Qing Cang's eyes flickered. He had suddenly received news of the other party's arrival, requesting his master to intervene. This had clearly thrown a wrench into Ni Chuan's plans.
In order to intervene, the other party could now only resort to death threats.
Ni Chuan was no simple character. If he really died here, the Royal Court would inevitably be thrown into an uproar.
His gaze shifted to the young man behind him. The Royal Court was a sprawling and convoluted entity. He wasn't a high-ranking sect official in charge of intelligence, so while he knew Ni Chuan, he knew nothing about his son.
But since Ni Chuan had spoken up, he probably had some degree of confidence. However... this guy didn't seem to know that they still had to pass Uncle-Master Chiyang's trial.
At this thought, Qing Cang scoffed coldly and replied, "You are not worthy of my master personally taking action. What if your son fails to become the Chosen One?"
"We will retreat immediately. I dare not speak lies before the Ancient King," Ni Chuan declared in a deep voice.
He was also feeling helpless. His gaze swept briefly over Lan Hao. He didn't know what had gone wrong, but this kid hadn't informed him, leaving him with no choice but to resort to this desperate measure.
If that was the case... even if Ni Chuan went back on his word later and his master killed him, the Royal Court wouldn't be able to find any faults. Accepting this proposal, Qing Cang turned his head and called out, "Master."
The Ancient King's voice echoed out, "Send them all in together."
"Thank you, Ancient King." Ni Chuan stepped aside, watching the young man beside him float forward.
Wan Chen sized the newcomer up. The young man had a placid expression and wore the standard uniform of the Royal Court's Suppression Army, appearing quite ordinary.
"What is your name?" Qing Cang's attitude was relatively mild; he didn't misdirect his anger at the youth because of Ni Chuan.
"Ni Bin," he replied.
Qing Cang nodded and motioned for Wan Chen and the others to step forward. Only then did Su Chen emerge from the crowd, silently trailing at the back.
Ni Bin glanced at him. Through Lan Hao's intelligence, he knew of Su Chen's situationâjust someone making up the numbersâso he didn't take him to heart.
The only one worth paying attention to was Wan Chen. With three dragon phantoms manifesting, his chances of becoming the Chosen One weren't low.
'I wonder what this person's talent is,' Wan Chen speculated inwardly. Lin Yue and the others were of no concern, but this suddenly-appearing Ni Bin was someone he viewed as a formidable rival.
Even in this situation, he still hasn't given up... Lan Hao looked at Su Chen, scoffing internally while also feeling in a foul mood.
"Your Excellency Qing Cang, could we add one more person?" Chong Jingtian, who was mixed in the crowd, suddenly spoke up.
Qing Cang was a bit surprised, but after glancing at the person Chong Jingtian pushed forward, he lost interest and casually agreed, "Fine."
Ming Lin was shoved to the front of the group with a bewildered expression. 'Why... why am I being pushed into this mess?'
His heart palpitated with apprehension, inevitably feeling nervous.
Chong Jingtian sighed inwardly. Of course, he knew that pushing Ming Lin forward wouldn't yield any results, but with the Ancient King present, this situation was undoubtedly a prime opportunity to make an impression.
The six people stood in a row. Under everyone's watchful eyes, they were pulled by an invisible force, floating into the cauldron before vanishing from sight.
'Why are they going inside the cauldron?'
Ni Chuan's expression changed slightly. 'Isn't the spirituality up above?'
He realized there seemed to be something he was unaware of, worrying that an accident might happen inside.
Just as he was about to speak, he saw a torrent of crimson energy converging in front of the cauldron, gradually forming a massive screen. He paused, growing increasingly bewildered.
Meanwhile, Su Chen only felt his vision blur as the scenery warped. By the time he found his footing, his surroundings had transformed into a vast expanse of metallic flooring, the crimson metal stretching far into the distance.
Everyone else was here as well, looking somewhat dazed.
"Shouldn't we be taking the trial of spirituality? Why are we here?" Ni Bin frowned. This scene was completely beyond his expectations.
