There were only two days left to the Trial of Gloomy Forest. Xiao Chen still did not go out. During the day, he continued to comprehend the insights he gained from his battle with Zhang He. At night, he cultivated the Purple Thunder Divine Incantation.
Xiao Chen felt that he had already touched the edge of the Battle Sage Origins' Changing Character Formula. However, after he returned, he tried to execute Flight On Wings again, but he did not succeed a few times.
Xiao Chen pondered bitterly. One of the main reasons why he could execute Flight On Wings so smoothly that day was because he was struck by Moon Bright Like Fire. He was in a desperate situation, which stimulated his potential.
Another reason was that he had consumed the Essence Swallowing Pill, which greatly increased his strength. His cultivation realm was much higher than it was now.
Regardless of the reason, Xiao Chen was filled with anticipation for the Trial of Gloomy Forest. Only in a dangerous place would he be able to put himself in a desperate situation, experiencing the essence of the Battle Sage Origins' Changing Character Formula between life and death.
Only through continuous battles could he increase his strength. Closing himself off from the outside world was not a good method.
Two days later, the Trial was held as scheduled. Under the lead of the First Elder, Xiao Chen followed the crowd and rushed to the plaza in the city center. There, he would meet up with the other people from the three great clans.
After that, under the lead of Mohe City's City Lord, they would rush to the periphery of Gloomy Forest to begin the Trial.
This time, there were ten people from the Xiao Clan participating in the Trial. All of them were at least Superior Grade Martial Disciples. Xiao Jian and Xiao Yulan's cultivation had even reached the Martial Master realm. They were definitely the strongest group of people in the three great clans.
When they rushed to the plaza, the people from the Tang Clan and the Zhang Clan had already arrived. The gazes from both sides were very unfriendly. Recently, the two clans had suffered losses at the hands of the Xiao Clan. With the addition of old and new grudges, they could not wait to start a fight.
On the stone platform in the middle of the plaza, the City Lord had not appeared yet. Xiao Chen and Xiao Yulan were chatting casually. They did not feel bored, but they thought that the City Lord was putting on a show.
"You are Xiao Chen."
Just as the two of them were chatting, someone suddenly walked over from the side. Xiao Yulan faced that person and frowned slightly. She said in a soft voice, "It's the Tang Clan's people."
Xiao Chen's Spiritual Sense had already seen the appearance of this person. He was not surprised in his heart. He turned around and smiled, "It is indeed me. I wonder why Brother Tang Feng is looking for me?"
When Tang Feng heard Xiao Chen call out his name, he felt it was strange. His expression changed slightly as he smiled, "It's nothing. Recently, everyone in Mohe City knows about Brother Xiao's name. I just wanted to make friends with you."
Xiao Yulan smiled coldly from behind, "Befriend? Your big brother, Tang Yuan, died on our Seven Horn Mountain. Instead of seeking revenge, you are here to befriend us?"
After Tang Feng heard this, the smile on his face became even wider. He said, "This fellow has always been at odds with me. Now that he died in Brother Xiao's hands, he deserves it. I should be thanking Brother Xiao instead. Why would I think of revenge?"
Tang Feng was astonished. For the sake of the position of Clan Head, brothers would fight with each other. This had happened since ancient times, so it was not strange. However, back in Linlang Pavilion, Xiao Chen already knew this person's character. How could he believe his words?
When Xiao Jian, who was at the side, heard Tang Feng's words, his expression changed slightly. It was unknown what he was thinking.
Xiao Chen walked in front of Tang Feng and whispered into his ear, "I was the one who bought the Inferior Grade Spirit Stone in Linlang Pavilion. Do you still want to befriend me?"
Tang Feng's expression changed greatly. His earlier smile disappeared and he said gloomily, "You have spoiled my plans time and again. So it was you who did it. Don't be too pleased with yourself. It is best if you don't go to Gloomy Forest. If you go, don't even think of coming out."
Tang Feng flung his sleeves and snorted coldly. Then, he left without looking back.
