Martial arts ascend to the gods

Chapter 424 Long Nails
Zhou Leng said, "The Demon Spirit Trial is still the most advanced. The Dwarf Trial and the Giant Trial are almost impossible to save, and the casualties are extremely serious."

"That depends on the type of trial. Some demonic trials can kill a large number of people."

After the two finished their meal, Frosthand led Zhou Leng to bid farewell to the legendary figures of the Divine Cult, and even paid respects to a demigod demon spirit master who remained in the Divine Cult.

The demigod sorcerer cast a long-lasting blessing spell, preventing minor illnesses and ailments for up to a year.

The Pegasus chariot ascended into the sky, riding on clouds, and sped towards High Tower City.

Watching the departing Pegasus carriage, Frosthand sighed and said, "If I had known he was in such a hurry to get to the Ancient Spirit Road, I wouldn't have given him the Ancient Spirit Bird token."

“He’s a martial artist, so giving it to him is useless,” said the Snow Mountain Wolf.

"Even if we throw it away, it's better than giving it to those good-for-nothings. They'd do anything shameless for the last Ancient Bird Card. Giving it to the Lightbringer is better than giving it to them."

“You’re right. Those guys went too far. Anyone who dared to take them might get bitten. Giving them to Zhou Leng meant no one got them, and it prevented any trouble. Even if they had the guts, they wouldn’t dare mess with the Dancers.”

"I actually hope they cause some trouble and alert the demigods."

"Teacher, you are still so... kind."

Zhou Leng was satisfied with everything, except for the fact that there were six female demon spirit masters crammed into the carriage.

Four are the granddaughters or great-granddaughters of Frosthand, and two are descendants of that demigod.

The good news is that it's beautiful; the bad news is that it's too beautiful.

Zhou Leng thought to himself, "I will never laugh at Zhang Xinglie again."

No, we should laugh at him instead.

After traveling for a day, Zhou Leng sensed something was wrong and slowly probed for information, only to find out that the Pegasus carriage had taken a very roundabout route.

What should have been a one-day journey will now take two days by plane.

Zhou Leng had no choice but to leave as soon as the carriage landed.

Martial arts are paramount; all else is meaningless.

Zhou Leng took out the magical artifact that Cang Fei Zhi Yan had given him before, and entered a magic potion shop according to the instructions on it.

This is the shop of the Azure Crimson family. Azure Crimson Flame stayed here when he came to High Tower City.

"I'm looking for the Crimson Flame."

After Zhou Leng revealed his identity, the shop assistant immediately and enthusiastically led him to the back hall of the potion shop.

A moment later, Cang Feizhiyan strode over, a smile on his face, and looked Zhou Leng up and down.

"The Ice and Snow Cult is actually willing to release you? I thought they were going to drain you dry."

"you know too?"

"You don't understand what a superior bloodline means in the world of demons."

"I see your bloodline is quite excellent. I'll introduce you to Frosthand when I have time."

"You win. So, are you ready?"

Zhou Leng said, "I don't know anything. I'll have to rely on you. I'm just an assistant; you'll be the main force."

“A few days ago, I consulted a legendary prophet, and his prophecy was a bit strange.”

"Are prophetic spells very effective in the world of demons?"

"Quite effective."

"what did he say?"

He said that I would suffer a huge loss in this trial, with mixed feelings of joy and sorrow, but the final gain would exceed my expectations.

Zhou Leng said, "This prophecy is a bit strange."

"It's a bit strange, but as long as the result is good, that's fine."

Zhou Leng said, "Take me around High Tower City, have some delicious food, and buy some cheap cultivation resources while we're at it."

"Come on, I guarantee you'll be satisfied."

Under the guidance of Azure Flame, Zhou Leng experienced the differences of the Demon Spirit World.

In less than a day, the remaining money was gone.

However, there were still some important cultivation resources that hadn't been purchased, so they had to dispose of some ferocious beast bones.

Beast-related items are rare and expensive in any world.

That evening, I met some demon spirit master friends with Azure Flame.

After relaxing and having fun, the two returned to the backyard of the potion shop to prepare for the final Ancient Spirit Trial.

Cang Fei Zhi Yan first introduced the Ancient Spirit Trial to Zhou Leng.

"The Ancient Spirit Trials began 25,000 years ago."

"A powerful demigod mage, while excavating for treasure, discovered a dilapidated trial ground of an advanced civilization."

"Later, several demigod demon spirit masters joined forces to excavate and discovered that there were some places they could not enter."

"So they repaired and patched it up, creating the Ancient Spirit Path on the foundation of the ruined trial grounds."

"The process of the Ancient Spirit Trials, except for the divine script, has been largely figured out."

"It's nothing more than testing magic power, mental strength, magical spirit, learning ability, combat skills, etc., only the order is different and the content of the test is slightly different, but basically there won't be much change."

"In a single Ancient Spirit Trial, tens of thousands of people participate. Each participant will gain something, more or less."

"The rewards for the top 100, top 10, and top 3 increase dramatically."

"Everyone who makes it into the top ten of the Ancient Spirit Path will receive a brand new Ancient Spirit."

"After entering the top three, you will also receive a reward from an advanced civilization. Although the reward is very weak due to the long time that has passed, it will still greatly enhance the spirit master's mental strength."

Zhou Lengdao said, "Our goal is to be in the top ten? I heard from Frosthand that we can't compete for the top three."

Azure Flame sighed, "Even you know that. The top three are the exclusive domain of the Three Towers; we can't possibly compete for them. However, the most precious thing on the Ancient Spirit Path isn't the Ancient Demon Spirit, nor is it a reward from a higher civilization." "Then what is it?"

