Although somewhat puzzled, Dainsleif remained silent. Given the current situation, it wasn't appropriate for him to speak, so he simply followed the group, observing how events unfolded.
They passed through the gate. The familiar stone pillars still hung in the air, appearing unchanged. The only things that had altered were the position of the Taiweipan, the passage of time, the color of the sky, and a few fixed landmarks.
Essentially, nothing else had changed. Lu Ze frowned, stepped out of the doorway, and landed softly on the ground. He scanned his surroundings and immediately saw a figure engulfed in black mist standing not far away.
"It seems this is the guardian of the third trial, your past karma. What do you think? Are you interested? Want to fight him?"
Lu Ze looked at Xiao beside him. Xiao, apart from a look of relief, had no other thoughts.
"A fight? I do have that desire, but I'm afraid it would take too long. They can't wait that long, so I'll have to trouble you, Lu Ze."
Xiao naturally understood his own strength and knew that if he were to engage, it would be difficult to determine a victor. After all, it was a fighting style he was intimately familiar with, making a quick resolution impossible.
"I understand. Since it's something you've asked of me, I'll do it quickly."
The Purifying Seven Thunders reappeared in his hand, emitting purple lightning. The next moment, Lu Ze charged forward, his speed so immense that the karma-manifested Xiao hadn't even reacted.
But just as he was about to strike, Lu Ze felt a jolt of surprise. The opponent had actually raised his spear to block, his black Primordial Jade Cutter also a manifestation of karma.
It was somewhat unexpected that it wasn't shattered by the Purifying Seven Thunders.
"Young man, your strength is good, but don't get too arrogant. True powerhouses cannot be stopped."
The karma-manifested Xiao didn't reply. He quickly retreated a few steps, wielding his spear with agility. However, every strike was parried.
"I don't have time to play with you, nor do I have time for this. Get out of the way!"
With a flick of his katana, the black Primordial Jade Cutter fell to the ground, transforming into countless wisps of black mist that slowly dissipated.
Even without his weapon, the karma-manifested Xiao didn't give up. He charged forward rapidly, his right fist clenched, aiming to blast Lu Ze's forehead.
"I told you, I don't have time to play! So, die!"
His katana swung swiftly, and the karma-manifested Xiao was directly dismembered. Each piece that fell to the ground dissolved into black mist and vanished. httpδ:/m.kuAisugg.nět
The Purifying Seven Thunders were specifically designed to counter such things. After all, lightning could shatter all evil, being a yang element, and it was quite effective against karma.
"Is that all?"
Arataki Itto was a little bewildered. He hadn't expected the fight to end so quickly; it was truly surprising.
"What else did you expect? Do you think I would have a prolonged battle with him? Our strengths are not on the same level, so it's a complete suppression."
Lu Ze waved his hand, signaling for the others to proceed to the next stage.
If his predictions were correct, there should be five trials in total, corresponding to each of the Yakshas.
The remaining ones should be Indares and Bosacius. He wondered what their situations would be.
Passing through the gate, they found the familiar stone pillar bridge again. However, this time, the teleportation portal on the opposite side was emitting waves of fire. From this fire, they could infer that it was likely Indares.
"Indares. If it weren't for the karma back then, she wouldn't have suffered so much, even ending her own life. And I was powerless."
For some reason, Xiao's demeanor became less cold, showing a hint of human emotion. Perhaps it was the reunion with his siblings that was slowly melting his icy heart.
As they stepped through the gate, the group saw a red figure floating in mid-air. Around her, apart from raging flames, there was nothing else.
"Indares!"
Xiao called out loudly, but there was no reaction from her. She seemed to be in seclusion, simply floating serenely in the air, devoid of life.
"Could she be breaking through?"
Lu Ze's mouth twitched. It looked so much like a cultivator reaching a certain limit, floating cross-legged in the air, preparing to face a lightning tribulation.
"Are you trying to ascend to immortality or something?"
"Indares!"
Xiao, not wanting to believe it, called out again. This time, there was a slight reaction. Indares' eyelids twitched slightly, and then she opened one eye. Her voice was a little hoarse as she slowly said,
"Is that Golden Wing?"
She then slowly floated down, her feet landing steadily on the ground. Even her hair, which had been blowing in the wind, slowly settled.
"It's me! Indares, what are you doing?"
Xiao was confused. Why was she floating in the air? It made her look like she had gone mad, which was very worrying.
"It's nothing. I was just so bored... I was just floating cross-legged, resting. There's nothing to do here, nothing to eat, just standing around. Wouldn't I be bored? If it weren't for guarding the seal, I wouldn't want to be here."
Looking at the sleepy Indares, even if challengers had come over the years, they would have been stopped by the people before her, so she had a relatively leisurely time. Even if a challenger defeated the first two, by the time they reached her, she dealt with them with little effort.
So, she figured it was better to just float in the air and sleep.
"Speaking of which, why are you here? This is not a place you should be. Aren't you supposed to be outside guarding Liyue? Golden Wing, have you forgotten your contract with the Geo Archon?"
Indares immediately adopted a bossy tone and started lecturing Xiao.
"I naturally remember. I spoke with the Geo Archon before I came, and he agreed to my visit. That's why I haven't forgotten the contract."
Hearing this, Indares seemed somewhat surprised.
"How have you been all these years? Without us around, you must have been lonely. Have you made new friends? Found a girlfriend?"
Xiao's face flushed slightly. What was she asking? Had she forgotten this after so long apart?
"Alright, alright, the topic has strayed! Indares, can you let us pass? I want to revive you all... I want to celebrate the Lantern Rite with you, okay?"
It was the first time she had heard Golden Wing speak in such a pleading tone, which was very surprising. After all, how could the proud Golden Wing utter such words?
"It's not that I won't agree, but you should know what's sealed beneath. The people before should have told you our situation, so don't even think about it. I don't believe you have the ability to deal with those demons."
Indares looked at the people behind Xiao and shook her head.
"I understand. Since you won't agree, Lu Ze... everything is in your hands now."