Lord Igris's brows furrowed at the question, his usually composed expression showing faint surprise. "The Lotus of Clear Serenity?" he repeated, his deep voice echoing softly through the violet air. "That is a rare item indeed, but you will not find it in this wasteland. It does not grow here."

He turned slightly, walking a few steps toward one of the nearby stone structures. From a compartment in his armor, he took out an old parchment and unfolded it with care. The parchment shimmered faintly as he channeled a small amount of mana into it, and immediately a three-dimensional map of the secret domain appeared in the air before them. The projection was enormous, covering a wide area and glowing faintly with ethereal light.

"This is the current map of the secret domain," Lord Igris said, handing the parchment to Max. "It is an updated version, verified and remade after the spatial layers of the domain shifted when the gates opened this time. Each time the secret domain reopens, its internal landscape changes. Old locations vanish, new ones appear, and the environment resets itself. That is why only a few of us who live within the domain permanently can maintain an accurate map."

Max looked down at the parchment, his sharp eyes scanning the markings. The map was covered in countless symbols, mountain ranges, glowing rivers, and what looked like strange barrier lines that separated regions. It was clear that this wasn't just a physical map—it was a spiritual one, containing layers of energy that only someone with strong perception could interpret.

Lord Igris pointed at one of the glowing regions on the map, a place shaped like a blooming lotus near the center of the domain. "You see this?" he said, his tone calm but firm. "That is where you will find what you're looking for. The Lotus of Clear Serenity grows in a place known as the Mirror Lake of Souls. It is located at the edge of the inner region, just before the path to the core region begins."

"Mirror Lake of Souls," Max repeated quietly, memorizing the name as his gaze followed the markings on the map.

Igris nodded. "It is a sacred and dangerous place. The lake itself is said to reflect not your appearance but your soul. Many who have gone there lost themselves completely because they were unable to withstand what they saw. The Lotus of Clear Serenity grows at the heart of that lake, nourished by the energy of countless fallen souls."

He folded his arms, his voice taking on a deeper tone. "You must understand, Max, the Lotus of Clear Serenity is not just a medicinal plant or cultivation resource. It is a spiritual treasure. It has the power to cleanse impurities within your body and stabilize divine energy, but it demands a price. Only those with unshakable will and a heart untainted by regret can claim it without being consumed by their own reflection."

Max listened in silence, absorbing every word. His gaze returned to the glowing map, his expression calm but determined.

Lord Igris continued, his tone softening slightly. "In this secret domain, there are three major regions, and each region represents a different trial for the geniuses who enter here. The first trial region is where all of you land after entering. It tests survival and strength—it separates the weak from the strong. That is the outer region, where you first met us."

He gestured at another layer on the map. "The second trial region lies deeper—the inner region. That is where you must now go. It tests the mind, spirit, and comprehension of power. Every creature, every place in that region exists to challenge a genius's understanding of themselves and the laws they wield. It is also where treasures like the Lotus of Clear Serenity can be found. Only those who have tempered their hearts and strengthened their souls can pass through it."

His hand then moved toward the center of the glowing projection, where a massive whirlpool-like structure pulsed faintly with light. "And finally, there is the core region. That place… is beyond imagination. It contains the legacy of the Seven Divine Lords themselves. Every being who enters there is judged by the laws of creation itself. Only the chosen few—those who have proven their worth in both body and spirit—can even step foot there."

He looked back at Max, his gaze firm and penetrating. "This map will guide you through all three regions. The markings will change as the domain shifts, but as long as you keep the parchment close, it will realign itself with your location. Consider it a key, and a lifeline."

Max held the parchment carefully, his eyes still fixed on the floating map. The thought of the Mirror Lake of Souls lingered in his mind, and his expression hardened slightly. "Understood," he said after a moment. "I'll head there next."

Lord Igris nodded slowly, the faintest trace of pride in his eyes. "Good. You have already surpassed every expectation I had of you, but do not let that make you careless. The inner region is nothing like the wasteland you have walked so far. The energy there is purer, more violent, and filled with remnants of the divine. Every step you take will test your will. You may find treasures, but you may also find despair."

He stepped closer and placed a heavy hand on Max's shoulder. "Remember, strength alone will not see you through the next trial. What lies ahead will challenge not your body but your soul. Be wary of what you see and what you believe. The Lotus of Clear Serenity will show you both."

Max nodded once more, his expression unshaken. He folded the parchment carefully and stored it within his storage space. "Then I'll make sure I'm ready for whatever awaits me there," he said quietly.

Lord Igris gave him a small nod, his eyes gleaming faintly. "That is the spirit I expected from you. Go, Max."

"Thank you, Lord Igris for taking care of me." Max bowed deeply before slowly walking away from him.

Lord Igris smiled at Max lightly and nodded his head.

Max glanced once more at the black cube resting silently in the distance before turning away. The journey ahead was uncertain, but he had already chosen his path—and nothing would stand in his way.

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