Reincarnated into World of Nine Heavens and Ten Earths

Guo Ran had never been one to shy away from making bold decisions, and today was no different. The task was simple, yet terrifying: enter one of the caves, defeat the Devil Cultivator inside, and return with its head. Success meant elevation to the rank of an outer disciple; failure meant death. It was a trial that separated the strong from the weak, the determined from the hesitant, and the foolish from the wise.

As he stood before the cave's entrance, a sense of calm washed over him. Guo Ran was not a fool; he knew that entering this cave without proper preparation would be tantamount to suicide. With a deep breath, he reached into his spatial ring and retrieved a gleaming set of armor. The armor was a masterpiece of craftsmanship, polished to a mirror-like finish, reflecting the sunlight in dazzling rays. It wasn't just for show; it was designed to protect every inch of his body from the deadly strikes of the Devil Cultivator lurking inside.

"This is cheating!" one of the registrants suddenly shouted, pointing an accusatory finger toward the cave. "He's using armor and weapons! That's not fair!"

The crowd began to murmur in agreement, their voices rising in a wave of uncertainty and indignation. But before the dissent could grow any louder, Yu Yong, one of Long Chen's closest friends, stepped forward and silenced them with a sharp rebuke.

"Idiot," Yu Yong snapped, his eyes blazing with anger. "Didn't the Elder already make the rules clear? As long as you kill the Devil Cultivator inside and take out its head, you'll pass. When did the Elder ever say you couldn't use armor or weapons? Don't let arrogance and pride corrupt your intelligence, because if you do, you won't become an expert—you'll become an idiotic fool."

Yu Yong's words cut through the crowd like a knife, silencing the dissenters. He was right, of course. The rules had been made clear from the beginning. This trial was not about how one fought; it was about whether one could survive. And survival often depended on using every tool at one's disposal. Yu Yong's reminder was a harsh one, but it was necessary. If any of them wanted to live through this trial, they needed to be smart, not just brave.

The crowd watched in awe as Guo Ran methodically equipped himself, piece by piece. The armor was not merely a defensive tool but a testament to his meticulous nature. His fingers moved with practiced precision as he fastened each strap and buckle, ensuring that nothing was left loose or unprotected. The armor fit him perfectly, like a second skin, encasing him in a shell of steel that would turn aside even the most fearsome of blows.

Next, Guo Ran retrieved his weapon of choice from the spatial ring: a saber, forged from the finest materials available. The blade was long and slightly curved, with a sharp edge that could slice through steel as if it were butter. It was a weapon that had seen countless battles, its surface marred with the scars of past victories. But today, it would be put to the ultimate test.

With the armor securely fastened and the saber in hand, Guo Ran looked every bit the warrior. He was armed to the teeth, ready to face whatever horrors awaited him inside the cave. There was no hesitation in his movements as he approached the cave entrance, his heart steady and his mind clear. The time for doubt had passed; now, it was time to prove his worth.

As he crossed the threshold into the darkness, the world outside seemed to vanish, replaced by a suffocating silence that pressed in on him from all sides. The air inside the cave was stale and thick, tinged with the scent of blood and decay. The walls were rough and jagged, closing in around him as he ventured deeper into the abyss. Guo Ran's senses were on high alert, every sound amplified in the oppressive quiet. He could hear the faint drip of water somewhere in the distance, the rustle of unseen creatures skittering away from his approach, and most ominously, the low, almost imperceptible breathing of something far more sinister.

Suddenly, a deafening explosion shattered the silence, reverberating through the cave like a thunderclap. The ground beneath Guo Ran's feet trembled as the walls shook violently. The sound was followed by another, then another, each one louder and more violent than the last. The cave seemed to come alive with the force of the explosions, the very earth trembling in fear of the battle taking place within.

Outside the cave, the disciples and elders alike were on edge, their eyes fixed on the entrance from which the terrifying sounds were emanating. They could only imagine the chaos unfolding within, the life-and-death struggle that Guo Ran was undoubtedly engaged in. Some of the disciples were visibly shaken, their confidence eroded by the sheer intensity of the sounds. This was not a battle between equals; this was a desperate fight for survival.

