Chapter 41: Gray Dream Tapir . . .
Ye Yuan found himself in a state of blurred vision before realizing that he had been transported to a dazzling, multi-colored dream world—a distinctive space within the Illusionary Spirit Tower.
It became evident that each layer of the Illusionary Spirit Tower comprised numerous independent spaces, with each student allocated to a different realm. Although such a method might not be considered mystical in the Divine Realm, it stood as an impressive feat for a sect in the Lower Realms like the Tranquil Cloud Sect to utilize this approach for nurturing their students.
As Ye Yuan surveyed the empty space, a voice resonated, "Welcome to the Illusionary Spirit Tower. This is your first visit, and you are about to undergo the Entry Advancement test. I am your guide for this examination."
Acknowledging that this voice belonged to the Illusionary Spirit Tower's artifact spirit, Ye Yuan displayed no agitation. However, the surprise lay in the fact that he had been directed to the Entry Advancement test. It seemed that the Illusionary Spirit Tower automatically sent first-time students to this introductory test, placing Ye Yuan and Lu-er on a common starting line.
Curious about the impending test, Ye Yuan inquired, "What am I supposed to do now?"
The artifact spirit appeared momentarily taken aback, as Ye Yuan's composed demeanor was a departure from the norm. It had guided countless students before, but none had displayed such composure.
"For now, sit down and meditate. I will guide you through the test, and do not resist whatever happens. Any consequences will be borne by you," the artifact spirit advised.
Ye Yuan complied without a word, settling into a meditative posture. Although curious about the nature of the test, he awaited the artifact spirit's guidance.
Moments later, a lightness enveloped Ye Yuan, and he entered a trance-like state, finding himself in an empty training room. The revelation brought a subtle smile to Ye Yuan's lips.
So, this Illusionary Spirit Tower's artifact spirit is a Dream Tapir. The Tranquil Cloud Sect, indeed, possesses remarkable methods, utilizing a 32-restriction Spirit Artifact, likely a Gray Dream Tapir, to conduct tests within a dream world—a safe and impartial approach. Dream Tapirs, beings intricately tied to dream worlds, could silently enter the dreams of humans and even demonic beasts, strengthening themselves within those dreams.
Ye Yuan speculated that the highest-ranking White Dream Tapir existed in the Divine Realm, possessing formidable abilities related to dream worlds, making them challenging to guard against.
The artifact spirit Ye Yuan encountered was probably the lowest-ranking Gray Dream Tapir, choosing to become the Illusionary Spirit Tower's artifact spirit to utilize students' dream worlds for their own strengthening. Even the lowest-ranking Gray Dream Tapir would be elusive and challenging for a sect like the Tranquil Cloud Sect to capture, especially considering that multiple countries had their own Dan Wu Academies under the jurisdiction of the Tranquil Cloud Sect.
Aware that he was within the dream world, Ye Yuan marveled at the ability of the Dream Tapir tribe to perfectly project his real-world strength into the dream world. This minimized the possibility of deception, leaving Ye Yuan impressed.
In the dream world, a middle-aged, brawny man materialized before Ye Yuan, a mere illusion crafted by the Gray Dream Tapir. These illusions could take various forms within the dream world.
"I am now responsible for your advancement test. The test is about to begin. You can choose your weapon," the Dream Tapir announced.
Ye Yuan responded indifferently, "Choose a weapon? I'll go with a sword."
The Dream Tapir found Ye Yuan's attitude highly unusual. Most students, upon entering the dream world, bombarded it with questions and confusion. However, Ye Yuan's calm demeanor indicated that he was aware he was within a dream world.
As Ye Yuan's knowledge of Dream Tapirs wasn't common among others, the Dream Tapir tribe's elusive nature remained a mystery to many. Even within dreams, it was impossible to detect their presence unless they chose to reveal themselves.
The Dream Tapir maintained its mysterious identity, refraining from revealing its true nature to the students. Instead, it asserted itself as the guide for the Illusionary Spirit Tower's test.
Contrary to the typical curiosity displayed by students, Ye Yuan appeared entirely disinterested. Unfazed by the dream-like surroundings and the enigmatic nature of the Dream Tapir, he remained calm.
With a nonchalant wave of the Dream Tapir's hand, an utterly ordinary sword materialized in Ye Yuan's grasp. However, his reaction wasn't one of gratitude. Rather, he forced a smile, commenting on the apparent simplicity of the weapon.
The Dream Tapir explained impassively, "To maintain the fairness of the test, the academy mandates that each student is treated equally. Regardless of the weapon you choose, only the most basic options will be provided."
Ye Yuan sighed in resignation, drawing the sword and accepting its simplicity. "Alright then, I will make do with this."
Encountering someone who exhibited no curiosity was a first for the Dream Tapir. Yet, it dismissed this peculiarity, considering a Fourth Level Essence Qi Realm rookie like Ye Yuan as unworthy of much attention.
The Dream Tapir proceeded to collect basic information from Ye Yuan, prompting him to disclose his name and birthplace. "The capital, the Fragrant Medicine Pavilion, Ye Yuan," he reported.
Acknowledging the information, the Dream Tapir declared emotionlessly, "The test will start now. They are your opponents."
A wave of the Dream Tapir's hand summoned five black-clothed martial artists, all at the Fourth Level Essence Qi Realm—the most ordinary kind. Simultaneously, the illusion of the middle-aged brawny man vanished, leaving Ye Yuan to confront his opponents alone.
In the Entry Advancement test, participants were tasked with defeating five adversaries of the same cultivation level. To the average person, this was a formidable challenge. The dream world prohibited the use of external aids such as weapons, equipment, and medicinal pills. Success hinged solely on the cultivator's innate abilities.
However, for Ye Yuan, this challenge proved to be a mere formality.
As the Dream Tapir faded away, the five black-clothed martial artists coordinated their attacks from different angles. Without drawing his sword, Ye Yuan executed the Stacking Waves Layered Palm, unleashing the First Layer Wave. The ripple of essence energy emanated, sending the adversaries flying backward, completely incapacitated.
The Dream Tapir reappeared, wearing a surprised expression. Ye Yuan turned towards the Dream Tapir with a faint smile and casually remarked, "My apologies. I forgot to mention that I'm here to take the Yellow Rank Advancement test."