Wandering Swordsman |

"You're right," Flame Demon Lord nodded slowly, "but each of the Twelve Venerables is a top expert within their sect. Are you sure you can do it?"

Hua Tianyou's gaze was firm, a hint of confidence flashing in his eyes: "Now that I'm here, I'm naturally confident."

The Flame Demon Lord remained silent for a moment, seemingly weighing the pros and cons. He knew that if Hua Tianyou succeeded in the challenge, his plans would be greatly affected. However, he had no other choice but to agree for now. As for what happened next, he would consider it later.

"Alright." The Flame Demon Lord finally nodded. "Since you insist, I'll give you the chance. I'll send someone to inform the other two Demon Lords and the Venerable who hasn't gone out yet to go to the Heavenly Demon Palace. Be there at noon tomorrow to begin the challenge."

Upon hearing this, Hua Tianyou smiled confidently and said, "Thank you for your kindness, Lord Flame Demon!"

......

As Hua Tianyou departed, the Flame Demon Lord sat alone in the main hall, his heart filled with complex emotions. He knew that tomorrow would be a decisive moment. If Hua Tianyou truly succeeded in his challenge, it would not only mean that his years of planning might have come to nothing, but also that a new era was about to begin. He was well aware that Hua Tianyou's identity was extraordinary; as the son of the Heavenly Demon God Hua Shenyong, his appearance was undoubtedly a huge variable.

Therefore, the Flame Demon Lord began to ponder how to sabotage tomorrow's challenge to ensure that his plans would not be disrupted.

The next morning, sunlight shone through the thick clouds onto the square in front of the Heavenly Demon Palace, adding a touch of mystery to this ancient building.

At this moment, the three demon lords—the Flame Demon Lord, the Moon Demon Lord, and the Blood Demon Lord—along with the six superior beings who had not yet ventured out, had already gathered here, awaiting this unprecedented challenge.

Just as noon arrived, Hua Tianyou, dressed in a long blue robe, slowly stepped through the gates of the Heavenly Demon Palace. His steps were steady and powerful, his eyes revealing an unwavering determination. Despite facing a challenge from a superior, his expression remained calm and composed, as if he had already made his decision. Sunlight streamed through the tall, domed windows, illuminating him and adding to his aura of holiness.

The moment Hua Tianyou stepped into the main hall, the entire hall fell into complete silence. The three Demon Lords—Flame Demon Lord, Moon Demon Lord, and Blood Demon Lord—along with the six Venerable Ones present, were all awestruck by the young man before them. Their eyes were filled with shock and awe, as if they were witnessing the mighty Heavenly Demon God Hua Tianyou, who had returned from his westward journey a hundred years ago, reappear. The Flame Demon Lord, in particular, had a deep and complex gaze, and a sense of vigilance settled in his heart.

"This...isn't this the Heavenly Demon God?" a high-ranking person exclaimed in a low voice, his voice filled with undisguised surprise.

"As expected of the son of the Heavenly Demon God, he is exactly the same!" another superior echoed, his eyes flashing with an unusual light.

The Moon Demon Lord frowned slightly, a complex emotion flickering in her eyes. She knew that this young man not only resembled the Heavenly Demon God, but more importantly, the influence he brought could completely change the fate of the Heavenly Demon God Sect.

The Flame Demon Lord stood in the center, his thoughtful gaze scrutinizing Hua Tianyou with a deep intensity, a sense of vigilance creeping into his heart. He gestured for Hua Tianyou to stand in the designated spot, then slowly spoke: "Hua Tianyou, today you will challenge the Venerable One. If you prevail, you will be allowed to join the Demon Refining Mountain midway."

Hua Tianyou smiled slightly and respectfully cupped his hands, saying, "Flame Demon Lord, I understand."

The Flame Demon Lord said, "There are six venerable ones present today. Which one would you like to challenge? Once you have chosen, the challenge can begin immediately."

Hua Tianyou waved his hand, indicating that he was not familiar with these venerable ones and that Yanmojun could arrange things as he saw fit, so as not to waste time. "Yanmojun, since I am not very familiar with any of you venerable ones, please arrange things as you see fit and do not be bound by formalities." Hua Tianyou's voice was calm and confident, as if he was not concerned about the upcoming challenge.

The Flame Demon Lord was taken aback, then smiled. In truth, he had already devised a plan. No matter who Hua Tianyou chose, he had a way to have his chosen master fight Hua Tianyou. It was just that Hua Tianyou was so arrogant and careless, which played right into the Flame Demon Lord's hands. He glanced at the six masters present, then nodded to one of them. The master nodded slightly in response and stepped forward.

"Since that's the case, then I'll spar with you for a few moves," the venerable one said slowly, his tone carrying a hint of arrogance. "My name is Xue Lingzi, and I hope you can give me some surprises."

Hua Tianyou smiled slightly, a determined glint in his eyes: "Senior Xue Lingzi, please give me your guidance."

The atmosphere in the hall instantly tensed with Xue Lingzi's appearance. Xue Lingzi moved with agility and swiftness, drawing his longsword from his waist, the tip pointing at Hua Tianyou, his eyes flashing with a cold light. "Young man, are you ready?"

Hua Tianyou nodded, his hands hanging naturally at his sides, exuding an air of composure. He did not rush to draw his sword, but quietly waited for Xue Lingzi's attack.

Seeing this, Xue Lingzi's lips curled up slightly, clearly displeased with Hua Tianyou's disdain. He suddenly charged forward, his longsword flashing like lightning as it aimed for Hua Tianyou's heart. However, just as the blade was about to touch Hua Tianyou, Hua Tianyou suddenly dodged to the side, easily avoiding the attack.

"Such speed!" Xue Lingzi was secretly surprised, but he remained calm on the surface. He quickly adjusted his posture and attacked Hua Tianyou with his sword again. This time, he used a series of consecutive sword techniques, each strike containing powerful force, trying to force Hua Tianyou into a corner.

However, Hua Tianyou seemed completely at ease. His movements were as swift as the wind, each dodge perfectly timed, as if he had already anticipated Xue Lingzi's every move. Moreover, he launched counterattacks from time to time; though not fierce, each strike was incredibly precise, forcing Xue Lingzi to fight back with all his might.

As time went on, Xue Lingzi gradually felt his strength waning. Fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead, and his breathing became rapid. Hua Tianyou, on the other hand, maintained his composed demeanor, as if this competition was nothing more than a lighthearted game to him.

"It seems I truly underestimated you," Xue Lingzi said breathlessly, a hint of resentment flashing in his eyes. "However, this competition is far from over!"

Having said that, Xue Lingzi leaped up, his longsword tracing an arc as it hurtled towards Hua Tianyou. This was his strongest move, his last trump card. However, just as the blade was about to touch Hua Tianyou, Hua Tianyou suddenly intervened. With a gentle wave of his right hand, an invisible force transformed into gray energy, instantly dissolving Xue Lingzi's sword strike.

Xue Lingzi felt an immense force surge from the sword, almost causing it to slip from his grasp. He staggered back several steps, his face ashen, his eyes filled with shock and disbelief.