No one gave him an answer. Instead, ripples appeared in the air before them, and a translucent figure gradually materialized. It was Venerable Chiyang.
"Venerable..." Wan Chen and the others hurriedly called out, and Su Chen chimed in to follow suit.
"My name is Chiyang," the crimson-haired, illusionary figure said expressionlessly. "I am but a wisp of a spiritual fragment left behind by my main body. It was my true self's dying wish to find an heir."
"To witness the spirituality, you must first pass my trial."
This spiritual fragment didn't seem to possess much sentience; its speech carried a certain stiffness.
'So it's not just a trial, but a search for an heir...' Wan Chen initially frowned, but then a sharp glint flashed through his eyes, barely concealing his excitement.
The Ancient King hadn't taken a disciple in many years. Even if one became the Chosen One, it wasn't a guarantee they would become the Ancient King's disciple.
But now, another path presented itself. If he became Venerable Chiyang's disciple, he would be the posthumous disciple of the Ancient King's junior brother. Arguably, that status might be even more precious than a direct disciple.
He wasn't the only one to realize this. Su Chen's eyes flickered. 'This path... seems to suit me much better.'
'After all, I've already caught Qing Cang's eye. The Ancient King is Qing Cang's master. Even if I become the Chosen One...'
'If the Ancient King really takes a liking to me, he probably wouldn't stoop to snatching his own disciple's student.'
'Hmm... I probably shouldn't hide too much of my strength today,' Su Chen pondered silently. When looking for a backer, one naturally had to cling to the thickest thigh available.
Ni Bin, however, couldn't help but furrow his brows. He had come to become the Chosen One, not to inherit a dead man's legacy.
Moreover, even if he succeeded, it wouldn't bring him any benefits due to his background.
"If you pass my trial, I can use my influence over the spirituality to increase your chances of becoming the Chosen One," the phantom added.
Hearing this, none of them could remain calm.
Wan Chen was inevitably astonished. 'It can actually influence the spirituality?'
'Doesn't that mean a Chosen One will definitely emerge today?'
At this thought, he couldn't help but feel a little nervous and limbered up his body.
"This spiritual fragment can actually influence the spirituality," Su Chen mused, equally surprised.
Ni Bin put away his impatience and asked, "Venerable Chiyang, I am not a member of the Bronze Sect. Will that put me at a disadvantage?"
The crimson-haired phantom shook its head. "I am not Venerable Chiyang, merely a spiritual fragment. My sentience is lacking. I act only according to my true self's dying wishes and cannot interfere excessively."
'A spiritual fragment is basically a rudimentary artificial intelligence,' Su Chen understood.
Wan Chen then asked, "Can only one person pass your trial?"
"That is not the case," the phantom explained. "As long as you meet the qualifications, you will have the chance to directly face the spirituality."
With that said, it asked, "Are there any other questions?"
Everyone shook their heads. Only then did it declare, "In class advancement and development, the utmost priority is talent."
As its voice fell, the group felt the surrounding space shift. They soon realized their horizontal lineup had rearranged into a vertical column, and the person standing at the very front was none other than Ni Bin.
'His talent is higher than mine?'
Wan Chen's expression shifted in shock as he stared dumbfoundedly at Ni Bin's burly back.
Although he had expected that since Ni Chuan sent his son out, the man's talent definitely wouldn't be low, he hadn't anticipated it to be Twin Profound Purple.
Such a talent would be the center of attention even within the Holy Sanctuary.
And yet, he had never even heard of this person's name. 'The Royal Court's reserves are truly unfathomable.'
Lin Yue's excited expression had long since faded. She starkly realized that her chances of becoming the Chosen One were dwindling further and further.
'Twin Profound Purple.' The flames of jealousy roared in Lan Hao's heart. He could accept this Morning Star rank spirituality being taken by the Royal Court, but he couldn't stomach someone becoming the Chosen One right before his eyes, whether it was Wan Chen or this Ni Bin.
