Han Li’s gaze swept over the green-armored figure, and his heart tightened with apprehension.
The cultivation level of this green-armored individual was unfathomable, certainly no weaker than the three presiding elders of the Joint Council. No wonder these three treated him with such deference.
Moreover, the green armor worn by this person was truly peculiar. Its design appeared deceptively simple, its surface dull and utterly unremarkable, devoid of any runes, formations, or similar markings. Yet when Han Li’s spiritual sense brushed over it, he felt an uncanny familiarity. After a few more glances, his eyes suddenly widened as if he had realized something astonishing.
If his senses were not mistaken, this so-called “green armor” was actually condensed from an incredibly dense concentration of baleful energy. No wonder its aura felt so familiar.
But to carry such an immense amount of baleful energy without suffering any physical harm—and even to expel it outward, shaping it into tangible form—was a feat beyond comprehension.
This kind of divine ability was truly inconceivable.
Startled, Han Li shifted his gaze to the tens of thousands of winged tribesmen floating behind the green-armored figure.
Each of them was clad in armor of various colors and styles.
A flash of blue light flickered in Han Li’s eyes as he scrutinized them closely, and his pupils involuntarily contracted.
The armor worn by these individuals was identical in nature to that of the green-armored figure—also formed from condensed baleful energy. However, due to differences in cultivation level and the amount of baleful energy, some armor appeared as solid as physical objects, while others were indistinct, flickering in and out of visibility.
Staring at these warriors, each exuding extraordinary baleful energy, Han Li was both horrified and deep in thought.
At that moment, the green-armored figure swept his gaze over the crowd behind the three Joint Council elders and revealed a faint smile.
“How could I, Jin, be negligent about a trial that occurs only once every three hundred years for our clan? However, the monsters in the Abyss have been restless lately. If we delayed for another year or two, I would never agree to this trial.”
“Haha, so upon receiving Brother Tie’s message, we immediately advanced the trial date. The Black Tide in the Abyss hasn’t begun yet, has it?” the elder asked with a smile.
“No. According to the monitoring treasures, although the dark energy is slightly more dangerous than usual, the true eruption is at least a year away. However, the dark monsters from the lower layers may emerge from their nests. I cannot guarantee that only spirit general-level monsters will appear in the first three layers of the trial. The likelihood of encountering high-tier Abyss monsters is significantly higher. But monster kings won’t appear. You must weigh the risks yourselves. If the losses are too great, don’t blame me for not warning you,” the green-armored figure said indifferently.
“As long as no monster kings appear, there’s no major issue. The trial can proceed,” the white-haired man declared without hesitation.
“I have no objections either. Missing this opportunity would mean postponing the trial for at least a century. Many branches cannot afford to wait that long,” the elderly woman added after a slight frown.
The tattooed elder pondered for a long while before sighing and nodding in agreement.
Seeing their approval, the green-armored figure chuckled softly and raised a hand toward the sky.
A fist-sized green orb shot upward, vanishing before reappearing hundreds of feet in the air.
A deafening explosion erupted as the orb burst apart, releasing a rapidly expanding halo of green light.
A dazzling green sun, several yards in diameter, materialized in the sky.
Upon witnessing this, the armored winged tribesmen immediately split into two orderly rows, clearing a path through the air.
Despite their varying cultivation levels, their synchronized movements exuded an overwhelming, intangible pressure.
While the accompanying elders remained composed, merely paling slightly before regaining their composure, the first-time trial participants—like Han Li—stirred uneasily, many displaying shock.
The three leading elders gestured for the group to follow and flew forward.
The procession advanced once more, passing slowly through the airborne formation of warriors.
Seated atop his giant avian mount, Han Li narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing the armored guards on either side.
He noticed that most were expressionless and silent, though a few younger, lower-ranked individuals occasionally cast curious glances.
However, even these “lower-ranked” warriors were at least at the Core Formation stage.
Many were equivalent to Nascent Soul or even Spirit Transformation cultivators, with quite a few at the Void Refinement stage—comparable to spirit commanders.
Han Li mused inwardly.
