NTR: Choice Based System

The next morning arrived, bringing with it a sense of happiness, calmness, and the wariness that accompanied Dan Ya's first attempt at the initial stage of puzzle formation.

Barad had completed the first and second levels of the challenge, with only three levels remaining. However, he wasn't ready to face the next trial. Therefore, Dan Ya volunteered to compete in the first level of puzzle formation.

The Training Head was not pleased with this decision. He had planned to progress further with Dan Ya today, exploring new training methods while her husband, Barad, would be occupied within the formation for the entire day.

Yesterday, he convinced her to perform HJ. Today, he had planned to convince her to give BJ to him, but with her entering the formation, his plans were disrupted. However, that wasn't the only reason for his sour mood.

The arrival of Ye Yang ignited a dangerous thought in him: the opportunity to eliminate Ye Yang during this journey without facing blame for his demise.

This was the reason he had included the task of extracting the blood of the Yang lizard in the scroll, believing that Ye Yang would perish in the encounter. However, now that Ye Yang stood before him, a chilling resolve solidified his thin him – he would end Ye Yang's life with his own hands.

His reason was deeply petty: his failure to possess Xu Li. Her loyalty to Ye Yang, despite being merely his maid, infuriated him. He recognized that she harboured deep feelings for Ye Yang, a fact that further fuelled his resentment.

Ye Yang stood before the Training Head, his gaze penetrating deeply into the older man's eyes. He sought any sign of flabbergast, and indeed, he saw it flicker across the Training Head's face before it was expertly masked.

The Training Head offered a forced smile. "Ah, Fourth Young Master, you have finally arrived. I was beginning to think it would take weeks, if not months. Your presence here today brings a great sense of relief."

Ye Yang responded with a forced smile, "Indeed, without your guidance, Training Head, I would never have reached this point."

Ye Yang spoke, his gaze scanning the area for any sign of Aunt Ya. As if sensing his presence, Dan Ya emerged from the tent, looking slightly exhausted. She regarded Ye Yang with a worried smile.

"Where have you been, Yang'er? We've been waiting for weeks." Ye Yang could clearly see the worry etched on her face.

Seeing her, a wave of relief washed over him. It was clear the Training Head hadn't harmed her, yet a lingering doubt still gnawed at him.

Then, another figure emerged from the tent, and Ye Yang's face broke into a wide smile. "Uncle Barad! You're here?"

Barad responded with a warm smile, "Well, I simply came to see how the training of Escort soldiers was progressing. But what about you? Why were you so late?"

Ye Yang's tone hardened as he gave a look to the Training Head before looking at Dan Ya and Barad, "I was entrusted with a task by Training Head, which unfortunately delayed my arrival." He concluded with a slight, little smile.

The Training Head's forced smile tightened. "Indeed, a most demanding task. I trust it proved to be a valuable experience?"

Ye Yang's eyes narrowed. "Valuable indeed, Training Head. One learns much about oneself when faced with unexpected challenges."

He paused, his gaze lingering on the Training Head. "Though I must admit, I am eager to hear more about the progress of the training."

The Training Head, momentarily thrown off guard by Ye Yang's probing gaze, quickly regained his composure. "Ah, yes, the training. Dan Ya has shown remarkable aptitude and toady she is going to give her first attempt at puzzle formation."

Ye Yang looked at Barad and Dan Ya for confirmation, and they both nodded in agreement. The Training Head continued, "You can also try this, it has five levels, and right now your uncle Barad has. cleared two levels – the first level, Fear, and the second level, Doubt."

Barad didn't look proud when the Training Head mentioned his name. He knew exactly what he had endured to complete those two levels. In the first level, he faced his fear – the vast, unforgiving sea.

The second level was even more agonizing. He was plunged into an illusion, forced to confront the agonizing doubt of his wife's infidelity. He barely escaped that torment.

Dan Ya, sensing the tension in the air, quickly interjected, "The first level is called 'Fear.' It's designed to test one's ability to remain calm and focused under extreme pressure."

Ye Yang nodded, intrigued. "Fear, you say? Sounds interesting. How does one enter this 'formation'?"

