Sun to moon, time continued to flow like water. Three days passed in the blink of an eye.

In these three days, the suffocating pressure gripping the Imperial City multiplied several fold. City streets were completely deserted. No matter how bold they were, not a single cultivator dared step out of their cave dwellings. The fear of the demons was too strong.

Phoenix and Dragon Dojo.

Sitting on the rocking chair, Wang Chen seemed lost in a deep meditative state. Inwardly, however, things were different—his focus was inside his spiritual space, the Garden of Eternity.

"Could it be that the time inside this space flows too fast and I just don't notice…?" Wang Chen muttered as he examined the changes that had taken place in just three days. While in reality only three days had passed, it appeared as if inside the Garden, millions of years had gone by.

Truly a magical feeling, Wang Chen feelings were mixed, unable to be put in words.

The once-barren landmass within the one-kilometer square area had completely transformed. All sorts of exotic vegetation now filled the realm. Multi-colored flowers, fruits radiating enticing aroma, and rare miners glowing in the light. The microbial life that had first appeared in the qi sea at the center had rapidly multiplied and evolved. Wang Chen could even detect amphibians resembling something like a strange mix between a fish and an early snake trying to swim out of the Qi Sea and make their way toward the green land.

Everything felt strangely magical and alive. There was just one thing that didn't make sense—everything was incredibly tiny. Some fully mature trees barely reached Wang Chen's knees. Watching this scene, he felt a strange sense of déjà vu, it was like watching a fast forward simulation of how life evolved over time.

It felt like a miniature world.

If things continued at this speed, it wouldn't be long before a flourishing civilization appeared in the Garden of Eternity.

This realization caused him to frown, he was starting to worry what would happen when he tried to break through.

While Wang Chen was examining the changes, he heard commotion outside. It was Li Mei and Lin Huang waiting for him.

Remembering the test he planned to hold today, Wang Chen ignored the changes happening inside his body, stood up, and walked out of the meditation hall.

…

Outside, Li Mei and Lin Huang waited, quietly discussing.

"Senior brother, how do you think teacher is going to test us?"

Li Mei asked innocently, looking up at Lin Huang, her eyelashes fluttering.

However, Lin Huang seemed unaffected. He simply answered, "There's no use asking me, junior sister. Calm your heart—you'll know in a few moments."

Hearing this response, Li Mei puffed her cheeks and pouted. She thought that since Lin Huang had been under Wang Chen's tutelage longer, he might have been tested before—but from his answer, it seemed this was their master's first time conducting one.

Just then, the wooden door slid open, and Wang Chen lazily walked out.

"Good. It seems both of you are prepared for the test."

He cast a cursory glance over them and nodded in satisfaction. As expected of these two little monsters—neither showed the slightest nervousness.

Li Mei and Lin Huang nodded, anticipation clear on their faces.

Maybe Wang Chen was imagining things, but for a brief moment, he noticed the branches of the Bodhi Tree subtly turning in his direction, as if trying to listen in on their conversation.

Apart from its small outburst three days ago, he hadn't heard the tree speak again. As days passed, Wang Chen wondered if he had imagined it—but deep down, he knew something was wrong with this tree.

After being struck by lightning that day, the tree seemed to have gained sentience.

Wang Chen's eyes narrowed dangerously as he eyed the tree in the distance.

Li Mei, keeping her focus on Wang Chen, followed his gaze—only to realize her master was looking at the half-burned Bodhi Tree. She had noticed him trying to cut it down multiple times.

Don't tell me the test is going to be cutting this tree down, she thought, deducing from the limited clues.

Even she was surprised by the tree's resilience—surviving that heavenly lightning was no simple feat.

Wang Chen lightly coughed to ensure he had their full attention. Once both disciples were looking at him, he continued,

"Given how sincere and diligent you both are, I know you'll take this test seriously. But just in case, let me warn you—if you fail, there will be punishment. What kind? That will be decided afterward."

"The test will have two stages. First, I will test your knowledge of the cultivation world. Second, a practical assessment, which will be held in a special environment."

Li Mei and Lin Huang both nodded, listening attentively.

"Now, for the first test, I'll ask a simple question. If you can answer it, you'll be considered to have cleared this stage. If you know the answer, just raise your hand."

Without wasting time, he asked the first question:

"Tell me—what are the creatures of time?"

In the quiet courtyard, the question echoed. A gentle breeze brushed their robes.

Immediately, a slender hand rose. Without even looking, Wang Chen knew who it was.

It was Li Mei. Though the question took her by surprise—since information about creatures of time was scarce and not easily accessible—she quickly realized she was overthinking. Teacher wouldn't question how she knew, not here, not now. So she raised her hand without hesitation.

On the other hand, Lin Huang's face turned red as a tomato. He didn't dare meet Wang Chen's gaze. He had no idea what these so-called creatures of time were.

Perfect. Their reactions were exactly as Wang Chen expected. He calmly signaled to Li Mei to answer.

After receiving his signal, Li Mei gathered her thoughts. The answer had to be surface-level—if she said too much, it might raise suspicion. So she spoke only what was commonly known in the Lower Realm about creatures of time.

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