The Center of Attention, the Number One of the Nine Netherworlds

Nangong Tian descended through the air.

With each step he took, a jet-black mandala flower would spontaneously bloom from the void beneath his feet.

That was because the Yama Emperor Blood was so concentrated that it caused the Dao principles of this Minor World to resonate.

The moment he landed on the last stone lotus platform.

The eight prodigies from the Central Domain who were originally scattered on the surrounding Stone Platforms all trembled at the same time.

Han Jue first to withdraw his protective ghost fire, straightened his tattered clothes, and respectfully clasped his hands and bowed in the direction of Nangong Tian.

"Han Jue of the Han Family greets Young Master Nangong."

The Wang Long brothers, Long and Wang Hu, were equally respectful, planting their spears in the ground beside them and bowing deeply in salute.

"A junior member of the Wang Family pays respects to Nangong."

Zhao Feiyan and the other arrogant successors from the Central Domain completely lost their haughty expressions and stood up to bow in greeting.

In the Nine Netherworlds Central Domain, the Nangong Aristocratic Clan is a colossal entity hanging over the heads of all other clans.

Nangong Tian is hailed as the number one young talent in the Central Domain.

Before the age of thirty, he had already attained enlightenment through killing, personally slaughtering several evil spirits at the level of Primordial Heavenly Monarch, and even cultivating the Yama Dharma Body, which had been lost for ten thousand years by the Nangong Family.

Faced with everyone's overtures, Nangong Tian remained calm and simply nodded slightly.

The authority of a superior had long been ingrained in his very being.

Fellow practitioners, there's no need for such formalities.

Nangong Tian's voice was clear and calm, revealing no emotion.

Those who have passed the First Trial and stand here are the pillars of the future of the Nine Netherworlds.

His gaze swept over the eight people, finally settling on the Stone Platform on the far right.

There, Chen Changqing, dressed in a plain white robe, remained seated cross-legged, not even bothering to get up.

Their gazes met in mid-air.

Nangong Tian narrowed his eyes and focused on the Immortal Execution Sword at Chen Changqing's waist.

"Chen Changqing?"

Nangong Tian slowly walked to the edge of the Stone Platform and looked down at the white-robed youth sitting below.

"I heard that you slayed numerous Corpse Baleful Qi on the outskirts, and even before an incense stick had burned, you caused my fellow Qin Zhan of the Qin Clan in the Central Domain to have his soul scattered?"

The Cultivators on the surrounding Stone Platforms immediately shut their mouths.

The air in the room seemed to be sucked out in that instant.

Zhao Feiyan sneered repeatedly, crossed her arms, and took a half step back, preparing to see how this Human Race madman would deal with Nangong Tian's questioning.

Chen Changqing slowly stopped circulating his internal Cultivation Method and calmly raised his head.

"If you're not as skilled as others, then so be it."

Chen Changqing's tone was flat and even, without the slightest inflection.

"He wanted Chen's sword, and Chen took his life; it's perfectly reasonable."

Upon hearing this,

Han Jue and the others' expressions changed drastically.

"Presumptuous!"

Wang Long shouted sternly, "How dare you, a mere outsider External Aids from Outer Domain, be so arrogant in front of Young Master Nangong!"

Nangong Tian raised his hand to stop Wang Long's cursing.

He wasn't angry; he simply looked down at Chen Changqing, a deep, dark light gleaming in the depths of his eyes.

"Qin Zhan Nangong this upon himself; his greed for merit and recklessness led to his death at your hands. I am not surprised."

Nangong Tian said slowly and deliberately.

" In the Cultivation World, the law of the jungle prevails; it's only natural."

"However, the sword in your hand is Quasi-Houtian Spirit Treasure."

"A weapon of this caliber would be a treasure enough to guard any clan in the Nine Netherworlds."

"You, a mere Late True Lord Stage Cultivator from the Yang Realm, possess such a divine weapon; you will never escape the Yama Heavenly Palace."

Nangong Tian took a step forward, and the powerful pressure of Middle Heavenly Monarch Stage swept out like a tidal wave.

"My Nangong Family has a Dharma Hall in Heavenly Gate, and our ancestor was a powerful figure who wielded the pen of the Yama Judge's Brush."

"Before the second round of assessments begins, you will present this Spirit Treasure to the Nangong Aristocratic Clan."

"In exchange, I, Nangong, can guarantee your safe foothold in the Central Domain, and may even allow you to join my Nangong Family as a guest elder from outside the clan, enjoying the honors of a third-rank official."

"How?"

His calm words carried an absolute confidence that held the power of life and death.

In Nangong Tian's view, this was already the greatest favor he could bestow.

For an outsider Rogue Cultivator with no connections to exchange a treasure he couldn't keep for the protection of the Nangong Aristocratic Clan is an incredible stroke of luck.

The expressions of the surrounding Central Domain prodigies changed slightly, and intense jealousy appeared in their eyes.

The Nangong Aristocratic Clan's non-family retainers!

That's a position that many patriarchs of second-rate Lineage in the Central Domain dream of.

If Chen Changqing agrees, he will not only save his life, but also become a distinguished guest in the Central Domain.

