I am submissive in Journey to the West, I strike hard at the gods

"Don't think about it!"

With a low shout, the Golden Halberd War God unleashed a massive beam of golden light from his spear, shooting towards Jiang Wang.

Jiang Wang's expression remained unchanged. He slightly shifted his body to avoid the golden light's attack, and at the same time, he raised his hand and waved, sending out a purple-gold sword aura toward the key rune.

"boom!"

The purple-gold sword energy struck the key rune, shattering it instantly. The surrounding array also became ineffective, and the golden light gradually dissipated.

Without the support of the formation, the aura of the Golden Halberd War God was noticeably weakened.

A hint of unwillingness flashed in his eyes, and he charged at Jiang Wang again, his spear, imbued with his last bit of strength, thrusting towards Jiang Wang.

Seeing this, a trace of pity flashed in Jiang Wang's eyes. He raised his hand and struck the Golden Halberd God of War in the chest.

The Primordial Chaos Power was injected into the Golden Halberd War God's body, sealing his power away.

The Golden Halberd God of War groaned and fell to the ground, his spear falling to the side.

"I lost."

The Golden Halberd War God looked at Jiang Wang with a pale face, "You are very strong, even stronger than I imagined."

You may proceed to the upper levels now.

As he spoke, he raised his hand and waved it, and a staircase appeared in the void in front of him, leading to the sixth floor.

The two went up the stairs and arrived at the sixth floor.

The sixth level was scorching hot, with magma covering the ground. The magma churned and emitted intense heat, and the air was thick with the aura of fire, making it unbearable.

"It's so hot here!"

Bai Yucheng frowned, his body radiating white light to resist the intense heat. "It seems the guardian beast of the sixth level is a fire-attribute beast."

Jiang Wang nodded, his gaze fixed on the center of the magma. There stood a giant firebird, its entire body crimson, its feathers ablaze with flames. With a flap of its wings, countless streaks of fire shot out. It was none other than the guardian beast of the sixth level—the Phoenix.

"It's a phoenix!"

A hint of surprise flashed in Bai Yucheng's eyes. "The phoenix is ​​a divine beast of innate fire, extremely powerful, and not easy to deal with."

The phoenix sensed the presence of the two, slowly opened its eyes, a fierce light flashing in them, and let out a loud phoenix cry.

With a flap of its wings, countless flames shot towards the two of them. The flames contained a rich fire law and were extremely hot, enough to instantly incinerate a Golden Immortal cultivator.

Jiang Wang and Bai Yuchen quickly circulated their internal energy to resist the attack of the flames.

The purple-gold protective shield around Jiang Wang emitted a rich light, keeping the flames out.

Bai Yuchen then unleashed a chilling dragon breath, which collided with the flames, generating a large amount of water vapor.

"The phoenix's flames are too strong; we must join forces to attack it."

Jiang Wang said to Bai Yuchen.

Bai Yucheng nodded: "Alright! Let's attack together, targeting its wings, as the phoenix's wings are its weak point."

As soon as he finished speaking, Jiang Wang and Bai Yucheng rushed towards the phoenix at the same time.

Jiang Wang conjured a massive purple-gold sword aura in his hand and slashed it toward the phoenix's left wing.

Bai Yuchen transformed into a white dragon, spewing out a cold dragon breath that shot towards the phoenix's right wing.

A hint of wariness flashed in the phoenix's eyes. With a flap of its wings, countless flames shot out again, colliding with the purple-gold sword energy and dragon breath.

With a deafening roar, the two forces canceled each other out, creating a massive shockwave that sent magma flying several meters into the air.

Not to be outdone, the phoenix swooped down on the two, its massive claws wreathed in flames as it struck Jiang Wang and Bai Yuchen.

Jiang Wang and Bai Yucheng quickly dodged and launched a counterattack at the same time.

Jiang Wang's purple-gold sword energy shot out continuously, while Bai Yuchen's dragon breath also surged endlessly, attacking the phoenix.

The two were locked in combat with the phoenix, flames intertwined with purple-gold light and white dragon breath, and the entire sixth floor was enveloped in a scorching aura.

The phoenix is ​​extremely powerful, not only with its powerful flames but also with its astonishing defense. Jiang Wang and Bai Yuchen's attacks only left shallow marks on it.

"This can't go on. The phoenix has an extremely strong regenerative ability, and we simply can't inflict fatal damage on it."

While fending off the phoenix's attacks, Bai Yuchen spoke to Jiang Wang.

A thoughtful look flashed in Jiang Wang's eyes, and he said, "I have a solution."

The phoenix is ​​a divine beast of fire, containing a fire spirit pearl within its body. The fire spirit pearl is its source of power; if the fire spirit pearl is removed, it will lose its power.

We divided the work: you distract it, and I'll take the opportunity to extract the Fire Spirit Orb from its body.

As soon as he finished speaking, he transformed into a white dragon again and charged towards the phoenix, spewing out dragon breath and attacking the phoenix's body with his claws to attract its attention.

