When Xiao Yan returned to the stone platform, the final phase of the sound-wave array challenge was nearing its conclusion. What astonished him was that within this brief span, three more contestants had successfully reached the summit—bringing the total number on the platform to nearly nine. However, with only eight spots remaining for the Tian Shan Blood Pond—after accounting for the two reserved spots for the Gold-Mouse contestants—the situation now meant that one of these nine would have to be left out. Based on the strength of the previous mouse tide sonic array, at least one of the three who had successfully passed would find it difficult to proceed, and the other two would certainly not make it easily. Indeed, Xuanyin had unintentionally created favorable conditions for the subsequent participants. Of course, even with such favorable conditions, some level of strength was still required—these three had all reached the seven-star Duke Emperor level, which was by no means weak. With a sigh of resignation, Xuanyin turned his gaze to the figure struggling and darting up the stone staircase, shaking his head slightly. This individual's strength was only around six-star Duke Emperor, and it seemed unlikely that his success rate in passing the mouse tide sonic array would be very high. Indeed, as Xiao Yan had anticipated, when the figure was only a few dozen meters from the summit, his inner ki finally depleted. His face paled, and he spat out a stream of blood, retreating unsteadily before crashing to the platform with a heavy thud, his expression filled with reluctance. Seeing that this person still fell short at the end, the others on the platform sighed, their eyes heavy with sorrow as they gazed upward at the summit, where eight spots were now firmly secured—meaning they had no chance of reaching the top. "The gate round is over. Those who haven't succeeded will be escorted out of Tianmù Mountain shortly," Jin Shi glanced at the group on the platform, his calm voice announcing their fate. Hearing Jin Shi's words, many people's faces grew pale, yet the former paid no attention to them. With a wave of his hand, several sturdy figures with human bodies and mouse heads stepped forward, sealing off the stone staircase. In a moment's flash, he materialized like a ghost atop the mountain peak, observing Xiao Yan and the others from a lofty vantage point. A vibrant surge of energy rippled outward like waves, expanding continuously in all directions—creating a truly magnificent sight. Amidst the towering energy tides above the sky, Xiao Yan and his companions swiftly moved through the cluster of strange stones, continuing for a while before finally slowing down as they approached a section of golden stone ahead. Gradually ascending to a higher elevation, the scene before them instantly filled Xiao Yan and his companions with awe. Before them lay an expansive volcanic crater, continuously exhaling streams of hot, toxic smoke. At its center stood a small pool, roughly several zhang in size, whose water was now scarce—only faint hints of deep crimson could be seen, resembling molten lava. "That is the Tian Shan Blood Pool. However, it hasn't yet reached the peak of the energy tides. When the peak is finally achieved, the entire mountain's energy will converge at this volcanic crater, and the pool will overflow. At that moment, you will need to enter." He gently pointed to the pool at the center of the crater. Hearing this, many people's faces subtly changed, surprised to learn that even within the Heavenly Mountain Blood Pool, such dangers existed. Xiao Yan glanced at Jin Shi, and suddenly felt a sense of clarity—indeed, he had always sensed a stagnation of injury within Jin Shi's body, and now it seemed likely related to the fire toxin. "Also, you currently have nine people here. That means one of you will be unable to enter the Heavenly Mountain Blood Pool. As for who it is, you will decide yourselves," Jin Shi raised his eyelids and spoke slowly. "Heard this, everyone present—including Xiao Yan—stared at the latter in surprise. As a direct participant, Xiao Yan hesitated, about to speak, but then noticed that Jin Shi was slowly making his way toward a higher slope on the other side of the mountain, where a stone pavilion stood. Seeing this, he only nodded, briefly instructed Lan Yanran before quickly following. When Xiao Yan reached the pavilion, Jin Shi was already standing with his hands behind his back, gazing at the colorful energy tides swirling in the sky. There, he also spotted the gray-robed elder he had met earlier in the maze, who had introduced himself as Jin Gu. Upon seeing Xiao Yan arrive, Jin Gu smiled warmly and said, 'Little one, I called you here—what was the reason?' Xiao Yan remained silent for a moment before responding, 'Could it be because of the injury in Jin Shi's body?'" "As soon as he spoke, Xiao Yan clearly sensed that the golden-stone body gently trembled. Jin Gu, however, burst out laughing and said, 'There it is—right from the start, I knew this young man was no ordinary alchemist.' Slowly turning around, Jin Gu's previously calm gaze now sharpened into keen intensity. He fixed his eyes firmly on Xiao Yan, hesitating and asking, 'Can you detect the injuries within my body?' It was only natural for him to be doubtful—after all, even some of the top-tier sixth-rank alchemists rarely achieved such a level. Could this young man, barely in his twenties, surpass even that standard? 'Yes, I can detect some,' Xiao Yan nodded slightly. 'Then, do you have confidence in healing me completely?' Jin Gu stepped forward two paces and spoke with serious tone. 'I'll have to examine it further,' Xiao Yan hesitated before finally sitting down at the stone table, pointing toward the adjacent stone chair. Seeing this, Jin Gu only managed a slight smile and settled into the chair as instructed. Grabbing Xiang Yan's arm, Xiang Yan's eyes narrowed slightly as a stream of spiritual energy swiftly flowed into his body. Upon seeing Xiang Yan close his eyes, Jin Shi and Jin Gu exchanged a glance but remained silent—neither spoke to disturb him. Herbalists were typically reserved and aloof; back when they had sought assistance from several of them to examine the condition, they had endured considerable discomfort. Compared to them, Xiang Yan was truly a great improvement. Seeing the two in this state, Xiao Yan gently rubbed his fingers on the stone table for a moment, then slowly said, "Though it's extremely difficult to eliminate, there is indeed not absolutely no way..." Shifting his gaze to the stone pavilion, it seemed as though he had instantaneously returned—at that very moment, Xiao Yan's eyes burned with intense passion, devoid of any hesitation. A single, resonant word burst directly from his lips! "Excellent!"