After hearing these words, a faint hint of mockery slowly appeared on Chen Changqing's face.

He slowly stood up.

His white robes fell smoothly in the gale, and he casually held the hilt of the Immortal Execution Sword in his palm.

"Young Master Nangong has a good plan."

Chen Changqing's expression was indifferent, and his tone was contemptuous.

"To get Chen's sword, words alone won't suffice."

"Since you believe you deserve this sword, come and take it yourself when you get to the arena."

"I just hope your neck is a little bit stronger than Qin Zhan's."

Hiss!

Han Jue and the others gasped in shock.

They never expected that, faced with Nangong Tian's initiative to win them over and put pressure on him, Chen Changqing not only refused outright but even issued a challenge!

This goes beyond arrogance.

This is pure suicide!

The calm on Nangong Tian's face finally vanished completely.

Deep within his eyes, a chilling murderous intent suddenly materialized.

"Okay, very good."

Nangong Tian laughed in extreme anger, his fist slowly clenching inside his sleeve.

"For centuries, no one among the younger generation has ever dared to speak to me like this."

"Since you insist on courting death, then when the barrier opens, I, Nangong, will extract your soul in front of everyone and refine it into my Yama Sword!"

Rumble!

Just as the murderous intent was about to cross the critical point...

The Obsidian temple directly above the Floating Island suddenly erupted with a purple-gold divine light that illuminated the entire world.

The mighty bells rang out.

Thump!

The protective light barrier surrounding the entire Floating Island instantly rose up, completely isolating the ten stone lotus platforms.

Immediately afterwards, an ancient Water Mirror spanning tens of thousands of feet descended from the top of the heavens with a thunderous crash.

The names and figures of the ten successful challengers pierced through the spatial barrier of the Minor World in an instant, and were completely reflected on the Heavenly Gate Plaza outside!

The second round of competition has officially begun.

Yama Heavenly Palace, White Jade Plaza.

Thick, leaden clouds lingered in the sky above the square.

Just as the thirteenth hour's bell rang, the main Heaven-Scanning Divine Screen standing high in the sky suddenly began to churn violently.

The clouds of Principle that had been shrouding the outer layer of the divine barrier quickly dissipated, replaced by ten young figures standing on the Stone Platform of the Floating Island.

Tens of thousands of powerful Ghost Cultivators from various cities held their breath at this moment.

"The First Trial the assessment is over!"

"Ten top-tier players who have cleared the level have appeared!"

Countless exclamations erupted in front of the thirteen side hall viewing platforms.

All the leaders, elders, and accompanying soldiers of all the forces used their pupil techniques to stare intently at the enormous light screen that stretched across the Firmament.

First row, the Nangong Aristocratic Clan, Nangong Tian!

The second row includes Han Jue of the Han Family from the Central Domain, the Wang Family brothers, and Zhao Feiyan of the Zhao Family...

One after another, names that resounded throughout the Central Domain were read out.

Each time a name was called out, a chorus of exclamations would emanate from certain areas below the square.

However, when the city's high-ranking officials below swept their gazes over the last few Stone Platforms, the sound waves of the entire White Jade Plaza suddenly and eerily subsided.

On the tenth Stone Platform.

A figure in white robes stood with his hands behind his back, a long sword hanging at his waist. His Pure Yang Qi and Blood was contained within him like a furnace, making him stand out from the nine ghost Cultivators around him.

Dark Moon City, Chen Changqing!

"How is that possible?!"

The deputy city lord of Black Mountain City suddenly fell off his seat, scrambling to his feet, his face turning pale.

"Where is Blood Butcher? Where is Blood Butcher, the young master of Rakshasa City?!"

"And what about Black Bone from our Black Mountain City? Why isn't there even a single name of Ghost Cultivator from Outer Domain?!"

The one-eyed elder of Blood Baleful Intent City was also ashen-faced, his withered hands digging into the stone pillar, creating several deep cracks in the ancient stone.

It's not just those two companies.

Specter Ridge, Myriad Poison Sect, White Bone Wasteland...

The leaders of all twelve top-tier cities in the Outer Domain were slumped in their seats, their eyes filled with unbearable despair and rage.

Hundreds of the young prodigies nurtured by the Thirteen Cities of the Outer Domain, who poured all their resources into cultivating them, have entered the Ancestral Land Minor World.

As a result, the entire army was wiped out!

Apart from Chen Changqing, none of the other twelve participating Cultivators from the cities passed the First Trial!

This is no longer a crushing defeat; this is clearly a catastrophic annihilation!

"Outrageous! This is utterly outrageous!"

Inside the elegant seat on the high platform where the Rakshasa Ghost King was located, the long table, carved from Nine Netherworlds Cold Jade, was shattered into countless ice shards by the raging pressure of the Ghost King.

The Rakshasa Ghost King's hair and beard bristled, and two crimson flames ignited in his pupils.

Blood Butcher is not only the young master of Rakshasa City, but also the successor of the Dao lineage he has cultivated over tens of thousands of years.

The shattering of the soul tablet signifies that Blood Butcher has died inside the Minor World, and even his remnant soul was unable to escape.

