269: Black Annihilation Trial

Inside the Welcoming Hall, the atmosphere was solemn. Several Ancient Clan Elders sat upright, their auras profound and their gazes sharp as lightning. They were all Dou Sheng-level existences. The way they looked at Li Ao carried scrutiny, but also a hint of undisguised astonishment. A Dou Sheng so young was extremely rare, even in the long history of the Ancient Clan.

The leading Azure Robed Elder was Gu Shan, one of the two Half-Saints who had accompanied Gu Xun'er to the Ruins Hall that day. He stroked his beard and smiled, saying, "Hall Master Li Ao's presence in the Ancient World brings glory to our Clan. The Heavenly Tomb requires three more days to open. In the meantime, you may rest in this Hall, or tour the Ancient World within the permitted areas."

"Thank you, Elder Gu Shan." Li Ao cupped his hands in return, neither humble nor arrogant.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Elder Gu Shan turned his gaze to Xiao Yan, his expression becoming more serious: "Little Friend Xiao Yan, you were strongly recommended by Xun'er, and logically, we should not question you. However, the quota for the Heavenly Tomb is of great importance, and the Clan has its rules. According to custom, non-core disciples of our Ancient Clan must undergo a test to gain acceptance."

Xiao Yan knew this was a necessary step. His expression was calm, and he clasped his fists, saying, "This Junior understands. Please instruct me, Elder."

Elder Gu Shan nodded: "The test is not difficult. Our Ancient Clan's Black Annihilation Army represents the elite of the younger generation. You only need to hold out against one Commander of the Black Annihilation Army for the time it takes an incense stick to burn without being defeated, and you will pass."

A Black Annihilation Army Commander! Their strength is at least that of an Eight-Star Dou Zun, possibly even a Nine-Revolving Dou Zun Peak! For a Five-Star Dou Zun to hold out against them for the time it takes an incense stick to burn, this test was definitely not easy.

The eyes of everyone in the hall focused on Xiao Yan. Gu Yao curled his lips into a sneer, seemingly having anticipated this outcome.

A hint of worry flashed in Gu Xun'er's eyes, and she was about to speak, but Xiao Yan had already stepped forward, his voice firm: "This Junior is willing to try!"

Li Ao watched silently from the side, not speaking. He knew this was an obstacle Xiao Yan had to face himself, and an Opportunity for him to prove himself to the Ancient Clan. He had confidence in Xiao Yan; in the original work, Xiao Yan's ability to repeatedly fight opponents above his level was certainly not due to mere luck.

"Good!" A flash of admiration appeared in Elder Gu Shan's eyes. "In that case, let us move to the Training Ground."

Everyone arrived at an extremely spacious Training Ground outside the hall. News spread quickly; not only did the young Geniuses who were previously in the square flock over, but even some Ancient Clan Elders were alerted and came to watch. After all, a youth from the outside world who could be so highly regarded by Young Miss Gu Xun'er, and even draw the targeting of Gu Yao, was quite a curiosity to them.

In the center of the Training Ground, Xiao Yan stood with the xuan heavy ruler strapped to his back, his figure straight as a pine tree. Opposite him stood a cold-faced young man wearing the standard Black Annihilation Army armor. This person was Gu Zhen, a Commander of the Black Annihilation Army, whose strength had reached the Eight-Star Dou Zun level. His aura was steady and fierce, and his gaze scraped against Xiao Yan like a knife.

"A Five-Star Dou Zun... If you can withstand ten moves from me without defeat, you will prove your capability." Gu Zhen's voice was icy, carrying the Evil Qi unique to the Black Annihilation Army.

Xiao Yan took a deep breath, the Burning Technique silently circulating within him. The power of various Heavenly Flames (although Li Ao had previously acquired some, Xiao Yan still possessed his own Opportunities) surged through his Meridians: "Please instruct me!"

"Begin!" Elder Gu Shan's voice fell.

Gu Zhen's eyes sharpened. Without using a weapon, his figure moved, vanishing from the spot like a ghost. The next instant, he appeared on Xiao Yan's left side, delivering a Hand Blade strike that tore through the air with a shriek, aiming straight for Xiao Yan's neck! The speed made many Ancient Clan disciples watching jump in alarm.

However, Xiao Yan's reaction was faster! As if he had anticipated it, the xuan heavy ruler was instantly in his hand. Without looking, he used a reverse block!

"Clang!"

The sound of metal clashing exploded! A massive force struck, and Xiao Yan used the momentum to slide back more than ten steps, each step leaving a deep footprint on the hard Training Ground floor. Yet, the hand gripping the ruler was steady as a rock, and his eyes were sharp as an eagle's.

"Oh?" Gu Zhen let out a soft exclamation. He clearly hadn't expected Xiao Yan to block his swift strike so accurately. Moreover, the force and the strange Heavenly Flame fluctuations transmitted from the black ruler made his palm slightly numb.

