Chapter 18: Clearing the S-Rank Trial Mission

The tree root, as thin as a thumb, was instantly engulfed in golden flames and quickly turned into charcoal.

The roots covering the walls of the tunnel reacted violently, coming to life like countless writhing snakes crawling along the walls.

The banyan tree spirit hadn't expected this outsider to possess such remarkable wisdom. Realizing that its lie had been exposed, it decided to drop the act and shouted fiercely:

"Since you refuse to come over, then die!"

The ground of the stone cave cracked open, debris rising as thick roots burst through, twisting like tentacles and lunging toward Zhang Yuanqing.

At this distance, even without the Red Dancing Shoes, Zhang Yuanqing could easily escape.

So, you really were trying to lure me in… Instead of retreating, Zhang Yuanqing advanced. He slid forward to dodge the entangling roots, closing the distance between himself and the banyan tree. Then, he propelled himself into the air, jumping several meters high to evade a sweeping attack.

More and more roots broke through the ground, wildly thrashing within the cave.

Zhang Yuanqing moved gracefully between the tentacles, dodging and leaping. No matter how desperately the roots tried, they failed to catch him.

If he hadn't subdued the Red Dancing Shoes, relying solely on the Demon-Subduing Cudgel, a novice facing this challenge would have had an extremely high death rate.

Tap, tap, tap… The Red Dancing Shoes sprinted along the walls, evading the roots' grasp and strikes. With a powerful push from his knees, Zhang Yuanqing shot through the entangling roots like an arrow, slamming toward the tree trunk.

Seeing the human hurtling toward it, the face on the tree trunk displayed clear terror.

Boom!

The stones at the base of the roots shattered as even more roots erupted, forming a wooden barrier.

Zhang Yuanqing drove the Demon-Subduing Cudgel into the barrier with force.

Golden flames spread across the wooden wall, making the banyan tree spirit scream in agony.

Seizing the moment, Zhang Yuanqing crashed through the charred wooden barrier, driving the sharp trident tip of the Demon-Subduing Cudgel deep into the tree trunk.

Thunk!

The trident pierced deeply into the wood, and in an instant, a brilliant sunburst of golden light erupted from the dark cave.

The golden light twisted the tree trunk, distorting the human-like face, which let out a piercing shriek as blue smoke hissed from it.

In that moment, the trapped souls hidden within the tree trunk also wailed as they dissipated into wisps of blue smoke.

All ghosts and spirits vanished, obliterated by the golden radiance.

As the golden light faded, the cave returned to darkness but felt much cleaner and clearer.

Zhang Yuanqing's first instinct was not to check if the banyan tree spirit was truly dead but to immediately remove the Red Dancing Shoes and store them in his inventory.

It had been nearly five minutes since he entered the cave.

After securing the Red Dancing Shoes, he finally turned his attention to the great banyan tree. It had withered, its bark cracked and dry, the roots scattered lifelessly across the cave.

A cold mechanical voice echoed in his mind:

[Ding! Congratulations on completing the S-Rank Trial Mission. The character card has been unlocked. Rewards are being calculated.]

[Acquired Item: Demon-Subduing Cudgel.]

[Experience Points Awarded: 100%.]

[You have become a Night Wanderer.]

[Additional Experience Points Awarded: 20%.]

[Character Card Reward Activated: Acquired Item – Red Dancing Shoes.]

[You will exit the Spirit Realm in five minutes…]

It's finally over… Zhang Yuanqing felt utterly exhausted, as if completely drained.

He had cleared the Sheling Tunnel, accomplishing something no one had managed to do in decades.

As the notification sounded, the black moon mark on Zhang Yuanqing's forehead emerged, releasing an eerie and mysterious power. This force surged into his body with overwhelming dominance.

His skin flushed red like a boiled shrimp, while the strange energy coursed through him, merging into every cell, every bone. His injured arm healed visibly before his eyes.

His body trembled uncontrollably, and within his eyes, two illusory black moons briefly appeared before vanishing.

The pain faded quickly, replaced by a soothing sensation like soaking in a hot spring.

So comfortable… Zhang Yuanqing felt a deep relaxation wash over him, a strong urge to stretch lazily. Instinctively, he looked down—and was startled to see his body standing in place.

I… my soul has left my body?!

Panic surged through him. Reflexively, he willed himself back, and his soul instantly sank, merging with his body.

Upon regaining control, Zhang Yuanqing noticed something new—a talent had awakened within him.

He accepted this newfound ability naturally, as if it had always been part of him.

At the same time, his body brimmed with boundless energy and strength, almost giving him the illusion that he could punch through a planet.

Zhang Yuanqing opened his character status panel:

[Name: Primordial Celestial Lord]

[Race: Human]

[Class: Night Wanderer]

[Level: 1]

[Skills: Night Roam, Soul Devour, Lunar Essence]

[Experience: 20%]

[Morality Score: 60 (Initial Value)]

[Night Roam (Active): Harness the power of the lunar force to cloak yourself, entering a roaming state. During this time, you gain temporary invisibility, suppress your scent, breath, and body heat, and mute any noise you make. Duration: 6 seconds.]

[Soul Devour (Active): Absorb souls to enhance your spiritual energy.]

[Lunar Essence (Passive): As a Night Wanderer, you possess a resilient physique, extraordinary vitality, and rapid regeneration. At night, all your abilities receive a significant boost.]

He had officially become a Night Wanderer and even gained an additional 20% experience. Along with the item rewards, this trial had been incredibly rewarding.

Zhang Yuanqing opened his inventory, where the Red Dancing Shoes lay quietly in the first slot. The 30-minute countdown had disappeared.

He was now the rightful owner of the Red Dancing Shoes.

Two minutes later, after adjusting to his new body, he noticed that the wounds on his arms had fully healed.

Then, his gaze shifted toward the stone coffin.

The mission was over, meaning exploration had reached 100%. Was the coffin empty?

"So the banyan tree spirit was the temple keeper all along… That means every key character has appeared. How did he become a tree spirit? Is his physical body inside the coffin?"

With these thoughts, Zhang Yuanqing stepped toward the stone coffin, hoping to loot it—perhaps there was treasure buried inside.

He summoned the Red Dancing Shoes again, activating them just to be safe.

The coffin was wrapped in withered roots. Zhang Yuanqing slashed through them with the Demon-Subduing Cudgel, revealing the coffin's full form.

It was about two meters long, with intricate carvings on its surface and a thin layer of dust on the lid.

Creak…

He slowly pushed open the lid and peered inside. As a Night Wanderer, even without the Demon-Subduing Cudgel's power, he could see clearly in the dark.

Inside lay a female corpse, dressed in a decayed ancient robe. Her arms were crossed over her flat stomach. She had a slender waist, a graceful figure, and showed no signs of decay.

The woman's face was exquisite, with perfectly sculpted cheeks, a delicate nose, and sensuous lips that were pale. Her long eyelashes framed her closed eyes.

A breathtaking beauty.

This… Zhang Yuanqing staggered back, one thought racing through his mind:

Is this really the Three Dao Mountain Goddess?!