During the night, after Zhu Cang Ming delivered the news of the inheritance trial to the Red-Scaled Winged Naga Clan, Chi Zhenxiong hurriedly summoned a group of young experts from his clan who were under sixty years of age and had reached the Black Gold-rank or above.
One of these people was his own granddaughter, Chi Mei, the youngest among them all. At just twenty years of age, Chi Mei had already broken through to the One-Star Legend-rank Demon Beast realm.
Due to the curse carried by their physique, not many experts of the Red-Scaled Winged Naga Clan dared to step into the Legend-rank Demon Beast realm. As a result, their clan had only five suitable candidates, with the strongest being at the Three-Star Legend-rank Demon Beast realm.
Chi Zhenxiong was fully aware that their overall strength for the inheritance trial was severely lacking compared to the other clans. But even so, they couldn't afford to skip the inheritance trial, as this was an opportunity that might help improve the standing of their Red-Scaled Winged Naga Clan in the Immortal Tortoise Realm.
"Grandfather, we've arrived as you requested."
Chi Zhenxiong was snapped out of his thoughts when he heard a group of people enter his room.
Leading them was Chi Mei, with two women and two men following behind her. Chi Zhenxiong gave everyone an approving nod, seeing that they were all in perfect condition, with determined glints in their eyes.
"Good. All of you, take a seat. I need to discuss some important details with the five of you before we head to the Emerald Lake," Chi Zhenxiong said, his serious tone causing everyone accompanying Chi Mei to swallow nervously.
"Everyone, tell me what you know about the inheritance trial," Chi Zhenxiong asked, making everyone look at one another before one of the women raised her hand to answer.
"Mhm, Chi Lua, go on. Speak," he urged.
Chi Lua nodded before opening her mouth.
"Patriarch Zhenxiong, the rumors say that the ten-millennia mist is actually an interspatial array that, once entered, transports those who pass through it to another realm. They say it's a world completely different from our Immortal Tortoise Realm, and even from the outside world," Chi Lua answered, which made Chi Zhenxiong nod.
"That's indeed correct, but there's more to the inheritance trial than you could ever imagine," Chi Zhenxiong explained. "When I was your age, I myself was chosen to participate in the inheritance trial. One thing you need to know first is that the world behind the ten-millennia mist is a world filled with Heavenly Energy."
A collective gasp escaped Chi Mei and the others. Being born in the Immortal Tortoise Realm, they knew very well just how rare Heavenly Energy was.
"The moment you enter that world, you'll experience a massive increase in your cultivation strength. Make sure to use the opportunity to break through to the DemiGod Rank. This is especially true for the three of you: Chi Mei, Chi Jian, and Chi Xuhan. Since you three have already broken through to the Legend Rank, you have the best chance of reaching the DemiGod Rank."
But before they could rejoice at the thought of achieving a great breakthrough, Chi Zhenxiong's expression darkened, and a heavy atmosphere permeated the room, causing them to hold their breath in dread.
"But all of that would only matter if you're able to return alive."
His words caused Chi Mei and the others to feel a chill run down their spines. It didn't help that they could sense a faint dangerous aura leaking from Chi Zhenxiong.
"The world inside the ten-millennia mist is a place filled with danger at every turn. At any moment, there could be hundreds of dangers waiting for you. If you think normal Demon Beasts are savage creatures, then all of you will soon realize that compared to the creatures inside the ten-millennia mist, even the most savage Demon Beasts will seem tame in comparison."
"Not only that, you still need to be cautious of the other participants, especially the members of the great clans, as they will use this opportunity to weaken the other clans. Always remember, there are no rules during the inheritance trial. Once you enter that world, everyone can do whatever they want, and that includes killing."
Chi Mei and the others all let out shaky breaths. Although they had already steeled themselves to face any danger during the trial, hearing the truth straight from Chi Zhenxiong's mouth made them realize just how dangerous it would be. They couldn't help but feel uneasy.
"One last thing: during the trial, make sure to stick together. Only by staying together will the five of you be able to face any challenges that come your way. More importantly, once you find any opportunities, whether they're rare treasures, herbs, or other resources, make sure to use them as soon as possible to strengthen your cultivation. Don't even bother taking them home, as the Demon Beast Clan will simply seize all the treasures you find there. Whatever reward the Demon Beast Clan offers in exchange for the treasures you find, it won't be worth it, as they will never give our Red-Scaled Winged Naga Clan an equal share."
