Tian Shao saw that Jiang Chen looked a bit confused. He knew Jiang Chen hadn't been in the Tiangui Kingdom long and probably had no impression of the Labyrinth Autumn Hunt, so he explained, "The Labyrinth Autumn Hunt is a grand event for martial artists of the Tiangui Kingdom, held once every five years. Nearly all martial artists at the True Qi Grandmaster level or above participate."
"What's special about it?"
"There is! The Labyrinth is a very peculiar place. Only the Treasure Tree Sect holds the coordinates for its entrance. But even with the coordinates, the Treasure Tree Sect can't just open it whenever they want. Generally, it only opens once every five years. Once open, it lasts for one month. After that month, the Labyrinth vanishes. If you can't get out within that month, you'll never get out again."
"Never?"
"That's right." Tian Shao nodded firmly. "Never."
"But doesn't it open once every five years? Isn't there always a chance to survive?"
Tian Shao smiled. "Absolutely impossible. Because the Labyrinth's space is different every single time. The Labyrinth has appeared in the Tiangui Kingdom for several centuries and has never repeated itself. Meaning, every time it appears, it's actually a different world."
"Oh?" Jiang Chen felt a bit curious. He hadn't expected that in a small place like the Tiangui Kingdom, there would be such an independent space, and a shifting one at that.
Naturally, Jiang Chen knew this so-called Labyrinth must be a rift between planes, or an overlap between planes, or some sort of spatial distortion balancing the realms.
The movement of such spaces was usually quite regular.
"This Labyrinth Autumn Hunt sounds like it might be interesting. Right now, I'm full of theory but lack practice. This hunt is clearly a trial opportunity."
Thinking this, Jiang Chen asked, "Old Tian, how do you sign up for this Labyrinth Autumn Hunt?"
Tian Shao was delighted to hear this. "You want to participate? If you want to join, you don't need to worry about registration. The Fourth Prince will handle it for you."
"Oh? Can an ordinary person not sign up themselves?"
Tian Shao gave a wry smile. "Only children of Second-Rank Noble families or above are eligible. Those with eligibility can also bring along some accompanying slots. It's similar to attending Grand Tutor Ye's birthday banquet. However, this Labyrinth Autumn Hunt is probably vastly larger than that banquet. Each time, there are at least several thousand participants."
"That many?"
Tian Shao nodded. "Think about it: so many princes, children of royal ministers, children of regional lords, and disciples from all the major powers. The slots are truly numerous."
"Does the Treasure Tree Sect send its own disciples to participate?" Jiang Chen was more curious about this point.
"Inner sect disciples of the Treasure Tree Sect do not participate. Only the outer sect disciples from the Four Great Dojos take part in the Labyrinth Autumn Hunt."
Jiang Chen suddenly understood. So the Four Great Dojos could only be considered the Treasure Tree Sect's outer branches. Those who actually trained within the Treasure Tree Sect proper were the inner sect disciples.
And inner sect disciples would not participate in this Labyrinth Autumn Hunt.
"Find it strange? The Labyrinth coordinates are controlled by the Treasure Tree Sect, so why don't their inner sect disciples join?" Tian Shao smiled.
"It is a bit strange." Jiang Chen nodded.
"Simple. Because the Treasure Tree Sect controls two such Labyrinths. The other one is called the Treasure Vase Labyrinth. In terms of danger, that one is three to five times more perilous than this outer Labyrinth. Only the Treasure Vase Labyrinth holds appeal for the Treasure Tree Sect's inner disciples."
Only then did Jiang Chen truly understand. It wasn't that the Treasure Tree Sect disciples didn't participate, but that they simply looked down on the level of this Labyrinth Autumn Hunt.
However, Jiang Chen didn't mind. Since such a good opportunity had presented itself, he didn't want to miss it.
"Old Tian, then I'll trouble you to have the Fourth Prince save a slot for me. Wait, if there are enough slots, save an extra one for me too."
Tian Shao smiled and nodded in agreement. Suddenly, he asked, "Just now, I thought I saw the First Prince from a distance?"
"That brainless fool, no need to mention him." Jiang Chen waved his hand, showing little interest in the topic of Ye Dai.
Tian Shao laughed heartily. Calling the First Prince 'brainless' in the entire Tiangui Kingdom was rare enough; Jiang Chen was definitely the youngest and most unconventional one to do so.
After sending Tian Shao off, Jiang Chen pondered for a moment. He felt this Autumn Hunt Labyrinth was a chance to gain experience. If he could seize some opportunities during the trial, it would greatly enhance his practical combat ability, allowing him to go further on the path of the Spirit Realm.
Having decided to participate in this Autumn Hunt Labyrinth, Jiang Chen naturally had to make some preparations.
He, Jiang Chen, never went into battle unprepared.
He made a trip to the Duobao Dojo to prepare some necessary items. On the way, he also visited Jiang Yu. In the month that had passed, Jiang Yu had thoroughly integrated into the Duobao Dojo, performing his duties exceptionally well. Even the old monster Shi Xiaoyao had offered considerable praise.
After a few words of encouragement, Jiang Chen took his leave. He intended to visit the Qianlan Southern Palace as well. Arriving at their representative office in the Royal Capital, he learned that Qiao Baishi had already followed Elder Ning back to the Qianlan Southern Palace headquarters, having left over half a month ago.
Jiang Chen made some purchases at the counter. Since Qiao Baishi wasn't there, he didn't wish to linger and turned to leave.
Stepping out the main gate, he suddenly heard a scolding voice from the side: "I've told you, the public diagnosis session is over. The Spirit Apothecaries have already left. Even if you kneel here until you faint, there's nothing we can do. We're just shop clerks; we don't know how to heal illnesses!"
"Big brother clerk, please, we're begging you. Look, we've even prepared our consultation fee. Please, can you pull some strings and make an exception?"