Chapter 299: Illusory Space (Part 1)

At this moment, in the square outside the Nether Realm, the crowd was already agitated. Everyone knew that four people had entered the core area of the final stage. But according to past rules, only one successor would be chosen from the core of the Nether Realm, while the others would be sent out after receiving some benefit, just like Zi Yang.

Yet, although Zi Yang had been sent out some time ago, there was still no sign of the others. Could something have gone wrong? Why was only Zi Yang sent out, while the rest remained inside?

Was there another test? Or had they encountered some trouble or danger and couldn’t escape? Once again, everyone began to discuss it. Members of the Dragon Clan and the Black Phoenix Clan showed anxious expressions on their faces.

Sognar and Lucy were undoubtedly the outstanding figures in their respective clans. Especially Lucy—she was the lifeblood of the Black Phoenix Clan. How could anything go wrong with her?

But with no sign of her at all, it was inevitable to feel anxious! Though anxious, they were helpless. After all, they were still inside the Nether Realm. Logically, if they had truly died, their bodies would have been brought out. The fact that they hadn’t appeared meant only one thing: they hadn’t died. Could they be stuck at some checkpoint? Or…

Had they not entered the core of the Nether Realm at all? But according to previous information, they should have entered. Could they have encountered something good inside and been kept there?

Speculations abounded, and discussions flourished, filling the square with noise. The Nether Realm opened at noon, and now night had fallen. Based on past patterns, it would remain open for 36 hours, meaning its gates would close by tomorrow night at the latest. By then, everyone would be sent out. For now, all they could do was wait.

The night was bright, with lights illuminating the snow-white Ice City. Combined with the moonlight, it created a magnificent, dazzling, and enchanting scene.

No one left. Even though it was a cold winter night, especially in Ice City, no one wanted to leave. This was the annual festival, and this year it was even more extraordinary than usual. Everyone was even less willing to leave, waiting for the final outcome!

Inside the Netherworld, led by Andrews, Rod arrived in front of a strange building. Standing before it, Rod wondered silently—was this the so-called Illusory Space?
This time, besides Andrews, those who accompanied him were the Ninth Elder who had brought him here and two other elders. According to the Ninth Elder, these two were likely the Sixth Elder and one of the two deacons of the Netherworld. Both of them were said to be at the peak of the Yin Yellow realm, and the Ninth Elder himself was also at that peak. In total, Rod now had three beings at the pinnacle of the Yin Yellow realm around him, plus Andrews. Although Andrews hadn’t revealed his identity, judging from the respectful attitude of the Ninth Elder and the others, he was surely no weaker than them—perhaps even one of the two Yang Xuan powerhouses. At this thought, Rod was silently amazed.
It was the first time he had seen so many powerful beings. Rod estimated that just the strength of these few could rival that of an entire major family outside. This showed how terrifying the Netherworld was.
It was hard to imagine what kind of awe-inspiring scene it would be if all seventeen beings at the Yin Yellow realm inside, along with the eleven inspectors outside, totaling twenty-eight such beings, appeared at once! But then he laughed self-mockingly—such a thing seemed impossible; he must have been overthinking it!
Rod could never have imagined that something he had casually thought of that day would actually come true later! If he had known, he would have slapped himself hard right then!
“Well, this is the Illusory Space. You may go in; it’s impossible to find peace even here.
This place can only be opened four times a year, once for each season. That’s why it’s extremely precious. Each opening lasts only one day! Even I, despite living for so many years, have only entered twice—once when I reached the Yin Yellow realm at the divine level, and the other time… thinking about that made my heart feel complicated as I filled with reverence for the Illusory Space.
Now that I’m sending Rod in, I only hope he won’t disappoint me and achieves the desired results inside.
“If there’s anything you need to say, Senior, please speak directly. Rod will surely remember your teachings!” Rod said respectfully, bowing slightly.

By now, his mindset had adjusted—from the initial disappointment and slight resentment upon hearing everything he wanted to know, to understanding and compassion now. In the Netherworld, they indeed needed to find a way out; they couldn’t live there forever. He had to understand their feelings, and his father was right! He must have his own reasons. As a member of the troll race, he had to do something for them!

That was Rod too—his mindset could always adjust in the shortest time. Having gone through so much, he had learned many things beyond what others could imagine, and he understood more principles than most.

“Hmm, it’s good to have such an attitude. Remember, never be arrogant in victory or discouraged in defeat—that’s the truth a true king must always keep in mind! It’s great that you can maintain this mindset! After we enter again, we don’t know when we’ll meet next. I hope you remember your mission and return as soon as possible, preferably by the time the Netherworld opens next year! The Netherworld only opens officially once a year, so you only have one chance! If you complete your mission early, remember to work with the major families to suppress the war faction—don’t let their schemes succeed. The continent can’t be taken over by them, nor can the Source of Darkness be under their control. No one can bear their ambitions.

