Northern Sector of the Ancient Spirit Realm — The Poison Mist Forest
A thick toxic fog blanketed the twisted trees. The terrain was harsh, and venomous insects and beasts skulked within the shadows. Most trial participants avoided this place at all costs.
But Ye Chen had followed the residual energy of a spirit fragment and now stood just beyond the forest's edge. He paused as he sensed something wrong.
"…There's a formation."
His steps slowed. Divine sense swept outward. A faint pulse of spiritual energy surged from below. The mist around him began to churn—its scent a blend of medicinal herbs and lethal corrosion.
A moment later, lines of formation runes emerged in the air. Light flickered—and the world closed in.
"Ten-Thousand Poison Soul-Locking Array, activate!"
Boom!
The air turned green. Toxic fog burst from hidden vents, sealing off a ten-meter radius in every direction. The fumes invaded lungs and skin, paralyzing the flow of battle force and dulling the divine sense.
A mocking voice echoed through the mist.
"Well done, Seventh Prince. You stepped right in."
Ye Chen turned calmly.
Through the mist emerged Feng Qi and four alchemy disciples from the Royal Academy—each carrying poison artifacts and suppressive talismans.
"You prepared all this?" Ye Chen asked mildly.
Feng Qi grinned. "This array was crafted by seven poison masters. It counters battle energy and shatters spiritual will. Even a grandmaster would suffer here."
"But if you kneel now, hand over that strange sword and your ring, I promise… I'll make your death quick."
Ye Chen smiled faintly and gestured at the mist.
"Try it. See if this formation works… on me."
Feng Qi's eyes narrowed.
And then widened in horror.
The green mist curled toward Ye Chen—only to disintegrate before reaching him.
An invisible spiritual shield had formed around Ye Chen. The poisonous fog couldn't penetrate it at all.
"Impossible! This mist corrodes battle armor—how can it—?!"
"You warriors rely on external energy," Ye Chen said softly. "But I… control the Qi with my soul. My soul protects my body."
He lifted his right hand.
A faint sword cry echoed from the void.
The spirit sword appeared—silver and silent.
"Come."
With a hum, the sword launched forward, cutting through the mist like lightning.
"Stop him!"
The four disciples moved instantly, raising shields and casting poison fires—but it was too late.
The spirit sword sliced through everything.
Barriers shattered. Flames died.
Slash—
Feng Qi flew backward, blood spraying from his mouth.
Ye Chen didn't even move. He pressed one hand to the ground and formed a seal with the other.
"Pill Array — Soul-Burning Flame Prison!"
Boom!
Fiery runes surged from the forest floor.
A dome of spiritual flame erupted around the remaining four enemies, igniting the poisoned air into a blaze of destruction.
Screams echoed.
Within ten seconds—silence.
The forest was still once more.
Ye Chen walked to Feng Qi, who lay twitching on the ground, gasping for breath.
"You shouldn't have come."
He flicked his fingers. A blade of spiritual energy shot down.
Feng Qi died without a sound.
Ye Chen then bent down and picked up a faintly glowing green jade token hanging from Feng Qi's belt.
He pressed his divine sense inside—and what he saw made his eyes narrow.
Target: Ye ChenEliminate before sunset.Reward: 3 Spirit Condensing Pills,1Tier-3 Spirit Weapon.
"So it really was the Fourth Prince."
Ye Chen slid the token into his sleeve and looked up at the sky.
"Let the real game… begin."
Elsewhere, western side of the realm
Fourth Prince Ye Chengyu sat on a large rock. Before him floated a silver mirror that displayed the scene in the Poison Forest.
He watched, expressionless, as Feng Qi was slain and his array shattered.
For the first time, his brows furrowed deeply.
"…He survived?"
"That array was supposed to kill even a master."
He stood slowly.
Then… he laughed.
"Looks like I'll have to finish this myself."
A powerful burst of battle energy surged from his body, rippling through the trees.
"If you truly are my brother…" Ye Chengyu's eyes turned cold.
"Then allow me—your elder brother—to send you off personally."