'Not simple at all...' Su Chen withdrew his gaze from Ni Bin and looked back at Ming Lin behind him. The two of them were dead last and second-to-last, entirely ignored by everyone.
"So that's how it is..." Qing Cang muttered as he watched the giant screen outside, hearing the voice transmit from within, also feeling somewhat amazed.
'To think Uncle-Master Chiyang's spiritual fragment can actually slightly influence the Morning Star rank spirituality. How come I've never heard of such a method before?'
But on second thought, he felt relieved. Uncle-Master Chiyang's situation was unique; it was extremely difficult for a normal fallen Morning Star rank to leave behind a spiritual fragment.
However, the degree of this influence probably wasn't high. If they could arbitrarily decide the heir, factions wouldn't hold grand selections every time a Morning Star rank fell.
But even if the influence was minor, that tiny push could be the difference between mere recognition and being chosen.
As the phantom's words regarding the "utmost priority of talent" settled, Qing Cang's expression drastically changed upon seeing Ni Bin standing at the very front. He glared straight at Ni Chuan and said darkly, "You've hidden him quite deeply."
"It's simply a profound blessing from my ancestors," Ni Chuan waved his hand dismissively, though he was inwardly speculating how trustworthy that spiritual fragment's words were. 'Will it really not pull any dirty tricks?'
A trace of worry inevitably flashed through Qing Cang's eyes. This Ni Bin actually possessed a Twin Profound Purple talent.
'If he truly becomes the Chosen One, should I intervene and eliminate him?'
He hesitated. If he struck, the Royal Court would never let the matter rest, potentially shattering their current tacit peace.
'But if I don't strike, am I supposed to just watch helplessly as Ni Bin calmly walks away with the prize?'
'There's still a chance...' He silently retracted his gaze, hoping that Wan Chen could overcome the slight gap in talent.
While he was deep in his anxieties, he failed to notice the peculiar exchange of glances between Chong Jingtian and Xia Hanshi.
"The current situation seems a bit unexpected. With the Ancient King here, if Su Chen really reveals his extraordinary compatibility with the Great Venerable of Crimson Flame and Resounding Thunder, he might just soar into the heavens," Chong Jingtian secretly communicated with Xia Hanshi, unable to suppress the hope in his heart.
If it were only Qing Cang present, he would feel apprehensive. But the Ancient King stood on an entirely different level as the supreme leader of a major faction.
A person of such status shouldn't be capable of doing something as base as murdering Su Chen just because they despised his low talent, all to free up the position of the Chosen One.
Furthermore, once the Ancient King learned of him, Su Chen's safety would be vastly guaranteed; others would have to think twice before acting.
"Su Chen probably wants to gamble," Xia Hanshi showed concern, not sharing the optimism. "But this current trial might not be easy to pass."
Inside the cauldron, Ni Bin was already growing impatient. "Venerable, what next?" "After talent comes character," the phantom of Chiyang said unhurriedly. "With equal talent, if you slack off by an inch, you fall behind by an inch. Slack off by two inches, and you fall behind by a mile."
'Character?'
Everyone revealed thoughtful expressions. Talent was easy to test, but how could one's character be verified in such a short time?
"Character is difficult to gauge. Thus, before my true self died, he had no choice but to leave behind a special method." The phantom of Chiyang paused its steps, watching as the group showed inquisitive expressions.
It extended a hand, and six streams of pitch-black ink shot out, hovering before it. Hoarse, agonizing wails faintly echoed from within them, looking extraordinarily sinister and bizarre.
"The power of an Evil God?" Ni Bin's expression twisted in horror, and he couldn't help but stagger a few steps back.
Wan Chen gulped hard, while Lan Hao's face drained of all color.
'This Venerable Chiyang is truly ruthless,' Su Chen's brows twitched. The streams of black ink gave him a sense of familiarity; they felt very much like Heituo's power.
The power of Evil Gods inherently possessed the ability to corrupt people's minds, and Heituo in particular took great pleasure in bewitching hearts and luring people into depravity.