And that External Aids Dark Moon City, who was regarded as a discarded pawn and a joke by everyone before the departure, actually stood safely on the top ten Stone Platform!

On what grounds?!

Why is it that while all the elite troops of their major cities have been wiped out, Dark Moon City, which has always been weak and at the bottom, is able to stand out from the crowd?!

An intense, almost tangible, sense of jealousy and murderous intent permeated the air between the twelve stands.

Thousands of bloodshot eyes shot towards the Dark Moon City stands diagonally opposite.

Faced with the overwhelming, chilling murderous intent surrounding him, the First Ghost General showed no fear whatsoever. Instead, he looked up to the sky and laughed, his laughter shaking the heavens.

"Haha! That's great! It's really great!"

The First Ghost General's hand rested on his battle sword, his black armor clanging loudly, his eyes filled with arrogance.

"In every previous competition, when have you ever not swaggered around on the heads of our Dark Moon City?"

"Laugh at our incompetence! Laugh at the fact that the fate of Dark Moon City has run its course!"

"And now? All of you so-called top geniuses have become lonely ghosts, while only my guest elder Chen stands at the peak!"

"You bunch of useless trash, what right do you have to stand here and rage like this?!"

The dozens of trusted soldiers of Dark Moon City also stood tall, their blood boiling with patriotic fervor.

The pent-up frustration and humiliation accumulated over thousands of years were completely released at this moment!

And on the highest, most prestigious ceremonial platform.

The Dark Moon Ghost Lord lightly touched his sleeve, picked up the wine poured by the maid, and drank it all in one gulp.

On that exquisitely beautiful face, a radiant smile bloomed, outshining the heavens and earth.

"Brother Rakshasa, Fellow Daoist Black Mountain."

The Dark Moon Ghost Lord put down his wine cup, his tone languid yet laced with endless sarcasm.

"It seems that your so-called prodigies are ultimately too fragile."

"This Ancestral Land trial is extremely dangerous. If you don't have the ability, you'd better stay home and have some tea next time, lest you needlessly throw your life away."

The Rakshasa Ghost King was so angry that his chest heaved violently, a metallic taste rose in his throat, and he clenched his teeth, forcing back a mouthful of blood.

But he couldn't refute it.

Above the main screen, Chen Changqing's ranking and total Points were clearly displayed.

20,100 points!

Second place!

Second only to Nangong Tian's 29,000 points!

Facts speak louder than words; any malicious words pale in comparison to such absolute achievements.

At the very center of the high-ranking jade platform.

The Duty Ghost Immortal slowly stood up.

The nine Principle rattled as the immense Ghost Immortal Divine Sense immortal pierced through the void once more, directly descending upon the Primordial Floating Island.

"Yama Ancestral Land Trial, Round One Completed."

A deep, resonant sound echoed throughout the heavens and earth, instantly silencing all the noise and clamor.

"The Outer Domain were almost entirely wiped out, with only Chen Changqing surviving and advancing to the next level."

Nine people from the Central Domain have cleared the level.

"Round Two: The Life-and-Death Arena Battle."

The moment the words left his mouth, the Obsidian plaza in the center of the Floating Island violently bulged.

A White Bone Battle Platform, ten thousand feet long and wide, rose from the ground. Around the Battle Platform stood four White Bone Demon Swords, each a thousand feet long, their tips pointing straight to the Firmament, completely sealing the entire Battle Platform within the Extreme Dao Sword Formation.

"Ten people will be drawn by lot, and each pair will face off in a duel. The loser will be eliminated, and their fate will be irrelevant."

"Until the ultimate Champion is decided!"

Boom!

Floating Island, ten Battle Tokens, each carved entirely from Nine Netherworlds Mystic Crystal, appeared out of thin air.

The Battle Token was shrouded in a chaotic mist of divine souls, blocking everyone's Divine Sense from probing it.

Swish!

The ten Battle Token spun rapidly in the void, then transformed into ten streaks of dark light, which fell toward the ten stone lotus platforms respectively.

Chen Changqing raised his hand and caught the Battle Token was shot at him firmly in his palm.

Look down.

The front of the Battle Token is prominently engraved with a ferocious, blood-red ancient character:

[One]!

At the same time.

Wang Long, Stone Platform next door, suddenly flipped open the Battle Token in his hand.

When he saw that the front of the Battle Token also displayed a bright red "[One]" character, the fat on his face twisted uncontrollably.

A cruel, bloodthirsty grin slowly spread from the corner of Wang Long's mouth.

"Ha ha!"

Wang Long suddenly turned his head, his eyes bloodshot, and fixed intently on Chen Changqing.

The Black Spear in his hand slammed heavily on the ground, shattering the entire stone slab.

"The first battle!"

"Chen Changqing, your death is nigh!"

The raging aura of Absolute Peak Half-Step Heavenly Monarch surged into the sky, completely tearing apart the Taiyin Gang Wind at the edge of the Battle Platform.

Chen Changqing gripped the Battle Token tightly, his expression unwavering. He calmly strode towards the center of the bone arena.

The first battle was destined to end in bloodshed from the very beginning.