Chapter 214 – Challenge Target, Three Heads and Six Arms

“Prompt: You have eliminated a Level 2 monster tribe, gaining 500 battle points.”

“Prompt: You have eliminated a Level 3 monster tribe, gaining 3000 battle points.”

“Prompt: …”

The system notifications rang out intermittently by his ears.

Outside the city walls, the monster waves assaulting the fortress grew increasingly fierce.

Yet the remote area where he was located remained relatively calm. From the central region of the simulated battlefield came deafening roars – flames dyed the sky crimson while pillars of lightning pierced through the heavens.

If Dolai and Crimson Dragonkin’s battle had been particularly conspicuous hours earlier, now similarly intense energy reactions were constantly erupting throughout the battlefield.

Some were clashes between powerful individuals.

Others were legion against legion.

Or Lords leading their troops to eliminate advanced targets.

“The Treant Legion performed quite well, but in this battlefield, that’s merely adequate.”

“The good news is that through this battle, we not only gained substantial battle points, but the treants have also made remarkable progress.”

Tree Spirit Grandma had directly achieved a breakthrough during the battle, comprehending a Domain.

This was partly due to her exceptional comprehension ability and abundant accumulated experience, but more importantly…

She was already an Epic lifeform.

Epic lifeforms possessed extremely high innate potential. With equal comprehension ability, an Epic lifeform’s progression speed would undoubtedly far surpass that of a rare troop type.

This was the disparity in life hierarchy.

Among the treants, two Outstanding Three-Star War Treants had already touched the threshold of Concepts.

However, the Treant Legion also suffered significant losses.

After all, they hadn’t yet condensed a military soul and couldn’t share damage. Even within the “I Am the Forest” territory, several treants had their hiding spots discovered by infiltrating Cat Demon commanders and fell in battle.

At first glance, the number of treants lost by the Treant Legion wasn’t particularly high.

But the exhaustion was immense.

During combat, abilities like “I Am the Forest,” “All Trees Grow,” and “Root Spirit Draw” made the treants’ energy seem limitless. Yet once the battle concluded, the side effects emerged.

One tree after another turned yellowish-brown, leaves rustling as they fell, branches becoming withered and decayed.

Of course, these changes mostly occurred in the peripheral areas of “I Am the Forest,” affecting the ancient trees that had been swept along during their advance. Tree Spirit Grandma used this ability to transfer some of the side effects elsewhere.

As Guardian treants of the forest, wasn’t it perfectly reasonable to occasionally have other trees provide minor assistance?

Having thoroughly studied Enlightenment texts like “Steadfastness,” “Tactics,” and “Tianyuan Will,” Tree Spirit Grandma found this entirely justified.

After the battle, she used the surrounding residual trees to probe into the distance, but the two Lords had long since vanished from sight.

Tree Spirit Grandma felt somewhat regretful.

She had never experienced what it felt like to drain a troop type completely dry.

Parting the surrounding trees, she moved forward with countless roots rustling like a boat. As she advanced, the elongated objects hanging from her branches swayed accordingly.

These were clearly Cat Demons, each tightly bound by vines, their faces showing ashen-gray complexions.

As Tree Spirit Grandma moved to the tribe’s center, the vine wrappings hanging from her branches, resembling burial shrouds, loosened one by one.Like desiccated corpses, the cat demons thudded to the ground before clumsily rising again. Thin, elongated green vines were inserted into their backs, making them resemble desiccated puppets controlled by strings.

Under Tree Spirit Grandma’s manipulation, these zombie-like cat demons scrabbled across the ravaged earth, digging out silver storage containers one after another from piles of building ruins.

These were supply provisions meant to sustain various legions and powerful individuals.

They were hidden separately within different monster tribes.

Occasionally, the expeditionary forces could also uncover clues from these monster tribes that pointed toward other objectives or special strategic locations.

This simulated reality, albeit in a much simplified manner.

…

In a relatively remote area of the simulated battlefield.

Thick white mist drifted over a vast lake. This fog obscured vision and distorted space; ordinary people arriving here could only circle around and leave empty-handed. Only those powerful individuals possessing the token could truly penetrate the dense mist and reach the small island at the lake’s center.