However, Xiao Chen had a bad premonition in his heart. Since Tang Feng said that, could it be that there is a death trap waiting for me in Gloomy Forest?
"Cousin Xiao Chen, what did you say to that person to make his expression so unsightly?" Xiao Yulan asked curiously. Not only her, but the other Xiao Clan disciples were also looking at him curiously.
Xiao Chen smiled and said, "I told him that it is very impolite for him to come out and speak to others without even wiping his eyes clean."
When everyone heard this, they all laughed. However, it left a shadow in Xiao Chen's heart. He could not let it go, but he had no choice but to go to Gloomy Forest. There was no other way.
Never mind, I will deal with whatever comes my way. Thinking about it now will only increase my worries, Xiao Chen consoled himself.
At this moment, the crowd suddenly became noisy. Xiao Chen looked up and saw that it was indeed the City Lord, Dugu Feng, who had finally arrived. This was the person who used the most power in Mohe City. Xiao Chen was somewhat curious. He sent out his Spiritual Sense, but he discovered that he could not see through his strength.
Xiao Chen could not help but feel astonished. The City Lord's cultivation must be astonishing. However, he did not expect it to be to such an extent that even he could not see through it.
The City Lord gave everyone a few words of encouragement, but he did not say anything else. Instead, he gave some instructions to the people behind him. Instantly, a few black dots appeared on the horizon. As the black dots got closer, they could clearly see that they were huge flying Spirit Beasts — Curtains of Bats.
This was a type of mutated bat-like bird. It did not have any feathers on its body, only glossy black flesh. Its body was huge, and when it spread its wings, it was at least tens of meters long.
When it stopped, it created a huge whirlwind on the ground. Sand and pebbles flew everywhere, making it hard for people to open their eyes.
Everyone followed Xiao Qiang to one of the Curtains of Bats. Their faces were filled with excitement. This group of people had never seen a flying bird before. Now that they had the opportunity to ride it, they could not help but feel excited.
Even though Xiao Chen could use the Gravity Spell to fly slowly, he was filled with anticipation for this Curtains of Bats. Riding on a bird would definitely be a different experience.
After the Curtains of Bats spread out its wings, its body and wings connected together, making it look like a huge platform. Under the instructions of the rider of this Curtains of Bats, everyone removed their shoes and socks and climbed on barefoot.
When Xiao Chen stood barefoot on the Curtains of Bats, he could actually feel a slight suction force locking his feet in place. When he wanted to lift his feet, he took a few steps forward easily. It was as stable as flat ground.
Xiao Chen was astonished. No wonder even though there were so many flying Spirit Beasts, this Curtains of Bats was the most widely used. Although it was ugly, it was very stable.
With a cry, the Curtains of Bats created a strong gust of wind, and they took off with a 'sou' sound. This Curtains of Bats did not rely on the flapping of its wings to fly. Instead, it relied on the control of the wind. Its speed was extremely fast.
The group of people in Mohe City below became smaller and smaller in the eyes of the crowd. Eventually, they turned into black dots and completely disappeared. The wind howled in their ears, but the suction force coming from the soles of their feet did not cause them to panic. The smiles on their faces had not yet faded.
Gloomy Forest was very desolate, and it was quite a distance away from Mohe City. Even if they rode on this Curtains of Bats, it would take at least four hours. Xiao Chen did not want to waste any time, so he sat down cross-legged and started cultivating.
A look of gratification flashed on Xiao Qiang's face. Such diligence, neither arrogance nor rashness. Furthermore, with the help of the Thunder King's inheritance, he would definitely accomplish great things in the future.
Under the influence of Xiao Chen, the excitement on the faces of the others slowly receded. They sat down cross-legged and entered a state of cultivation.
"Bang!"
After flying for a long time, the Curtains of Bats finally came to a stop. Xiao Chen opened his eyes and put on his shoes and socks. Then, he gently jumped down.
Looking at the gloomy forest in front of him, he muttered to himself, "This is Gloomy Forest. I wonder what kind of surprise it will bring me."
Just at this moment, Xiao Chen felt a gaze filled with a strong killing intent directed at him. Looking in the direction of the killing intent, Xiao Chen saw that it was the Zhang Clan Head.
