“Of course, that money went to the city lord. The entire purgatory is under the control of the city lord mansion. At the mountain behind Rhino City, there is a cave known as the Demon’s Cave… Legend had it that during ancient times, a large number of demons were sealed inside it. Later, when Rhino City was built here, the Demon’s Cave’s arcane array was also taken over by the city lord mansion…”
“The formation that allowed entry into the cave was managed by the mansion as well, and gradually, the Demon‘s Cave became what was now known as the purgatory. Some people had trained in the purgatory for an entire year, and when they came out, their strength had skyrocketed, they went straight to level two,” Eason explained everything to Jared.
“Demon’s Cave?” Jared’s eyes lit up. “Father, could you bring me there?”
“Are you really strong enough? The people who entered the Demon’s Cave were all wandering cultivators at a high level, and many never made it out alive. With your current strength, it could be very dangerous if you insist on going in.”
Eason was clearly worried for Jared’s safety.
“Don’t worry, Father. I know my limits. The only question is, can you still afford the five hundred thousand celestial coins?”
Jared was now concerned whether Eason could come up with the fee.
“If you’ve made up your mind, then even if I have to sell everything I own, I’ll get that five hundred thousand celestial coins. You just need to focus on staying safe. If something feels wrong once you’re inside, get out immediately. Don’t try to act tough.”
Eason feared something might happen to Jared. How would explain that to his daughter?
“I understand!” Jared emphatically nodded.
“Okay, if you’ve decided, then come with me!” Eason led Jared away from Fox Spirit House.
Before leaving, Jared went to say a few words to Reidan and Flaxseed. Both of them were living comfortably at Fox Spirit House. Especially Flaxseed, who partied every night, leaving those two women utterly exhausted.
After leaving Fox Spirit House, Eason flew northward with Jared across Rhino City.
Rhino City was massive, and in the northern region stood a towering mountain, tens of thousands of feet tall. It took them over an hour of flying before they slowly descended.
Now standing at the foot of the mountain, Jared felt an overwhelming pressure from the massive peak looming overhead. Halfway up the mountain, there was a cave a three hundred meters wide, surrounded by golden light.
A winding staircase led directly to that cave in the mountain. At the base of the mountain was a courtyard covered by an arcane array, and the stairway began within it.
“What are you here for?” Two armored guards approached and questioned Eason and Jared.
“We‘re here to take the trial in the purgatory,” Eason answered.
The two guards gave them a quick once-over, then stepped aside.
“Go in…”
Eason led Jared into the courtyard and walked over to the payment desk.
“Five hundred thousand celestial coins per person…” A middle-aged woman said without even lifting head.
Eason pulled out an item pouch and tossed it to her. She weighed it briefly with one hand and then put it away casually.
“This is for one person. Which one of you is going?” The woman finally looked up and glanced between Eason and Jared.
“Him…” Eason said, pointing at Jared.
The woman examined Jared more closely, a trace of surprise flashing in eyes.
She told him, “Once you step into the purgatory, your fate is in your own hands. We can’t be held responsible for anything that happens.”
“Don’t worry, even if I die, I won‘t come blaming you,” Jared replied with a faint smile.
The woman took out a faint purple crystal and tossed it to Jared.
“This is the trial crystal for entering the purgatory. Follow the stairs up. There are a total of one hundred and eighty thousand steps, and you must climb them on foot. If you can’t make it all the way up, then you’re not qualified to enter the purgatory. The five hundred thousand celestial coins are non-refundable.”