"Interesting!" Gu Zhen's Battle Intent was roused. His figure moved again, transforming fists, palms, fingers, and legs into an overwhelming offensive, enveloping Xiao Yan like a violent storm. Every strike contained the terrifying power to shatter mountains and crack stones. Dou Qi crisscrossed, causing the air to constantly explode with loud sounds.

Facing such a ferocious attack, Xiao Yan wielded the xuan heavy ruler impenetrably. His Ruler Technique was broad and sweeping, yet possessed a light and nimble grace. He integrated all the Dou Techniques he had learned, sometimes using the Flame Splitting Tsunami Ruler for a direct clash, sometimes skillfully using movement Dou Techniques to evade the sharp edges, and sometimes even activating the Heavenly Flames, transforming them into fire pythons and fire lotus for counterattacks!

"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

On the Training Ground, the loud sounds of energy collisions were incessant. The two figures intertwined at high speed, and the light of Dou Qi continuously flashed.

The spectators watched intently, all shocked in their hearts. They hadn't expected this external youth, who only possessed the cultivation of a Five-Star Dou Zun, to have such rich combat experience and an endless stream of methods. Especially those Heavenly Flames of various colors—their power was extraordinary, allowing him to fight back and forth with the Eight-Star Dou Zun Gu Zhen!

"What kind of flame is that? It seems there's more than one?"

"What powerful flame control! His Dou Qi is also extremely solid, and his Foundation is firm!"

"No wonder Young Miss Xun'er regards him so highly..."

Gu Yao's face gradually darkened. He hadn't expected Xiao Yan to hold out for so long, and judging by his stance, it seemed he hadn't even used his full strength yet.

Gu Xun'er's tightly clenched jade hands slightly relaxed. Her beautiful eyes sparkled as she watched the Black-Robed Youth's figure, which remained resilient under the savage assault, and the corners of her mouth unconsciously curved up slightly.

Li Ao stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze calm. He could tell that Xiao Yan was using Gu Zhen's pressure to hone his own Dou Techniques and flame control. This ability to grow rapidly during battle was precisely Xiao Yan's most terrifying trait.

In the field, Gu Zhen felt a trace of impatience after failing to secure a victory for so long. He let out a low roar, and the Dou Qi around him surged. A massive black eagle phantom condensed behind him!

"Black Annihilation Eagle Killing Technique!"

He used the Black Annihilation Army's signature Dou Technique! The black eagle, carrying a shriek that seemed to pierce the Soul, tore through the sky and swooped fiercely towards Xiao Yan! This strike had already reached the power level sufficient to heavily injure an ordinary Eight-Star Dou Zun!

Facing this killing blow, Xiao Yan's eyes suddenly became incredibly sharp. His hands rapidly formed seals, and the Heavenly Flames surged wildly from within him, rapidly undergoing Fusion and compression in front of him!

"Buddha's Fury Fire Lotus!"

A fire lotus, only the size of a palm and displaying brilliant colors, spun rapidly, meeting the incoming black eagle!

Under the gaze of countless shocked eyes, the fire lotus and the eagle collided with a thunderous boom!

"Rumble—!!!"

An unprecedentedly massive explosion echoed throughout the entire Training Ground! Dazzling light swallowed everything, and the ferocious energy shockwave spread outwards like a physical entity. If the Ancient Clan Elders hadn't acted promptly to set up a barrier, the spectators would likely have suffered disaster.

As the light dispersed, everyone eagerly looked towards the field.

Gu Zhen's face was pale, his clothes were slightly damaged, and his Qi was chaotic. Clearly, he had suffered a considerable loss in the collision just now. As for Xiao Yan, although a trace of blood leaked from the corner of his mouth and his body was shaking slightly, he was still standing steadily, the xuan heavy ruler in his hand deeply embedded in the ground, supporting his body.

He raised his head and looked at the incense burner used for timing.

The stick of incense had just finished burning.

The entire venue fell silent.

A Five-Star Dou Zun, directly clashing with the killing move of an Eight-Star Dou Zun, not only held out for the full duration of the incense stick but even... faintly held the upper hand?

Elder Gu Shan's eyes burst forth with astonishing brilliance. He clapped his hands and laughed heartily: "Good! What a Xiao Yan! Such Battle Intent, Heart-Nature, and talent are sufficient to earn a Heavenly Tomb quota! I announce that the test is passed!"

Applause began sporadically, then swept over the entire Training Ground like a tide. Even those arrogant Ancient Clan disciples had to admit now that this Black-Robed Youth from the outside world possessed the qualifications to be taken seriously!

Gu Yao's face was ashen. He let out a cold snort and flicked his sleeve before leaving.

Xiao Yan wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and clasped his fists toward Elder Gu Shan and the crowd. His gaze then swept over the people, meeting Gu Xun'er's joyful eyes and colliding with Li Ao's approving look.

He knew this was only the beginning. Inside the Heavenly Tomb, even greater challenges awaited him.