After letting everyone rest in the hall for an hour, Queen Huanxin returned the "Nightmare Heart Technique" scroll, which she had given to Xiangxiang for imprinting, to Ling Feng. She then instructed Xiangxiang to take the four people who passed the first round of tests to the location for the second round of testing.

Among the four, only one would eventually be able to use Queen Huanxin's Time Hourglass.

Of course, when using the Time Hourglass, one must remain inside the Heavenly Illusion Palace and cannot take it outside.

Under Xiangxiang's guidance, the group bypassed the side of the main hall and arrived at a cave situated not far west of the palace.

Inside the cave, the colors were brilliant and dazzling, making them feel as if they had entered a starry sky.

Everyone marveled in admiration and clicked their tongues in wonder.

Ling Feng squinted slightly, observing the entire cave reflect with rippling lights in the flowing water, with mottled light spots on the stone walls, exuding a dreamlike sensation.

"Miss Xiangxiang, those stone steps seem to have some hidden mystery! It feels like a phantom, as if life is but a dream."

Ling Feng wasn't distracted by the light spots but just looked at the nine stone steps across the river and casually asked.

Leading the way, Xiangxiang had been silent, but now she turned around in surprise, gazing at Ling Feng in amazement: "Young Master Ling, you are truly extraordinary. You could sense the aura of the nine-layered phantom before even entering the Dream Pool! Hehe, you're the first person in ten years with such keen perception."

Ling Feng smiled faintly. His soul origin far exceeded that of ordinary people, making these sensations easy for him to perceive.

Murong Huang frowned slightly and snorted, "Hmph, just happened to take a closer look at those steps and babbled some nonsense, like a blind cat stumbling upon a dead mouse!"

Xiangxiang glanced back at Murong Huang, nonchalantly saying, "Young Master Murong is a genius of the Deserted City and naturally cannot be compared to ordinary people."

"You lowly maid dare speak to me like this!"

Murong Huang's heart was filled with anger. Although Xiangxiang spoke flattering words, her expression and attitude were completely different from those towards Ling Feng, even somewhat contemptuous, which evidently stung his fragile self-esteem.

"This is Tianhuan Island, Young Master Murong. If you want to flaunt your power, you'd better find another place to do so!"

Xiangxiang showed not the slightest bit of fear, inadvertently revealing the aura of a Half-step Human Emperor, leaving Murong Huang dumbstruck.

That a mere maid could have the cultivation of a Half-step Human Emperor!

Moreover, judging by age, she seemed even younger than him but stronger than him!

Murong Huang was deeply struck. How could he, supposedly a top genius of the Deserted City, not even compare to a mere maid?

Yang Huanzhi chuckled secretly. Although Xiangxiang was named a maid, she was actually like a sister to his elder sister. While others needed to pass trials to use treasures like the Time Hourglass, Xiangxiang could use them as she pleased!

The Human Emperor experts he met before mostly had inflated egos and relied on their seniority. This Queen Huanxin was truly an exception.

Offering the "Nightmare Heart Technique" was just a minor effort for her, but he must remember this kindness.

If there is ever an opportunity in the future, he should lend Queen Huanxin a helping hand or two.

Murong Huang, finding no amusement, snorted and said no more.

Xiangxiang chuckled lightly, not arguing with Murong Huang, and continued leading Ling Feng and the others forward until they stopped in front of a river.

"This little river is called the Dream Pool. The water is filled with the power of the Dream Rule. If you fall in, you'll be trapped in nightmares, and unless the Queen intervenes personally, you'll find it difficult to awaken."

Pointing to the stone steps, Xiangxiang continued, "These nine-level stone steps are called the nine-layered phantom, and with each subsequent step, the power of the dream rule increases. Generally speaking, anyone who can pass the Sixth Level of Dream is a rare Refining God genius over a century."

"This second round of testing requires you to enter the Dream Pool. Whosoever can break through the most phantoms within an Hour is the winner."

"Hehe, Sister Xiangxiang, I won't compete. I forfeit!"

Yang Huanzhi, grinning mischievously, looked at Xiangxiang and said with a laugh, "Anyway, I can't get past the Fifth Level. Brother Ling, however, might break through the Sixth Level. As for others..."

Yang Huanzhi glanced at Murong Huang and, sensing his anger, quickly raised his hand with a smile, "Forget I said anything!"

"What a dog-eyed fool!"

Murong Huang snorted coldly, stepping out from the crowd, saying coldly, "Hmph, I'll go first!"

Xiangxiang smiled sweetly, gesturing for Murong Huang to proceed, "Young Master, please!"

"Hmph!"

Murong Huang raised his head proudly and stepped boldly onto the first level of the stone steps.

Then, with a flash before his eyes, he immediately fell into an illusion.

Murong Huang sneered; such a level of mirage couldn't confuse him.

In almost an instant, Murong Huang broke through the First Layer of the dream, stepping onto the second-level stone steps.

Subsequently, in just a brief ten breaths, he stepped onto the third-level stone steps.

"What nine-layered phantom, it's no such big deal—"

Before he finished speaking, Murong Huang suddenly felt something wrong. Sweat dripped from his forehead as he stood transfixed on the third-level stone steps.

He surprisingly discovered he was beginning to find it hard to distinguish reality from illusion.

"And only at the Third Level is it like this. If you break through the Sixth Layer, I'll concede!"

Yang Huanzhi shook his head and said to Xiangxiang, "Sister Xiangxiang, isn't that called overestimating oneself?"

Xiangxiang gave Yang Huanzhi a sidelong glance; although not engaging in banter, it was evident that she and Yang Huanzhi had quite a familiar and somewhat tacit connection.

Ling Feng touched the bridge of his nose, concluding that Yang Huanzhi must have a close association with the Heavenly Illusion Palace, likely being a disciple or descendant of Queen Huanxin.

What a pity that Ling Feng never had the chance to take Queen Huanxin's pulse; otherwise, with his medical skills, he would surely have found that Queen Huanxin and Murong Zining were probably around the same age, which, considering a Human Emperor's lifespan of over 500 years, still meant she was quite youthful!

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