Here, trees were sparse, with only a broad white arena standing at the island’s heart.

On the left side of the arena stood what appeared to be an elderly man wearing a wide straw hat. A fishing rod was set up nearby, its line dipping into the lake, and an empty fish bucket could vaguely be seen beside him.

On the right stood a luxurious entourage.

A fiery red soaring dragon with wings spanning over ten meters circled in the sky.

On the ground, obsidian gargoyles folded their wings, feigning sleep with closed eyes like stone statues.

At the center of the gargoyle group were three Black Knights, some clad in Exquisite Armor, others wielding Exquisite Treasure Swords, guarding the central figure.

It was a young man.

He carried himself with noble bearing, his brow hinting at a faint kingly aura, as if he were a youthful monarch.

Yet at this moment, the young man wore a grave expression, facing a formidable adversary.

His gaze was fixed on the central arena.

There stood the General he had dispatched—a war golem that had developed to the Elite level.

Over ten meters tall, its body was cast from massive mountain rocks, with crystalline pillars glowing brightly along its back. Merely standing there, it exuded boundless might.

However,

Thud-thud-thud-thud—

A black figure closed in instantly. At first glance, it resembled a human, but with two pairs of curved horns on its head and demonic patterns coiling around its arms.

Its fists moved like phantoms, unleashing surging black demonic flames.

In mere moments,

The war golem, renowned for having the top defense among military units, cracked and fissured before exploding with a deafening roar.

“Young man, don’t be disheartened. This Land of Trials is still too early for you.”

“Come back after two or three years of cultivation, and you might just last three minutes against my Demonflame King Rider.”

“Withdraw, lad. This old man wishes to continue fishing.”

The shattered golem reappeared beside the young lord, restored to its original state.

Lord Wang Ba sighed helplessly.

He had successfully raided several level-one monster tribes and even managed to defeat a level-two tribe.

By sheer luck, he had also found clues to a special challenge point—indicating that completing this challenge would reward him with 5,500 achievement points.

Such special challenge points simulated unique opportunities one might encounter in the wild.

“But opportunities also require corresponding strength to seize.””A Challenge mission worth 5500 battle points is truly beyond my ability to conquer. I was being arrogant.”

He had once sent the Black Knight to challenge it, only to be defeated in mere seconds.

He then sent his most defensively powerful War Golem to challenge it, yet it couldn’t even last twenty seconds.

Even when both sides’ Ranks were balanced and equal, his generals still had no chance against such a formidable foe, like helpless children before an adult.

This is what a true top-tier powerhouse is like.

Having newcomers like them enter the Battlefield is truly torturous.

He wondered how the others were faring now. Were they struggling desperately, or had their fortresses already been breached, leading to their elimination?

What about Tianyuan?

The greatest motivation driving Wang Ba to grit his teeth and persevere was Tianyuan!

He longed to catch up to and surpass this rival!

Even though his elder brother had said that Tianyuan’s talent might be on par with the Cold Moon City Lord, advising him to keep a calm mindset… Wang Ba felt he had already done his best at every step.

Under the immense pressure from Tianyuan, his progress had been so rapid it surprised even himself.

His veteran generals were exceptionally powerful.

His new generals possessed peerless potential.

They were all Lords of the same cohort, all with two arms and two legs—so why couldn’t he catch up to and surpass Tianyuan?

“If I can surpass Tianyuan in this selection battle, my elder brother would probably… be so shocked his jaw drops.”

“Even Father would surely be astonished and acknowledge his son’s excellence.”

At this thought, Lord Wang Ba’s despondency vanished entirely.

He no longer felt disheartened about being effortlessly defeated by the challenge target.

He wasn’t even on that track to begin with; he only needed to keep his focus on the real goal—Lord Tianyuan.

Unlike the reinvigorated Lord Wang Ba, the Fishing Elder, who served as an ‘NPC,’ was quite frustrated.

He genuinely hoped someone would pass the trial he had set up sooner.

