Liang tore his eyes away from the mesmerizing architecture, now fully captivated by her cryptic words. The air seemed to thicken as the woman awaited a response, her eyes gleaming with a knowing light. Dong Rui mulled over the question, understanding that it was more than mere rhetoric.
"The serpent, surely, for its hunger is endless," Dong Rui ventured.
"Or the sparrow," Liang interjected thoughtfully, "for it seeks to transcend its very nature."
The woman nodded approvingly, her smile now tinged with satisfaction. "Ah, both perspectives hold truth, yet neither tells the whole story."
As her voice faded, two crystals lining the walls floated into the air, one drifting towards Liang and the other towards Dong Rui. The woman scrutinized each man for a long moment before speaking again.
"One crystal contains the law of Transformation, while the other holds the law of Devouring."
Turning to Liang, she said, "Since you chose the sparrow, you shall experience the law of Transformation." Her gaze then shifted to Dong Rui. "As for you, naturally, you will acquire the law of Devouring."
Liang, expressionless but curious, suddenly asked, "What about the other crystals?"
The woman’s eyes flickered with surprise before giving Liang another assessing glance. "Naturally, each contains a different law."
"I see," Liang nodded, a mysterious smile appearing on his face.
The woman extended her hand, and a sand clock materialized on her palm. "You will have ninety-nine hours before all the sand falls. If by that time you haven’t comprehended the profundity within the crystal, you will be expelled."
Kicked out? Liang and Dong Rui exchanged glances, finding the phrasing peculiar, perhaps even a bit offensive.
"Now, let’s begin." The woman flipped the sand clock, and instantly, the crystals beside each of them flared as bright as young stars. Strands of light circled around them, forming shimmering cocoons of light .
Without much hesitation, both of them sat cross-legged and closed their eyes. Although it wasn’t that they were entirely careless, in their current state with their cultivation sealed, they were no different from ordinary mortals. They understood that their capabilities were significantly diminished. However, they felt a sense of security knowing that the Chess Paragon, despite his formidable reputation, wouldn’t dare to harm them with so many witnesses present. The presence of numerous observers provided a layer of protection, as any rash actions on the Chess Paragon’s part would draw immediate attention and likely result in severe consequences for him.
Focusing on the energies emanating from their respective crystals. Liang felt a rush of force from the Transformation crystal, a cascading torrent of possibilities and symbols etching themselves into his consciousness. He imagined himself as the sparrow, wings outstretched, his form shifting to adapt to any environment or situation. Sparks of insight ignited within him, each new form bringing a revelation about the nature of existence and change.
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As the hours passed, these sensations deepened. The outside world faded into insignificance, replaced by vivid visions and profound epiphanies. Through the crystal, Liang witnessed transformations, cycles of life that surpassed mere physical changes. He saw the evolution of thoughts, the metamorphosis of souls, and the rebirth of ideals.
Each experience resonated with an intensity that was almost palpable, as if the fabric of reality itself was woven into his very soul. He could sense his understanding of the law of transformation crystallizing, each fragment of knowledge falling into place like pieces of an intricate mosaic.
Imagine, if you will, a humble sparrow transforming into a magnificent phoenix. The sight would be nothing short of mesmerizing, a living testament to the boundless potential inherent in all creatures.
Every living being , no matter how small or grand, harbors an innate desire to evolve, to exceed the limits imposed upon it by nature and circumstance. This drive is an intrinsic part of life’s tapestry. Even the phoenix, a symbol of immortality and rebirth, carries within it an unquenchable thirst for transcendence. For while it may rise from its ashes, reborn and resplendent, the phoenix too aspires to heights yet unimagined, seeking realms beyond its existence.
Dong Rui’s experience was more intense, the Devouring crystal pulling at her essence with a relentless hunger. Power swelled within her, drawing on her deepest strengths and desires. She saw creatures large and small being consumed, their essence feeding a larger existence. But beyond the primal hunger, The the act of devouring was not just destructive—it was a form of preservation, a way to carry forward the essence of all that was consumed.
Hours turned into days within the cocoon of light. Liang’s mind journeyed through endless transformations, learning not only about physical change but also about the alteration of the mind and spirit. Each form he took expanded his understanding of the universe’s interconnectedness.
"Ninety-nine hours," she murmured under her breath, her fingers delicately tracing the intricate designs on the hourglass, each touch filled with reverence and anticipation.
As the final grain of sand settled at the bottom, the shimmering light cocoons encasing Liang and Dong Rui began to fade, their glow dimming to a soft, ambient light. Almost as if choreographed, their eyes fluttered open simultaneously, revealing a depth of understanding and enlightenment that had not been there before.
"Well done," she said, her voice like a soft echo that reverberated through the silent chamber. "Just in time."
Liang frowned slightly, feeling a lingering aura from the crystal and the enlightenment he had gained from the law of Transformation. Yet, something gnawed at the edges of his mind. If each crystal here indeed embodied a unique law, wouldn’t that be too unbelievable? Such a collection of treasures would surely incite wars if its existence were known. Even though the Chess Paragon was immensely powerful, many beings eclipsed him in strength. Unless…
A sudden, unsettling thought surfaced. His gaze drifted momentarily to the grand throne at the end of the chamber.
"Are you ready for another question?" The woman’s soft, melodic voice interrupted his train of thought, pulling him back to the present moment.
Liang exchanged a glance with Dong Rui, a silent understanding passing between them before he nodded.
"A renowned painter crafts a masterpiece that captures the essence of a fleeting moment. A skilled sculptor chisels a statue that embodies the struggles and aspirations of an entire generation. Which art form transcends time and leaves a more enduring legacy?"