True strength often requires extraordinary means, especially when dealing with ancient beasts. To harness their true power, one must earn their recognition.
Thus, their trials for Ye Ningze were anticipated, though the specifics remained unknown.
After a moment, the ancient beast spoke to Ye Ningze again. "Firstly, to become our master, immense strength is indispensable. Secondly, beyond mere power, I require you to possess formidable spiritual energy and an unyielding will. Otherwise, you cannot be called a true powerhouse."
Upon hearing this, Ye Ningze knew the trials would not be simple.
As if on cue, the ancient beast vanished without a trace, replaced by a hellish landscape of mountains of blades and seas of fire. They likely believed this spectacle would intimidate Ye Ningze. However, Ye Ningze remained unfazed. The reason was simple: the world he inhabited was already a true hell. Why then should he fear a fabricated one? Furthermore, Ye Ningze's fearlessness stemmed from his exceptionally strong spirit. Regardless of his environment, he could control his emotions and remain unaffected by his surroundings. This resilience prevented him from succumbing to fear.
However, his challenger was unaware of this. For any ordinary person, such a scene would have already shattered their courage.
This lack of fear was merely the first step in testing Ye Ningze. The second was to gauge his true strength within this very scenario.
Shortly after, a colossal bronze beast appeared in Ye Ningze's sight, its roars echoing as if to overturn heaven and earth. Then, the bronze beast unleashed a torrent of blood-red flames that seared the air, distorting the very fabric of space.
Ye Ningze, caught within this warped space, felt the earth-shattering power. He tried to break free but could not entirely escape. The flames writhed like living entities, clinging to his body and inflicting immense damage with each embrace.
Serpentine flames coiled and burned Ye Ningze repeatedly. He struggled against their grip, but the flames pursued relentlessly, blocking his path time and again.
Ye Ningze understood this was a world constructed from spiritual energy. In the real world, he might not have been a match for this entity. However, within a realm of spiritual energy, he was confident he could easily defeat it. The reason was simple: after his inheritance, Ye Ningze's spiritual power was beyond compare.
Without hesitation, Ye Ningze transformed his spiritual energy into armor to protect himself and a sharp blade to wield. Now, floating in mid-air, his golden radiance was akin to a descending deity.
Gripping the blade, Ye Ningze's body became a streak of golden light, vanishing instantly.
Moments later, the bronze beast began to crack, fissures spreading outward from its core. This spectacle was terrifying. The beast, seemingly gravely wounded, roared in fury. The sky filled with fire, coalescing into a massive barrier that enveloped Ye Ningze. The intense heat instantly evaporated any moisture within.
Furthermore, the bronze beast continued to layer its fiery red barriers, intent on driving Ye Ningze into utter despair, depleting his soul or spiritual energy until he was utterly annihilated.
To break through these barriers, Ye Ningze could only rely on his explosive power born from desperation. Spiritual energy required accumulation, which necessitated time and endurance. Failure to withstand the pressure would lead to the collapse of his spiritual power, rendering him an idiot or causing its complete dissipation.
Ye Ningze steadily accumulated his spiritual energy, awaiting the moment of eruption. Meanwhile, the ancient beast continued to stack its red barriers, layer upon layer, until Ye Ningze was completely encased. One hundred and sixty-eight layers in total, each more robust than the last, as if he were sealed within one hundred and sixty-eight walls.
Anyone else would have succumbed to despair by now, but Ye Ningze did not. The reason was simple: Ye Ningze was a true powerhouse, possessing the conviction of a strong individual. In any dire situation, he could unleash formidable combat power.
Pain mounted upon Ye Ningze's body, and his spiritual energy grew exceptionally potent. The bronze beast had never imagined a human could possess such power; his spiritual energy seemed more ferocious and potent than that of the ancient beasts themselves.
Countless points of light converged upon Ye Ningze, ultimately forming the image of a giant behind him. The giant held a great sword, appearing as the true master of the world.
The bronze beast instantly sensed an approaching danger. Indeed, those who had received inheritances were extraordinary. The bronze beast finally understood why Ye Ningze had received his inheritance: it was because Ye Ningze himself possessed immense power. Such vast potential was astonishing.
As the giant brought down its great sword, the world transformed into a serene landscape of clear skies and gentle clouds. Everything around them vanished without a trace. In this dark and void-like space, Ye Ningze and the bronze beast locked eyes.