Chi Zhenxiong scoffed, prompting the five youths to nod.
But before he could finish the discussion, Chi Mei raised her hand, attracting everyone's attention.
Curious, Chi Zhenxiong urged her to speak.
"Go on, Mei'er. Speak your mind."
Chi Mei bit her lip, appearing nervous, before steeling herself and giving Chi Zhenxiong a concerned look.
"Grandfather, you've told us everything we need to know about the world inside the ten-millennia mist, but it seems like you've yet to tell us about the inheritance trial itself," Chi Mei said hesitantly, sensing the shift in her grandfather's expression. "W-what about the God Trial? A-are we supposed to seize the opportunity to pass the God Trial?"
Her questions also piqued everyone's interest.
Deep within the world inside the ten-millennia mist lay an ancient tomb. Rumors said that anyone could enter the tomb to attempt the God Trial. But ever since its discovery, none of the participants who had taken the trial had ever come out alive.
Every time the inheritance trial opened, each clan would choose one or two geniuses to attempt the God Trial, hoping they could pass it. So, Chi Mei and the others were confused as to why Chi Zhenxiong hadn't even mentioned it.
Looking at their confused faces, Chi Zhenxiong let out a heavy sigh. His expression became solemn as he spoke.
"Truth be told, I had someone being trained for this kind of circumstance, but recent events helped me see the true nature of that person. In the end, he tried to bite off more than he could chew and ultimately lost his life because of it."
"Is that the Shen Han guy?" Chi Mei asked with a scowl.
She didn't understand why her grandfather had taken a liking to him. In her view, Shen Han was someone who appeared very pretentious, with his perfect demeanor and flawless appearance.
"It was indeed him. But since he's gone, there's no use dwelling on him." he sighed.
"Then let me be the one to undertake the God Trial," Chi Mei said, causing Chi Zhenxiong's expression to darken.
"Absolutely not. You're not strong enough to attempt the God Trial. You'll only lose your life trying," he snapped.
His words made Chi Mei's body shake in frustration. She stood up, looking very stubborn.
"We can't afford to miss this opportunity, especially now that the great clans are suppressing us. If we obtain whatever inheritance is hidden in there, we might be able to stand against even the Demon Beast Clan," Chi Mei said, a look of determination crossing her face.
"Mei'er, you haven't heard me. I told you, you'll only die if you enter the God Trial," Chi Zhenxiong warned.
"What's so different about entering the ten-millennia mist? If I find myself in danger, I could still lose my life. It's literally the same thing," she argued.
"No, it's not. You have a much better chance of returning from the ten-millennia mist. What, you think that just because you have a heaven-defying talent, you have more of an advantage than anyone else? Mei'er, I've lived long enough to witness the emergence of many geniuses, and all of them thought the same way you do. They entered the God Trial thinking they had what it takes to pass it. In the end, none of them returned."
His words caused Chi Mei to swallow the words she was about to say, allowing Chi Zhenxiong to continue.
"Mei'er, we found the cure for our cursed physique. We Red-Scaled Winged Naga have the highest innate talent among all the Demon Beasts. Now that there's nothing stopping us from growing stronger, it's only a matter of time before our clan breaks free from the suppression of the Demon Beast Clan. There's no need to risk your life on a trial that is impossible to pass," Chi Zhenxiong said firmly.
His words made Chi Mei hesitate and back down.
As silence ensued, Chi Zhenxiong stood up and walked past Chi Mei, heading outside.
"The five of you, prepare yourselves. Tomorrow morning, we're heading to Emerald Lake." Ending the discussion with that reminder, Chi Zhenxiong walked out of the room, leaving the five of them deep in thought.
Meanwhile, as the night deepened, Xue Hui, who had been listening to the conversation, gazed into the distance, a glint of interest flashing through his eyes.
"A God Trial? That sounds interesting."
As his words faded into the night, so did Xue Hui, as the space around him rippled before he disappeared.
End of Chapter 144