BOOM!

Another explosion rang out from within the cave, louder and more violent than the last. The ground trembled, and the disciples' hearts leapt into their throats. They could only imagine what was happening inside—whether Guo Ran was winning, or if he was being torn apart by the demonic beast. The uncertainty was almost unbearable.

Time seemed to stretch on endlessly as they waited, each second ticking by with agonizing slowness. The explosions continued, one after another, each one shaking the cave to its very foundations. The noise was deafening, and the tension in the air was so thick that it was almost suffocating.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the explosions began to fade. The sounds of battle gradually died away, leaving only an eerie silence in their wake. The disciples held their breath, their eyes fixed on the cave entrance, waiting for any sign of movement.

And then, slowly, a figure emerged from the darkness.

Guo Ran stepped out of the cave, his body drenched in blood. His once-shining armor was now battered and broken, the engravings barely visible beneath the layers of grime and gore. His helmet was gone, and only half of his saber remained, the blade chipped and cracked from the intense battle. His chest heaved with exhaustion, and his limbs trembled from the strain. But he was alive. He had survived.

In his left hand, he held the severed head of the Devil Cultivator. The head was that of a middle-aged man, its features twisted into a grotesque mask of rage and pain. The skin was marked with dark, jagged lines, the result of the dark energy that had corrupted the man's soul. It was a terrifying sight, a reminder of the horrors that lurked in the shadows.

For a moment, the courtyard was silent. The disciples stared at Guo Ran in stunned disbelief, unable to comprehend what they were seeing. But then, slowly, the tension began to break. Long Chen and his companions were the first to react, their faces lighting up with relief and pride.

"Hehe, boss, brothers, I succeeded!" Guo Ran shouted, his voice trembling with excitement. He raised the head high, his eyes shining with triumph as he made his way toward Long Chen and the others.

Long Chen, ever the leader, stepped forward and clapped Guo Ran on the back, a wide grin spreading across his face. "Well done, Guo Ran," he said, his voice filled with genuine admiration. "You've proven yourself today."

The others quickly followed suit, giving Guo Ran big thumbs up and showering him with praise. They all knew how much this victory meant to him. Guo Ran was not the strongest among them, not by a long shot. In fact, by all accounts, he should have had less than a fifty percent chance of passing the outer disciple trial. The odds of him walking out of that cave alive had been slim, and yet here he was, bloodied but unbowed. It was a testament to his courage, his tenacity, and his unyielding spirit.

As the adrenaline began to wear off, Guo Ran felt the weight of exhaustion settling over him like a heavy blanket. His legs wobbled, and his vision began to blur. He had been holding on by sheer willpower alone, but now that the fight was over, his body was finally giving in to the strain. Without warning, his legs buckled, and he collapsed to the ground, his grip on the Devil Cultivator's head.

As one of the Elders stepped forward to check on the exhausted Guo Ran, something astonishing happened that would leave even the most experienced among them stunned.

Out of nowhere, a figure blurred into existence—Song Ming, Long Chen's sworn brother from Phoenix Cry Empire and his Comrade, appeared in front of Guo Ran as if he had materialized from thin air. There was no time for anyone to react, not even the Elder who had just been about to tend to Guo Ran. In the blink of an eye, Song Ming scooped up the bloodied and battered Guo Ran, cradling him like a precious artifact, and then just as swiftly disappeared from sight, returning to their original location. The entire sequence of events happened so quickly that it left everyone, including Elder Tu Fang, gaping in shock.

Elder Tu Fang, known for his calm demeanor and unshakeable composure, found himself momentarily at a loss for words. His eyes widened, his brows furrowed, and for the first time in what felt like centuries, the great Elder experienced something akin to disbelief. To think that a disciple—no matter how talented—could move with such speed that even he, an Elder with centuries of experience, could barely register it! It was both a testament to Song Ming's extraordinary abilities and a humbling reminder that the world of cultivation was full of surprises.

