Tower of Heaven

\'On that note, this tomb is certainly the property of a Sect Leader.\'

These trials were designed for disciples of a specific influence. The lessons being taught throughout were related to vitality and wood, which must have been their main focus.

This was the same. It was impossible to expect someone who didn\'t have a relationship with the sect to understand the subtle nuances within.

One had to remember that this was a Cumulative Trial in the Tower of Heaven. The goal was to gain "approval." Since Atlas was able to recognize the hidden texts and comprehend them, he was sure that he would pass the trial, but there had to be another method that was simpler.

\'There has to be a secret reward in this trial that has not been discovered yet.\'

Atlas focused his mind on the Sacred Aura Canopy. In order to utilize it, the Dao of Wood was required. Atlas could comprehend it here and now based on what he received from the tomb, but he could not do so.

\'To comprehend wood after fire is dangerous. I must incorporate an element that can tame the flames, such as water or earth, before I can set foot into the territory of the Dao of Wood.\'

He engraved the technique into his mind so that he could use it when he eventually did comprehend the Dao of Wood, but the current him was more than content with what the Vital Armor Canopy could offer them.

He stood up, looking down at his own body which was covered by a subtle green aura.

\'Good.\'

He looked up at the stele again. As if the rock sensed his progress, it was no longer covered in words. Rather, the stone itself was a portal into the unknown depths of the tomb.

Atlas looked around one more time at those who were still entrenched in their own journeys of comprehension. All of them would eventually achieve some kind of success as long as they kept trying.

Hard work was always more important than something like talent or inborn traits. If they were set on being Ascenders, this trial was just another step in their path.

Walking into the portal, Atlas was once again transported. This time, he was in a dark space where nothing else was present. Reverberations spread through the air as a voice greeted him.

"You will now be asked three questions."

Atlas looked around, but the voice had no source.

"There is no correct answer to these questions. Answer based on the truths in the depths of your soul, and you will find the path forward."

\'A test of character.\'

That was Atlas\' interpretation of what the voice said. As he didn\'t know what the sect practiced, he couldn\'t say that it was separating the good from the bad. However, it was still true that the owner of the tomb wanted to see what kind of people were trying to get a hold of his legacy.

The first question came as Atlas decided to answer them as honestly as he was asked to.

"What is Life?"

It was a question similar to the one posed by the clock trial prior. Only, Atlas could answer according to his own thoughts. He didn\'t have to dumb down his understanding of the world to match what was expected from people at his level.

If there was one thing Atlas could confirm, it was that this tomb was operated autonomously. There wasn\'t a conscious entity within that was watching over everything that happened.

Sure, the clear condition said that one could "attain the Fallen Immortal\'s approval," but what did that truly mean?

Did that mean that the Fallen Immortal was still alive in this tomb and waiting for his successor?

\'No. The entity for whom this tomb was built is dead.\'

It started when Atlas first set foot in the comprehension room. He felt a gaze staring into him from afar, but the source was nowhere in the room itself.

At first, he thought that it may have been the Fallen Immortal. He had no way to prove that the being observing him wasn\'t alive.

That was where the treasure nesting in his soul came into play.

[Intrinsic Foresight] activated automatically, allowing him to see what was not there. Through the few details he received, he could ascertain that the entity observing him was "non-living."

\'In other words, it is a treasure.\'

If it was an Artifact Spirit, then the Formation Spark would have notified him. It told him about every array, formation, and artifact that he saw directly with his eyes, so he would have known after that look.

A non-sentient artifact was determining whether he was worthy of it or not.

Faced with such a situation, there was only one thing for him to do.

"What is Life, you say?" He repeated the question and prepared his answer.

"Life is one of the most important things under the Heavens. Because of Life, the Heavens serve a purpose. Because of Life, the world is more than a mere rock that exists only to exist. Life is the cornerstone of all things and a concept that must be respected regardless of one\'s individual opinion. And, most importantly.

Life is the fuel of a cultivator that gives us the time and ability to accomplish great things."

It was a greatly summarized version of his opinions, but it was more than enough.

"What is your purpose in Life?"

"My purpose…"

That was a more difficult question, but the answer came to his mind right away.

"I do not know."

He felt oddly comfortable in this space, so he was able to admit it plainly.

"I have entered the Tower to find the answer to that very question, so, for the current moment, I do not know what my purpose is."

"What is the most important thing to you?"

Whether it was material or a matter of the mind, what did one find more important than everything else in the world?

Atlas was not pondering these questions too much. He was answering based on what was instantly produced in his mind. He did not need to think about the things he said thus far, but was this worthy of being considered?

"Conviction."

There wasn\'t a moment of hesitation even this time.

"The most important thing to me is my conviction. It is what guides me through the pitfalls and struggles of life, and it is the reason why I will never stray from my path."

He needed the conviction to challenge the Heavens themselves if he needed to. Why would he stumble before a mere question?

One step forward at a time, right?

Without looking back, without thinking about anything more than the steps he was taking, he took one step forward at a time.

The three questions of the trial were answered succinctly, but the overseer seemed to be satisfied with his answers. The darkness brightened up and Atlas finally saw his surroundings again.

And just like the time before, he was not alone.