The seawater tide lapped against the shore, carrying a cold air reminiscent of millennium-old ice.
Despite the low temperatures, the seawater resisted freezing, maintaining its pitch-black hue—distinct from ordinary oceanic waters.
Behind the dune, Chen Fan looked at the endless black sea and whispered, “In this seawater, that black qi is the nefarious yin qi from the cold and dark underground.”
His insight gradually grew, discerning the specific type of nefarious qi within the seawater.
The underground black nefarious yin qi manifested as a cold tide, detrimental to humans but serving as a tonic for certain aquatic demon beasts akin to the earth's essence.
Mixed in the seawater, the nefarious yin qi made some aquatic demon beasts stronger and more ferocious.
Numerous creatures inhabited the dark and gloomy seabed within the Black Sea Demon Cave's depths.
These large, peculiar, fang-bearing fish absorbed the black nefarious yin qi from the water and condensed it into water-attributed qi.
Naturally strong, they engaged in frequent battles within the waters, adhering to the principle of the strong preying on the weak—a concept applicable not only to human society but also to demon beasts.
The Black Sea Demon Cave's monolithic depth increased the peril, with more ferocious demon beasts lurking in its recesses.
Numerous hard-to-notice holes at the seabed continuously released seawater, each concealing an underground river.
Deep within the sea, expansive canyons, spanning thousands of miles, housed powerful auras in hibernation.
Further away, one could see the faint signs of an underwater city—Black Flood Dragon Palace.
Black Flood Dragons were naturally born intelligent and maintained order in the seabed, much like how humans governed their cities.
However, the seabed wasn’t tranquil right now.
Qi ripples emanated from the Black Flood Dragon Palace as swift and fierce sword qi flashed through the seawater.
A Black Flood Dragon blew the horn, sounding the alarm along the water current.
All kinds of demon beasts rushed over at incredible speed—swift sailfish, ferocious crocodiles, and more.
Inside the Black Flood Dragon Palace, Wang Fuchen’s white clothes fluttered, making him look like an immortal from the heavens as he wielded his sword. Thousands of sword lights spread out to form an inescapable net, targeting a mighty Black Flood Dragon.
The Black Flood Dragon King of the Black Flood Dragon Palace was a tier-two demon beast.
The Black Flood Dragon King opened its mouth wide and spat out a cold, black nefarious force that froze everything, sealing Wang Fuchen’s net and shattering it.
“Human, withdraw quickly, and I may overlook this. Otherwise, prepare to die!” roared the Black Flood Dragon King.
Wang Fuchen chuckled and said, “Black Flood Dragon King, hand over the Ice Jade Snow Lotus, and I’ll leave immediately.”
“Not a chance!” firmly said the Black Flood Dragon King.
Natural treasures weren’t useful to humans alone; demon beasts could also use them to raise their levels. There was no reason for the dragon to hand over a precious treasure like the Ice Jade Snow Lotus to the damnable human in front of it.
Aware of Wang Fuchen's formidable power, the Black Flood Dragon King grudgingly contemplated its options.
“Since you’re reluctant, Black Flood Dragon King, I have no choice but to take it myself. Of course, I will have to take your life, too.”
Wang Fuchen laughed coldly, driving his primeval force and infusing it into his sword. With a swoosh, he turned into a blur, and the water currents failed to stop him.
An icy cold voice rang out.
The Black Flood Dragon King winced as a long bloody gash appeared on it, accompanied by a peculiar force preventing the wound from healing.
“Argh, you damned human. You’ve wounded me! I’m going to swallow you whole and refine you!” The enraged Black Flood Dragon King convulsed, making the seawater surge toward Wang Fuchen.
The entire Black Flood Dragon Palace erupted into a massive battle in a split second.
“Haha, Senior Brother Fuchen is indeed powerful. Despite the Black Flood Dragon King’s extraordinary strength, it met its end regretfully beneath his sword.”
In the aftermath of the clash, amid a sea stained with red blood, Floating Cloud Sword Sect disciples collected loot while sucking up to Wang Fuchen. The corpses of many Black Flood Dragons and strange fish demon beasts floated in the water.
“That’s for sure. A mere Black Flood Dragon King is no match for Senior Brother Fuchen.”
“With Senior Brother Fuchen around, our Floating Cloud Sword Sect deserves the first place in this Dragon Mountain Blessed Land training. Given his unmatched talents, he would soon trample Duan Jingtian of the Spring Autumn Sect and bring glory to our sect.”
“Life is good following Senior Brother Fuchen.”
Wang Fuchen had slain the Black Flood Dragon King, but he wasn’t unscathed, as his opponent belonged to a mighty species of demon beasts. His pristine white clothes were now torn, and he had several wounds.
Holding the coveted Ice Jade Snow Lotus—this examination’s objective, emitting waves of cold air—Wang Fuchen signaled that it was time to depart from the blessed land.
At the training's conclusion, the Ice Jade Snow Lotus determined the winning challenger and sect. It would also become the possession of the individual holding it.
“Finished packing? Let's go. It's time to leave,” Wang Fuchen said plainly.
The Floating Cloud Sword Sect disciples hurriedly followed after him.
“Senior Brother Fuchen, we can’t keep the Ice Jade Snow Lotus inside our storage rings or pouches. Moreover, I heard leaders from the other three great sects entered seclusion, likely attempting to advance to the Yuanfu realm. They might have succeeded. We should be cautious; they might try to snatch it from us," warned a peak-stage, eighth-level youth.
Wang Fuchen said indifferently, “Doesn’t matter. If they dare to snatch it, no one can blame me for being ruthless and killing them all.”
“As expected of Senior Brother Fuchen!” his fellow disciples chimed in, eager to praise him.
“Xiaofan, why is there still no movement? Could Wang Fuchen's group have obtained the Ice Jade Snow Lotus and left long ago,” Qin Yao asked.
The pair had been waiting for half a day.
Considering Wang Fuchen and the others arrived three days ago, they should have secured the Ice Jade Snow Lotus by now. Yet, there was no sign of any activity.
“Let’s wait a little longer.”
Chen Fan said, “If there are still no signs of movement, then I’ll go down to see what’s going—”
He had suddenly paused mid-sentence, his eyes blazing with an intense light. Coldly, he declared, "They're out."
With his words, splashing noises echoed, and several figures emerged from the Black Sea—Wang Fuchen and his group.
“Haha, we’re finally out. It’s too freaking cold and dark down there. Uncomfortable as hell,” complained one as soon as they surfaced.
“Hehe, we’ve got the Ice Jade Snow Lotus in our hands. Now we just have to wait for the training to end to receive first place and win glory for our sect. We’ll be promoted to inner sect disciples next year,” said another disciple excitedly.
However, a sharp noise cut through the air, and a Floating Cloud Sword Sect disciple exploded into bits, shocking Wang Fuchen and the others. Swiftly, their sharp gazes scanned the surroundings.
“Who is it? Show yourselves!” Wang Fuchen shouted coldly, his gaze incomparably fierce. A terrifying aura erupted from him, sweeping out.
Chen Fan rose from behind the sand dune, his voice resonating through heaven and earth.