Having witnessed all the myriad realms, Jiang Chen was virtually immune to the allure of the so-called Myriad Treasures Pavilion.
Moreover, his formidable mental strength constantly reminded him that this Myriad Treasures Pavilion was still nothing more than an illusion—fake, unreal.
No matter how realistic an illusion might be, it was still an illusion.
Cultivation manuals, technique scrolls—these things held the least appeal for Jiang Chen. Never mind the level of the Sixteen Kingdoms Alliance; even the more powerful factions in the Myriad Domains couldn't produce cultivation manuals that would capture his attention.
As for divine weapons, rare treasures, and exotic spirit beasts—since he already knew it was an illusion, Jiang Chen was naturally immune. He kept his eyes fixed ahead, refusing to spare even a single glance.
If he didn't look, didn't observe, then no matter how tempting it might be, he would never take the bait.
And so, Jiang Chen passed through the Myriad Treasures Pavilion with almost no effort at all.
At that moment, Jiang Chen paid no attention whatsoever to the reactions outside, nor could he have imagined that his overwhelming breakthrough through the Myriad Treasures Pavilion had instantly ignited a frenzy of discussion about the "mental genius," sparking an absolute sensation.
He had barely taken a few steps away from the Myriad Treasures Pavilion when he rubbed his eyes, almost certain he was seeing things.
Standing before him was none other than the examiner who had presided over the Mental Strength Gate earlier. The examiner was equally stunned upon seeing Jiang Chen.
"How did you come out already? Hand over the item you selected from the Myriad Treasures Pavilion."
"The item I selected from the Myriad Treasures Pavilion?" Jiang Chen was momentarily taken aback. "That Myriad Treasures Pavilion was clearly an illusory realm. What item was there to select?"
The examiner raised an eyebrow. "The Reincarnation Road is a blend of the real and the illusory. Who told you the Myriad Treasures Pavilion was fake? If you didn't select a treasure, how could you possibly pass the review?"
"Real and illusory?"
"Enough nonsense. Either select a treasure and hand it to me, and you'll pass the review; or I'll disqualify you on the spot." The examiner's tone was ice-cold.
Jiang Chen was momentarily thrown off, but after quickly sorting through the sequence of events in his mind, a faint smile appeared at the corner of his lips.
He suddenly stepped forward and threw a devastating punch. "Gods and ghosts alike—all illusions! Break!"
With that single punch, the examiner was blasted into a wisp of mist and dissipated on the spot.
In the next moment, everything was calm and clear. Lush green trees spread their shade. Jiang Chen found himself back at the point where he had originally set out.
Then, a voice rang out: "Congratulations. You've passed the Reincarnation Road trial!"
Before Jiang Chen could even react, a surge of force swept him away.
The next instant, Jiang Chen's figure appeared at the assessment point of the Mental Strength Gate.
When Jiang Chen materialized, over a hundred pairs of eyes at the Mental Strength Gate assessment point swiveled toward him in unison. Their gazes were sharp enough to pierce through his mask, burn through his uniform, and see his true identity beneath.
"Examiner, congratulations—you are the first person to pass the Reincarnation Road trial! You don't need to speak. Hand over your competition token, and we'll record your Mental Strength Gate results for the upcoming comprehensive evaluation."
No need to speak—that was naturally to avoid having his voice recognized.
After all, everyone present was a powerhouse, especially the four grand elders. Through a voice alone, they might be able to identify someone.
Jiang Chen took a moment to orient himself, then confirmed that he had truly exited the Reincarnation Road and returned to the outer area of the Mental Strength Gate assessment.
Over there, the four grand elders had long agreed that once an examiner emerged, they absolutely could not approach or make contact—doing so would count as a violation of the rules.
Yet at this moment, each of the four grand elders was itching with anticipation, wishing they could tear up the very rules they themselves had established just to go speak a few words to this heaven-defying monster.
In less than a single day, he had walked out of the Reincarnation Road. This kind of performance was nothing short of monstrous.
The four grand elders had little doubt that among the top geniuses of the four great sects, fewer than three could walk out of the Reincarnation Road in a single day.
It was entirely possible that not a single one could manage it!
According to the rules, those who completed the first trial would enter a designated rest area, wait for the ten-day period to end, and then enter the next round of the trial alongside the other participants who had passed the Reincarnation Road.
Jiang Chen was led into the rest area, where he sat cross-legged and entered a meditative state.
Having endured the grueling mental journey along the Reincarnation Road, his mental strength had seen a noticeable boost. The realm of his Heart of Rock seemed to show faint signs of another breakthrough.
Jiang Chen naturally hoped to seize this opportunity and press onward, pushing his Heart of Rock to yet another level.
The cultivation of Heart of Rock was far more arduous than that of the Heavenly Eye Divine Pupil or the Wind-listening Ear.
It was rare to have such an opportunity to temper his mental strength, and this time, Jiang Chen had truly reaped tremendous benefits.
Passing the Reincarnation Road in a single day—this was destined to be an astonishing result.
When Jiang Chen walked into the rest area, many high-ranking figures from various sects craned their necks, casting curious glances his way now and then, obviously eager to learn the identity of this genius.
If not for the strict rules, they would have rushed straight to Jiang Chen, torn off his mask, and seen exactly who he was.
The four grand elders were also in turmoil. They were now desperately hoping the ten days would pass quickly so they could move on to the next trial.
The next trial tested talent.
If this person continued to perform monstrously well in the talent trial, it would prove beyond doubt that he was a once-in-an-eon genius—one worth spending any price to recruit.
The Reincarnation Road was indeed incredibly difficult.