box. Just as her fingers were about to touch the white jade box, the runes around the altar suddenly lit up, emitting a dazzling golden light like stars twinkling in the night sky, illuminating the entire cave. Immediately after, a golden light curtain rose from the altar, enveloping Bai Li within it. Seeing this, Lin Yaoyao and Shen Mo's expressions changed. They hurriedly tried to step forward to rescue Bai Li, but were blocked by the golden light curtain, unable to get close. The golden light curtain was indestructible, like a wall of bronze and iron, completely isolating Bai Li from the outside world.
Within the light curtain, a hazy figure slowly emerged like a ghost. His stature was as tall as a mountain and his majesty as vast as the sea, his entire body radiating an ancient and mysterious aura. His face was as blurred as mist and his clothing as ethereal as drifting clouds; only those deep eyes shimmered with a brilliant light within the curtain, like the brightest stars in the night sky, as if they could see through all things in the world.
"I am the Guardian of the Secret Realm." The blurred figure spoke in an ancient and majestic voice that echoed through the cave like a call from antiquity, carrying a sense of vicissitude and mystery that made one instinctively feel a sense of awe. "Are you willing to accept my trial?" His voice was like a great bell echoing in the cave, deafening yet carrying an unquestionable authority.
Bai Li's eyes widened as she stared fixedly at the flickering, blurred figure before her. Her heart couldn't help but race, as if it were about to leap out of her throat. A deep sense of awe surged into her heart like a tide, but at the same time, an uncontrollable excitement spread wildly within her. She knew very well that the mysterious existence standing before her was powerful—this was an Opportunity to break her Seal.
She took a deep breath, trying to calm her heart that was pounding from nervousness. However, the more she tried to settle the waves within her, the stronger the excitement became. Finally, after some effort, she steadied her mind. With a solemn expression, she spoke respectfully to the blurred figure, "I am willing to accept the trial!" When she spoke these words, her voice wasn't loud, but it carried a firm and unwavering strength. her gaze fell directly on the figure, her eyes flashing with an incredibly fervent light of desire.