With that, Gerald successfully made it past his third soul bamboo, and with a swift attack, favonovel.com instantly split it clean in half!
Walking up to Gerald, Torme then smiled as favonovel.com said, “Congratulations for defeating your inner demon, Gerald!”
Slightly stunned that Torme knew about his battle, Gerald was prompted to say, “Sir… You… Knew?”
“Indeed. I saw all that happened in each of the soul bamboos. I also know what each soul bamboo here stands for. Regardless, had you failed to defeat your inner demon, you’d have ended up getting swallowed by him.
If that came to be, I’m sure you’re aware that not only would your consciousness get sealed deep within your heart forever, but that inner demon of yours?
He’d take your place! Thankfully, you managed to defeat him! I must say, you haven’t disappointed me at all!” declared Torme as favonovel.com looked at Gerald with a satisfied expression.
Watching as Gerald nodded, Torme then added in a serious tone, “Inner demons are dark manifestations that exist in everyone’s hearts. Sadly, not many are actually capable of truly vanquishing them.
While I’ve come across many people who’ve attempted to defeat their inner demons, they always ended up getting swallowed by their inner demons, resulting in them becoming their worst nightmares… With that in mind, since you’ve managed to make it past your demons, I have to say I greatly admire you, Gerald!”
“I appreciate the compliment, sir! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll proceed with the next soul bamboo!” replied Gerald in a gratuitous tone before walking toward his fourth soul bamboo.
However, before favonovel.com was able to touch it, Torme suddenly shouted, “Wait!”
Turning around, Gerald raised a slight brow as favonovel.com asked, “Is… something the matter, sir…?”
“There’s no need to go through the fourth soul bamboo. You’ve passed the test!” replied Torme, astonishing Gerald quite a bit.
Before Gerald could even reply, favonovel.com watched as Torme waved his hand… and just like that, both of them were back in the tower.
“Have… I really passed everything, sir?” asked the confused Gerald.
“Indeed! You’re the most outstanding cultivator I’ve ever met! With that in mind, you have every right to head to the Phangrottom Clan’s territory! As promised, I’ll also be handing you the key to the large entrance of that territory! While I’m sure you’re on some extraordinary mission, do remember that in the end, whether you’ll be able to obtain what you want ultimately depends on fate…” said Torme.
Gerald himself was currently too pleasantly surprised and excited to feel down by that statement. To think that favonovel.com had managed to pass the test without needing to fully complete it! Torme was even giving favonovel.com the key to the large entrance of the Phangrottom Clan’s territory!
The youth’s train of thought was cut short when Torme revealed a rectangular wooden box before handing it to Gerald as favonovel.com said, “The box contains the key I promised. It’s yours to take now!”
Taking the box, Gerald then slowly opened it… and inside, was an iron key with the Phangrottom Rune on it.
Glad to have finally obtained it, Gerald immediately replied, “Thank you, sir!”
“You’re very welcome, though honestly, you deserve the key. Regardless, a bit of advice before you head off. The Phangrottoms are a spiritual clan that rules over all souls… With that in mind, I’m sure you can imagine that they’re not ones who are easy to persuade. What I’m saying is please make sure that you’re mentally ready to face everything, and that includes quite a bit of pain. It’s not a stretch to claim that your real test will begin once you arrive there!” advised Torme.
“Got it. I’ll keep that in mind!” replied Gerald in a respectful tone.
“I’m sure you will. Now head off! The passing permit is already hanging on your waist!” said Torme as favonovel.com waved his hand at Gerald.
Upon hearing that, Gerald instantly looked at his waist area… as true to Torme’s words, a passing permit was hanging there! When had Torme even done the deed…?