The atmosphere around the group had become thick with tension and the weight of recent events. The disciples stood in a tight-knit circle, their faces pale, their breaths shallow. The cave trials had proven to be more dangerous and daunting than any of them had anticipated. The fear of failure, of death, was a tangible presence that clung to them like a shadow. It was in this heavy, almost suffocating silence that Long Chen decided to act.

Long Chen was never one to shy away from the spotlight, nor was he the type to let tension linger when it could be dispersed with a well-placed joke. He had always possessed a unique ability to read the room, to understand exactly what his companions needed, even if they themselves didn't realize it. And right now, what they needed was a break from the oppressive atmosphere that had settled over them like a dark cloud.

With a devilish grin and a twinkle in his eye, Long Chen stepped forward, his voice booming with exaggerated enthusiasm. "So, as everyone has already seen just how powerful those monsters in the caves are, our goddess Wan-er has promised everyone that whoever manages to pass will get a reward of a kiss... aiya!"

The reaction was immediate. Qi Xin and Lei Qingshang, two disciples who had been on edge, suddenly perked up at the mention of such a reward. Their eyes widened with excitement, and they exchanged eager, almost giddy looks. But their excitement was short-lived, as Long Chen's sentence was abruptly cut off by a yelp of pain. Tang Wan-er, her eyes blazing with anger, had delivered a sharp kick to Long Chen's leg. The impact was so precise, so forceful, that Long Chen nearly toppled over, clutching his leg in exaggerated agony.

"Ow, ow, ow! What was that for?" Long Chen whined, his voice tinged with both genuine pain and playful theatrics.

Tang Wan-er's face was a mix of fury and embarrassment, her cheeks flushed a deep red. She crossed her arms over her chest, her foot still poised as if ready to strike again. "What random nonsense are you spewing? When did I ever say that?"

Long Chen, ever the master of mischief, adopted a puzzled expression, as if he truly couldn't comprehend why Tang Wan-er was so upset. "Oh, I heard wrong, my bad, my bad."

But of course, Long Chen couldn't just leave it at that. He had barely finished his apology before turning back to the group, his voice rising once more, this time with even more exaggerated confidence. "I was wrong just now. The winners won't get one kiss from sister Wan-er, but two kisses! Aiya, how come you're kicking me again?!"

True to her fiery nature, Tang Wan-er had not hesitated to deliver another swift kick to Long Chen's leg. This time, the force of the blow was enough to make him hop on one foot, grimacing in mock pain as he tried to evade her wrath. Tang Wan-er's face was now a deep shade of crimson, her eyes blazing with a mixture of anger and mortification. She looked like she was about to explode, her fists clenched so tightly that her knuckles had turned white.

"Scoundrel! When did I ever say that?! What are you randomly spouting?!" she demanded, her voice rising with each word. It was clear that she was furious, but beneath that fury was a hint of something else—something that Long Chen had been counting on. A sliver of amusement, a tiny crack in her otherwise stoic facade.

Long Chen, sensing that he was walking a fine line between entertainment and annihilation, raised his hands in a placating gesture, though the grin never left his face. "Ok, sorry everyone. Sister Wan-er is a bit too stingy. Then forget about it. But there will definitely be rewards. Then how about I change the reward? Any beautiful women who pass can get a kiss from me, Long Chen!"

His voice rang out, clear and confident, as if he were offering the most generous gift in the world. The disciples, who had been teetering on the edge of anxiety, couldn't help but burst into laughter. The absurdity of the situation, combined with Long Chen's unflappable charm, was too much to resist. The tension that had weighed so heavily on them just moments before evaporated, replaced by a lightheartedness that was infectious.

Just as Long Chen was about to continue with his outrageous proposal, his voice filled with mock seriousness, "So, for the boys, how about our Goddess Wan-er—" he was abruptly cut off, this time by a coordinated attack. Tang Wan-er and Lu Fang'er, both wearing devilish smiles that promised retribution, launched themselves at him with a flurry of kicks and punches.

Long Chen, for all his bravado, was no match for their combined assault. He yelped and dodged as best he could, but there was no escape. The two women were relentless, their laughter mingling with Long Chen's exaggerated cries of pain. The scene was almost comical—Long Chen, who was usually so composed and in control, being thoroughly thrashed by two women who were half his size. And yet, there was no malice in their actions, only the playful camaraderie that came from deep trust and affection.

