“No matter, since Xingwu wants to play, I must oblige, mustn’t I? Winning or losing is a small matter, especially since I won last time,” Emperor Huoyun said with a smile.
“After you two have set up this wager, I’m even more intrigued by Lin Yun’s entry trial today,” Vice Palace Master Yao said, stroking his beard with a smile.
“Vice Palace Master Yao, I feel the same. The time is about right, so why not begin? I’m quite eager,” the Xiaoyao Tower master said with a laugh.
“Very well, let the entry trial commence. Lin Yun, you may take the stage,” Vice Palace Master Yao said, gesturing to Lin Yun.
Lin Yun immediately stood, preparing to ascend the stage.
“Disciple, just do your best. No need to push too hard,” Emperor Huoyun advised.
“I understand, Master.”
With that, Lin Yun leapt onto the arena.
“Lin Yun’s entry trial is about to begin!”
“Let’s see if he can set a new record.”
As Lin Yun took the stage, the atmosphere grew heated, with everyone showing great interest in today’s trial.
Expectations for Lin Yun were high.
Some were there for the spectacle, others to see if Lin Yun could create a miracle, and some, of course, hoped to see him falter.
After all, Lin Yun had been much hyped lately. If he failed to achieve a sufficiently impressive result today, mismatched with his near-mythical reputation, he’d become a laughingstock.
On the arena.
As Lin Yun stepped up, a stone gate beside the arena slowly opened.
A three-metre-tall metallic creature emerged from the gate.
The first stage of the entry trial began!
“This first stage holds no suspense,” the Xiaoyao Tower master said, leaning back comfortably in his chair.
The other immortals present also lounged casually, showing no tension for this first round.
On the arena.
“A metallic creature?” Lin Yun said, slightly surprised.
But he wasn’t worried. According to his master, every new immortal could pass the first stage, indicating its low difficulty. For him, it was a certainty.
Thud.
The metallic creature stomped heavily, charging at Lin Yun with astonishing speed, its massive, sandbag-like fist swinging fiercely towards him.
Lin Yun swiftly threw a punch in return!
Boom!
Lin Yun’s fist collided with the creature’s giant iron fist, unleashing a torrent of terrifying force.
Under the gaze of the entire audience, the metallic creature was sent flying off the arena.
First stage, victory!
For other new immortals, even winning this stage required some effort.
For Lin Yun, one move was enough!
The crowd didn’t discuss much, as Lin Yun’s easy passage of the first stage was entirely expected.
About ten seconds later, the stone gate opened again, and Lin Yun looked on with curiosity.
A demonic ape beast slowly emerged from the gate!
This ape, about five metres tall, was covered in incredibly tough scales.
“A beast?” Lin Yun’s eyes narrowed slightly.
Beasts were far trickier than metallic creatures, and one chosen for an immortal’s trial would surely be formidable.
“Despicable human, locking me up for so long, I’ll kill you!” the demonic ape roared, its massive eyes blazing with fury as it spoke in human tongue.
With a roar, it charged at Lin Yun with booming steps, each one seeming to shake the arena!
Such a frenzied beast was extremely dangerous! Its strength was nearly comparable to a heavenly demon.
Those lacking experience in beast combat could easily be at a disadvantage.
No wonder sixty to seventy percent of new immortals failed at this second stage.
After all, the cultivation continent had been at peace for tens of thousands of years. Many new immortals lacked experience fighting beasts, especially crazed ones like this.
Lin Yun was different. His time on Earth during the beast wars and his journey through the Beast Mountain Range had given him vast experience.
Facing the charging beast, Lin Yun swiftly drew his Silver Peak Sword and met it head-on.
Boom!
The sword clashed with the ape’s arm, sparking like metal on metal.
The ape’s defence was strong!
After one strike, Lin Yun swung his sword again.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
An intense clash erupted on the arena, forcing the ape to retreat repeatedly.
“Now!”
After a brief exchange, Lin Yun seized an opening, striking the ape’s vulnerable abdomen with his sword.
Splat!
The sword pierced the ape’s heart!
From engagement to kill, it took mere moments.
“This fellow’s combat experience is extraordinary,” the Taixu Tavern master remarked.
The Taigu Sect master added, “He seems very experienced in beast combat. Facing such a frenzied attack, he didn’t panic at all. Instead, he quickly found the beast’s weakness and killed it effortlessly, passing this stage with ease.”
They could tell Lin Yun hadn’t even used his full strength, relying solely on experience to win easily.
Sixty to seventy percent of new immortals failed this stage, and even those who passed usually struggled greatly.
“My disciple once successfully crossed the Beast Mountain Range. His experience with beasts must be vast!” Emperor Huoyun said with a smile.
“What? He crossed the Beast Mountain Range and survived? Is that true? That’s incredible!”
Many immortals unfamiliar with Lin Yun’s past were astonished.
The Beast Mountain Range was a forbidden zone for humans!
“Everyone, Huoyun speaks the truth. Lin Yun did indeed cross the Beast Mountain Range. I know this for a fact,” the Xiaoyao Tower master said.
“This guy is truly a prodigy. Crossing the Beast Mountain Range, surviving Soul-Breaking Poison, enduring the Supreme Golden Thunder Tribulation, each feat is unthinkable!”
“And those are just what we know. Who knows how many other deeds we’re unaware of…”
…
The immortals present sighed in awe.
On the arena.
Moments after passing the second stage, the stone gate opened again.
The third stage had begun.
A burly man with a bear-like build slowly emerged from the gate.
“Lin Yun, I am Xu Bin, ranked one hundred twenty-sixth on the Heavenly Gods List,” the man said, clasping his fists towards Lin Yun.
“Greetings, Senior Xu Bin,” Lin Yun replied, returning the gesture.
Before joining the Heavenly Gods Palace, Lin Yun was the last on the Heavenly Gods List.
When he first saw the list, as the last name, Xu Bin’s name had stuck with him.