As expected, the phoenix was attracted by Bai Yuchen and kept flapping its wings, fighting with the white dragon.

Seeing this, Jiang Wang swayed and transformed into a streak of purple-gold light, quietly circling behind the phoenix. He raised his hand and struck the phoenix's abdomen.

The Primordial Power was injected into the Phoenix's body in an attempt to locate the Fire Spirit Orb.

Phoenix noticed Jiang Wang's actions, and a flash of anger appeared in her eyes. She wanted to turn around and attack Jiang Wang, but she was tightly entangled by Bai Yuchen and could not break free.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Jiang Wang probed inside the phoenix's body and quickly located the Fire Spirit Orb.

The Fire Spirit Orb is located in the heart of the phoenix and exudes a rich aura of fire.

"found it!"

Jiang Wang was overjoyed. He raised his hand and condensed a stream of purple-gold true energy, probing towards the phoenix's heart.

The purple-gold true energy penetrated the phoenix's body, grasped the Fire Spirit Orb, and slowly pulled it outwards.

The phoenix let out a mournful cry, and its body trembled violently.

It wanted to break free from Bai Yuchen's entanglement, but was powerless to do so.

As the Fire Spirit Orb was gradually removed, the phoenix's aura weakened, and the flames on its body gradually went out.

Jiang Wang took out the Fire Spirit Orb and held it in his hand.

The Fire Spirit Orb is entirely crimson, radiating a rich aura of fire. It feels warm to the touch and contains a vast amount of fire law.

He put the Fire Spirit Orb into his storage bag and looked up at the phoenix.

The phoenix lay in the lava, barely breathing, a pleading look in its eyes.

A pang of pity flashed through Jiang Wang's heart. He raised his hand and waved, injecting a stream of primordial energy into the phoenix's body to heal it.

"I'm sparing your life today, but you'd better watch yourself."

A hint of gratitude flashed in the phoenix's eyes. It slowly closed its eyes, and its body gradually sank into the magma and disappeared.

As the phoenix disappeared, a staircase appeared in the void ahead, leading to the seventh floor.

Jiang Wang and Bai Yucheng breathed a sigh of relief; the challenge on the sixth floor was finally over.

The two continued up the stairs and arrived at the seventh floor.

The seventh floor was a void, with no ground, no walls, only endless darkness and starlight, as if one were in the universe.

Where is this place?

Bai Yucheng looked around in confusion, "Why is it all empty?"

Jiang Wang's gaze swept around, a hint of solemnity flashing in his eyes: "This should be a spatial secret realm, the seventh level of the trial, perhaps related to the laws of space." As soon as he finished speaking, countless spatial rifts appeared from the void, spreading towards the two of them.

Spatial rifts contain powerful spatial forces; if one were to be drawn into one, one would likely be torn to shreds by those forces.

"Watch out for spatial rifts!"

Jiang Wang let out a low shout, raised his hand and waved it, and purple-gold sword energy shot out, severing the approaching spatial rift.

At the same time, he emitted a purple-gold light, forming a protective shield that protected himself and Bai Yucheng.

Bai Yucheng also quickly circulated his internal energy to reinforce the protective shield.

The spatial rift continued to spread, striking the protective shield and making a piercing sound.

The protective shield was flashing incessantly, and could shatter at any moment.

"At this rate, the protective shield will break sooner or later."

Bai Yucheng said with a solemn expression, "We must find an exit and leave this place."

Jiang Wang nodded, his eyes scanning his surroundings warily.

He could sense a faint spatial fluctuation at the end of this void, which should be the exit.

"The exit is over there, let's hurry over there!"

Jiang Wang pointed in the direction of the spatial fluctuations, grabbed Bai Yuchen, and flew towards the exit in a flash.

Countless spatial rifts chased after the two of them, and Jiang Wang continuously wielded his purple-gold sword energy to sever the spatial rifts.

The two sped along and finally arrived at the exit.

The exit is a bright doorway, exuding a rich spatial atmosphere.

"Go inside quickly!"

Jiang Wang pulled Bai Yuchen along and rushed into the portal of light.

After passing through the portal, the two arrived at the eighth floor.

The space on the eighth floor was peaceful. A stone table was placed on the ground, with a book and a jade pendant on it.

Beside the stone table stood an old man dressed in a gray Taoist robe. The old man had an aged face, gray hair, and deep eyes, as calm as an ancient well.

"Welcome to the eighth floor. I am the guardian here, Xuanjizi."

The old man spoke, his voice calm yet carrying a hint of Daoist wisdom, "To pass the eighth level, you don't need to fight; you only need to answer one question for me."

If you answer correctly, you can proceed to the ninth floor; if you answer incorrectly, you will be sent out of the Secret Realm Tower.

Jiang Wang and Bai Yucheng exchanged a glance, a hint of surprise flashing in their eyes.

