When the three trials were introduced, Chu Yang announced the new rewards.
"These three trials will proceed simultaneously. After today, registration will begin on the Xiong Miao official website. I will be forcing some individuals to participate, so the number of slots for the trials will not be very large. I hope for your understanding."
"These three trials will also conclude at the same time. At that point, all survivors of the [Dragonfall Land] trial, all survivors of the [Resentful Fiend Land] trial, and the top-ranked participants from the [Demon Spirit Realm] trial, totaling two hundred people, will be able to enter the new time-limited secret realm, the [Deep Sea Dragon Palace], for exploration."
"The [Deep Sea Dragon Palace] possesses even richer resources than the [Li Fire Palace] and a higher time flow rate. You will be able to enjoy two hundred times the cultivation time, but the exploration is limited to two hundred people. Inside, there may be opportunities comparable to the Mahayana stage. Missing out will be a lifelong regret!"
The cultivators who had tasted the benefits within the [Li Fire Palace] widened their eyes and then revealed expressions of fervent excitement.
"Holy crap! Another one of these time-limited secret realms! I missed the last one, but I'm definitely getting this one!"
"Damn, seeing Awei pull out a pile of magic treasures made my back molars grind, I absolutely cannot miss this time!"
"Hiss! The chance to get rich overnight!"
"So, as long as I rank in the top one hundred in the [Demon Spirit Realm], I'm guaranteed a spot in the [Deep Sea Dragon Palace]! Damn, isn't that easy if you have hands?"
"Good heavens, you have hands, but what about the other one thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine people?"
...
After the announcement, Chu Yang summoned the members of the Pioneer group for some ideological education.
These individuals naturally had unwavering faith in Chu Yang.
Thus, Li Qingyun, Bai Nianchen, Luo Xiaowei, Qin Xiaoxiao, Meng Zibin, Chen Xiaohan, Zhang Xiaohu, Wang Teng, Shen Yingxue, and Liang Zifan, a total of ten people, stood before Chu Yang like obedient children.
Newcomers like Shen Yingxue and Liang Zifan were extremely apprehensive.
Liang Zifan was doing a bit better. He had participated in the second phase of the monster secret realm trial and had secured first place through his own strength. Chu Yang was willing to include him in his Immortal Emperor cultivation plan.
As for Chen Xiaohan, Chu Yang believed a poison cultivator possessed considerable destructive power. Even though those Immortal Emperors had concluded she could not achieve Immortal Emperor status, Chu Yang felt it was worth bringing her in for some ideological education, which would help improve her mental and physical well-being.
"First, I'll feed you some inspiring words. Among all the humans, you are the ones I see as having the greatest potential! As I've said before, my expectation for you is to achieve Immortal Emperor status!"
Immediately, everyone puffed out their chests, a sense of pride welling up within them. Receiving such high praise was enough to make them proud.
"Although your aptitudes are different, some of you are born with invincible physiques, while others are inherently inferior. However, since I have gathered you here, you are all treated equally in my eyes. Regardless of your starting point, high or low, the path of cultivation has never been about the starting point, but the destination!"
"You have all entered the [Ascension Tower] and seen the life stories of some Immortal Emperors. If you can defeat them at the same realm, it means you possess the potential of an Emperor. Therefore, you must have confidence! Do you hear me, Zhang Xiaohu?"
Zhang Xiaohu straightened his posture and said earnestly, "I will not doubt myself! I will definitely become someone like the Nine Heavens Flame Emperor!"
"Very good, keep it up, lad. Several Immortal Emperors are watching you!"
Zhang Xiaohu's eyes widened, not quite understanding Chu Yang's meaning.
Seeing their confused gazes, Chu Yang explained, "The [Ascension Tower] is a treasure that records the Dao fruits of Immortal Emperors across all realms. When a few Immortal Emperors recorded their Dao fruits, they attached a wisp of their soul to the fruit. Therefore, some of you will encounter immortal Emperor projections that possess self-awareness."
Everyone suddenly understood, except for Wang Teng, whose expression turned grim.
The others had all passed the first level, but he had not. This was because the Dragon Blood Battle Emperor was too strict with him, and the "momentum" was an insurmountable hurdle for him.
He felt the Dragon Blood Battle Emperor was making things difficult for him. However, in reality, the Dragon Blood Battle Emperor hoped that Wang Teng could comprehend his own "momentum" sooner rather than later. The earlier this power was comprehended, the better. If he couldn't comprehend it, he would be a failed body cultivator.
Chu Yang continued, "You should consider yourselves fortunate, especially those who were matched with those Immortal Emperors. I have spoken with them, and they are all great emperors who care for humanity and are willing to spare no effort in nurturing you."
"These four Immortal Emperors are the Azure Emperor, the Creation Great Emperor, the Dragon Blood Battle Emperor, and..."
Chu Yang's gaze fell upon Shen Yingxue, causing her heart to tremble inexplicably, unsure of what she had done wrong.
"The Myriad Splendor Empress."
Chu Yang stared at Shen Yingxue and said, "The other three Immortal Emperors have found their own proteges. As for the Myriad Splendor Empress, she is currently free. I have already spoken to her about you. You possess the same talent as her. However, this Empress has a rather whimsical style of conduct. You must satisfy her and make yourself pleasing to her eye for her to be willing to teach you."
Shen Yingxue immediately felt immense pressure. She cautiously asked, "Has that Empress... mentioned any standards?"
"No, so you can only prove your excellence before her, to see if you are outstanding enough to catch her eye."
Shen Yingxue gasped, suddenly feeling overwhelmed by the pressure.
Chu Yang, however, would not indulge her for her pitiable appearance. "You must participate in the third phase of the trials and become stronger. Get rid of this appearance that makes people think you are easily bullied. Don't think it's cruel, because the evil races are far more cruel than you can imagine."
"I understand. I am not weak, I just appear to be weak!"
"You'd better be. Don't disappoint the Myriad Splendor Empress. Those with heaven-defying talent must at least reach Qin Xiaoxiao's level!"
Qin Xiaoxiao's expression stiffened. She couldn't figure out if she was a positive or negative example and was unsure whether to be happy or sad.
Then, Chu Yang turned his gaze back to Wang Teng and said, "Don't complain that your difficulty is too high, because receiving guidance from an Immortal Emperor is something others dream of."
The others looked at Wang Teng with a bit more envy.
Having an Immortal Emperor individually guiding them was no different from the protagonists in stories who start with an elderly mentor.
"But he..."
"Every Immortal Emperor has their own method of cultivation. You complain about his strict requirements, but if you hadn't met him, would you have ever understood what 'momentum' is?"
Wang Teng awkwardly scratched his head.
"Moreover, you must believe that the higher the difficulty, the greater the rewards upon completion. Also... what cultivator, for crying out loud, starts by saying 'What are you barking at?' to an Immortal Emperor?"
Wang Teng: "???"
The others also looked at Wang Teng with newfound respect. Truly worthy of being called Big Brother Teng, to speak to an Immortal Emperor in such a manner.