The few human traitors he had encounteredâfrom Nan Feng to Ying Feng, the Pang family, and Wei Yinshuoâwere essentially all the handiwork of Heituo.
With both effects overlapping, the strength of its corruption was multiplied. Using this stuff to test one's character was indeed highly effective.
If one could withstand it, the sheer fortitude of their character would be beyond question.
But at the same time, the danger increased exponentially. If one couldn't endure it and degenerated into an Evil God cultist, it would essentially be an immediate death sentence.
"Wait..." Ni Bin yelled out frantically. Why was he suddenly being forced to risk his life?
However, the phantom of Chiyang gave him no chance to speak. A stream of ink surged forward, eagerly wrapping around Ni Bin and sinking straight into his body.
His eyes rolled back in his head, and he instantly collapsed to the ground. His face twisted in agonizing torment, cold sweat pouring down in buckets.
"Venerable... I... I..." Palpitating with terror, Wan Chen couldn't even finish his sentence before a cloud of black smoke rushed at his face, invading through his eyes, ears, nose, and mouth.
"Ahhh...!" He let out a tortured wail, thrashing on the ground as well.
Then came Lin Yue. Lan Hao didn't even get the chance to forfeit before he was swallowed up by it.
Su Chen, on the other hand, appeared completely composed. He stared intently at the black smoke hurtling toward him. Upon contact, it vanished into his body, and simultaneously, his system panel popped up: [External power corruption detected. Successfully tamed. Gained one portion of mid-tier Heituo Power.]
'As expected, it just swallowed it whole. To think it was actually mid-tier divine power... What a ruthless move,' Su Chen mumbled inwardly. Nevertheless, he played along, collapsing to the floor and faking a grimace of unbearable agony.
After Ming Lin fell with a bitter expression, chaos had already erupted outside.
The high-ranking officials from the four cities looked at each other in dismay. This was simply too vicious. Using the power of an Evil God to test one's character? Could anyone actually withstand it?
'How did it come to this...' Chong Jingtian stared upwards, his heart clenching tight. He felt both concern for Su Chen and regret for pushing Ming Lin into the fray.
He didn't even dare turn around to face You Shan, who was glaring at him with murderous intent.
Only Xia Hanshi's expression turned bizarre for a split second, though it quickly morphed back into shared worry.
Ni Chuan's face turned pitch black as he cursed furiously, "Did this Chiyang lose his damn mind? Using the power of an Evil God to test a person's character?! This is outright murder!"
Qing Cang was consumed by gnawing anxiety. He dreaded to think how he would explain it if Wan Chen and the other two turned into Evil God cultists.
Yet, upon hearing Ni Chuan's words, he still scolded him coldly, "You sent your son in yourself. No one forced you. The process is fair and just, and it certainly isn't targeting your son alone."
"This is bullshit..." Ni Chuan felt suffocated by frustration, gritting his teeth. "Who the hell can pass this kind of character test? If Ni Bin really dies here, I will fight you to the bitter end!"
Qing Cang couldn't be bothered to argue with him. Instead, he looked toward the cauldron and couldn't help but ask, "Master, using the power of an Evil God to test one's character... isn't that a bit too harsh?"
"Moreover, to be able to corrupt Wan Chen and the others, it must be mid-tier divine power. Just how unyielding must someone's willpower be to survive that?"
Low-tier Evil God power wouldn't be enough to corrupt them, and the upper limit of mid-tier corruption could reach the Sixth Tier.
"Your martial uncle did take a rather unconventional approach," the Ancient King's voice rippled out, calm and detached. "However, he also left behind countermeasures. It won't take their lives, nor is the goal to completely endure it. It merely measures how long they can last... Hmm?"
Before he could finish, the Ancient King's voice paused. He sounded faintly surprised, as if he had just discovered something.
Right at that moment, under the shocked and bewildered gazes of the crowd...
On the giant screen, Su Chenâwho had been lying on the floorâwas actually staggering back to his feet. He rubbed his temples, wearing the expression of someone who had just barely survived a catastrophe.