He did not have any intention of hiding it. His eyes were filled with a strong hatred, and a strong killing intent surged towards Xiao Chen. Xiao Chen did not show any fear. He grinned and did not seem to care at all.
"Elder Xiao, are these the people that your Xiao Clan sent?" The Mohe City's City Lord brought four old men dressed in gray robes over.
Xiao Qiang nodded his head and pointed out the appearances of the ten people to the City Lord. When it came to Xiao Chen, under the City Lord's request, Xiao Qiang introduced them.
"Elder Xiao, this is not your first time here. You should be very clear about the rules."
Xiao Qiang nodded his head, "Of the ten people I brought, the strongest is only a Medial Grade Martial Master. The oldest is 18 years old. City Lord Dugu can check them carefully."
In this Trial of Gloomy Forest, the participant's cultivation could not be higher than Martial Master. Their age could not be over 20. Once they exceeded the requirements, they would be eliminated.
Xiao Chen heaved a sigh of relief. He did not expect there to be such a requirement. If there were no Martial Grand Masters, even if the Zhang Clan and the Tang Clan worked together to deal with him, he would not have any fear.
After Dugu Feng and the others left, Xiao Qiang looked at the crowd with a serious expression and said, "I do not wish to speak too much about the dangers of Gloomy Forest. You should all be clear on this. No matter what grudges you have, once you are inside, you will all have to let it go."
"This trip will be filled with difficulties. Xiao Chen will be your team leader. His words are my words."
When the crowd heard this, they revealed an astonished expression. However, they immediately felt at ease. With Xiao Chen's current strength, there was nothing wrong with him being the team leader.
Xiao Qiang waved his hand, not allowing Xiao Chen to speak. "You do not need to reject. I have not said your mission yet. Lead this group of people to survive and hunt for a hundred Rank 2 Demonic Cores. Then, you will have completed your mission."
Xiao Chen felt helpless in his heart. However, the First Elder had already made up his mind. There was no room for anyone to refute him. He could only accept this difficult task.
Half an hour later, everyone had finished their preparations. Under Xiao Chen's lead, they slowly walked towards the dark forest. They could see that the other two teams had also started to move at this time.
"So cold!"
The instant they stepped into the forest, everyone felt a chill. The soil on the ground was actually black, causing their scalps to go numb.
When they looked up, the towering and dense foliage blocked out all the sunlight. The forest was dark.
Everyone's vision was greatly obstructed. When Xiao Chen looked in front, there was a black fog spreading out. He could not see clearly at all.
Xiao Chen extended his Spiritual Sense. Under the obstruction of an unknown force, his Spiritual Sense could only extend to a radius of two hundred meters.
Xiao Chen was somewhat astonished. He had not expected such a situation to occur. However, this was not the time to complain. Xiao Chen took out the map that the First Elder had given him and looked at it. Then, he led the group forward.
After twenty minutes, there was still no change in the scenery before them. Finally, someone could not help but complain, "Xiao Chen, why are you leading us? We have been walking for so long, yet we still do not see any Demonic Beasts. If this goes on, when will we be able to complete the mission of two hundred Demonic Cores?"
Xiao Chen felt somewhat helpless. It had not even been half an hour and there were already people who could not endure the loneliness. This mission of being the team leader was really difficult.
"You want to meet Demonic Beasts so badly? Are you not afraid of being eaten by Demonic Beasts?" someone teased.
"What a joke! I am here to kill Demonic Beasts, not to feed them. How could that be possible?" that person said loudly.
Originally, Xiao Chen wanted to ignore him. However, at this moment, he felt a dangerous aura. He quickly shouted, "Danger! Everyone, be careful!"
When the others heard this, they immediately became vigilant. The person who spoke first looked around but did not discover anything. He said impatiently, "Danger? Where is the danger you mentioned? Why do I not see it?"
"Pu ci!"
Right above that person's head, the others saw an extremely horrifying scene. A huge red tongue descended from the sky and instantly wrapped around that person.
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