"Hmm, this is interesting." The sphinx-like monster sounded somewhat surprised. "Your cultivation level is beyond my expectations. If I were to face you directly, it would be quite troublesome."

Li Changsheng and Xuan Bajing exchanged a glance, both shocked. The existence of this monster was truly unbelievable. Moreover, the fact that it only mentioned "a little trouble" proved that even face-to-face, the emperor might not be able to defeat it. What kind of monster was this that was so powerful?

"You're not in this time and space?" Zhao Hao raised an eyebrow. He couldn't understand how the other party had done all this. The world is indeed vast and mysterious.

The monster nodded: "You're quite clever. There are many time-spaces between us, so naturally you can't hurt me."

Zhao Hao's expression changed drastically. This was completely beyond his imagination. At the same time, he was somewhat excited. There really were beings in this world more powerful than himself. Did that mean that the path to immortality was not so illusory?

He couldn't help but ask, "Can you live forever?"

The others were also startled, staring intently at the monster. For a moment, they even found its strange body somewhat handsome.

The monster was also taken aback, then laughed and said, "This is really strange. Usually, I'm the one asking others questions, but now I'm the one being asked questions."

It paused for a moment and then said, "If I were in a good mood, I wouldn't have any problem answering your question, but unfortunately, I'm not in a good mood today."

It thought of the two women from earlier and felt a surge of anger. It had never suffered such a big setback in all these years.

Hearing its tone, Zhao Hao felt a surge of eagerness: "How can I get you to answer my question?"

The other party seemed to know about immortality.

"Pass my test first, then we'll talk about other things." The monster revealed a strange smile. "By the way, my name is Sphinx. Remember this name, lest you die without knowing who killed you."

Everyone felt a chill run down their spines upon hearing this. This monster was extremely strange, and such a statement was clearly not unfounded.

The monster continued, "I'm going to ask you a question in a bit. If you answer correctly, you'll pass. If you answer incorrectly... hehe, I'll take your souls. How about that, fair?"

Zhao Hao frowned slightly, momentarily doubting the truthfulness of the other party's words. Was it really separated by a great deal of time and space, or was it some kind of illusion used to deceive him?

There's no reason why I can't hurt it; it can take my soul away across time and space.

Over the years, he had been unaccustomed to putting his safety in the unknown, and thought he might try to take the initiative again.

Seemingly sensing his thoughts, the monster said with a strange expression, "My patience has its limits, don't make me angry."

Zhao Hao directly stated what was on his mind: "Since I can't hurt you, you shouldn't be able to hurt me either. You're just bluffing."

Li Changsheng and Xuan Bajing secretly admired the Emperor, who was indeed the strongest. His composure and demeanor were beyond their reach.

As for the other two, they were already trembling with fear and could hardly think straight.

The monster replied, "Indeed, my attack methods are indeed..."

It won't harm you either, but if you don't answer my questions within the allotted time, I will take your souls. This is the law of this world, and you cannot defy it.

He paused and then added, "If you anger me, I will ask you a difficult question that no one can answer, and then you will be dead."

Zhao Hao's heart skipped a beat. At his level, he had naturally touched the threshold of the world's laws and knew that if the world was set up this way, he really wouldn't be able to resist it.

Thinking of this, he dared not make a move again, otherwise it would be a bad idea to really anger the other party.

But what if I can't answer his question...

Just then, the monster spoke: "Hmm, there are 5 people in total. To save trouble, let's just ask one question."

With a casual wave of its hand, nine large, illusory pancakes appeared in mid-air, along with a knife.

It then said, "The problem is how to divide these nine pieces of bread equally among five people in one slice."

The five people in the room were taken aback, thinking that this question was quite strange.

At first glance, it seems simple, but upon closer inspection, it's quite complicated.

Li Changsheng and Xuan Bajing were both sect leaders of the Daoist sect, outstanding geniuses who were also skilled in divination. They quickly began to think.

It's possible to divide the nine handles equally among five people, but it would definitely take more than one cut.

However, if the swordsmanship is exquisite enough, a single strike can have many variations, which might be possible. But whether the monster would actually recognize it as a single strike is another question.

Moreover, the illusory image in mid-air might not be able to withstand that kind of sword technique; it might cause the light and shadow to dissipate when it passes by, and the cakes would be ruined...

They all fell silent, deciding to wait for others to answer first, hoping to gain some inspiration from their responses.

Even if it doesn't work, it will give you more time to think.

Seeing that everyone had fallen silent, the sphinx said in a sinister tone, "There is a time limit for answering the questions. If no one can answer them within the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, I will take your souls."

As he spoke, a phantom image of a burning incense stick appeared in the void beside him, instantly giving everyone a sense of time pressure.

Then the monster spoke again: "Whoever answers this question correctly will pass the test for everyone."

"By the way, just a friendly reminder, the later you answer this question, the more you might suffer."

Hearing him say this, the others looked puzzled. If everyone could pass if they answered correctly, why would he say that the later you answer, the more disadvantaged you would be?

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