Min Hong's expression turned solemn as he erupted with a cultivation base of a Peak Qi Sea stage, triggering the cries and the roars of the Dragon, Phoenix, Turtle and Tiger.

Then he made some rapid hand seals as he bellowed;

​​

"Art of Myriad Seals; First Seal!" Then when he ended the first seal, his cultivation surged up by two stages, forcefully pulling it into the 2-Star Dan Formation stage cultivation.

But Min Hong didn't stop there.

He then began to make another series of more complicated hand seal, as a unique and mysterious aura erupted from his body leaking into the environment.

Then he bellowed a second time;

"Art of Myriad Seals; Second Seal activate!"

Boom!

Min Hong's aura erupted as it soared past the 2-Star Dan Formation stage, broke through the 3-Star and into the 4-Star Dan Formation stage before stopping.

Clearly, Min Hong was going all out.

After all, his life and survival depended on it.

Then Min Hong's forehead split open as the 'Eye of Infinite Dao' snapped open, as the golden-green eyeball came to life, then Min Hong's left eye went blank [See Byakugan, all rights to its TM] and his right eye went completely pitch-black.

Clearly, he had just activated all three Daos.

Then he looked up at the incoming meteor of otherworldly ore and stretched out his right hand;

Fwoom!

This time a super-massive Saturn-like ball appeared on floating atop his palm.

The size of this one was about 50 inches in radius as Min Hong's Hand fell slightly by the sheer weight of this technique.

Then the technique began to spin as the Primus Dao acting as an asteroid belt around it began to convert the Chaos Qi within the technique into Oblivion Dao and vice versa in response to Min Hong's thoughts and desire.

Then when the falling metal ore got to about a hundred feet from Min Hong, he jumped high into the sky seemingly planning to take this collision head-on.

Finally, the collision happened;

Boom!

Metal ore debris scattered everywhere before falling into the clear waters below.

At this point, Min Hong's entire arm was already inside this metal ore, trapped.

Apparently, Min Hong had momentarily transformed all the Qi within the Saturn [Permit me to call it that; sounds really killer!] into Chaos Qi.

So, the moment he slammed the Saturn into the metal ore, the Chaos Qi ate away at the ore until Min Hong's arm actually sunk into the massive metal ore.

At this point, Min Hong's size compared to the massive ore was like the size of an adult hugging the [Dubai Death Star].

It was a tragic contrast in size.

Then with his hand and the Saturn within the metal ore, Min Hong began to madly infuse the Saturn with all of the Qi within him. In fact, he was also exhausting his mental energy with it.

Though he couldn't see what was happening within the ore, he could still feel and sense that the Saturn was growing larger, and this seem to stoke the flames of his hope as he shut his eyes then gave up everything he had.

He released every single drop of Qi into the Saturn as he began to feel weakness and lethargy spread across every part of his body.

Then when they got to about 20 feet from the ground, he snapped his fingers as he weakly spoke;

Detonate!

Boom!

A very deep and muffled explosion sound echoed out from within the metal ore, but nothing happened.

Seeing this, Min Hong smiled in disappointment and was just about to admit defeat (After all it was better than getting killed.) when a subtle and extremely negligible cracking sound echoed from deep within the metal ore;

Cra...cka…ka!

Then from within the ore several cracking sounds began to echo out, until the zig-zagging cracks began to show on the ore's surface, starting from the spot where Min Hong's arm had entered into it and went in two opposite directions and just before they made impact with the ground.

The metal ore split in two equal halves as Min Hong slammed into the metal ground, causing him to throw up a mouthful of blood due to the impact his body suffered.

Then Min Hong looked at the metal ore which had been split in half and saw a massive depression at its centre.

It looked more like a planet which had been split in half but with a missing planetary core.

Then the corner of Min Hong's lips curled into a content smile as the first half of the metal ore fell to the side before rolling into the water where it sank to its bottom.

But mysteriously, the other half of the metal ore began to fall inwardly looking to smash Min Hong into a pulp.

Seeing that he wouldn't make it if he rolled outwards before being smashed into a pulp, Min Hong actually rolled inward into the core area of the ore where there was a depression.

Then the ore fell and covered Min Hong like an ant being covered by a bowl. Min Hong who had curled up earlier before the orb fell then opened his eyes.

Then when he sensed that he was still in one piece, he heaved a heavy sigh of relief as he actually went to sleep tragically exhausted.

It wasn't until three days later when Min Hong was energy was fully restored that he woke up, still within the core of the metal ore.

Min Hong sighed in frustration at the thought that the reward he was going to receive this time might not be any better than the previous level.

So, since there was nothing too exciting to look forward to within the rewards room, Min Hong simply sat cross-legged within the core of the metal as he began to meditate.

He had previously sensed earlier that this metal ore was not ordinary and as a matter of fact might not exist in any other dimension asides from this level of the Pagoda of Ascension.

Moreover, there was a potent, mysterious and otherworldly aura within the core of this metal ore that had been intruding into his body for probably the last three days.