Qi Xin and Lei Qingshang, who had been watching the spectacle with wide eyes, exchanged another glance. The elegant and kind image they had of Tang Wan-er was rapidly being dismantled as they witnessed her thoroughly enjoying the devilish feat. They leaned in closer, murmuring to each other in low tones.

"How about brother Long Chen? He seems to be suffering quite a bit. Worth it?" Qi Xin asked, his voice tinged with both admiration and incredulity.

Lei Qingshang nodded solemnly, his expression serious despite the ridiculousness of the situation. "Definitely worth it."

Their groups, who had been listening in on the exchange, couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity of it all. The idea of Long Chen being "worth it" despite the beating he was receiving was both hilarious and oddly fitting. They watched as Tang Wan-er, her face still flushed from exertion, turned to face them, her eyes narrowing suspiciously.

"What? Wanna join him?" she asked, her tone daring them to say yes.

Qi Xin and Lei Qingshang, ever the tacticians, immediately shook their heads, their hands raised in mock surrender. "No, sister Tang, we will be on our way," they replied in unison, their voices tinged with just the right amount of fear and respect.

The entire group burst into laughter at that, the sound echoing through the courtyard. The tension that had gripped them earlier was now a distant memory, replaced by a warmth that spread through the crowd like wildfire. Long Chen's antics had done more than just lighten the mood—they had brought everyone together, reminded them that even in the face of danger, they were not alone. They had each other, and that was a strength greater than any they could find in the caves.

Only now did Tang Wan-er realize the true depth of Long Chen's intentions. He had not been merely spouting nonsense for the sake of it, nor had he been trying to make a fool of her. His actions, as ridiculous as they had seemed, had a purpose. Long Chen, for all his strangeness and unpredictability, was a man who understood the power of unity, of keeping morale high. He was willing to make a fool of himself, to bear the brunt of her kicks and punches, if it meant lifting the spirits of his comrades.

In that moment, Tang Wan-er's anger began to melt away, replaced by a deep, abiding respect for the man who had just moments before been the target of her wrath. She knew that Long Chen was strange, that he often acted in ways that defied logic and reason. But she also knew that beneath that strange exterior lay an extremely prideful person, one who cared deeply for those around him and would do whatever it took to keep them.

"Alright, let's get serious," Long Chen's voice cut through heart warming moment like a blade as he said, "Since we've all gathered together, it's clear that we all have the same goals and dreams. We all want to become experts, to bring honor to our ancestors. But more than that, we want to surpass our ancestors, to make our descendants remember our names forever!"

His words were like a spark that ignited the fire in the hearts of those gathered. The disciples, who had been teetering on the edge of fear and uncertainty, suddenly found themselves filled with a renewed sense of purpose. Their eyes, once clouded with doubt, now shone with determination. Long Chen's voice, filled with unwavering conviction, resonated deeply within them, awakening their latent desires to achieve greatness.

Elder Tu Fang, who had been observing the scene with a practiced eye, couldn't help but feel a surge of admiration for Long Chen. The young man had an uncanny ability to understand the hearts of these disciples, most of whom hailed from powerful families. Long Chen knew that beneath their pride and confidence lay a deep-seated sense of self-disdain. After all, many of their achievements had been built on the foundations laid by their ancestors. They had yet to truly prove themselves, to step out of the shadows of their forebears and forge their own paths.

And that was precisely why Long Chen's words had struck such a powerful chord with them. By challenging them to surpass their ancestors, to create their own legacies, he had tapped into the core of their ambitions. The disciples, who moments before had been weighed down by fear, now felt a powerful desire for battle burning within them. They were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, to prove their worth, and to carve their names into the annals of history.

Long Chen had played his cards masterfully. First, he had lightened the mood with humor, dissipating the tension that had threatened to overwhelm them. Then, he had fanned the flames of their passion, filling them with a fierce determination to succeed. It was a strategy that had been executed to perfection, and the results were evident in the fiery resolve that now radiated from the disciples.

