The group followed Li Ming deeper into the area, and the scene was the same as in previous trials.

The deeper you go, the stronger and more numerous the ghostly hands reaching out from under the river become, and the more evil spirits will block your path.

Individually speaking, these ghosts are not strong, but they are numerous. They attack from all directions, making it impossible for people crossing the bridge to defend themselves. They also have to worry about evil ghosts attacking from the front, which is naturally very troublesome.

Falling into the river this time could mean certain death, so the monks of Lingxuan Temple and Li Ming did not relax at all. Li Ming neutralized all the attacks from the front, while the others were responsible for clearing away the ghost hands coming from all directions.

Suddenly, a burst of Buddha's light shone on the bridge, and everyone arrived on the other side without any danger, looking forward to crossing the Bridge of Helplessness.

Xuan Kong's expression was very solemn, and he said earnestly:

"After crossing the bridge, we will all go our separate ways. Be careful of the various trials. If you are not careful, you may fall into the trap of demons."

Li Ming nodded and pondered for a moment:

"Alright... the demons have probably tampered with the later levels as well, so we don't want any of them."

After crossing the Bridge of Helplessness, everyone will be separated, but eventually they will all arrive at Fengdu City.

Originally intended as a way to prevent trial participants from taking shortcuts, it was unexpectedly exploited by the demons.

Without hesitation, Li Ming stepped onto the bridge and saw the world transform.

The sky remained dark, and the atmosphere was eerie.

Looking at the nearest high blue stone platform, there was an old woman whose face was not visible blocking the way. A small table was placed at the intersection, with various sizes of blue porcelain bowls on it.

"The Terrace of Longing for Home, the Soup of Oblivion?"

Li Ming frowned slightly.

According to the previous procedure, this soup must be drunk. If one can withstand it, it will bring considerable benefits. However, if one cannot withstand it, it will damage the martial artist's mental state and will be judged as a failure of the trial, thus being sent out of the secret realm.

However, Li Ming was not in a hurry. Instead, he activated his Chaos Heavenly Eye and focused his attention on the matter.

Only green lines connect him

"It seems there's no problem... It's drinkable."

Seeing that there was nothing wrong with the soup, Li Ming looked up at Meng Po, whose face was blurred.

But they discovered that the other party was just an empty void, not a real entity.

It seems the demons didn't do anything here?

Li Ming pondered silently, picked up one of the bowls of soup, and saw that the soup was murky and had no aroma, and he didn't know what was in it.

Without hesitation, he tilted his head back and gulped it down, finishing it all in a few loud gulps.

Instantly, the soup's effects began to manifest. Everything he had experienced from his past life to this one, including memories of his relatives and friends from his past life, as well as his studies and work, flowed rapidly through his mind, and before he knew it, it seemed as if he was about to forget everything.

As the memories of his time travel flowed through his mind, fortunately, his will was strong enough, and a voice seemed to remind him from the depths of his being:

Why do you practice martial arts? Why do you keep fighting?

Suddenly, a golden light flashed between Li Ming's brows. His martial arts heart cleared his mind, and the Immovable King's authority stabilized his emotions. He asked himself and answered:

Why?

"Naturally, it's for longevity, for ultimate freedom and ease. If one doesn't cultivate martial arts, isn't strong enough, and doesn't strive, one will inevitably encounter troubles, and inevitably suffer from the pain of life and death, separation, love and hate..."

A martial artist fights against the heavens, battling in the world for every moment, naturally for their own benefit. With immense power residing within themselves, they are unbound by the forces of heaven and earth.

Until the last word was spoken.

Once he regained his senses, Li Ming found himself instantly refreshed, his eyes much brighter, and his mental cultivation subtly increased. Although these benefits wouldn't manifest in his cultivation level.

However, it is also very important that one's mind must be perfect and flawless in order to transcend the ordinary and enter sainthood; otherwise, if one is haunted by inner demons during the breakthrough, death is inevitable.

Li Ming looked at the soup on the table, somewhat tempted.

Is it possible that he could drink a few more bowls?

However, in the blink of an eye, the table and the people in front of him had disappeared.

It seems we won't give him a chance to drink a few more bowls...

"That's a bit stingy..."

Li Ming complained.

Why not give them more of this good stuff?

Young people should drink this to nourish their bodies, right?

Beyond the Viewing Platform lies the Evil Dog Ridge.

Legend has it that Evil Dog Ridge is the most dangerous place on the road to the underworld.

Vicious dogs roam everywhere and harbor immense hatred for humans, attacking and killing both the living and the dead.

Especially those who commit evil deeds in this world will be attacked by them as soon as they step into this place.

It is said that if you were born in the Year of the Dog or were a dog lover in your lifetime, you will be able to walk on flat ground as you cross this Evil Dog Ridge.

As Li Ming walked along the rugged mountain path, he was attacked by vicious dogs and ghosts from time to time. In this dark environment, even an ordinary martial artist would inevitably fall victim to such attacks.

"Well... I didn't do anything to the dog before it died, did I?"

"It must have been the work of demons."

Li Ming was speechless, but instantly struck, beating the vicious dogs until they howled in pain.

The numerous ghosts vanished instantly, their souls scattered on the spot, and they were annihilated in a moment.

Suddenly, a furious roar rang out:

"Who are you, causing trouble on my turf?"

Li Ming looked in the direction of the sound and saw a large black dog, over two meters tall, suddenly dart out, barking wildly at Li Ming while also saying a few words in human language.

"What is this thing?"

Li Ming looked at the big black dog, which not only spoke human language but also had an expression that was extremely human-like, and couldn't help but be a little surprised.

I stared intently at it.

[Big Black Dog]

[Level: High-level Nether Beast]

[Entries: Spiritual Connection (Red), Aura Observation (Red), Shuttle Travel (Red), Earth Escape (Blue), Spirituality (Blue), Ghostly Aura (Blue)]

"Netherworld beast?"

Li Ming seemed to be deep in thought.

I never expected to encounter such a rare race here.

Unlike ghosts, the Nether Beasts are the pets of Hell, and legend has it that they are the most favored race by some powerful beings in the Underworld.

Perhaps the most famous is the Di Ting of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, whose abilities are extraordinary. It can hear the heavens above and the depths of the netherworld below, making it extremely powerful.

The big black dog in front of us also has this ability, but it's only one ten-thousandth as powerful as Di Ting.

"court death?"

Seeing the big black dog cursing and swearing, Li Ming deliberately put on a cold face, activated his true energy, and his hot and violent blood surged out.

Immediately, the big black dog trembled in fright and quickly barked:

"Great hero, spare me! This little dog was just delirious and talking nonsense!"

"Please forgive my mistake, sir!"

The black dog was imitating a person kowtowing, and it did it quite well.

Li Ming was both amused and exasperated.

This guy, his "spirituality" is undeniable, he's truly mastered the art of opportunism and cowardice.

However, judging from the appearance, it seems that it has not been affected by the demons.

Perhaps we could ask the black dog for information.

Perhaps he knows something inside.