I am the Thunder Emperor in the fight

In the northwest of this vast world, on the Black Sky Continent.

This vast continent seemed to be shrouded in eternal night, with sparse and dim stars, and the light between heaven and earth seemed to be absorbed and swallowed by some invisible force.

This gives the entire continent a profound, tranquil, and mysterious tone.

The Black Sky Ancient Clan is the true ruler of this Eternal Night Continent.

Shadow City, located on the edge of the Black Sky Continent, is one of the important gateways and trade hubs for the Black Sky Ancient Clan.

This city is not only magnificent and grand, but it is also shrouded in a giant shadow barrier year-round, making it heavily defended.

The buildings in the city are mostly in shades of dark black, dark gray, and dark blue, with a cold and rugged style and sharp angles, resembling giant beasts lurking in the shadows.

The people coming and going on the street were mostly cold and gloomy, moving swiftly and silently, and more or less carrying the unique fluctuations of the Black Sky Ancient Clan that resonated with the power of shadow.

At this moment, Night Falcon, having concealed most of his aura and retaining only the strength of a ninth-grade supreme being, mingled among the crowd entering the city.

At this moment, he appeared to be a young man of about twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old. His face was pale, as if he had not seen the sun for a long time. His features were delicate but with a hint of gloom. He was dressed in an inconspicuous black outfit and his body exuded a clear spiritual energy fluctuation of dark attributes. He was no different from many other rogue cultivators who had come to the Black Sky Continent to seek opportunities or seek refuge.

He was toying with a black token in his hand that was neither gold nor wood and had a cold touch. The front of the token was engraved with a twisted shadow rune, while the back had a small character "幽" (you).

This was the "token" that Mo Yu himself had prepared for him, from the now-extinct "Shadow Nether Clan".

According to intelligence, the Shadow Clan is a branch of the Black Sky Ancient Clan, and the Shadow Clan's ancestor once saved the life of an elder of the Black Sky Ancient Clan named "Black Nether."

This "Shadow Token" is a token that allows the holder to ask Elder Black Nether or his subordinates to do something for them, or to obtain a chance for protection or introduction.

Night Falcon's goal was to use this token to make contact with the peripheral forces of Elder Black Nether's faction, thereby obtaining a relatively legitimate identity and opportunity to enter the Black Heaven Ancient Clan.

He followed the crowd through the entrance to the giant shadow barrier that shrouded the stars, and a cold but pure shadow spiritual energy rushed towards him.

The city was orderly, and the Black Sky Ancient Clan guards, dressed in standard black armor, exuding a sharp aura and with keen eyes, could be seen patrolling everywhere.

Night Falcon could sense countless perceptive thoughts of varying strengths sweeping over everyone entering the city, checking their identity and intentions.

Instead of taking any action, he spent two seemingly casual days wandering around the city, familiarizing himself with the surroundings, gathering scattered information, and confirming the main stronghold of Elder Black Nether in Shadow City, located in the west of the city, "Nether Night Pavilion".

It was a gray area that dealt in dark-attribute materials and intelligence, and accepted certain special commissions.

On the evening of the third day, the Night Falcon arrived at the Night Pavilion.

The attic was unremarkable in appearance, entirely black, except for two ancient characters on the lintel that seemed to absorb light: “Mingye”.

Upon entering, the light suddenly dimmed, the air grew cold, and only a few people were talking in hushed tones or exchanging items in the hall, creating a somber atmosphere.

Night Falcon went straight to an old man behind the counter, whose face was gaunt but whose eyes were as sharp as a hawk's, and handed him the "Shadow Token".

The old man, possessing the strength of a lower-level Earthly Sovereign, accepted the token, his fingers tracing the runes on it, a glint of light flashing in his deep-set eyes.

He looked up and carefully examined the night falcon, but didn't ask any questions. He simply said, "Come with me."

The night falcon followed the old man through a narrow corridor on the side of the hall and into a secret room without any windows, illuminated only by a few eerie blue crystals.

The old man closed the door, activated the soundproof and detection-blocking barrier, then turned around, his tone still calm: "Shadow Token, a token of the Shadow Clan."

"The one holding this order may make a reasonable request to Elder Black Nether or his subordinates: Are you a descendant of the Shadow Clan? What is your purpose?"

Night Falcon had already prepared his explanation, and his face showed a mixture of sorrow and determination. His voice was hoarse: "I, Night Falcon, am indeed a descendant of the Shadow Clan."

During the great calamity of the past, I was fortunate enough to survive, but I have been wandering for over a thousand years, making it difficult to advance my cultivation and enduring a life of constant displacement.

Having heard that the Black Sky Ancient Clan is the main branch of my Shadow Nether Clan, I have come here bearing the token of my ancestors. I have no other request but to serve under Elder Black Nether, return to my clan, continue my humble bloodline, and serve the elder faithfully.

This explanation is reasonable and demonstrates an extremely humble attitude, which aligns with the mentality of an orphan of a fallen small clan seeking the protection of a powerful force.