That way, his mission would be complete.

He could then focus on fishing in peace.

If he hadn’t been constantly waiting for challengers to arrive, would he still be empty-handed by now?

“Oh, another challenger?”

A burly man with a blue face, fangs, and a bare chest emerged from the thick fog and stepped onto the island.

No one present recognized this blue-faced man—after all, Rakshasa wasn’t like Dolai. Dolai had long been famous in the Festival Grounds for its eating habits; staying together with the Dragon Blood Valkyrie Xiliu, its prominence was on par with figures like the Crimson Dragonkin and the Limitless Lord. People didn’t need to check identity markers; they could identify them from afar just by their attire and appearance.

But Rakshasa? Who was this?

However,

as Rakshasa approached, the faintly visible character ‘Yuan’ above his head made his identity clear to those around.

A Tianyuan General.

“Holy crap, Yuan!”

Lord Wang Ba exclaimed under his breath.

He had just been thinking about Tianyuan!

He glanced around but only saw this general, with no sign of Tianyuan himself. He felt somewhat disappointed.

The Elder was also disappointed.

Tianyuan might be stronger than Wang Ba, but… there was no way he could pass this trial. These trials weren’t designed for novice Lords at all. Even veteran Lords would need to have peerlessly fierce generals in their territory to have any chance of success.

Though his disappointment was hard to conceal, the Elder reluctantly set down his fishing rod and stepped forward, saying:

“I am the Fishing Hermit, the examiner of this place.””This old man’s challenge rules are quite simple: as long as you can last three minutes in a one-on-one battle against my great general, the ‘Demonflame King Rider’, it will be considered a successful challenge. Each lord has three attempts.”

“During the challenge, the Demonflame King Rider will undergo level balancing through the power of the rules, adjusted down to match the challenger’s level.”

“However, even within the same level, there exists a gap as vast as the sky abyss.”

The elder looked at Rakshasa, and also at Tianyuan standing behind Rakshasa.

His words were meant for Tianyuan.

He said, “This Demonflame King Rider general of mine has a true rank of Fourth-Order Commander Tier Peak, and is among the strongest within the commander tier, with his name listed on the Dragon Gate List! He possesses an Outstanding Three-Star grade, Hero status, and has integrated high-level demon blood, mastering demonic flames. He has achieved Perfection-level Demonic Flame Fist Intent, has ignited his Willpower Light, has broken through physical limits, has…”

He detailed all the information one by one, hoping the newcomer could last a bit longer.

Also hoping that after a crushing defeat, the newcomer wouldn’t be too discouraged.

These examiners couldn’t go easy, yet had to worry about the young ones’ mental health – it was truly difficult.

Outside, in the observation warzone.

A certain association president stroked his chin, “Old Fish might capsize in a ditch today.”

Another person said, “Indeed, that Blue-haired Girl in Tianyuan’s hands is quite extraordinary. After the blue-faced warrior’s challenge fails, he’ll definitely send the Blue-haired Girl over. In my opinion, at the same level, lasting three minutes won’t be difficult for the Blue-haired Girl at all, and might even possibly…”

The Fishing Elder didn’t know that some old acquaintances were preparing to watch him make a fool of himself.

He simply let the Demonflame King Rider act freely.

Of course, he still quietly instructed, “Hold back slightly in the first few moves, don’t instantly defeat the other’s general – that would be too damaging to their confidence.”

The Demonflame King Rider gave a thumbs up to show he understood.

The blue-faced, fanged Rakshasa strode onto the battle arena.

Instantly,

Hum—

A light screen rose, enveloping the entire arena, while level markers appeared above both the blue-faced warrior and the black-armored, demon-patterned martial artist.

「Second Order Level 5」

「Fourth Order Level 9 Great Perfection」

“Only mid Second Order, this level…”

Lord Wang Ba was slightly surprised.

The only one in his territory above this level was the hero recruited from the Festival Grounds. That hero was his territory’s strongest combat power, yet Wang Ba could clearly simulate that even his own hero absolutely couldn’t last three minutes here.

Lasting one minute would be a miracle.