But Long Chen wasn't finished. He knew that to truly unite this group, he had to go further, to forge a bond that would transcend mere ambition. He needed to make them understand that they were not just individuals striving for personal glory, but a collective force, bound together by loyalty and a shared destiny.

"You may not have realized it yet," Long Chen continued, his voice taking on a more serious tone, "but among these groups, you've formed bonds stronger than you might think. Some of you have found loyalty, others have discovered a familial connection, and a few might even see each other as brothers and sisters. These bonds are not to be taken lightly. They are what will carry you through the darkest times."

He paused, letting his words sink in before delivering the final, crucial point. "And if any one of you were to die, the pain wouldn't just be yours to bear. It would be felt by everyone here, especially by your faction leaders. They are not just leaders; they are humans with hearts, capable of feeling the deepest sorrow. So, I ask you, can you promise them that you will return alive from the trial? Can you promise that you won't let your leaders shed tears of grief?"

Long Chen's final words were delivered with such solemnity that the atmosphere around them seemed to shift. The disciples, who had been so focused on their own fears and ambitions, suddenly found themselves thinking about the people they had grown close to, the bonds they had formed. Meng Qi, Song Ming, Lu Fang'er, Yue Zifeng, Shi Feng, and even Elder Tu Fang, who had been quietly observing, all noticed the subtle way Long Chen had infused his words with Spiritual Energy. It was a technique designed to uplift their emotions, to instill within them a determined will to survive.

And it worked. As if on cue, the disciples shouted in unison, their voices filled with newfound resolve. "We promise we will return alive, Leader! Don't worry!"

Their response was not just a declaration; it was a vow. The disciples had forgotten about their own lives, but now, for the sake of their leaders, for the sake of the bonds they had formed, they were more determined than ever to survive. They cherished their lives even more, not out of fear of death, but out of love and loyalty to those who had become their new family.

The sight of these young cultivators, once so consumed by their own ambitions, now united by a shared purpose, brought smiles to the faces of the Elders. Even the normally stoic Elder Tu Fang couldn't help but feel a swell of pride. Long Chen had done something truly remarkable. He had not only inspired these disciples to face the trials ahead with courage but had also forged a bond that would make them stronger together than they could ever be alone.

But as always, there was one exception to the general admiration—Elder Sun. The old man, known for his cynicism and harsh judgments, could barely contain his scorn. While the other Elders were moved by Long Chen's words, Elder Sun remained unimpressed, his thoughts dark and critical. He was not easily swayed by speeches, no matter how inspiring, and he certainly wasn't about to join in the chorus of praise for Long Chen.

Still, the results spoke for themselves. Thanks to the boost in morale and the subtle influence of Long Chen's Spiritual Strength, which had temporarily enhanced their physical senses, the disciples were ready to face the caves. One by one, they entered, choosing their targets with care and precision. And one by one, they emerged victorious, having successfully claimed the heads of the demonic cultivators within.

But the trials were not yet over. Now it was time for the Faction Leaders to step up, and Long Chen, ever the strategist, had advised them to choose the weakest of the caves for the Core Disciple Trial. His reasoning was simple: it wasn't worth risking their lives or a chance for some useless show-off. They were here to win, not to die in a blaze of glory.

Following Long Chen's advice, the Faction Leaders entered their chosen caves. Within the time it took for an incense stick to burn, all five factions had emerged, each leader holding the head of a demonic cultivator. The sight was both awe-inspiring and terrifying. These leaders, who had once seemed so distant and untouchable, now stood before their disciples as living proof of what they could achieve with the right combination of strength, strategy, and determination.

What pleased the Elders, especially Elder Tu Fang, was the astonishingly high passing rate. Over 1,000 disciples had made it through, with 90% of them successfully becoming Inner Disciples and seven advancing to the rank of Core Disciples. It was an outcome that exceeded all expectations, and the Elders could hardly contain their satisfaction.

