Chapter 492: Past and Present Lives, the Taiji Origin

To the right is a fire-red path, with rolling heat waves; the ground seems as if it could melt at any moment. In the center is a silver-white path, neither cold nor hot, giving one a sense of profound mystery.

The three paths share a common starting point, but they extend in different directions, seemingly leading to different destinations.

At this moment, the Snow Soul Mirror on Lin Xuan's chest suddenly begins to vibrate gently. He takes out the mirror and sees three ancient silver characters emerge on its surface: "Santu Dao".

"Santu Dao?" Xiao Yuan looks at Xuanjizi in confusion. "What does this mean?"

Xuanjizi gazes at the three paths, a flash of realization crossing his eyes: "Ancient texts do indeed record that the Kunlun Void Realm has three paths leading to the Light of Reincarnation, known as the 'Santu Dao'. They correspond respectively to the essence of the Primordial Cold, the Hun Dun Flame, and the power of Lun Hui."

"Legend has it that those seeking the Light of Reincarnation must choose one of these paths to proceed, and each path is set with corresponding trials. A seeker can only choose one and may not switch halfway. However, if one possesses the power of the corresponding Heaven and Earth Origin fragments, they will gain the path's recognition, easing the difficulty of the trials."

"So, the ice-blue path on the left corresponds to the Primordial Cold, the fire-red path on the right corresponds to the Hun Dun Flame, and the middle..." Lin Xuan looks toward the silver-white path.

"The silver-white path in the middle corresponds to the power of Lun Hui; it is said to be the path leading directly to the location of the Light of Reincarnation, but it is also the most severe of the trials," Xuanjizi adds.

"Because no one has truly mastered the power of Lun Hui," Lin Xuan says thoughtfully.

Xu Feng analyzes the energy characteristics of the three paths using his instruments: "The energy fluctuations of the left and right paths are relatively stable, consistent with the characteristics of the Primordial Cold and the Hun Dun Flame. But the energy fluctuation of that middle silver-white path is abnormally complex; my instruments cannot even fully analyze it."

"What does this indicate?" a member of the Balance Sect asks.

"It means the middle path is not just a movement through space; it may also involve changes at the level of time or consciousness," Xu Feng explains. "Simply put, those who walk this path may experience some kind of illusion or trial of memory."

Lin Xuan recalls the words of Xueyu Xianren—the Light of Reincarnation causes the holder to experience the reincarnation memories of their past and present lives. If even the path leading to the Light of Reincarnation is set with such trials, the trial when truly obtaining the Light of Reincarnation will likely be even more severe.

"How should we choose?" Xiao Yuan looks at Lin Xuan. "You possess both the Primordial Cold and the Hun Dun Flame; the left and right paths would both be relatively easier for you."

Xuanjizi, however, shakes his head: "The Light of Reincarnation is the ultimate goal of our journey. While the left and right paths have lighter trials, the journey may be more circuitous, and we might not necessarily arrive before Muerxiu."

"Furthermore," he points to the right, "look at those traces."

The group looks in the direction he is pointing. At the entrance of the fire-red path, a few blurred footprints are faintly visible, as if someone had just passed through there not long ago.

"Muerxiu?" Lin Xuan's heart tightens.

"It is highly likely. He possesses the Void Annihilation Force, which has a certain similarity in attributes to the Hun Dun Flame; it is not strange that he chose the fire path," Xuanjizi analyzes.

"Then, which path should we actually take?" Xiao Yuan asks again.

The group falls into deep thought. The ice path on the left seems safe, but if the route is circuitous, they might miss the opportunity; the fire path on the right already has an enemy ahead, and they might encounter an ambush; the silver-white path in the middle is the most direct, but the trials are the most severe.

At this moment, the Snow Soul Mirror on Lin Xuan's chest vibrates slightly again, and the silver light on the mirror surface becomes even brighter. He remembers the entrustment of Xueyu Xianren—no matter what, do not let the Awakening Sect obtain the Light of Reincarnation.

"I will take the silver-white path in the middle," Lin Xuan decides, the Taiji Pattern in his eyes flickering slightly. "That is the path of Lun Hui, and also the most direct trial. Xueyu Xianren gifted me the Snow Soul Mirror precisely to help me withstand the impact of the reincarnation memories. I cannot fail his expectations."

Xiao Yuan immediately stands by Lin Xuan's side: "Then I will go with you."

"It is too dangerous," Lin Xuan shakes his head. "Without the protection of the Snow Soul Mirror, you likely would not be able to withstand the impact of the reincarnation memories."

"I have the Fate Compass, which can predict danger in advance," Xiao Yuan says firmly. "Besides, two people are always safer than one."

"I suggest we split up," Xuanjizi says after considering for a moment. "Lin Xuan and Xiao Yuan will take the middle path of Lun Hui; I will take two disciples to the ice path on the left; Xu Feng will take the other two disciples to the fire path on the right to track Muerxiu's movements. This way, no matter which path leads to the destination, we will have someone present."

The group agrees with this arrangement. After all, in this unfamiliar Void, splitting up to explore does indeed increase the success rate.

"Remember, no matter what situation you encounter, preserving your own safety is most important," Xuanjizi instructs everyone. "If you encounter Muerxiu, do not fight him head-on; immediately send a signal for help."

Before parting, Lin Xuan takes one more look at the silver-white path and takes a deep breath: "Path of Lun Hui, trial of reincarnation... I am ready."

Xiao Yuan grips the Fate Compass tightly, standing by Lin Xuan's side: "We will face it together."

The three groups stand at the entrances of their chosen paths, nodding to each other. Subsequently, Lin Xuan takes Xiao Yuan and steps onto the silver-white path of Lun Hui, Xuanjizi leads his team into the ice-blue ice path, and Xu Feng leads his people into the fire-red fire path.

As Lin Xuan and Xiao Yuan step into the silver-white path, the surrounding scenery begins to blur, and the world seems to be shrouded in a thin veil. Lin Xuan can faintly feel that a true trial is about to begin—not a confrontation of power, but a trial of soul and memory.

He grips the Snow Soul Mirror tightly and says softly: "No matter what is ahead, we will face it directly."

The silver-white path extends beneath Lin Xuan and Xiao Yuan's feet; it looks ordinary, yet it gives one an indescribable sense of unreality. After walking no more than a few dozen steps, Lin Xuan feels a strange power begin to invade his mind, as if countless tiny silver threads are piercing his consciousness barrier, bringing waves of dizziness.

"Something is wrong." Lin Xuan stops, beads of sweat already seeping from his forehead. "The trial of the path of Lun Hui has begun."

Xiao Yuan looks at him with concern: "How do you feel? Is there anything I need to do?"

Lin Xuan shakes his head, his expression grave: "This is a trial at the mental level; I must face it alone. Wait for me here; do not step any deeper."

Without waiting for Xiao Yuan to respond, Lin Xuan sits cross-legged and takes out the Snow Soul Mirror, placing it against his chest. The silver light on the mirror surface flows, as if it has already sensed the impending trial.

"I can feel it; the impact of the reincarnation memories is about to begin," Lin Xuan takes a deep breath. "No matter what happens, do not panic, and do not try to wake me. Wait for me to wake up on my own."