Furthermore, his body was already feeling heavy and he could even sense every fibre of his being radiating a metallic aura.

When he sensed this, his eyes snapped open in shock as he began to mumble to himself with a comical sobby face;

"My dear lady luck has once again professed her love to me. Such potent Metal Dao… I thought I had lost the opportunity for a Bronze Tier reward, but who would actually think that my dear lady luck would even reward me with something much better…"

After finishing his theatrics, Min Hong finally shut his eye as he began to comprehend the Dao of Metal.

He opened up every fibre of himself to the aura and allowed it to seep into every fibre of his being.

Then he began to meditate as he gradually entered into a trance until all the auras radiating from him, from the Oblivion aura to Chaos, Primus, Bloodline, Dragon and the rest began to vanish only to be replaced by that of a strong, heavy and sharp metallic aura.

As Min Hong continued to meditate and comprehend the Metal Dao, time also began to flow by just like water around a solid rock.

Day on day, week on week, month on month and year on year, time continued to pass until ten solid years went by.

But on the rock island, one would see that the half otherworldly metal ore that covered Min Hong was shrinking from the outside, but from the inside, it was actually melting into liquid metal before mysteriously vanishing into Min Hong.

The process continued on, but within Min Hong's soul where the Primus Dao Tree was, a golden branch was already growing out.

This branch was radiating the same otherworldly, heavy, sharp and metallic aura as the ore outside.

But at this point, it was still about ten feet long and just as old as the amount of time Min Hong had spent cultivating it; ten solid years!

Min Hong continued to comprehend the Dao as time continued to flow by.

Then five years later, Min Hong finally ended his comprehension.

He opened his eyes and there was disappointment apparent within them, then he looked around and found out that the entire metal ore that was previously covering him was gone.

Then he shook his head as he murmured;

"The entire half of this metal ore was only enough for me to comprehend halfway to the Second Plane Intent Level of the Metal Dao, and though my physical body; most especially my bones also benefitted immensely from it, it would have been really nice if I could just reach the Second Plane Intent Level of the Metal Dao. That way, everything would be in sync." He sighed.

The moment that sigh escaped his mouth, the trial dimension shattered as Min Hong was returned to the fourth level of the Pagoda of Ascension.

But as the rewards door opened and he was about to enter, something mind-blowing occurred.

As if responding to Min Hong's current wish and emotions, the Primus Dao Tree sucked a massive amount of energy from both the Oblivion Dao branch and the Chaos Dao branch as two leaves from each of the Dao branches withered off.

Then the Primus Dao Tree converted these energies and transferred it into the Metal Dao branch, spurring its growth with the new found energy as it finally reached the 20 feet mark.

The moment the Metal Dao branch reached the twenty feet mark, it trembled slightly as leaves began to grow on it and after a few more seconds, a golden fruit radiating metallic aura finally appeared on it.

The moment this occurred, the ancient Qi within the Pagoda of Ascension which was actually more potent and purer than the one outside began to gather around Min Hong as it simultaneously began to surge into Min Hong's soul and Sea of Consciousness.

Just like that, Min Hong's soul and mental power began to surge upwards and after about half an hour, it finally came to a stop.

At that point, Min Hong's soul and mental power had already reached the Top-grade Bronze Rank level.

After this happened, the Primus Dao Tree and the three Dao branches trembled simultaneously for a moment.

Then the Primus Dao began to take energies from their individual Dao branches and feeding it to each other familiarizing these Dao branches with their counterpart's Dao energies.

As a result, these three branches began to synchronize with each other as Min Hong decided to test-run the effects by creating his 'Planetary Annihilation' divine ability once more.

When the Saturn appeared this time, there were traces of golden metallic Qi within it.

Then the Saturn had massively increased in weight, and though it was light in Min Hong's hand, it was at least one percent the total weight of the massive planetary metal ore that fell earlier, which if converted into measurable weight, would actually weigh around 5000 tons.

Then there was the primus energy spinning around the orb which had taken the sharp aura of the Metal Dao.

Min Hong knew that this technique he was carrying, would most likely smash a 5-Star Dan Formation expert into a bloody pulp of flesh and mangled organs.

As he decided there and then that this technique of his would be his ultimate attack for the mean time.

Then he returned to the Primus Dao Tree and touched it once more as it trembled slightly and resonated with his 'Eye of Infinite Dao'.

Then Min Hong remembered the 'Nightmare Aberration' technique he had obtained from plucking the Primus Dao fruit, and instantly tried to test its capabilities.

But as he tried to activate the illusion technique, Min Hong had half of his entire mental and soul energy sucked dry, and it wasn't still near enough to even power it.

Min Hong was utterly stunned...

If half of his mental and soul energy wasn't even enough to power the technique, how much would it then need for him to actually cast and sustain it long enough for his enemy to be affected?

To Min Hong, this only meant one thing; if he wanted to use this 'Nightmare Aberration' divine ability on someone, he must at least possess a cultivation power at the Peak of the Nirvana stage and a soul and mental level of the Peak-grade Silver Rank.