But there was one more battle to be fought—the battle of Long Chen and his companions. The lineup they had chosen was nothing short of shocking. Wilde, the gentle giant, had opted for the Second Hardest Level; Shi Feng, the quiet swordsman, had chosen the Third; Meng Qi, the serene beauty, had taken on the Fourth; and Lu Fang'er, had gone for the Fifth with others Companions in line wise. Each of these trials was designed to fight cultivators at the Initial Stages of the Meridian Opening Realm, making their choices all the more fearsome.

Yet what was even more shocking was how quickly they emerged from the caves. Within moments, Long Chen's companions had returned, each holding the head of a demonic cultivator. And astonishingly, they were unscathed, their bodies untouched by the horrors they had faced within. The disciples who had once looked up to these figures with admiration now gazed at them with something akin to reverence.

It was then that Elder Sun, who had been watching with increasing anxiety, let out a startled cry. His voice, usually so controlled, was now tinged with disbelief. "Those nine kids are 'Innate Favored'! How can it be?" His eyes were wide as he stared at the marks that had appeared on their heads, each one drenched in blood but standing tall and proud.

The revelation sent shockwaves through the group. The Elders exchanged glances, their minds racing to comprehend the implications of what they had just witnessed. How could it be that so many of Long Chen's companions were Innate Favored, individuals blessed by the heavens themselves? And what did this say about Long Chen, the one who had brought them all together, who led them with such ease and confidence?

While Elder Sun grit his teeth in frustration, unable to do anything in the face of such overwhelming power, the other Elders could only marvel at Long Chen's abilities. To command and lead so many Favored Ones as his followers and friends was a feat that defied explanation. It was clear that Long Chen was no ordinary cultivator, and whatever the future held, it would be shaped by the actions of this remarkable young man and those who stood by his side.

The air crackled with palpable tension as Long Chen's turn approached. The atmosphere was heavy with anticipation, a near-deafening silence enveloping the surroundings. Every eye was fixed on the mouth of the cave, where Long Chen had just entered. Moments later, the silence was shattered by an earth-shaking roar that reverberated through the air, filled with unbridled killing intent. The roar belonged unmistakably to Long Chen, and it was followed by an explosive surge of Xuantian Aura that erupted from within the cave. The intense energy emanating from the cave drew all eyes towards it, causing the onlookers to hold their breath.

Elder Sun, always quick to react, experienced a fleeting moment of relief, thinking perhaps Long Chen was suffering within the Cave and was actually only a show-off. But his relief was short-lived. Elder Tu Fang, on the other hand, was consumed with worry. His concern was not only for Long Chen but also for the formidable demonic cultivator who was facing him. His worst fears were about to be realized.

In an instant, the protective barrier surrounding the cave shattered under the overwhelming force of Long Chen's power. A figure was sent flying out of the cave, crashing into the ground with a sickening thud. It was the demonic cultivator, but the sight was grotesque and horrifying. The cultivator's skin was entirely peeled off, exposing raw, mutilated flesh. His arms were shattered, and countless runes, etched into his bones, glinted with a menacing flame energy. The horrific display was enough to make even the most stoic observer shudder.

As the demonic cultivator lay writhing in agony, Long Chen emerged from the cave, drenched in a thick layer of dark, blood-like substance. His face was devoid of emotion, his eyes as cold and unfeeling as the deepest abyss. The sight of him was chilling, sending a wave of terror through those who beheld him. His gaze, concentrated with intense killing intent, seemed to pierce through the very souls of those who looked upon him.

Without a word, Long Chen tossed a grotesque, mask-like object onto the ground. It was a piece of human skin, grotesquely peeled off, a remnant of the demonic cultivator's twisted existence. The sight was so horrifying that even the seasoned Elders were struck with fear. Meng Qi, Lu Fang'er, Ye Zhiqiu, Tang Wan'er, and the other female figures could not contain their revulsion. They turned away, faces pale, and some even retched, unable to bear the gruesome scene before them.

Long Chen, however, remained unmoved. His voice was as cold and unfeeling as the ice that gripped his gaze. "There is no need for fear or disgust. This is the fate that these demonic cultivators deserve. They have committed countless atrocities—murdering innocents, torturing families, and perpetrating unspeakable crimes. Do they deserve our pity? Is there any reason to show them mercy?"

