Chapter Forty-Five: Passing Through

But what exactly is the answer? Judging from the previous questions, Tianming suspected that the outcome would be something unexpected—it absolutely wouldn’t be an ordinary death!

At this moment, Tianming’s mind was utterly focused, straining every thought as he pondered...

For something to surprise even a Golden Celestial-level expert, it was unlikely to be a rescue by someone else. If it were, the reaction wouldn’t be surprise, but rather fear, gratitude, or admiration for someone stronger. After all, the question stated that this Golden Celestial expert was confident in his own abilities, so help arriving was out of the question!

As for dying of illness, that was even more impossible. Even those at the Spirit Void realm rarely fell ill, let alone someone above the Golden Celestial level.

Just as Tianming reached a critical point in his thoughts, that aged voice drifted down from above once more...

“What’s the matter, young friend? Haven’t figured it out yet?”

Qingpo laughed smugly, for only a minute remained before the time for this question would be up!

Once time was up, his dignity would be preserved.

“Hahaha... Just give up—you can’t possibly answer in such a short time. There’s no shame in it! If you concede, you can move on to the second round at any time. Why not, young friend?”

Seeing Tianming still struggling below, Qingpo continued to taunt him with words.

Tianming...

But unfortunately for Qingpo, Tianming was unmoved. Sweat poured from his brow, yet his mind remained sunk in deep thought.

As Tianming sat in silence, Qingpo seemed to have a change of heart. With a sigh, he shook his head and said no more. If anyone were watching, they would have noticed a sharp gleam flash in his eyes as he sighed.

Time flowed like water. Of the precious minute that remained, five-sixths had already slipped away. The countdown began.

Ten!

Nine!

Eight!

The aged voice echoed through the space. With every number Qingpo called, it was as if another thousand-pound stone weighed down Tianming’s heart, suffocating him and making it harder to think.

He knew panicking now would do no good, but he simply couldn’t dispel the tension building inside him.

What could the answer be?

Wait!

He seemed to have grasped something. If this answer was meant to surprise not only a Golden Celestial expert, but also to astonish anyone else...

Then...

If that was the case, perhaps the answer was already obvious!

He wasn’t entirely certain, but there was no time to verify it. All he could do was take a bold leap and try!

After all, if he lost, it cost him nothing; if he won, he’d earn a Heaven-grade elixir—a risk with no downside.

Three...

The moment he made his guess, Tianming’s spirits soared. He leapt up and declared:

“Stop! I think I have the answer. At that moment, the Titan Ape, in its excitement, pounded its chest too hard and forgot to control its strength, while also suffering internal injuries from the three flying daggers thrown by the expert. The combination made the Titan Ape kill itself by accident. Of course the Golden Celestial expert would be surprised at such a sight.”

He waved his hand upward as he spoke, pride radiating from him.

“...Congratulations, that’s correct!” Qingpo’s lips twitched, his face stunned.

He had thought the ordeal was over, but this answer caught him completely off guard! While it wasn’t exactly what he had in mind, it was logical—the apes did indeed behave that way when excited. Qingpo had never seen it happen in reality, but since his questions weren’t bound to real events, it hardly mattered.

“Well? Admit defeat! Is there anyone else who can match me?” Tianming laughed heartily.

Jubilant, he could hardly express his joy in words. He didn’t know how Qingpo felt, but he was certain the man’s face must be quite sour now.

“You’ve won. Congratulations on passing the first trial. Would you like to attempt the second challenge now?” The voice from above sounded calm.

Qingpo ignored Tianming, speaking as if nothing had happened.

“No way! You said there would be ten questions. If you go back on your word now, I’ll be at a huge disadvantage!” Tianming protested quickly.

He couldn’t help but admire Qingpo’s thick skin—acting as though nothing had happened after such a turn of events.

As soon as he finished speaking, the arena fell silent...

Until, at last—

“Very well, you asked for it. I won’t bully you. If you can make me willingly appear before you, by any means, I’ll not only let you pass but give you an extra Heaven-grade elixir,” Qingpo said, gritting his teeth with a sinister undertone.

If this boy wanted to embarrass him, he would make things difficult in return!

“You said it—two elixirs, and you can’t break your word!” Tianming replied, a meaningful look in his eyes.

“Naturally. If I renege, may my soul be scattered to the winds,” Qingpo vowed, smiling.

Seeing Tianming take the bait, Qingpo was eager to seize this opportunity to suppress him.

“Well... I might not be able to make you come out, but if you’re down here, I have a way to send you back up. Do you believe me?” Tianming shook his head and looked up, asking.

He knew exactly what Qingpo was up to, but unfortunately for Qingpo, he’d picked the wrong person. This was a routine Tianming knew well!

The timing was perfect.

“Oh?” Qingpo was curious.

Weren’t the two things the same? Why ask in this way?

As Qingpo hesitated, Tianming spoke again.

“What’s wrong? Are you afraid?” He waved his middle finger with a smirk.

Though Tianming disliked this tactic, it was the first step in his plan. He didn’t mind being a bit impolite for the sake of those elixirs.

“Ridiculous! Why should I be afraid? Wait there, I’ll come down at once!” Qingpo responded furiously.

Though he recognized the goading for what it was, he couldn’t bear it. He’d been holding back his frustration, and besides, he was curious to see what Tianming would do next—he’d been lonely here for too long.

With that, a blue soul drifted down from the sky. Before Tianming could react, a gust of blue wind swept in, and Qingpo was suddenly right in front of him...

“Hmph, I’d like to see how you get me back up there,” Qingpo said smugly, glancing at Tianming with a cold smile.

Tianming could only shake his head, a look of helplessness on his face.

“...Sorry, you’ve lost.” Tianming pointed to Qingpo’s current position.

He’d expected a bit more resistance, but Qingpo was so naive—fooled so easily.

“...Why?” Qingpo’s face betrayed his surprise as he asked with a deeper meaning.

“You said, by any means—as long as you came down, I win!” Tianming explained, smiling again.

Qingpo’s expression hardly changed, but a trace of admiration and delight flashed in his eyes as he nodded deeply.

“Congratulations. You have officially passed the first trial and earned two Heaven-grade elixirs!”

A gentle smile appeared on the old, ethereal face, while Tianming, on the other hand, was left a little dazed...