Yi Tianyun carried Domain Lord Liuli while weaving nimbly through the masses of metal puppets, efficiently cutting them down or keeping them at bay. From the looks of it, everything was now manageable. Eventually, the Venerable Spirit, who had been watching, appeared to lose interest. The surrounding metal puppets began to soften into sand, no longer forming anew.
This meant he'd given up on making things any harder, since Yi Tianyun had shown that even the fiercest onslaught wouldn't really pressure them. With Yi Tianyun's blazing speed and infinite sword protection, they were firmly out of danger.
Unless the Venerable Spirit drastically ramped up the offensive power, it would surpass the parameters of this trial, effectively cheating in his own domain.
Watching the metal puppets collapse, Yi Tianyun guessed the trial was nearly over.
"The Venerable Spirit has stopped messing with us. Looks like we've won."
He flashed a grin, seeing no further threat. Though many of the puppets were dissolving, a basic amount still remained, just enough to replicate the standard test's conditions. The difficulty reverted to its original state, which Domain Lord Liuli could handle herself.
Yi Tianyun at last set her down, no need to hold her the whole time. He was mindful of not overstepping boundaries between men and women; fortunately, she showed no displeasure, so he felt relieved.
At the same time, he didn't let himself idle, wielding ten thousand Rebirth grade divine swords, he repeatedly bombarded the larger metal constructs, especially those that had morphed from entire mountains. One blow after another shattered them entirely.
Domain Lord Liuli assumed Yi Tianyun might be venting his anger at the Venerable Spirit by slaughtering the metal puppets, but truly he was farming more experience and Crazy Points. Better to take advantage while he could.
With the month passing quickly, at the exact moment the time ended, the remaining metal puppets disintegrated all at once. Everything returned to normal, looking exactly as it did when they first arrived. A broad path opened up, leading to another gate of light.
"It's done, let's go."
Yi Tianyun and Domain Lord Liuli approached and stepped through the portal, vanishing from that world altogether.
They reappeared in a wide, empty space, nothing but emptiness. the Venerable Spirit stood there, waiting.
"Congratulations on passing the trial. But under the rules, only you", he pointed at Domain Lord Liuli "are considered to have truly passed. He", the Venerable Spirit gestured toward Yi Tianyun "was just along for the ride, so it doesn't count as his trial completion."
Yi Tianyun hadn't been an official participant this round; thus, no success credit for him.
"Here is your reward for passing," the Venerable Spirit added, waving his hand so that three treasures floated before her. They were High-Grade Heavenly Dao level treasure, all of them exceptionally enticing.
After selecting her ideal treasure, Domain Lord Liuli listened as the Venerable Spirit continued,
"You still have one last stage to clear. Overcome it, and you'll become a direct disciple. But this time,", the Venerable Spirit glanced sternly at Yi Tianyun "he cannot interfere. If he does, you will automatically fail."
The Venerable Spirit was no longer confident that Yi Tianyun wouldn't meddle. He couldn't let Domain Lord Liuli be carried through another trial like a passenger.
"Senior Venerable Spirit," Yi Tianyun said bluntly, "you increased the difficulty before, didn't you?"
"Correct, I raised the difficulty because you broke the rules." the Venerable Spirit responded with a mild smile.
"But you said it would be no problem even if I entered another space," Yi Tianyun pressed, scowling.
"Yes, no problem. That doesn't mean I can't raise the difficulty," the Venerable Spirit retorted calmly, leaving Yi Tianyun no room to argue. After all, it was his domain.
Yi Tianyun's brows knitted, but he didn't push further. Arguing with the man in total control of this tower was futile.
"However," the Venerable Spirit went on, "this was also my way of testing you. There's no extra reward for it, but I can offer you an outstanding site to accelerate your absorption of Illusory Metal Power, faster by far than any other location."
Domain Lord Liuli was also gradually accumulating Illusory Metal Power. As she passed each trial, the environment forced her to imbibe more. Now her body already contained a significant amount of it, though she showed no immediate ill effects.
"Alright," Yi Tianyun agreed. "I'll go where you suggest."
If he couldn't help her next time anyway, he might as well cultivate. If he fully mastered the third layer of his technique, he would become a direct disciple. That was his main goal.
"Sister Liuli, work hard on the next stage," he encouraged.
"Naturally," she replied. "We'll see if I become a direct disciple before you do."
"I only need to perfect my technique. Could be pretty quick," Yi Tianyun teased.
"Is that so? Then let's see!" She laughed. "If I make it first, you lose. If not, I lose."
"Sure thing, but what's the penalty for losing?"
"Haven't decided yet," she said with a smile. "We'll figure that out once we know who wins."
With that, Domain Lord Liuli headed off for her final trial. She hadn't drained much energy in the last stage, thanks to Yi Tianyun, so she was ready at once.
After she departed, Yi Tianyun turned back to the Venerable Spirit:
"Senior Venerable Spirit, I'm ready for that special spot you mentioned."
The Venerable Spirit nodded. With a wave of his hand, a bright light enveloped Yi Tianyun, and he vanished. In the next instant, Yi Tianyun found himself standing in a flat, open area covered with gold sand, nothing else. But the Illusory Metal Power here was at least dozens of times thicker than any place he'd seen!