Chapter 183

Chapter 183: Only One Path Forward

The Chu Family: A Rising Power in the Empire.

Among the top aristocratic families in the Empire, the Chu family was relatively young—only rising to prominence over the past three centuries.

Yet today, the Chu family had grown into a colossal power, standing tall among the strongest noble houses.

They commanded the Eternal Fortress, stationed at the Abyssal Front, where they held the Abyssal demons at bay.

The Imperial Eternal Military District, responsible for guarding Eternal Fortress, was entirely under the Chu family’s control.

For years, they had waged war against the Abyssal creatures, securing a place of unmatched prestige in the Empire.

And at the helm of this legendary family was Chu Sitian, a man who had lived for over three centuries, revered as one of the Empire’s greatest pillars.

In terms of public reputation, he might even surpass figures like Lu Ji and Qin Ming.

Standing at the abyssal front, Chu Sitian stared at his corroded right hand, where a sinister blackened scar spread across his skin.

A trace of mockery flashed across his face.

“The Abyss… The Void… The Celestial Sacred Realm…” He muttered, his eyes filled with deep contemplation.

Located at the Abyssal Edge, the Divine-Demonic Trial was an ancient battlefield where the gods and demons had once clashed.

Under the intervention of Heaven’s Will, the remains of deceased deities and devils had been preserved, awaiting the arrival of trial challengers.

The difficulty of the Divine-Demonic Trial was beyond measure. For any profession below S-rank, participation was pointless—

Many wouldn’t even qualify for the preliminary entrance trials.

And even those who barely passed the entrance exam had a near-100% mortality rate inside the trial itself.

Unlike most trials, death here was real. Statistics showed that nearly half of all participants died every time the Divine-Demonic Trial took place.

Only the true prodigies could survive the ordeal— Only they could attain the boundless glory awaiting those who emerged victorious!

Yet despite the deadly risks, the Divine-Demonic Trial still attracted the world’s top talents.

For humanity, the pursuit of evolution and power was always worth the danger.

Leaving the Imperial Capital, Qin Xian set out for the Abyss, bringing only a small entourage.

Accompanying him were his younger sister, Qin Li, his personal butler, Qiu Bo, and a select group of elite guards.

They first teleported to Lingxi Province, then continued their journey by convoy, heading toward the Abyssal Borderlands.

The Abyss lay at the westernmost frontier of the Empire, often called “The End of the World.”

Because of the Abyssal Corruption, teleportation arrays couldn’t function within ten thousand kilometers of the Abyss.

Even the provinces surrounding the Abyss were affected, making them isolated and impoverished.

While traveling, Qin Xian casually asked, “How is Zhou Nan doing lately?”

Though he had been busy, he had not forgotten Zhou Nan—the so-called “Child of Destiny.”

Zhou Nan was an interesting character—beneath his sycophantic nature, there lay an audacious, reckless heart.

Qiu Bo immediately responded, “Zhou Nan has already left the Imperial Capital. It seems he’s also preparing to participate in the Divine-Demonic Trial.”

Qiu Bo sounded a bit puzzled. After all, why would his master be interested in a mere illegitimate son?

“Should I continue monitoring him, Young Master?”

Qin Xian chuckled lightly and replied, “No need. Some people in the Zhou family want him dead more than I do.”

He recalled how Zhou Nan had previously tried to approach him, clearly seeking something from him.

Qin Xian was certain—Zhou Nan would eventually come crawling back, delivering himself to death’s door.

Abyssal Borderlands…

Amidst a scarred and bloodied valley, the aftermath of a brutal fight was evident.

Zhou Nan stood panting, his body trembling and covered in deep wounds.

Beside him stood an army of undead skeleton warriors, their hollow eyes glowing eerily.

His expression was grim. JI Lanyue’s assassins had finally caught up to him.

The assassins were high-level combatants, with several Level 30+ fighters, and even one at Level 40!

By comparison, Zhou Nan wasn’t even Level 30 yet. It was clear that Ji Lanyue had spared no expense, ensuring he had zero chance of survival.

His heart sank. Despite his efforts to stay hidden, they still managed to track him down.

Which made sense—Ji Lanyue’s family had deep ties to the Empire’s Security Committee and Law Enforcement Bureau.

Tracking someone like him was child’s play for them.

Fortunately, Zhou Nan had already copied an SS-rank profession—Necromancer High Priest.

The assassins had severely underestimated his true strength.

After a fierce battle, Zhou Nan had barely escaped with his life, managing to eliminate all of his pursuers.

But he was severely wounded. Breathing heavily, he quickly pulled out several healing potions and chugged them down.

Immediately, his critical injuries began rapidly regenerating.

“I almost died… again.” Zhou Nan shuddered in fear.

Had he not been near the Abyss, where the demonic necrotic energy amplified his abilities, He would have been long dead.

At the same time, he had finally experienced firsthand the true power of an SS-rank profession.

Before, he had merely read the stats on the interface— But now, after facing real combat, he truly understood.

Even though he was under Level 30, With the SS-rank Necromancer High Priest profession, He had directly killed a Level 40 A-rank warrior!

“This is insane…” Clenching his fists tightly, his eyes burned with hatred.

He would have his revenge. Someday, he would personally kill Ji Lanyue!

But he knew…Even an SS-rank profession wasn’t enough. Because Ji Lanyue’s son was also SS-rank!

There was only one way forward.

Zhou Nan murmured to himself, “I must enter the Divine-Demonic Trial…I must copy Qin Xian’s abilities!”