The Abyss guards stationed here resembled the cultivators of their human race’s Sky Abyss City.
However, while fewer in number, these guards were far more elite. Moreover, their combat experience—honed through constant battles with Abyss monsters—far surpassed that of ordinary winged tribesmen.
Judging by the scale of the structures here, not all Sky Abyss guards had emerged from their quarters.
As Han Li pondered, the group passed through the formation and arrived before a cluster of vacant pavilions.
The elders assigned accommodations, instructing all disciples to rest and recover their energy before commencing the trial at dawn the next day.
The Sky Peng Clan was housed in the same pavilion.
Jin Yue and Elder Shi remained on the first floor, while Han Li and the other two were each assigned a separate floor for undisturbed meditation.
Han Li frowned inwardly.
Though he had initially welcomed the overnight stay, Jin Yue’s order to remain confined to the pavilion complicated his plans.
Sitting cross-legged on his bed, Han Li remained unsettled, his eyes flickering with thought.
After some time, he seemed to reach a decision, his lips curling into a wry smile. Rising, he descended to the first floor.
As he appeared at the stairway, Jin Yue and Elder Shi—seated with closed eyes—simultaneously opened them, their gazes sharp.
Han Li’s heart tightened.
“Fellow Daoist Han, why are you here instead of resting? Is something urgent?” Elder Shi inquired, while Jin Yue remained silent.
“I have a matter to attend to outside,” Han Li replied earnestly.
“What requires your immediate attention?” Jin Yue asked, her tone tinged with displeasure.
With the trial imminent, she preferred Han Li conserve his energy rather than indulge in distractions.
“It’s nothing major. I was intrigued by the guards’ technique of condensing baleful energy into armor and wished to seek guidance on its intricacies,” Han Li admitted candidly.
“Baleful energy armor? Are you referring to the Four Baleful Armor Art? This technique is only effective with substantial baleful energy. Otherwise, it’s useless. Why inquire about it?” Jin Yue blurted out the technique’s name, her expression puzzled.
Elder Shi mirrored her surprise.
Han Li smiled slightly, forming a hand seal. A golden glow enveloped him as a dense surge of baleful energy erupted from within.
He had forcibly expelled the baleful energy once refined through the Vajra Arts.
Jin Yue and Elder Shi gasped in unison.
“With such potent baleful energy, no wonder you’re interested in the Four Baleful Armor Art! Haha, but you needn’t seek outsiders. This technique isn’t particularly secret—I’m well-versed in it and can teach you. Given your reserves, it might prove useful in tomorrow’s trial,” Elder Shi laughed, confirming Han Li’s suspicions.
Having seen ordinary Abyss guards wield the technique, Han Li had guessed the elders would know it as well.
“If Elder Shi is willing to impart this technique, I’m deeply grateful. But is one night sufficient to grasp it?” Han Li suppressed his excitement, replying respectfully.
“Assist Lei Lan and the others in passing the trial, and that will be thanks enough. The technique isn’t complex—with your aptitude, you’ll master the initial layers overnight. The advanced stages require more baleful energy than you currently possess,” Elder Shi waved dismissively.
Han Li nodded eagerly.
Jin Yue offered no objection, calmly closing her eyes once more.
Elder Shi retrieved a finger-thick bamboo tube, meditated briefly, and tossed it to Han Li. “The method is inscribed within. Study it carefully.”
“Many thanks, Elder!” Han Li accepted the tube, bowed, and retreated upstairs to his quarters.
Seated on his bed, he pressed the tube to his forehead, channeling his spiritual sense into it.
Streams of green ancient characters flooded his mind.
Han Li’s expression remained impassive.
After an indeterminate period, he removed the tube, storing it in his bracelet, and exhaled.
As Elder Shi had said, the technique was straightforward. One night would suffice to condense a layer of baleful armor.
Placing his hands on his knees, Han Li immersed himself in the method.
His eyes stayed shut, but a faint black aura of baleful energy began swirling around him—sometimes turbulent, sometimes still. Soon, it whirled violently, enveloping him in a dark haze that blurred his form.
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