The old man pondered for a moment, then carefully sensed the night falcon's aura once more.

The Black Sky Ancient Clan bloodline and pure dark spiritual power within the Night Falcon, meticulously refined by Mo Yu, appeared exceptionally natural and harmonious in this environment rich in shadow power, without any flaws.

"Although it is a branch, the bloodline aura... has not been diluted in the slightest, and the spiritual power is also quite pure." The old man nodded slightly. Although the Black Heaven Ancient Clan is xenophobic, it is not without precedent for recruiting descendants from branches who possess pure dark attributes and have an old connection with a certain elder of the clan into the outer perimeter. This can also demonstrate the magnanimity of the ancient clan and win people's hearts.

"However, the rules cannot be disregarded. Even with a token, if you wish to join my Lord Black Nether's ranks, you must undergo trials to prove your value, rather than being a burden."

"Please enlighten me, senior." Night Falcon bowed.

"Three days from now, there is a batch of Dark Crystals to be collected outside the Shadow Rift in the north of the city. Shadow Demons and Void Beasts often appear there, so it is quite dangerous. Would you like to go with the team?"

If one can successfully bring back enough crystals and demonstrate sufficient strength, one can obtain the qualification to join the Night Guard, which is considered an official appointment.

Whether you can get more resources and opportunities afterward depends on your fortune and ability," the old man said.

The Night Guard is an armed force directly under the command of Elder Black Nether, belonging to Shadow City. It is considered an elite force on the periphery and a coveted starting point for many who seek refuge there.

"I'm willing!" Night Falcon agreed without hesitation.

This is exactly what he needs: a reasonable way to demonstrate his strength and gain initial trust.

Three days later, Night Falcon followed a gathering team of about ten people and, through the Shadow City's teleportation array, arrived at a dangerous place tens of thousands of miles north of the city: the Shadow Rift.

This is a torn void, with countless cracks of varying sizes branded like scars across the world, from which seeps pure but violent shadow energy, nourishing various dark minerals and giving birth to many dangerous shadow creatures.

The data collection process did not go smoothly.

They encountered three waves of sizable Shadow Demon attacks. These monsters, which had no fixed form and were adept at mental corruption and shadow assimilation, were quite troublesome.

Night Falcon deliberately kept his performance at the level of a Ninth-Rank Supreme, and used relatively common shadow-type spiritual techniques, such as "Shadow Blade," "Dark Erosion Wave," and "Nightfall Protection."

However, his exquisite control over the power of shadow, the composure and efficiency he displayed in battle far exceeding his apparent level, and the occasional glimpse of an extremely pure dark aura that even the Shadow Demon instinctively feared, gradually won the attention and recognition of the squad leader, a half-step Earthly Sovereign member of the Black Sky Clan. During a surprise attack by a "Void Dark Beast" comparable to an Earthly Sovereign, the squad found themselves in peril.

Night Falcon feigned being forced to display greater strength, and with an extremely concentrated "Shadow Pierce" in conjunction with the captain's attack, accurately pierced the Dark Beast's energy core, making a crucial contribution.

He controlled his power perfectly with this strike, revealing his potential without being overly shocking.

The mission ended, and Night Falcon's team reaped a great harvest. He personally collected a number of Dark Crystals, both in terms of quality and quantity.

After returning to the Underworld Pavilion to report back, the withered old man's attitude towards him softened considerably.

"Good. Your combat record and crystal quality both meet the requirements. From today onwards, you are a member of the Night Guard and will temporarily be under the command of the Seventh Squad."

"This is your identity token and guard uniform, as well as basic cultivation resources and station information." The old man handed Night Falcon a set of black close-fitting clothes, a black waist tag engraved with "Night Guard · Seven", and a bag containing pills and spirit crystals.

"Remember, once you join the Dark Night Guard, you must complete assigned tasks on time and abide by all the rules of the Black Sky Ancient Clan and the Dark Night Guard. Those who perform exceptionally well will have the opportunity to be promoted and obtain the qualification to cultivate higher-level Shadow Divine Powers."

"Thank you, senior! Night Falcon will certainly work hard and live up to the expectations of the elders and seniors!" Night Falcon accepted the items and bowed solemnly.

Thus, he successfully took the first step in infiltrating the Black Sky Ancient Clan and obtained a legitimate and relatively reasonable low-level identity.

Although his identity was lowly, it was the best camouflage, allowing him to gradually integrate into the environment of this ancient race, observe, learn, and seize opportunities to climb up the social ladder.

Over the next few months, Night Falcon, as a member of the Seventh Squad of the Night Guard, carried out various missions discreetly and efficiently, including patrolling, guarding, clearing out low-level shadow creatures, and exploring small ruins.

He was taciturn, but his mission completion rate was extremely high. His use of shadow power was often ingenious, and he never sought credit or personal gain. He quickly gained a good reputation among the Night Guards and was gradually recognized by the members of the Black Sky Ancient Clan.

