My low-key cultivation of immortality was discovered by the emperor in my diary.

Chapter 251 Bewitching Incense, How to Break the Stalemate?

Before the third incense stick burned out, three more people emerged from the plum blossom maze.

Their faces were etched with exhaustion, as if they had just survived a life-or-death ordeal.

Merlin watched all this quietly, and as the last piece of incense ash gently fell into the incense burner, he announced loudly, "Second stage, over!"

The announcement brought a look of relief and joy to all six who had successfully passed the test, especially the man who had rushed out at the last minute, who was particularly excited.

Merlin's disciples then entered the plum blossom maze in an orderly fashion. Their task was to find the challengers who had not yet cleared the maze and guide them safely out of it.

In addition, a dozen or so disciples of Meilin came to the old man Meilin with their record books.

They had been hiding in the shadows, silently observing and recording everyone's behavior so that the old man Merlin could assess their character.

He took the record book and carefully reviewed the records of the six people who passed the test, confirming that their behavior in the maze did not involve damaging the plum tree or harming others.

After a thorough review, the old man, Merlin, nodded in satisfaction, affirming the performance of the six individuals.

They undoubtedly demonstrated outstanding potential in this test.

Two incense sticks' worth of time passed, and with the last challenger leaving the plum blossom maze, the assessment finally came to an end.

Everyone has different expressions.

Some were terrified by the maze's dazzling structure, their faces pale and their hearts still pounding with fear; others beat their chests in frustration, regretting their momentary carelessness.

Some people stared at the six who successfully passed the test, their eyes filled with envy.

Now, only six people remain, and Merlin's personal disciple will be chosen from among them.

The probability of getting one out of six is ​​quite high.

Looking back on the previous assessments, the first round of drawing lots was so simple, but I didn't expect the second round to be so much more difficult.

About two hundred people successfully passed the first stage, but fewer than ten were able to pass the second stage.

Such a high elimination rate is enough to demonstrate the rigor and cruelty of this selection process.

Now, everyone is filled with curiosity and anticipation for the upcoming third challenge.

They all speculated about what the third challenge would be like, and how many of the six people would be able to pass it successfully.

Under the expectant gazes of the crowd, the old man Merlin slowly spoke, "This third test, I call the test of mind and character."

"As we all know, if a cultivator wants to return from the acquired to the innate state, the essence, energy, and spirit must all be perfected."

"And this third test will test your will and character. Only those who can remain steadfast in adversity and not be swayed by external factors will have a chance to pass it."

Upon hearing this, Song Yi and the others focused their attention and listened attentively to the teachings.

Now only six people remain, and perhaps this stage is the key to whether they can become Merlin's personal disciples.

"The test of your character will examine how you deal with various temptations and difficulties," Merlin continued. "In this test, you will enter an illusion and face various tests of your inner demons."

Upon hearing this, the onlookers couldn't help but whisper among themselves and discuss the matter.

"An illusion? A demon in my heart? What should I do?"

"Yes, how do we deal with things that we can't see or touch?"

The old man Merlin smiled slightly and said, "There is no need to worry. Illusions arise from the mind. As long as you all hold fast to your true selves and are not swayed by illusions, you will naturally be able to get through this safely."

"In the illusion, you may encounter various temptations, whether they are what you want or what you fear. But please remember that these are all illusions. Only by sticking to your true self can you break free from the illusion."

"It should be stated that this step involves certain risks and participation is not mandatory."

"Now, those who are willing to try, please come forward." After saying this, the old man Merlin took out another incense stick that was obviously more delicate and precious, and inserted it into the incense burner.

As soon as the incense was lit, a strange fragrance immediately filled the air, as intoxicating as fine wine.

With a wave of his hand, six prayer mats flew out one after another and landed on the ground. He said, "All you need to do is stand around the incense burner and take three deep breaths of the fragrance, and you will enter the illusion."

Although they were apprehensive, none of them were willing to give up here. Following the instructions of the old man Meilin, they stepped forward one by one, took three deep breaths of the fragrance, and sat down on the futons.

Yi Xiaoqi took three deep breaths of the fragrance, and felt a wave of dizziness, and the scene before her eyes began to blur.

When she opened her eyes again, she found herself standing on a cliff, surrounded by clouds and mist, with no bottom in sight.

She was startled and was about to back away when she heard a familiar voice calling from behind her.

"Xiao Qi, why are you standing there? It's too dangerous, come here quickly!"

Yi Xiaoqi turned around abruptly and saw her parents slowly emerging from the clouds and mist. Their figures were so real and so familiar.

"Father? Mother? What's wrong with you...?" Yi Xiaoqi's eyes widened in surprise.

Her father smiled and said, "Isn't it beautiful here? Xiaoqi, haven't you always wanted to leave Wushan and see the outside world? Now is your chance, come with me."

Her mother looked at her with gentle eyes and reached out her hand: "Let's go, Xiao Qi."

Yi Xiaoqi's heart stirred. When she was a child, she had always longed to leave Wushan and venture into the outside world.

However, she clearly remembered that her parents had long since passed away, and everything before her was just an illusion, a test of her character.

She took a deep breath and said firmly, "Father, Mother, I know you are illusions, I won't be fooled."

As soon as she finished speaking, Yi Xiaoqi suddenly realized that although she knew this was an illusion, she didn't know how to get out!

Are you suggesting we let her jump off the cliff?