They didn't expect that the test on the eighth floor would be answering questions.

"Please give me a question, senior."

Jiang Wang cupped his hands in greeting to Xuanjizi.

Xuanjizi nodded, looked at the two of them, and slowly asked, "What is the Dao?"

This question seems simple, but it contains endless philosophical insights, and different people will have different answers.

Bai Yucheng frowned and fell into deep thought.

His understanding of the Dao was to protect the East Sea Dragon Clan and restore their former glory.

Jiang Wang also fell into deep thought.

His understanding of the Tao is to control one's own destiny, not to be swayed by others, and at the same time to protect what one wants to protect.

He recalled that he had bound himself to the system and hindered the Journey to the West, all in order to control his own destiny and not be controlled by the system, Buddhism, or the Heavenly Court.

After a moment, Bai Yucheng spoke first: "In my opinion, the Dao is about protection."

Protecting one's people and those one cares about is the duty of a junior.

Xuanjizi nodded slightly, remained silent, and looked at Jiang Wang, waiting for his reply.

Jiang Wang took a deep breath and slowly said, "This junior believes that the Dao is control."

To take control of one's own destiny, to control everything around one, to not be manipulated by others, and to not be bound by the laws of nature—this is the path of the younger generation.

A glint of light flashed in Xuanjizi's eyes. He nodded and smiled, "What a fine protection, what a fine control."

Both of you have your own understanding of the Dao, and neither of you is right or wrong.

You have all passed the test and may proceed to the ninth level.

As he spoke, he raised his hand and waved it, and a staircase appeared in the void in front of him, leading to the ninth floor.

Jiang Wang and Bai Yucheng were overjoyed and bowed to Xuanjizi, saying, "Thank you, senior."

The two continued up the stairs and arrived at the ninth floor.

The ninth floor was an enormous space, with the ground covered in golden light. In the center stood a high platform, upon which rested an ancient box. The box exuded a rich aura of chaos, clearly containing a supreme treasure of chaos.

Around the high platform stood several cultivators, all of whom were top experts from various forces, including Manjushri Bodhisattva and Samantabhadra Bodhisattva.

When Manjushri Bodhisattva and Samantabhadra Bodhisattva saw Jiang Wang and Bai Yucheng, a hint of surprise flashed in their eyes, but they quickly regained their composure.

Clearly, they hadn't expected that Jiang Wang and Bai Yucheng would actually make it to the ninth floor.

"I never expected that Fellow Daoist Jiang and Fellow Daoist Bai would also be here."

Manjushri Bodhisattva spoke, his tone calm, "It seems that the competition for the opportunities in this Secret Realm Tower will be fierce."

Jiang Wang glanced at Manjushri indifferently and said nothing.

His gaze fell on the box on the platform, a glint of greed flashing in his eyes.

The chaotic aura contained in that box was far richer than any treasure he had encountered before, clearly indicating that it contained an extremely precious chaotic treasure.

Just then, a man dressed in black appeared from the void and landed on the high platform.

The man had a gloomy face, a fierce aura, and exuded a dense demonic energy. He was none other than Chonglou, the Demon Lord of the Chaos Realm.

"Haha, I didn't expect so many little guys to come to the ninth floor."

However, this supreme treasure of chaos can only be mine!

Another woman dressed in white appeared. She had a cold and aloof face, an otherworldly temperament, and was surrounded by a rich fairy aura. She was none other than Yao Ji, the celestial maiden of the auspicious realm.

"Chonglou, the opportunities in the Secret Realm Tower are for those who are destined to receive them; you alone cannot possess them." In an instant, the atmosphere on the ninth floor became tense.

Jiang Wang lowered his eyes and glanced at the scattered fragments of laws on the ground after the shattering. He gently stroked the scales on the side of his leg with his fingertips. The scales shimmered with a warm, pale golden light and felt as hard as ten-thousand-year-old black jade, yet they also possessed a certain lively resilience.

He looked up at the stunned Tu Jian and Tu Qiang, his tone flat and emotionless: "Is that all the strength you have? You two have regressed quite a bit in the past year."

Tu Jian swallowed hard, reached out and picked up a piece of the still slightly trembling sword blade fragment. The sword principles on that fragment were already disordered, and it turned into specks of golden light and dissipated into the air at the slightest touch.

He murmured in a trembling voice, "Young Master, it's not that we weren't strong enough... it's that your scales are too hard. Our law-based weapons simply can't break through your defenses!"

Tu Qiang also recovered his senses and quickly walked to Tu Jian's side. The two stood side by side, their eyes filled with awe and disbelief as they looked at Jiang Wang.

"Yes, young master,"

Tu Qiang added, "The Law Spear we just condensed has already exhausted thirty percent of its magical power. Its sharpness is comparable to the Heavenly Court's Law Enforcement Halberd. How could it not even scratch a single scale of yours? The strength of your physical body is probably even more outrageous than the armor on the back of the ancient Xuanwu." (End of this chapter)