The Training Head gestured towards a large, imposing stone structure that resembled a giant, monolithic egg. "That, Young Master, is the entrance. The formation within is a complex network of illusions and challenges designed to test one's mental and physical fortitude."

Ye Yang walked towards the structure, his eyes scanning every inch of its surface. It was an imposing sight, radiating an aura of both mystery and danger. He could almost feel the energy emanating from within, a potent mix of fear and anticipation.

"Are you ready, Dan Ya?" Barad asked, his voice laced with concern.

Dan Ya took a deep breath, her eyes fixed on the entrance. "I am ready, Barad. I will not let you down."

The Training Head, a cruel glint in his eyes, activated the entrance mechanism. The massive stone egg began to hum, its surface shimmering with an ethereal light. A swirling vortex of colours appeared within, beckoning them closer.

"Go, Dan Ya," Barad urged, his hand resting gently on her shoulder. "Show them what you're made of."

Dan Ya took a final deep breath, then stepped into the swirling vortex. The colours engulfed her, and she vanished from sight.

Ye Yang watched intently, his mind racing. Fear, he thought. An interesting concept. He wondered what kind of Fear he would face within that enigmatic structure.

The Training Head, observing Ye Yang's keen interest, decided to offer him a seemingly innocuous suggestion. "Why don't you try the first level, Young Master? It would be a valuable experience and a good test of your own resolve."

Ye Yang considered the offer. He was eager to experience the formation firsthand, to understand the challenges that awaited Dan Ya. However, a nagging suspicion lingered in his mind. The Training Head's eagerness seemed almost… unnatural.

"I appreciate the offer, Training Head," Ye Yang replied, his voice carefully neutral, "but I believe I will observe for now. I wish to understand the nature of these challenges before I attempt them myself."

The Training Head's smile faltered slightly, but he quickly regained his composure. "As you wish, Young Master. Observe closely. Perhaps you will learn something valuable."

Ye Yang turned his attention back to the swirling vortex, his gaze fixed on the point where Dan Ya had disappeared. He wondered what she was experiencing at that very moment. Was she facing her fears? Was she struggling to maintain her composure?

He knew that the challenges within the formation were designed to push one to their limits, to break them both physically and mentally.

He hoped that Dan Ya would be strong enough to overcome them. He knew she was capable of incredible things, but he also knew that the Training Head was a dangerous adversary.

As he watched the swirling vortex, Ye Yang made a silent vow. He would protect Aunt Ya, no matter what it took. He would ensure her safety, even if it meant confronting the Training Head himself.

Hell, silently observing everything, spoke in a serious tone, "That artifact, it's not from this world." He spoke to Ye Yang through telekinesis.

Ye Yang gave Hell a look. "What otherworldly? What artifact?" he asked.

Hell explained, "That artifact you dumb Virgin, look under that boulder, it's the eye of the formation, and I can guarantee that it's not something you can find in this world."

Ye Yang was so focused on the vortex that he didn't give thought to the formation. But now, looking at it, he felt that this type of formation was indeed rare. "How do you know it's not from this world? You speak as if you came from another world."

Hell dodged the question. "I have seen enough of this world, and that type of energy is indeed not something you can find in this world."

Ye Yang felt that Hell was hiding something. "What are you hiding? Why don't you share your experience with me someday?"

Hell chuckled, a low, rumbling sound. "Experience? Boy, you have no idea what you're asking. Some things are better left unsaid."

He paused, a flicker of something akin to sadness crossing his face. "But perhaps, one day, when you're strong enough, I might share a glimpse of what lies beyond this… cage."

Ye Yang, intrigued despite Hell's evasive nature, nodded. "Strong enough? What does that mean?"

Hell smiled, a chilling, predatory smile. "You'll know when the time is right."n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

And with that, Hell fell silent, leaving Ye Yang to ponder the enigmatic words. What did Hell mean by "strong enough"? And what secrets did he hold within his chilling silence? Ye Yang knew one thing for sure: this journey was only just beginning, and the answers to these questions, and many more, lay hidden within the depths of the formation, waiting to be uncovered.

"Always trying to be mysterious," Ye Yang grumbled, "Well, not that I care much, but how did the Training Head get his hands on such an amazing thing?"

Hell gave him a straight answer. "Why don't you ask him directly?"