Chapter Forty-Seven: Challenging Oneself

In an instant, an incomparable sense of transcendence surged through every cell of Tianming’s body.

It was a sensation he had never known before!

His entire being brimmed with explosive power—this was no longer on the same level as the Foundation Building stage.

If there was ever a true threshold to the path of immortality, the Spirit Void Realm was undoubtedly it, for it was recognized by heaven and earth themselves.

The sudden surge in strength filled Tianming with a complex mix of emotions.

Not long ago, he had been a mere mortal in the Martial Disciple stage, his body unrefined and ordinary. Who could have imagined that, in such a short time, he would leap into the Spirit Void Realm—a possibility he had never dared to dream of.

But he owed much to the All-Purpose Dora. Without it, he would never have come into contact with this world, let alone enjoy the leisure he had now; he would still be that wretched, struggling laborer...

“...Thank you for the elixir, senior!” With this thought, Tianming quickly rose and bowed respectfully to the ethereal blue soul before him.

His entry into the Spirit Void Realm was thanks to the elixir of Qingpo; even with the All-Purpose Dora, who knew how long it would have taken him to reach this stage otherwise.

“There’s no need to thank me; this is your own good fortune,” Qingpo replied with a gentle smile, nodding. “In time, you will surely become my master, so you needn’t stand on ceremony between us.”

A glimmer of wisdom shone in his ancient, profound eyes, and the kindness on Qingpo’s wrinkled face became ever more apparent.

“Then I’ll call you Qingpo from now on. I hope you’ll continue to guide a young man like me, who knows so little,” Tianming replied with utmost humility.

He understood Qingpo’s meaning, recognizing that his talent had earned him this old spirit’s approval; otherwise, such a shrewd and calculating artifact soul would never speak so candidly.

“Of course. Now let us proceed to the second trial!” Qingpo said without hesitation.

“Very well!”

“Let us see what awaits...” Tianming, pausing for a moment, exchanged a knowing glance with Qingpo.

Seeing no objection from Tianming, Qingpo waved his hand grandly.

At once, a gentle azure wind swept through the space, and Tianming felt the world spin and shift—his surroundings changing in an instant...

“Welcome to the second trial: Challenge Yourself!”

Qingpo’s weathered voice sounded as promised, but when Tianming opened his eyes, he found that the blue spectral figure had disappeared.

As Tianming puzzled over this, Qingpo’s voice rang out again.

“The rules are as follows: within one hour, you must defeat a shadow of yourself at the same cultivation level. It can use the same techniques, skills, and weapons as you.”

“Remember, do not underestimate it, and use your wits—this is not a contest of strength alone!” Qingpo added hastily, as if concerned.

What had been child’s play before was now a genuine test!

This trial was not merely a contest of power, but also combined the wisdom of the first challenge. Tianming’s expression grew grave.

“...Let’s begin,” Tianming said after a moment’s reflection.

He now stood in an endless grid-like space, without the slightest constraint in sight.

Perhaps this was a special arena crafted by an ancient master for this very trial.

“The reward for the second trial: succeed, and you will receive ten Virtue Elixirs; fail, and you forfeit your right to advance. I now declare the second trial begins!”

No sooner had the words fallen, as Tianming continued to study his surroundings, a blue wind swept by once again—this time, an energy phantom of blue light appeared before him...

This energy phantom looked startlingly familiar!

So familiar, in fact, that Tianming felt a shiver run down his spine. Was this how dashing he looked in white robes? There were no mirrors here, so Tianming found himself momentarily dazed.

Compared to Tianming’s reaction, the blue shadow—his false self—wasted no time. Harnessing the elemental energy of heaven and earth, silver light gleamed between its fingers...

With the might of the world behind its fist, it struck directly at Tianming, holding nothing back despite their identical appearances!

“What?” Qingpo’s lips twitched in disbelief as he watched the blue shadow’s wild, primal assault.

He was astonished—the boy had no weapon, and, more surprisingly, had not learned any true techniques. It was simply unheard of!

Though the shadow was conjured through the power of this treasure, Qingpo could not manipulate it behind the scenes.

As Qingpo reeled in shock, the true battle began.

...

“That’s all?” Tianming paused, then shook his head with a faint, dismissive smile.

As the blue shadow lunged at him, Tianming, mirroring its movements, gathered the energies of heaven and earth along his arm.

With a slight smile, he shifted his body and easily sidestepped the shadow’s punch!

Perhaps it was because the energy shadow had no soul that Tianming responded so quickly.

Now, waves of worldly force surged around Tianming, silver energy coursing along his arms.

With a silver palm strike, he seized the shadow’s unwithdrawn arm, pulled sharply, and spun aside, shoving forward!

“Back you go!” he shouted.

As the shadow tried to strike with its other hand, Tianming caught it again and, with a deft motion, pushed it forward. The false image, attempting to throw another punch, instead stumbled several paces back, driven by the force of elemental energy—its blue glow dimming in the process.

Tianming himself had not moved a step, his gaze fixed on the shadow before him. He did not press his advantage, instead glancing upwards...

“...What technique was that?” After a pause, Qingpo asked.

“Care to guess?” Tianming replied with a mysterious smile.

He had never officially learned any techniques, but just because he’d never eaten pork didn’t mean he’d never seen a pig run.

Such skill, borrowing an opponent’s strength to defeat them, was common enough in public squares.

“...It seems I underestimated you,” Qingpo sighed, his ancient voice echoing on the second level.

He was not surprised that Tianming lacked martial skills—he was astonished by the unique and unheard-of combat techniques the young man displayed. Was it simply that Qingpo had been away from the world for too long?

“An imitation is always just that. It may have my form, but it cannot steal my mind. At best, it’s a soulless shell,” Tianming explained in a steady voice.

As Qingpo pondered this, Tianming smiled with quiet disdain. This trick might have worked on others—but not on him.

...

For a long moment after Tianming finished speaking, Qingpo fell silent, as if lost in thought.