Moreover, after he left, the fortress relied entirely on that hero and several other generals to defend. If he transferred away the high-end combat power, the fortress would be undefendable.

Inside the arena, after the information appeared, the level number above the Demonflame King Rider’s head rapidly decreased until it reached Second Order Level 5. Even so, his aura remained ferocious, radiating a chilling presence.

「Ding!」

The countdown reached zero.

Rakshasa manifested his Karma-Burning Fiend Spear.

The Demonflame King Rider clad in treasure armor instantly erupted, his fist striking out with blazing demonic flames as if hurling a massive demonic mountain.

Fist radiance and spear radiance collided, stirring up violent energy tides that obscured both figures within.

The Demonflame King Rider, feeling the impact force from the collision, slightly froze.

Something seemed off.

No, very off!

His fist was trembling, this power…He quickly cast aside his lord’s admonitions, not daring to hold back any longer. With all his might, he unleashed punch after punch, the fist radiance stirring up a raging sea of flames.

However,

‘His strength is actually on par with mine? How is that possible?!’

Though their levels were equalized through balance,

he, the Demonflame King Rider, was a Fourth Order Peak powerhouse who had fused high-level demon blood and countless treasures. He had also undergone baptisms in lands of opportunity, achieving a physique that had reached the “Transcendent” level—fulfilling one of the three requirements for a legendary breakthrough.

Even when downgraded, his physical strength was several times greater than that of an outstanding three-star soldier of the same level.

Moreover, his Concept had reached Great Perfection, allowing him to unleash 250% of his full strength!

Yet even so, his power was only equal to that of the blue-faced, fanged brute before him. At most, he held a slight advantage, but it was negligible.

How could this brute be so overwhelmingly strong? What did he eat to grow up like this?

Or perhaps he possessed some advanced skill that greatly enhanced his strength?

Such thoughts flashed through the Demonflame King Rider’s mind, and his punches grew even more forceful—only such a powerhouse capable of withstanding his ferocious onslaught could make this battle truly exhilarating.

Bam bam bam bam—!

The Demonflame King Rider’s fist radiance grew faster and fiercer.

Though their strength was comparable, his Demonflame Concept was not merely about raw power. His combat experience and skills far surpassed those of the young opponent before him.

Black flames blazed fiercely, surging forward like towering waves.

Under the full exertion of his Perfection-level Concept, the sky seemed to darken, the oppressive clouds hanging low as if they were sheets of blazing black demonic flames.

Heaven and earth! All directions! Were filled with demonic flames.

Some were real flames, while others were manifestations of his Concept. The latter were not entirely real, yet not entirely false either—Conceptual flames could sometimes scorch the mind and soul.

The Fishing Old Man had long since grown solemn.

“Could Tianyuan’s subordinate be this formidable?”

“Hiss! In that case…”

At this moment, the blue-faced, fanged brute, whose class was hard to determine, resembled a drifting boat in the sea of demonic flame fists, seemingly on the verge of capsizing at any moment.

Yet, he had withstood dozens, even hundreds, of strikes.

Spear and fist clashed incessantly.

Even though the blue-faced brute was at a disadvantage, the Fishing Old Man, with his discerning eyes and experience, could tell, “He has a chance to pass this challenge!”

The thought invigorated him—his mission was about to be accomplished.

But seeing his Demonflame King Rider growing more and more exhilarated in battle, even performing beyond his usual standards, the Fishing Old Man’s heart tightened again. “You there, take it easy! Take it easy!”

Though he thought this and inwardly cheered for the blue-faced brute opposite, the Fishing Old Man did not speak up or interfere with his subordinate.

He still upheld his integrity.

As an examiner, fairness was paramount.

Besides, there were proctors watching from outside.

The Conceptual demonic flames seemed to breach the boundaries of the combat arena, rushing forth menacingly.

Lord Wang Ba swallowed hard. He could no longer see the blue-faced brute—his vision was filled with nothing but overwhelming demonic flames. Yet, since the assault continued, it meant the blue-faced brute had not yet been defeated. He was still holding on.

