"I accept your sentiments." Ling Xiao was not the kind of person who disregarded emotions or arrogantly pursued unreachable goals. At least for now, among the people from the Heavenly Dynasty Empire, only he and Dan Feng had a chance to advance to the finals; the others would likely be eliminated soon. This is the harsh reality that he couldn't avoid. Perhaps in the future, these people will become stronger, as they are still young after all. But for now, they are simply not strong enough. "However, there is one thing I will do at all costs: you were brought by me, and I am determined to ensure you return safely." In Ling Xiao's mind, Ji Luoyu was already considered a martial artist from the Tianhai Empire. Although Ji Luoyu was born in the White Tiger Continent and the Tianhai Empire, it didn't deter his absolute trust in her. As they spoke, everyone had arrived at the Yingjie Building. Ling Xiao gathered everyone and divided another serving of the Heavenly Gang Earthly Evil Hot Pot among Dan Feng, Mo Yu, Zhu Shao Cong, Joshua Long, Ji Luoyu, Leng Mei, and Fengming Lian. He kept a serving for himself. Then, everyone began to cultivate in the same location. Staying together was relatively safe, and should any issues arise during cultivation, they could be promptly addressed. Worried about potential sneak attacks or assassinations, Ling Xiao set up a Ten Thousand Doors Array in the cultivation area before beginning. This array could be used to escape, trap enemies, or repel foes. It's extremely suitable. Upon finishing the arrangement of the Ten Thousand Doors Array, the others had already consumed their serving of the Heavenly Gang Earthly Fiends Red Sun Spicy Hot Pot, paired with the pills prepared by Ling Xiao, and were cultivating. "I should begin too!" Ling Xiao took a deep breath and first consumed the Empty Valley Orchid Wine. The moment the wine entered his stomach, he felt a distinct pure aura rising within his body. His entire being seemed to be elevated instantly. All worldly troubles were temporarily cast aside, leaving only the essence of cultivation. The Heavenly Gang Earthly Fiends Red Sun Spicy Hot Pot was especially notable not for its cultivation effects but for its exquisite taste. As it entered his mouth, the spicy flavors exploded without discomfort. This warmth spread throughout his body, making him feel so exhilarated that he wanted to shout for joy. His appetite immediately opened up. With the combination of one hundred and eight ingredients, each with a unique flavor, and the hot pot's base, the sensation was simply exquisite beyond description. If it weren't for the urgency to enhance his cultivation level, Ling Xiao would have savored this, the most delicious food he had tasted since birth, bit by bit. However, in the current situation, he somewhat resembled a brute unfamiliar with gourmet cuisine, gulping down the food. If the diners at Qijing Tower saw him, they might curse him for wasting a treasure and not knowing how to cherish it. After consuming the entire pot of delicacy, Ling Xiao suddenly felt a fiery sensation throughout his body. A wave of heat rose from his Dantian and then entered his body's meridians. Ling Xiao hurriedly flicked his wrist, bringing out a pile of middle-grade Spirit Stones and pills for cultivation, including the remaining Demon Beast Crystal Cores, placing them conveniently around his body. The effects of the Heavenly Gang Earthly Fiends Red Sun Spicy Hot Pot were excellent, naturally needing Spirit Stones, pills, and Demon Beast Crystal Cores for maximum potency. He directly consumed the Spirit Stones, pills, and Demon Beast Crystal Cores. The cool breath clashed with the fiery sensation and then entwined. The Soul Power, Yin-Yang Elemental Force, and Imperial Heaven Earth Power completely merged and began to rotate madly. Now Ling Xiao truly understood why Fan Ruohai said this dish could only be consumed once a month. The explosive release of energy was incredibly damaging to the body. While enjoying the flavors, he felt comfortable. But upon finishing the meal and starting cultivation, intense pain overwhelmed his body. Ling Xiao felt as if he had been thrown into molten lava for refinement. A strange, fiery sensation continuously erupted from within. He squinted at the others; although they appeared uncomfortable, their reaction wasn't as severe as his. Upon reflection, it was understandable—the other seven shared a portion of hot pot. While he used an entire serving alone, leading to a more terrifying effect. He stopped paying attention to others, closing his eyes to focus on his cultivation. Within, his meridians once more began to expand and strengthen. Even his bones were continuously reinforced under the scorching energy. His blood was boiling, seemingly about to burst from his body. The pain was so overwhelming that Ling Xiao nearly wished for death. But he gritted his teeth and endured. Though pale-faced and drenched in sweat, he kept clenching his teeth. Nothing was impossible to withstand. Ling Xiao's terrifying Soul Power played a critical role at this moment. His unwavering spirit allowed him to remain perfectly clear-headed and resolute even in an intensely painful environment. He observed all internal changes clearly, including the growth of his Tyrant Sky Martial Spirit, all vividly before his eyes. When he activated the Light and Shadow Mystique, the entire room began to flicker with light and darkness. The energy of the Spirit Stones, pills, and Crystal Core consumed was driven by the Light and Shadow Mystique, constantly colliding with the intense heat released by the Heavenly Gang Earthly Fiends Red Sun Spicy Hot Pot. After the two energies neutralized, they fused into a milder but stronger force. Then, this power was absorbed by Ling Xiao's body. "Open! The fourth layer, Sinful Mirror Hell!" Cultivation in the Yin-Yang Realm requires the activation of the Eighteen layers of Hell. If not activated, breakthroughs cannot be achieved! Above Ling Xiao's head, a mysterious palace suspended, with the words "Sinful Mirror Hell" inscribed above the gate. His Soul Core emerged, pushing open the gate of Sinful Mirror Hell. Inside was a series of terrifying mirrors. These mirrors could reveal the deepest sins and fears within oneself. For ordinary martial artists, if their Soul Power wasn't strong enough, it would already declare a failed cultivation, a failed breakthrough. Because the things seen in those mirrors had driven many Yin-Yang Realm martial artists mad. Through the Sin Mirror, Ling Xiao saw the martial artists he previously killed coming to seek revenge against him. Each was furious and terrifying. They cried, howled, and roared, demanding Ling Xiao kneels to confess. Yet Ling Xiao's expression remained cold and indifferent. He never regretted killing those he had slain. "You useless ones, I never feared you when alive, and you think I'd fear you now in death? The terrifying Soul Power erupted, and the mirrors in front shattered, their scenes disappearing. Yet, a stronger threat emerged—a larger Sin Mirror appeared in midair, showing his parents being tortured. "Kneel and confess, and your parents will be spared!" The vicious-faced assailants roared. "Confess? What crime have I committed as Ling Xiao? Dare to harm my parents, and I'll repay you a hundredfold and more!" Ling Xiao snorted coldly, unleashing powerful Soul Power.