After traversing layers of cloud sea, the going merry finally arrived at a dreamlike floating land—Skypiea territory.
This place was completely different from the white cloud sea they first encountered upon stepping onto Sky Island.
This vast island floated steadily above the White Sea, surrounded by lush green forests and gurgling rivers.
As far as the eye could see, the island's vegetation was dense and verdant.
The air was filled with a faint scent of earth and plants, brimming with vitality.
The sounds of birds chirping and leaves rustling intertwined.
It was distinctly different from the other cloud islands floating in the sky.
Its land was solid and heavy, like a continent directly moved up from underground, completely unlike something that would float high in the sky.
Lin Ning and his group disembarked from the going merry and stepped onto this mysterious land.
Robin bent down slightly, extending her slender fingers.
She picked up a handful of soil from the ground, a thoughtful expression on her face.
She gently rubbed the dirt between her fingertips, her gaze deepening.
"This ground..." Robin murmured thoughtfully.
Lin Ning heard her, turned to look at her, and asked, "Is something wrong?"
Robin narrowed her eyes and said contemplatively, "It's 'land'..."
Nami tilted her head, asking in confusion, "Well, of course! Because it's 'ground'!"
Robin slowly stood up, her deep gaze sweeping across the surrounding forest.
Then she spoke softly, "But this is Sky Island, you know."
At her words, everyone froze.
Zoro frowned, looking down at the ground beneath his feet.
He kicked the dirt with his boot, and the solid feeling underfoot surprised him slightly.
"Indeed, it's not soft," Zoro muttered.
Usopp was also stunned for a moment, then he too stomped on the ground with his foot.
Feeling the sensation under his feet, he exclaimed in surprise:
"Right! Sky Island islands should be made of 'island clouds,' so why is it like this here?"
Chopper also jumped twice, wondering:
"This doesn't look like the cloud islands we've seen before; it's more like... land from the surface."
Lin Ning looked around, his eyes flickering slightly, and after a moment of thought, he said:
"Perhaps this island was brought up from below."
Sanji chuckled at the remark, lit a cigarette, and after exhaling a puff of smoke, said:
"What a joke, how could that be? Who could move an entire island from the ground into the sky?"
Robin heard this, the corners of her mouth curving slightly into a mysterious smile, "It seems... it's worth investigating."
But while everyone was discussing, Luffy could no longer hold back.
He clenched his fists, his expression gradually becoming impatient.
"Who cares about all that! Now, we need to find that 'what's-his-name'!"
"I can't take it anymore, I'm going to beat him to a pulp!"
With that, Luffy took the lead, heading deeper into the forest.
He stepped into this unknown primeval jungle without hesitation.
Lin Ning looked at his eager back, a slight smile playing on his lips.
He tightened his grip on the halberd, revealing an excited smile.
"Then let's go!"
"Let's see what the 'god' is capable of!"
Zoro grinned, his Battle Intent radiating as he said, "Finally, I can fight!"
Sanji stomped out his cigarette, adjusted his collar, and with a smile, slowly followed.
Nami sighed helplessly, rubbing her forehead, "These battle maniacs..."
Usopp, holding Chopper, trembled, shouting, "Waaah, are we just rushing in like this?"
But his feet honestly followed along.
Robin smiled slightly, "Since we're here, let's uncover the secrets of this island."
And so, the Straw Hat Pirates officially stepped into the Forbidden Land of 'God's Country,' Skypiea territory.
In a mysterious space, four figures hidden in the darkness sat together.
Their forms were obscured by the pervasive mist, their faces indistinct.
But their cold, ruthless tones carried an authority that transcended all living beings.
One of them spoke in a deep, chilling voice, "To dare to provoke 'god'... These Blue Sea people have committed a first-degree crime!"
Another scoffed, "What do they take God for?
Ignorant people who know no reverence, they deserve to receive 'God's' judgment!"
Following this, another person spoke slowly in a leisurely tone.
With a coldness that seemed to see through everything, "So-called 'crime'... is doing ignorant things."
Finally, a voice, like a sharp blade cutting through the air, said coldly,
"Being soft-hearted makes it impossible to enforce the Heavenly Dao."
The air grew even more oppressive, and the four exchanged glances.
They slowly extended their hands, as if deciding the outcome of some judgment.
"Quickly choose a Trial, and we will 'execute' them!"
Accompanied by the four cold voices, they each recited their respective Trials:
"Trial of the Swamp."
"Trial of Iron."
"Trial of String."
"Trial of the Ball."
Finally, the four of them simultaneously chanted in low voices, their sounds echoing in this eerie space.
"Only 'one' Trial can be chosen."
At the same time, before a towering giant mountain on Sky Island Skypiea territory.
Lin Ning and his group arrived at this unknown "Trial Grounds."
The sight before them was astonishing—a colossal Buddha statue stood on the mountain wall.
Its eyes were slightly closed, its expression solemn, as if it was looking down upon all beings, judging all who dared to trespass.
Below the Buddha statue, four deep tunnels led directly into the mountain's belly, their entrances carved with four large and mysterious characters:
"Trial of the Swamp."
"Trial of Iron."
"Trial of String."
"Trial of the Ball."
Each tunnel entrance appeared exceptionally deep, darkness swallowing everything.
As if unspeakable dangers lurked behind them, waiting for challengers to step inside.
"Trials?" Nami frowned, looking at the tunnels, a sense of foreboding rising in her heart.
Usopp glanced at them and immediately shivered,
"They don't sound like good places! 'Swamp,' 'Iron,' 'String,' 'Ball'—none of them sound friendly!"
Chopper recoiled, nervously looking at the four caves, "No matter which one, it feels like it will be very dangerous..."
Luffy, however, was unfazed, instead looking at the four tunnels excitedly, "Hehe, they sound like fun challenges!"
Zoro crossed his arms, his sharp gaze sweeping over the four entrances, "It seems the people on this island are already waiting for us."
Lin Ning stood to the side, narrowing his eyes as he surveyed the four tunnels before him.
"Swamp, Iron, String, Ball..." Sanji murmured, pondering the possible meanings of these four words.
Robin smiled slightly and said, "It seems we have no choice. Since we've come here, we must accept their so-called 'Trials'."
Nami sighed helplessly, "Hey! Do we really have to pick one and go in? Or maybe we can go around..."
Zoro scoffed at her words, "Do you think these people will let us go around?"
"You're right..." Nami pinched her brow, looking helplessly at the four Trial entrances.
Usopp suddenly swallowed, whispering, "Hey... can't we... not choose?"
Lin Ning nodded gently, a slight smile on his lips, "Of course we can!"
"So-called choices are only for the weak!"
"I will carve a new path!"
Lin Ning walked to the front of the group, holding his halberd.