"Spellbooks, divine spellbooks. This is the true purpose of the Ancient Spirit Path. Because ancient demigod magic masters discovered that the Ancient Spirit Path was originally a place where advanced civilizations tested innate magic masters, and demigods could not enter."

"The rewards originally given by advanced civilizations included divine script spellbooks. However, for advanced civilizations, such divine script spellbooks were quite common."

"But for us rudimentary civilizations, the value of divine script spellbooks far surpasses that of other things."

Zhou Leng said, "That's right. If it's a martial arts trial, a complete and inheritable cultivation technique is far better than a single elixir for all of humanity."

Cangfei Zhiyan said, "However, in the past 25,000 years, no one has figured out how to obtain a divine script spellbook. Only the great Blazing Torch obtained a divine script spellbook by chance, and then soared to the sky, suppressing ten generations of spiritual power, and still reigns supreme as the number one."

"However, none of this is relevant to us, and the top three are also irrelevant to us. Our goal is the top ten."

Zhou Leng said, "Tell me the specific tactics. Since this is a trial for magic spirit masters, I'm just an assistant. Don't have any expectations of me. I'll just follow along."

Cangfei Zhiyan laughed and said, "That's not entirely true. If we encounter any troublesome colossi-like obstacles, we'll still have to rely on you."

"Those steel colossi that are immune to magical attacks?"

“Yes. I’m confident I can get through all the checkpoints except for the Colossus. I’m looking for you mainly to deal with the Colossus. Only those of you who can fight head-on and also attack from a distance can make dealing with the Colossus relatively easy. The ability to attack from a distance is also the nemesis of our spell shields.”

After making ample preparations, Zhou Leng returned to his room to cultivate.

Cang Fei Zhi Yan was busy until late at night. Upon learning that his father had arrived in High Tower City, he went to inquire after him.

Cang Feilan sat behind the table, the lampshade covering most of the light, leaving only a faint, cold light shining on his cold and stern face.

"Father." Cang Feizhiyan bowed his head slightly, his attitude respectful, showing no trace of warmth.

"I stopped by the tower on my way here and wanted to ask how your preparations are going. I heard you've been hanging out with your friends the past few days."

"It's to relax; I was too nervous preparing beforehand," said Cang Fei Zhi Yan.

"That person's name is..."

"The sky is extremely cold."

"Where can I find someone better than the one I've found?"

"He is very strong, and his status among humans is no less than mine."

“I just received my ranking on the Human Innate Talent List, and he's not on it.”

“He’s hiding his true strength,” said Azure Flame.

"Not showing off is good. Also..."

Cang Feilan raised her hand, took out a foot-long nail, placed it on the table, and pushed it to the edge.

The end of the spike was carved with a serpentine demon.

The Demon-Devouring Nail devours the flesh and blood of others, transforming it into demonic power to greatly enhance oneself in a short period of time.

The stronger the person being devoured, the greater the increase in magical power.

A few magic masters carry it with them and use it on their magic warriors in times of crisis to enhance themselves.

Cang Fei Zhi Yan's expression changed slightly, and he said, "Father, I don't need this."

Cang Feilan said slowly, "Back then, I failed to enter the top 100 of the Ancient Spirit Path, which led to the decline of my family once again. You have the opportunity to break into the top ten, so don't miss it."

"I do not need."

"It's not that you absolutely have to use it, but you can carry it with you; you might need it at other times."

"Then I'll take it after I finish walking the Ancient Spirit Path."

"Now that you've grown up and become talented, you look down on me, your father, and you no longer respect the Cangfei family?"

“No.” Cang Fei Zhi Yan lowered his head.

"Our family has failed to achieve anything on the Ancient Spirit Path for three generations. All our hopes rest on you. Is an outsider really less important than your future and that of the Cangfei family?"

The Crimson Flame remained silent.

"Take this. As long as you break into the top ten, the family will fully support you to cultivate in the Three High Towers for three years. After you come out of the Three High Towers, you will be the head of the family, and you will have the final say in everything. I will no longer restrict you."

The Crimson Flame remained silent.

Do you remember how your mother died?

"remember."

Do you remember how your grandfather died?

"remember."

"Now, as long as you get your hands on the Demon-Devouring Nail, you'll have a chance to advance to Legendary status and avenge your grandfather and mother."

Cang Fei Zhi Yan gritted his teeth, and finally, slowly reached out, grasped the Demon-Devouring Nail, and put it into the Demon Spirit Bag.

"Go and rest, and don't forget that prophecy." Cang Feilan's tone was calm.

Cang Fei Zhi Yan's heart skipped a beat. The prophecy said that he would suffer a great loss on the Ancient Spirit Path, but because of this loss, the final gain would be beyond imagination.

"Could it be..." Cang Feizhiyan dared not think any further, unable to suppress the guilt surging in his heart.

Early the next morning, Zhou Leng went downstairs to the living room, preparing to head to the Ancient Spirit Road.

The table was laden with food, and Cang Fei Zhi Yan stared blankly out the window.

"You don't look well. Are you too nervous to sleep?" Zhou Leng asked.

A hint of panic flashed across Cang Fei Zhi Yan's face, then he smiled and said, "I really didn't sleep well, after all, it's the most important Ancient Spirit Path."

Zhou Leng said, "Don't put too much pressure on yourself. If you gain it, you're lucky; if you lose it, it's fate. Just do your best and have no regrets. Not all of your demigod masters are ranked high on the Ancient Spirit Path, are they? There are plenty of opportunities in the Ten Realms, and the Ancient Spirit Path is just one of them. Your gains in the Treeman World this time may not be less than those from the Ancient Spirit Path."

“You’re right,” said Azure Flame.

(End of this chapter)