"The reason is simple, kid," the fat toad began, "because beneath us lies not only the Dark Force, but also the great ancient Black Holy City of Xinsas, which, before the previous era, was the pilgrimage path that newly hatched Xinsas and Guda Suoke used to connect with the great will."

"The newly hatched Xinsas and Guda Suoke, their strength is nearly that of you trainees," the voice of the old dragon echoed again: "Over the years, the erosion of the Dark Force has damaged part of the Barrier, allowing those of your strength level to enter."

Fang Hong then understood.

He looked at his arms and asked, "What should we do?"

"You don't need to do anything," the Old Dwarf replied, "Everyone who joins the trial will gain strength from the divine power of Lady Milaila; you will bring the power of purification deep into the ruins. The deeper you go, the more you will compensate for the seals that were damaged back then."

So that was how the trial worked. Fang Hong now understood the reason behind the legendary Giant Dragon's arrangement—it seemed that the other party had been able to make Milaila's Demi-God Artifact also because of a pact made with the Goddess of Life.

Thus, the Demi-God Artifact not only provided Shelter for Cloud Harbor but was primarily meant to suppress the dark forces beneath the island.

But this made him even more curious—what exactly lay dormant in the depths of the island? Was it really an ancient Dark Deity?

"But that is merely the purpose for ordinary people," the fat toad spoke up again, "You, Telaric, and Prince Sokin have a much more significant purpose—to find the ancient Spire, and to reenact the ancient prophecies and plans of Numelin."

"I never agreed to such a thing."

That's what Fang Hong thought, but nevertheless, he couldn't help glancing at Telaric beside him.

The Lizardman Prince, sensing something, also turned to look at him and then gave him a slight nod.

The fat toad continued, "Asuka's rituals stem from knowledge shrouded in darkness. Let that old red-skin bless you, little one from Andasok. From the moment of your birth, you were destined for such a fate."

Telaric nodded slightly, then extended his hand to the elder of the Blood Lizardmen.

The old Blood Lizardman looked gently at the Lizardman Prince, nodded, and a headpiece of splendid feathers swayed gently. He extended his claw and placed it on Telaric's arm.

Fang Hong watched this scene with some curiosity. The blessing they gave hinged on converting life force into magic power—though he hadn't experimented with it yet, he understood the function of this ability from its description.

But Telaric was a warrior; did such an ability make sense for him? Or could it be that the effects of the rituals were different for different people?

As he wondered this, the fat toad seemed to see through his thoughts and squinted, saying, "There are countless aspects of dark knowledge, each person naturally gaining different insights. However, be cautious, for as the old red-skin said, the knowledge of darkness is as dangerous as it is powerful. If you can't hold onto your self, one small misstep could transform you into a true monster."

At this, Fang Hong immediately thought of Nikopolas and the Dragon Slayer clan, and shivered uncontrollably.

Nevertheless, he thought, 'I am an Invoker, can Invokers turn into dragons too? Of course, Dark Creatures are not only Dark Giant Dragons—turning into those twisted monsters would indeed be quite the joke.'

At that moment, the fat toad spoke again, "As for you, mortal, come here, extend your hand. Let us see, what the Stars will tell you. They guard ancient secrets, and the power within the stars is no less significant than the knowledge of darkness—"

Fang Hong was startled and turned to look at the speaker.

He then remembered, that was the lineage of Tada Lizard Clan—Ka Cuilan, heirs of the Guda Suoke Lizardman Ritualist bloodline. Andasok derived strength from the sun while Asuka revered the dark secrets within the moon.

And Ka Cuilan were the guardians of the stars and the night sky.

Belonging to the school of Prophets and Astrologers.

By then, the fat toad had already lightly pressed on his arm.

...

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