Facing such a terrifying sea of demonic flames that could obliterate anyone in an instant, how could he endure for so long?”Is this the ace general nurtured by Tianyuan?”

“This power, this kind of power…”

“I, I truly fall short…”

In the blink of an eye, the battle had lasted two and a half minutes, gradually approaching its conclusion.

Could he break through?

Lord Wang Ba and the Fishing Old Man both had their hearts in their throats.

Though this was Tianyuan’s challenge, it was the other two lords who were now offering blessings and encouragement.

Within the arena, black demonic flames blazed fiercely, only revealing the figure of the horned Demonflame King Rider.

He continued to throw punches relentlessly.

Beneath the overwhelming barrage of fists, the blue-faced burly man seemed to be struggling increasingly.

Rakshasa was indeed covered in wounds, his body scorched all over by the demonic flames. Even as he swung his Karma-Burning Fiend Spear with impenetrable precision, he still couldn’t block the tidal wave of demonic flames.

But,

“Ugh… Hahahahaha—”

The corners of his mouth twisted upward.

He was laughing, roaring with laughter! Mad laughter!

This was true combat—blood-boiling, exhilarating battle!

Rakshasa had pushed his state to the limit, gaining deeper understanding of Spear Intent. He was improving with every passing second.

The frenzied battle and visible progress intoxicated and enthralled him.

Ecstatic! Absolutely ecstatic! More!

Boom—

He thrust his spear, suddenly scattering the demonic flames. His opponent, the Demonflame King Rider, had already retreated a hundred meters away.

Rakshasa froze momentarily.

The Demonflame King Rider spoke, “Young warrior, your challenge has been passed. You have secured crucial battle points for your lord.”

Over? How could it end now!

His Spear Intent was just on the verge of a breakthrough!

He had fought this long with just his main body precisely to experience combat at its extreme!

“No, it can’t end yet.”

“Fight me, battle to the very end.”

The Demonflame King Rider also felt inclined to continue, but firstly it violated the rules, and secondly, the blue-faced, fanged burly man before him was nearing his limit.

Continuing would be meaningless.

“If you won’t make a move, then I will.”

Rakshasa leaned on his long spear.

As the words fell, his body seemed to blur for an instant, as if split in two by a line.

From his body emerged two other figures.

The one on the left had a benevolent face, with blazing Karmic Flames burning in his eyes.

The one on the right was tall and muscular, his form seemingly wreathed in endless sin.

Yet both possessed the same aura as Rakshasa!

Fishing Old Man: “!!!”

This Tianyuan general had two other incarnations?

Impossible, absolutely impossible! If incarnations could possess power equal to the main body, such a skill would be god-tier.

However, since the Tianyuan Lord had no objections, let him fight if he wished.

After all, this was a special challenge arena—even death here could be reversed, with no impact on subsequent battles.

“Then, let’s completely crush his resistance.”

The Fishing Old Man silently conveyed this to his own general.

The next moment, he witnessed…

The two figures flanking the blue-faced, fanged burly man gradually moved to positions before and behind him.

The slightly ‘slimmer’ benevolent burly man took the front.

The main body stood in the center.

The most imposing, muscular black ogre burly man positioned himself at the rear.

The three stood firm, their forms overlapping and merging into one.

The blue-faced burly man’s injuries vanished entirely. His already robust and burly frame swelled another size larger.

His back split open, sprouting two slightly pale and two slightly dark arms.His neck gradually bulged, sprouting two additional heads on either side.

The Karma-Burning Fiend Spear returned to his grasp.

Karmic Flame and Sinful Evil intertwined around his body, radiating an abyssal aura of might.

Rakshasa shook his three heads, still unaccustomed to them—one pair of arms brandishing the spear, another pair clenching into fists, and the remaining pair spreading open as palms.

His burning gaze fixed intently on the distant figure, all three heads simultaneously grinned, revealing a ferocious smile.

Three overlapping voices echoed across the heavens and earth.

“Now, let us begin the true battle to the death.” ×3!

6K double-length chapter, next chapter in the evening…

(End of chapter)