Even in an operation six months later, the captain of the seventh squad accidentally died, and he was unexpectedly chosen as the acting captain by the crowd.

After becoming the acting captain, Night Falcon's authority was further enhanced, and he eagerly absorbed all information about the Black Sky Ancient Clan.

The clan's basic structure, power distribution, main cultivation system, customs and taboos, and even some rumors and anecdotes circulating among the lower levels.

He learned that the Black Sky Ancient Clan was not a monolithic entity, but rather divided into several main lineages that competed with each other.

Elder Heiming belongs to a relatively neutral and pragmatic faction. He controls some external affairs and resources and wields considerable power, but he is not the most core direct descendant.

The most revered inheritance in the clan is the mysterious "Ancient Body of the Night God," which can only be accessed and attempted by the purest bloodline, the most outstanding talent, and the core disciples who have passed numerous rigorous trials. Outsiders can hardly even glimpse it.

The night falcon remained calm and composed, knowing that haste makes waste.

Using his identity as a Night Guardian, he consciously began to exchange some of the contribution points he earned from missions for some relatively basic Shadow Magic manuals that the Black Sky Ancient Clan had made available to the public, and appropriately displayed his "extraordinary talent" in cultivating these manuals.

The primordial dark power within him, originating from the Dark Ancestral Symbol, made it twice as effective for him to cultivate any shadow magic, and he could even easily perceive its essence and make fine adjustments and optimizations. This talent gradually attracted the attention of higher-level managers in the Dark Night Pavilion.

On this day, Night Falcon was summoned to a more secluded hall deep within the Dark Night Pavilion.

In addition to the gaunt old man from before, there was another person in the hall, a man in black robes whose aura was even more profound, whose face was shrouded in a layer of dark mist, and whose exact age was impossible to discern.

This person's aura had clearly reached the level of a high-ranking Earthly Sovereign, and it was far more solid than that of ordinary people of the same level.

“Night Falcon, this is ‘Deacon Yu’,” the gaunt old man introduced, his tone much more respectful than before.

Night Falcon felt a slight chill; the deacon was already considered a mid-level manager under Elder Black Nether.

He bowed respectfully: "Junior Night Falcon greets Steward You."

The gaze of the Deacon behind the black mist seemed to linger on him for a moment, his voice calm and even, yet carrying an invisible pressure.

"In just a few months, you have mastered the first three of the 'Seven Shadow Techniques' to a minor level, and your mission completion ratings are all excellent. Your talent is rare among the disciples of the Dark Night Guard."

"You flatter me, Steward. I was merely fortunate, and I benefited from the ancient clan's environment and the exquisite classics." Night Falcon bowed his head, his attitude humble.

“Talent is talent, there’s no need to be so modest,” Deacon You said calmly.

"Under Lord Black Nether, there has always been a clear system of rewards and punishments; those who have made contributions will be rewarded, and those who have talent will be put to good use."

With your abilities, staying in the Dark Night Guard is a waste. In three months, the Dark Night Trial will begin. This trial is designed to select promising peripheral and collateral disciples to enter the Shadow Hall for further study.

If you rank in the top ten in the trials, you will be granted the exceptional qualification to enter the Shadow Hall, to study more advanced Shadow techniques, and perhaps even... be chosen by a powerful figure to become their disciple.

Shadow Palace!
It was one of the important institutions for the Black Sky Ancient Clan to cultivate its core forces. Although it was not the most core, it had access to many of the clan's true secrets and resources, and its status was far superior to that of the Dark Night Guard.

This is undoubtedly a channel for rapid upward advancement!

"I've given you the chance. Whether you can seize it or not depends on your ability." After saying this, Deacon You's figure blended into the surrounding shadows like ink and disappeared.

The gaunt old man looked at the Night Falcon, his eyes filled with a complex emotion: "The Dark Night Trial is fiercely competitive, with many talented individuals from collateral branches possessing rich bloodlines, and even some hidden talents under the command of other elders. You should take care of yourself. If you can enter the Shadow Palace, your future will be very different."

"Thank you for informing me, senior. I will do my best." Night Falcon felt calm, as this suited him perfectly.

The Dark Night Trial will be an excellent springboard for him to officially step into the inner circle of the Black Sky Ancient Clan.

Leaving the Nightfall Pavilion, Night Falcon walked along the cold, dim streets of Shadow City, a barely perceptible glint of light flashing in the depths of his pure black eyes.

Trials in the Dark Night... Shadow Palace...

It seems we are one step closer to that "Ancient Body of the Night God".

He looked up at the eternally dark core region deep within the Black Sky Domain, a region that seemed unilluminated even by the stars.

That place is the true ancestral home of the Black Sky Ancient Clan, and also the place he ultimately needs to reach and achieve his goal.

The path has been laid out, and the pieces are being moved step by step to the key positions on the chessboard, according to the master's plan… (End of Chapter)