In front of me was the black flag. And it was an utterly simple yet at the same time cruel trial.
Once I accepted it, I knew that the majority of the cultivators in this area who also accepted it will immediately switch their flag.
Since the commentator had mentioned that you can change your flag once. Most cultivators will definitely not accept such a trial.
And it was honestly an absurd one at that too.
"After choosing the Black Flag and fully accepting the quest. The bracelet on your arm will seal away your Qi. Then, you must proceed to a palace that can only be accessed by mortals in the depth of the Icey region. Then you will receive the second part of this trial."
I grinned at the content and accepted the task.
For anyone else, this is nothing but immediate death. After all, this area, without Qi, no mortal can survive for more than a couple moments where their bodies will be shocked and stunned with the sheer coldness.
I slightly understand the reason behind this trial. It isn't designed to be friendly. It has a clear objective. To test one's understanding of the law of yin and ice.
Only those who have good mastery in these laws can forsake their Qi, and use nothing but their understanding of law to fend off the cold.
As for me...
The bracelet locked on my wrist and I smiled as what I expected to happen happened.
Which was basically nothing.
I immediately called out the ship from my holding bag and jumped inside.
"Head north," I said to X who was navigating the ship and we moved up ahead.
***
"What? What is going on in here?!" the commentator stated as he stood up.
"What sort of trickery is this? Could he be cheating?" he added loudly.
The spectators began booing and were clearly dissatisfied with what was going on. After all they too were able to see the content of the Black Flag trial when Shen Bao opened it and it clearly stated that no Qi shall be used.
Eccentric Long had his brows furrowed and then said, "I don't think he is cheating." He said.
"How did you come up with that conclusion Elder Long? We clearly saw him use Qi to summon his ship and jumped on it. How is that not cheating?"
"My humble knowledge failed me in deducing how he did so, however, I can assure you, it is not cheating."
He rubbed his hands together cursing up a storm as he moved forward. He seemed to be able to control the Ice law and was someone who seemed to be in control of his ice law.
However, the man who stood like a sore thumb was non-other than Shen Bao who was cruising comfortably through the ice on his ship. Eating what seemed to be some fruit as he enjoyed his time in a well heated environment.
***
"How long am I going to follow this compass, damn I feel bored..." I muttered to myself as there was nothing but white in front and around me.
"Lord, there seem to be something in the distance."
"Really?" I said as I approached and looked through the window.
Indeed, it was like X said. There was a massive ice palace in the distance that was hidden behind the fog.
And there seems to be a massive barrier around it.
"Slow down," I said to X, "Try and stop right in front of the barrier. I have a bad feeling about it."
Soon we arrived at the barrier's entrance and I tried to touch it.
My hand simply went through.
Frowning at first, I decided to get inside.
Then I heard a loud bonk sound.
Turning, X seemed to be banging on the barrier.
"I cannot proceed forward, it is rejecting me..." he said.
"I see, I suppose it stops anything with Qi in it from going in... and since your circuits are powered by Qi..."
I turned to look at the palace once again...
I really don't like it here... it feels wrong for some reason.
"I'll continue on ahead. If something or someone tries to harass you, you have all authority to use any weapons or tools that we possess. Defend yourself but don't seek trouble."
"We shall do as the lord commands."
I turned to the palace and began walking forward. The bad feeling continued the closer I got the palace's massive gate.