Chapter 124: Battle in the Flaming Peak Forest

The Southern Light Abyss might seem insignificant amid the vast forests of the Northern Territory. From above, it resembled nothing more than a small scar on the earth’s skin. Yet only someone like Lin Zhan, trapped within that scar, could truly grasp the lurking dangers therein.

Wild beasts were classified into three tiers, each tier subdivided into three ranks, making nine ranks in total. The Abyssal Earth Dragon belonged to the third rank of the first tier, comparable to a ninth-rank human warrior and equal in strength to the Nine Nether Barbarian Ox that Lin Zhan had previously faced.

However, the Abyssal Earth Dragon was more formidable than the Barbarian Ox. Its scales and two horns—one for defense, the other for offense—made it both resilient and aggressive. Its agility further compounded the challenge, making it a far tougher adversary.

Beyond the Abyssal Earth Dragons, the Southern Light Abyss housed even higher-tier beasts, far stronger and more dangerous. After laboriously slaying several Abyssal Earth Dragons, Lin Zhan reconsidered his approach.

The beast cores yielded by the Abyssal Earth Dragons granted only three points each, hardly worth the enormous time spent. Even if he hunted them relentlessly for three months, it would hardly be worthwhile.

So, growing wiser, Lin Zhan endeavored to avoid the Abyssal Earth Dragons, hoping instead to encounter other disciples sooner. More than that, he yearned to meet Qin Qingxuan and Fang Daguang, to form a team—perhaps the best strategy of all.

Speed was the key to survival.

Yet within the Southern Light Abyss, an unusual energy field limited Lin Zhan’s sword to no more than three feet above the ground—a mere three feet, which was almost meaningless amidst the dense forest undergrowth.

Thus, Lin Zhan relied on his footwork and agility, weaving deftly between towering trees that would take a dozen men to encircle.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

Alongside Lin Zhan were 299 other disciples from various peaks, all appearing deep within the dense forest of the Southern Light Abyss. But it was not only forest—they also faced perilous cliffs and treacherous terrain.

The Abyss was dozens of miles deep. Standing at its bottom, one could scarcely glimpse the sky above. Towering mountains rose within the chasm, while jagged cliffs adorned with grotesque rocks loomed on either side. Countless lairs and gathering places of wild beasts dotted the landscape.

Of the 299 disciples, not all possessed Lin Zhan’s strength and luck. Within moments, dozens were devoured by beasts, their bodies torn beyond recognition.

Several others, confronted with imminent death, triggered the protective seals on their badges, teleporting themselves out of the Abyss—but this also meant elimination from the trial.

For the first three days, Lin Zhan wandered aimlessly. His Breath Suppression Pills lost their efficacy and were soon exhausted. Yet through trial and error, he discerned a pattern.

Most beasts in the Southern Light Abyss would not attack unless provoked or their territory threatened. Otherwise, they coexisted in uneasy peace.

Lin Zhan chose not to seek trouble unnecessarily.

Still, in such an environment, one could never predict what might emerge next—man or beast—and that uncertainty was the greatest peril of all.

Whoosh!

A massive black war hammer crashed toward Lin Zhan’s face as he rounded a tree. The strike was swift and merciless, coming from dangerously close.

Lin Zhan’s reflexes were sharp—without hesitation, he planted his feet firmly, pivoted his body half a turn, and deflected the blow.

Clang!

The hammer struck the unyielding trunk of a Dragon Beard Tree, rebounding with a loud crack.

“First one I meet, tough luck for you!” a voice declared from midair as a figure caught the hammer and brought it crashing down with tremendous force.

“Who’s unlucky isn’t so clear—I’ve been craving a fight with someone wielding a black sword!” Lin Zhan replied eagerly.

Indeed, after three days without encountering anyone, Lin Zhan’s desire to battle had grown intense. He was far less interested in grinding against the tough Abyssal Earth Dragons.

Yes, the Abyssal Earth Dragons remained his most frequent adversaries.

With a swift motion, Lin Zhan swung his black sword upward. Gripping the hilt with both hands, the heavy blade unleashed its full power.

The heavy sword, a weapon of sheer force, feared no hammer.

Clang! The collision of metal echoed explosively, stirring the surroundings. Distant beast roars merged with the thunderous clash nearby.

Both men stepped back, arms tingling, their weapons humming with residual energy.

Only now did Lin Zhan fully observe his opponent—a broad-faced man of average build, dressed in short garments that revealed bulging muscles and veins on his arms and calves.

“I am Yu Kuang of Tiangang Peak!” the man announced, swinging his hammer again.

Lin Zhan met his challenge boldly. “Lin Zhan of the Blazing Flame Peak, at your service!”

In a flash, Lin Zhan’s black sword traced an impossible arc, aiming directly at the wrist holding the hammer.

This was Lin Zhan channeling the “Wind and Water Rising” technique from the Dao of Creation, pushing the sword’s power to its zenith.

Seeing his wrist become the target, Yu Kuang immediately eased his grip and slowed his swing. This was a calculated delay—without moving the hammer forward, the sword couldn’t strike him.

“Heh, you’ve fallen into my trap!” Lin Zhan smirked, eyes gleaming fiercely. He intensified the “Wind and Water Rising” technique. Silver sparks flared along the blade’s edge, while the sword’s body resonated with tidal energy, casting multiple afterimages.

These illusions were the manifestation of the technique.

The heavy blade clashed against the hammer’s head, each afterimage striking with force.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

The sound was like the beating of a colossal drum, deep and resounding.

Yu Kuang’s muscles tensed painfully, his arms trembling slightly.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Three more strikes came so fast that Yu Kuang had no time to counter.

Lin Zhan’s attack on the wrist was a feint; his true intent was to strike the weapon, causing Yu Kuang to falter and weaken his force. Using strength against strength, Lin Zhan aimed to shatter his opponent’s confidence and pride.

Against a power-based foe, breaking their strongest attribute was the most effective strategy.

Yu Kuang could no longer withstand the onslaught of the black sword’s strikes, amplified by the tidal spiritual energy. His face twisted in agony; muscles and veins bulged grotesquely.

Blood began to seep from his eyes, then from his nose and ears, growing steadily more profuse.

With a final gentle tap from the black sword on the hammer, Lin Zhan leapt back.

That last strike was like a withering gale, utterly crushing Yu Kuang’s resolve.

“Pft!” A mouthful of fresh blood surged forth. Yu Kuang’s grip faltered, and the enormous black hammer shattered into countless specks, drifting down like dust.

Only the thick handle remained in Yu Kuang’s hand.