The roar of beasts echoed across the stone chamber, but my friends remained frozen, eyes glazed—still caught in the illusion. I quickly summoned a Spiritual Barrier, enveloping Mu Lingyao, Feng Xuan, and Yang Kai in a protective dome of golden light.
I narrowed my eyes. Let's check their strength.
Sense: Activated
"Third-rank, low-tier beasts," I muttered. "Nothing to worry about."
I raised my sword high, its blade shimmering crimson.
"Meteor Rain of Sword!"
With a sweep, a hailstorm of blazing swords rained from the sky, piercing the beasts where they stood.
Ding!
You killed 3rd-rank low-tier Beast – XP Gained: 2500
...
Total XP Gained: 37,500
Ding!
Current XP: 49,710
I exhaled. "So much XP. Heh, not bad."
Turning toward my still-unmoving companions, I frowned. "Why haven't they woken up?"
I stepped close and gently shook Mu Lingyao's shoulder. Nothing. Feng Xuan, the same. Even Yang Kai didn't stir.
Then, a cold, ancient voice echoed in my mind:
"If you wish your companions to awaken, reach the Tenth Level and seek me."
I gritted my teeth. "Tenth level? Just who the hell are you?"
No reply came. Only silence. I clenched my fists. Fine. I'll play your game.
I climbed the stone staircase, ascending to the Second Level of the Illusionary Tower.
As soon as I entered, a surge of energy engulfed me. Another illusion.
But my sword buzzed in its sheath and shattered the illusion with a single, ringing pulse.
The illusion faded—ten beasts now surrounded me.
Scan: 3rd-rank mid-tier.
I didn't hesitate.
"Wind Steps!"
My body blurred, vanishing from sight.
"Inferno Slash – First Form!"
A crescent blade of flaming wind swept through the beasts in a blazing arc.
Ding!
You killed 3rd-rank mid-tier Beast – XP Gained: 2800
...
Total XP Gained: 28,000
Current XP: 77,710
I grinned. "Even more XP. Time to breakthrough."
"System, how many breakthroughs can I perform?"
Ding!
Host may perform ten breakthroughs.
"Good. Do eight."
Ding!
53,600 XP deducted.
Warm energy flooded my body. My dantian spun violently as torrents of spiritual energy surged through my meridians. One layer after another shattered—until I stood renewed.
Ding!
Host has broken through to Core Formation – Ninth Layer.
Current XP: 24,110
I exhaled deeply, fire crackling at my fingertips. "Now this... is power."
Without waiting, I stepped into the Third Level.
Again, the illusion came—but stronger. It took my sword ten full minutes to shatter it.
"Why did it take so long?" I muttered. "Each level's illusion is tougher…"
Just as the illusion broke, eight beasts lunged at me with roars that shook the chamber.
Their power was suffocating—3rd-rank high-tier beasts.
One swiped at me, claws glowing red-hot. I blocked it mid-air, sliding back a few steps.
Before the others could close in, I leapt backward.
"Inferno Slash – First Form!"
My sword ignited, and a wave of crimson fire erupted outward.
Ding!
You killed 3rd-rank high-tier Beast – XP Gained: 3000
...
Total XP Gained: 24,000
Current XP: 48,110
I sheathed my blade, panting lightly. "That illusion… took longer. Looks like the deeper I go, the harder it'll be to break them."
I glanced up toward the stairs.
Seven more levels to go.