If they succeed, it will lead to chaos and bloodshed! Remember, you must stop them by any means necessary. Lastly, improve your own strength—only absolute strength can help us accomplish what’s needed. The future of the troll race rests on your shoulders; you must not fail!” Andrew looked at Rod deeply, like a kind elder looking at his younger one, filled with worry and concern, making Rod feel immense warmth.

“Yeah, Rod knows. Even if it costs my life, I’ll never let the war faction succeed! Please rest assured, elder!” Rod said firmly after hearing Andrew’s words. Even if Andrew hadn’t said anything, he would have done the same, especially now that Andrew had spoken.

“Also, leave that little one inside you here to train. You’ll be in the Illusory Space for one day, but it’ll feel like a month there. During that time, that little one can stay here and train—it will be good for it!” After hearing Ron’s reply, Andrew pondered for a moment before speaking.

“Burn the Sky?” Hearing this, Rod was slightly stunned and asked in confusion. They wanted Burn the Sky to stay and train? But Burn the Sky seemed unable to stay too far away from him. More importantly, after going through Xuanyuan’s thunder tribulation, it was severely injured and was currently recovering inside his own combat energy core—how could it come out?

“Yes, that’s the one. Don’t try to hide it from us; we can’t be deceived by such things. It’s injured, right? That’s great—our underground magma can help it. Moreover, I sense that its energy isn’t pure, similar to yours. Although your combat energy is beneficial to you, it’s different for Burn the Sky. As beast souls, their energy must be pure to grow to a higher level. Impure energy might prevent them from reaching their full potential, let alone improving. You should know this!”

“It’s of fire attribute—underground magma is definitely a nourishment for it. Its injuries can recover quickly here. Now that your strength has increased, it still has the same strength and can’t keep up with you!” As if seeing through Rod’s concerns, Andrews smiled, with a hint of anticipation, seemingly eager to see Burn the Sky. That look made Rod shiver.

“Really?” Since Andrews said so, Rod had no choice but to agree. It seemed Andrews knew Burn the Sky quite well—maybe it could really help. With this thought, Rod felt a bit hopeful.

“Why would I lie to you? Alright, I’ll help you release it now!” Seeing Rod agree, Andrews said with a wry smile. If it were someone else, even if they begged for his help, he might not have paid attention. Now, they were helping him, yet they still doubted him. How would he face others if they found out?

Concentrating fully, Rod followed Andrews’ instructions. Sure enough, in just a short while, he felt the combat energy core in his dantian pulse, and Burn the Sky’s familiar aura spread throughout his body.

Under such circumstances, Rod didn’t dare delay and quickly summoned Burn the Sky!

Ahow… In the next moment, a thunderous roar echoed, and Burn the Sky appeared before Rod. Yet, it was still listless, clearly not yet recovered from its injuries.

“Alright, kid, leave it to me. Don’t worry; it will follow you when you go back outside. Don’t be surprised then—it will be much stronger than it is now. But it will probably need to enter hibernation for a while, so be prepared!” When they saw Fen Tian appear, perhaps upon seeing its form, not only Andrews but also the others present were shocked. It was indeed a massive creature, and their gaze toward Rod changed once again.

“Then I’ll leave it to you, senior!” At this point, Rod said nothing more and confidently handed Fen Tian to them. He also communicated with Fen Tian. At first, Fen Tian refused stubbornly, but after Rod’s explanations and requests, it reluctantly agreed. Leaving Rod for the first time, Fen Tian seemed reluctant, its gaze toward Rod filled with a hint of resentment as it followed Andrews listlessly, looking depressed.

“Alright, this is the Illusory Space. Do any of you old folks have anything to say?” Since everything was taken care of, Andrews turned to the people around him to see if they had any instructions. If not, Rod would need to enter the Illusory Space.

A day is short! It’s best not to waste even a minute, especially since one day here is equivalent to a month in the Illusory Space. So even a single minute is extremely valuable. The Illusory Space Rod was about to enter was similar to the Elemental Space entered by Sognar—it was a space where time stood still. Of course, it couldn’t completely stop time, but it slowed it down significantly, to only one-thirtieth of the outside speed.

The effectiveness of training here is imaginable. Perhaps that’s why the people from the Netherworld are so powerful. Of course, if Rod knew that each of these places only opens four times a year, he wouldn’t know what expression or thoughts to have.