Chapter 1325 |
Chapter 1325: The Gates Open
The Divine Flame Family had provided immense support to Su Jingzhen and the Demon Warrior Legion.
The legion’s rapid growth to its current strength wouldn’t have been possible without Elder Lie Shan and Huo Yang’s backing.
Had Huo Yang not brought them to the central region, Su Jingzhen and his legion might have eventually arrived on their own—but without the Divine Flame Family’s protection, their progress would’ve been neither steady nor swift.
Until now, Huo Yang had taken pride in the Demon Warrior Legion.
While it had brought her honor, it hadn’t yet yielded tangible rewards.
But now, the opportunity had arrived. It was time to reduce the Heavenly Water Family to a mere footnote.
At that moment, Su Jingzhen and You Yue regarded the Red Water Legion of the Heavenly Water Family—their so-called “promising” forces—with the indifference one might reserve for the dead.
After all, the Divine Flame Family alone had sent five hundred legions.
And the Central Trial wasn’t limited to Demon King Realm-level factions; numerous Demon General Realm-level powers were also participating. In total, thousands of legions had gathered.
As these legions sized each other up, Elder Lie Shan joined the half-step Demon King Realm elders from the Heavenly Water Family, including Han Che.
No true Demon King Realm experts were present at this trial, but the presence of these half-step cultivators underscored the event’s high stakes.
“Since everyone is more or less here, there’s no need to delay. Let’s begin,” said Han Che of the Heavenly Water Family, casting a distant glance at the Demon Warrior Legion before addressing the crowd.
The other half-step Demon King Realm experts from various Demon King Realm factions nodded in agreement. Together, the seven stepped forward into the void, their overwhelming auras flaring outward.
“Seven half-step Demon King Realm experts…” Su Jingzhen mused, awestruck.
“Their combined strength alone could likely crush the Immortal Realm’s dominant forces if they invaded.”
Of course, Su Jingzhen also believed the Immortal Realm harbored countless hidden powerhouses.
Otherwise, given the clear connection between the Starry Sky Demons and the Immortal Realm, it wouldn’t make sense for the demons to refrain from invading.
History recorded one large-scale invasion by the Starry Sky Demons into the Immortal Realm, which had ultimately failed.
This failure suggested the Immortal Realm’s foundations ran deeper than Su Jingzhen had initially thought.
This realization reassured him slightly. Otherwise, the Starry Sky Demons’ ever-growing strength would’ve filled him with endless despair.
At that moment, the seven half-step Demon King Realm experts unleashed their power, directing it toward the eight dense mist formations on the sandy plain. Instantly, the vortex-like mists began to rotate slowly, emanating spatial fluctuations.
These were clearly the entrances they sought.
The sandy plain appeared devoid of spiritual energy, but as the eight gates stabilized, an ancient, potent aura surged forth. It was evident this barren desert concealed far more than met the eye.
Su Jingzhen couldn’t suppress a surge of excitement.
“If the interior holds extraordinary sites brimming with boundless Dao insights, I’ll relocate them to the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.”
In past explorations of ruins or secret realms, Su Jingzhen had left nothing behind—stripping everything bare. The Central Trial would be no different.
If the site proved suitable, he wouldn’t hesitate to claim it entirely.
Once the eight gates stabilized, Lie Shan and the others turned to address the thousands of legions gathered.
“Heaven, Earth, Black, Yellow, Universe, Cosmos, Floods, Desolation—eight gates are now open and stable. You may choose your preferred gate and enter the trial grounds. Within lie boundless fortunes, and I hope you all achieve your goals.
Of course, you’re well aware of the countless dangers awaiting you. Life and death are fated; wealth and glory depend on the heavens. Good luck!”
With that, the seven half-step Demon King Realm experts descended from the void, clearing the way for the legions behind them. Immediately, the vast sea of legions surged forward.
Though this was a trial for legions, most comprised elite disciples from various factions. For many Demon General Realm-level forces, securing even a fraction of the treasures within would suffice.
Their core disciples often avoided direct clashes with other legions, preferring to quietly seek fortune and cultivate.
However, the Demon King Realm-level factions—and their numerous legions—kept their attention fixed on the Demon Warrior Legion.
While many downplayed its achievements, respect was due where it mattered.
As for the Divine Flame Family’s nearly five hundred legions, they followed the Demon Warrior Legion without question.
“It seems everyone’s waiting to see what we’ll do. Very well, let’s not keep them waiting,”
Huo Yang said with a light laugh. She then led Su Jingzhen and You Yue toward the nearest entrance, marked with the character Yellow.
As soon as the Demon Warrior Legion moved, the Divine Flame Family’s nearly five hundred legions sprang into action as one.
“Follow! Follow the Demon Warrior Legion if you want a piece of the spoils!” shouted excited members of the Divine Flame Family, quickly trailing Huo Yang through the Yellow entrance.
Other factions’ legions headed for different entrances, deliberately avoiding the Demon Warrior Legion. However, one or two stubborn groups followed closely, their hostility palpable.
Meanwhile, the half-step Demon King Realm experts, including Lie Shan, remained outside.
“The trial lasts one month. Who knows how many legions will emerge afterward?” one elder mused.
“Forget past grievances—just look at the recent Demon Battle City incident. The Heavenly Water Family suffered heavy losses. The enmity between these two families is irreconcilable. It remains to be seen whether the Heavenly Water Family’s ace, the Red Water Legion, can surpass the Demon Warrior Legion.”
Lie Shan smirked faintly, seemingly unconcerned. He thought to himself, As long as the Demon Warrior Legion enters the trial grounds, the Heavenly Water Family’s legions will learn the true meaning of cruelty.
For the next month, no outsiders could enter. As the last legion vanished from sight, the eight vortex gates dissipated, leaving only the desolate sandy plain behind. The gates would reappear gradually after a month.