"But this is only the beginning of the test. Do you still have the courage to continue?" asked Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva.

Looking at Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, Xu Xinnian felt a surge of inexplicable faith.

He nodded vigorously and said, "Bodhisattva, I have the courage to continue!"

Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva smiled slightly and said, "Alright, then come with me."

After saying that.

Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva turned and walked forward, and Xu Xinnian quickly followed.

They passed through a dark forest, filled with an eerie mist from which strange noises could be heard from time to time.

Xu Xinnian looked around warily, gripping his sword tightly in his hand.

Suddenly, a group of phantom ghosts floated out from the tree trunk.

They have no physical form, yet they can emit chilling screams, attempting to disturb Xu Xinnian's mind.

Xu Xinnian immediately assumed a defensive stance, ready to make a move.

One of the phantom ghosts uttered a weak voice: "Save us... We've been trapped for too long..."

Xu Xinnian's heart stirred, and he slowed down his attack.

He discovered that although these phantoms and ghosts appeared ferocious, their eyes revealed endless pain and pleading.

Xu Xinnian tried to communicate with them: "Why are you trapped here? How can I help you?"

The phantoms and ghosts chattered amongst themselves.

It turns out that they were all murdered by villains and died unjustly.

Being trapped by such deep-seated obsessions, unable to break free.

Xu Xinnian felt pity and used his immortal power to try to purify their resentment.

Thanks to Xu Xinnian's efforts, the black aura on the phantom ghost gradually dissipated, and its face became peaceful.

Finally, it turned into a wisp of breeze and disappeared.

Before it dissipated, it looked at Xu Xinnian gratefully: "Thank you for freeing us."

With the first one freed, the other phantom ghosts were also encouraged.

Xu Xinnian continued to use his divine power to help more phantom ghosts escape their suffering.

After walking for an unknown amount of time, they arrived at a huge palace.

The palace gates were tightly closed, covered with all sorts of strange patterns that seemed to tell ancient and mysterious stories.

Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva raised his hand and waved, and the palace gates slowly opened.

An ancient and solemn aura wafted over me.

"Go in, this is the second test," said Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva.

Xu Xinnian took a deep breath and stepped into the palace.

The palace was dimly lit, with only a few dim oil lamps flickering in the corners.

The walls around the room were covered with various portraits, the figures in which looked pained, as if they were enduring endless torment.

In a dark corner of the palace.

Several shadow spirits were lurking among them; they could manipulate the darkness and were ready to deliver a fatal blow to Xu Xinnian at any moment.

Suddenly, the temperature inside the palace dropped sharply.

Xu Xinnian felt as if he were in an ice cellar. He quickly circulated his immortal power to resist the cold.