He sighed in wonder as he murmured softly;

"No wonder then trial was that insane. It even got to the extent that everyone around me who was very perceptive could actually sense its effects."

"So, this technique could actually make my victims think they are dead and even their families and everyone they hold deep connections to will think the same… Wow!"

Min Hong commented in awe as he then looked up to the Metal Dao fruit.

But he decided against plucking it. Not because he was scared or terrified or anything, but because he didn't think he had enough time left to do so.

So, he continued on into the rewards room where just as expected he found a pulpit containing three rewards.

When he got to the front of these rewards, he saw a metal shard, just like the one within the trial dimension.

So, he looked down at the description which read;

"Axinite Star Shard… Peak-grade Black Tier ore. It can be used to upgrade the level of any weapon or armour to the Peak-grade Bronze Tier level."

Then he moved to the next reward item which was some a gemstone of some sort.

Its description read;

"Tiemrase Stone… Peak-grade Bronze Tier gemstone. It possesses amplifying properties which make for a great offensive weapon enhancement. It can enhance the damage level of any weapon to the Peak-grade Bronze Tier level."

Min Hong read both descriptions with an uninterested vibe as he looked to the side and a smile tore his lips apart.

He saw the mental cultivation technique of the previous level; the [Scripts of Buddha].

Without even thinking twice, he touched the energy barrier protecting the technique as it vanished alongside the metal shard and the gemstone.

Then without further ado, he willed it and a mysterious energy ripple washed over him as he vanished from the spot.

Then he reappeared at the entrance of the Pagoda of Ascension to a familiar view.

It was the 'great elder' and Little Wu who had been waiting for him for a very long time according to the timeline outside the Pagoda of Ascension.

Then when he finally got to their position, Little Wu looked at him and spoke;

"I know it is impossible for the trial to actually keep you for that long, so what happened in there?"

Min Hong then went on to narrate the entire trials from him having to wait for hours before it finally begun, to the nature of the trials and as well as his lucky encounter with the Metal Dao.

By the time they were done, Little Wu and the 'great elder' looked at each other before the old man spoke;

"I don't know why the nature and rules of the Pagoda of Ascension changed, but you must be very careful from now henceforth… With the way things are going, you seem to have triggered its aggressive training mode and if one is not careful, one might really lose his life."

Little Wu also nodded at the validity of the 'great elder's statement, before they heard Min Hong's shocking response;

"As long as the rewards are just as aggressive and top-notch as the training, I don't mind losing a little flesh to obtain it. After all, no risk no rewards, right?"

"I nearly forgot how hungry you are to obtain power. I guess we were just over worrying ourselves then. Since you have decided and the training is already done, what do you want to do next?"

Little Wu sighed and patted Min Hong on the shoulder as he asked.

"It should be about time we exit seclusion, and we still have some other minor things to take care of before going for the entrance selection exams."

"Thus, I would have to postpone all cultivation for now and try to help Little Ming and Elder Yun prepare for their cultivation journey."

"Moreover, I am yet to give Min Qing the sword I obtained for her from the previous trial." Min Hong explained his plans to duo in front of him.

The 'great elder' also nodded before waving his sleeves, as an energy ripple washed over the trio and they vanished from sight. On getting to the hut, Min Hong and Little Wu left the 'great elder' within the 'Realm of Creations' before appearing within his Mind Palace.

Then after sitting cross-legged atop his futon in a yoga stance, Little Wu gave some extra advice before returning to the 'Bridge of Ancestors.'

The moment Min Hong opened his eyes, he saw the Min Qing trio looking at him in expectation. Then Min Hong cleared the curious atmosphere as he asked;

"Little Ming how far have you progressed in your cultivation?"

"I only just stepped into the 8-Star Dan Formation stage about three days ago and my bloodline purity has also reached the 30 percent mark." Little Ming smugly answered, prompting a smile from Min Hong who then turned to ask Elder Yun the same question.

"Young master, my Void Soul Owl bloodline purity just reached the 35 percent mark while that of my Quicksilver Eagle just reached the 10 Percent level and I am already halfway through the formations of my second nascent soul…" Elder Yun replied respectfully.

"How many Daos were you able to comprehend in the Dan Formation stage and which Dao are you planning on using to form your second nascent soul?"

Min Hong asked just as she finished replying. He knew Elder Yun had formed her first Nascent Soul with the Wind Dao, but the problem was that, he knew that the material she used in comprehending that Dao must have been weak.

As a result, he wanted her to use the best material to form her next nascent soul.

"I comprehended the Wind Dao, Flame Dao, Slaughter Dao and due to my long exposure to your grandfather Min Tian, I also comprehended the Sword Dao."

"Furthermore, my bloodline also possesses an innate Void Dao, though I am yet to even comprehend its concept.

"But I have not set-in-stone which Dao I will use to form the next nascent soul." Elder Yun explained…