The demonic cultivator, who had been crying out for forgiveness, was now facing Long Chen's unwavering gaze. His pleas were met with a chilling silence. Long Chen's words struck a deep chord with everyone present. They could vividly imagine the suffering inflicted upon countless families by such a monster. It was in this moment of stark realization that they understood the true meaning of strength and responsibility. The sense of justice and retribution that Long Chen had embodied made them all reflect on their own values and convictions. One by one, they agreed with Long Chen's uncompromising stance.

Long Chen then addressed the dying cultivator with a cold finality. "It is not your fault but rather the cruel nature of the world that has led to this. May you find a better existence in your next reincarnation."

The demonic cultivator, hearing these words, felt a fleeting sense of relief, thinking that death might be preferable to his tormented existence. But his fleeting hope was soon dashed as Long Chen unleashed a wave of intense killing intent and Spiritual Energy. With a command that seemed to reverberate through the very fabric of reality, Long Chen invoked his "Spirit-Intent Merge; Soul Refinement Technique." The effect was instantaneous and horrifying.

The demonic cultivator's soul was violently expelled from his body, its form writhing in anguish as countless runes attached themselves to it. The once dark and ominous soul was slowly dismantled, leaving behind only a small, pure sphere of light. The sphere, glowing with an ethereal radiance, eventually vanished into the void. Long Chen's voice, filled with a resolute tone, echoed through the clearing. "May the suffering of all those he harmed be avenged."

With the head of the demonic cultivator in hand, Long Chen made his way to the Elders. The sight of the severed head and the terrifying display of Long Chen's power left a profound impact. The Elders, including Elder Tu Fang, looked on with a mixture of awe and apprehension. Long Chen's ability to command and control his formidable abilities was nothing short of extraordinary. The atmosphere was heavy with the weight of his actions, and the respect for his strength was palpable.

Returning to his group, Long Chen was met with a flurry of congratulations and admiration from his companions and the other registrants. Their faces were lit with pride and relief, having witnessed firsthand the formidable prowess and unyielding spirit of their leader. The sense of camaraderie and mutual respect was evident, as the group celebrated their collective achievements.

Before setting off for the Xuantian Monastery, Long Chen took a moment to address the failed students. With a generous heart, he left additional Spiritual Marks on wooden plates, crafting badges that would grant them entry into the prestigious Imperial Academy of the Phoenix Cry Empire. His gesture was a testament to his commitment to nurturing talent and ensuring that even those who had stumbled would find their path to greatness.

The departure was marked by a sense of joy and anticipation. The group headed towards the Xuantian Monastery, filled with excitement for the new chapter in their lives. Long Chen and his friends entered the Monastery with a mixture of determination and wonder. As they approached the main building designated for Core Disciples, a sudden and disembodied voice resonated within Long Chen's mind. "Finally… you are here…"

The voice was strikingly vivid and emotionless, echoing with a disquieting presence. Long Chen's senses were immediately on high alert. He scanned the surroundings with his Spiritual Strength, extending his awareness across several miles in an attempt to locate the source of the eerie voice. Despite his efforts, he found nothing, which left him with an unsettling sense of unease. He dismissed it as a potential backlash from his recent merging of Spiritual Strength and Killing Intent, choosing to focus on the present moment.

Meanwhile, far away from the lively world and enveloped in a dark, timeless void, two eyes, shimmering with the brilliance of countless stars, slowly opened. These eyes surveyed the vast expanse of the universe, taking in the myriad of stars and domains scattered across the heavens. A faint, enigmatic smile appeared on the face of the observer, as if the presence of a flickering light in the boundless darkness had sparked a glimmer of hope. The observer's gaze was filled with anticipation, sensing that a new era was on the horizon, and that Long Chen's arrival marked the beginning of a transformative journey as the Entity/Observer somehow knew of Long Chen and what may happen within the entire World of Nine Heavens and Ten Earths.

To Be Continued...

[I am Trying to Publish more for now because there are subjects I find hard to study so to be simple; I have to diligently study at that time and won't be able to publish any chapters.]