Chapter 1 The Inferno Rises

The raging wind on the arena died down, and fierce flames erupted.

The [Purgatory] domain descended, enveloping everything. Although Qi He did not fully unleash his domain, the temperature of the entire arena rose by nearly twenty degrees in a matter of seconds.

Liu Quan, his wrist gripped tightly, let out a muffled groan of pain.

But he didn't let go, continuing to hold onto the black folding knife.

From beginning to end, Liu Quan had not said a word.

Even now, he stubbornly maintained his silence. "A forbidden sealed item… How could Liu Quan have such a thing!"

Seeing this scene, Lao Yu and Xu Fang both became nervous. In daily training, Liu Quan's performance was very mediocre, completely failing to attract their attention.

So they hadn't discovered the so-called forbidden sealed item at all!

You must know. *Chi chi* two soft sounds.

Even Qi He Bo and Zhou E in the arena felt the domain pressure from the First Tribunal.

I immediately realized that it was true; it was a sign that my domain was being covered. The water element was being condensed into ice under control because the weaker domain covering my own wasn't ice!

He Rui protected He Ruiyu, taking two steps forward. Before I could finish speaking.

"Boom!"

Having said that, He Rui pointed his finger into the void.

My and my elder brother's domains were both being covered? That "sir" was addressed to Jiu Ning.

Liu Quan continued to casually grab, shattering the Zhentian Hammer's lightning.

"You, in your capacity as a Tribunal, announce that the result of this battle is Hu Yan's victory."

Is it so difficult to admit defeat?

Shui Jian's reaction speed was very slow, his entire body retreating into an elementalized state. But his chest was pierced by an arc of lightning a moment later. In the elementalized state, this kind of physical damage could not be avoided at all.

After figuring that out, Zhou E laughed.

In fact, that kind of situation depends on the situation.

He Ruibo in the dojo arena couldn't stand it any longer when he saw the situation.

Above the dojo, there floated such a confused and bewildered sentence.

Just one sentence.

Jiu Ning said expressionlessly, "Might as well tell you, what I'm doing isn't a forbidden sealed item!' Shui Jian, the Tribunal has a challenge opportunity once a year. The challenged party cannot refuse. I've decided to launch a challenge against you now!"

I just didn't expect such an accident to happen. "Yes, this is just a small matter."

Ignorance is bliss.

"Don't forget, I'm still alive, and I've already returned to Nagano."

Shui Jian wanted to dodge, but He Rui's forbidden sealed item was too powerful. His elementalization could escape physical damage, but couldn't escape mental attacks. Rolling sound waves swept over, and he coughed up another large mouthful of magma.

"Haven't you always been curious about what I do in closed-door cultivation in the dojo all day?"

There was regret in Zhou E's eyes, but even more appreciation.

"Stop talking nonsense."

He Rui raised the Zhenlei Hammer high and said coldly, "So, the one I'm fighting is you!"

That figure was none other than the head of the Qi He family, Qi He Bo.

Because Jiu Ning was still holding the youth's hand, if he didn't let go, this matter wouldn't end.

Liu Quan waved his hand, and countless water droplets condensed from the dojo's ceiling, turning into Xie Zheng. These Xie Zheng densely floated above Jiu Ning.

With such help.

"Although the 'Recruitment Trial' is just a small competition, the rules don't prohibit sealed items."

If he wanted to, these Xie Zheng could turn into ice swords within seconds.

After Hu Yan spoke, Shui Jian's expression finally eased a lot.

Champion is champion, it's really indifferent. This guy's strength is terrifying!

"This is Nagano, not Si Ning."

If a real fight broke out, let alone fighting Tribunal No. 18, even against those ranked in the top seven, Jiu Ning would have a chance to fight!

Liu Quan was silent for two seconds, coldly glancing at Qi He Bo beside him.

Jiu Ning slowly stood up and threw out a question, "Brother Qi, am I not a member of the Tribunal? Since you have the right to question, then don't I also have the right to question?"

I continued, "The Great Tribunal's matters are all rumors, but if everyone is willing to show their love, then I might as well take on the responsibility."

The dark thunder wings had already returned behind Jiu Ning. He used three forbidden sealed items, beating Shui Jian until he had no power to fight back, only passively being beaten!

The youth slowly walked into the dojo.

But at this moment, Liu Quan appeared, and the situation suddenly reversed.

Zhou E said quietly, "But there's one thing I must declare. Putting aside the law, I personally also extremely hate the behavior of taking sides."

No wonder Mu Qingyang recommended Jiu Ning to Nagano! It turned out that he was carrying the extremely rare He Rui clan's forging inheritance!

He Ruibo opened his mouth, but ultimately chose to remain silent. The water element then condensed into ice.

Saying so, Zhou E understood.

Zhou E said expressionlessly, "At least I didn't expect that having afternoon tea with you would lead to being dragged out as a shield."

He said in a low voice, "Rules are rules. The battle between Jiu Ning and Shui Jian is a challenge allowed within the Tribunal system… Moreover, the position of Great Tribunal hasn't been decided yet. If that person wants to sit, what does Liu Quan amount to?"

Jiu Ning glanced at the tall woman, as well as the few Qi He family transcendents who stood up. He didn't give these people any face, "Losing is losing, winning is winning. There's no such thing as later denial. This is just a small matter."

Qi He Yu, protected behind He Rui, had an extremely respectful expression at this moment. He opened his mouth softly, his voice also becoming trembling, "...Father, you've arrived."

"???"

A youth who had grown up struggling in the Qing He slum was most aware of the coldness and warmth of human relationships. He could see that whether it was Shui Jian, or Qi He Bo, Zhou E, they were truly big shots. If this matter dragged on, it would not be good for himself or Jiu Ning.

"He Rui! You're being presumptuous!"

If that person wants to sit as the Great Tribunal, who approves, who has the qualifications to approve?

Interesting, very interesting.

Jiu Ning sneered, "You were saying earlier that you wanted to abide by the Nagano laws, but now you yourselves are not abiding by them?"

"Mr. Qi He, according to Nagano law..."

This is a challenge duel between Tribunals. You have no right to interfere."

Yes.

"Junior Brother Jiu Ning, this challenge for a Nagano Tribunal… where did it come from so suddenly?"

Shui Jian's face suddenly turned pale, and he coughed up a mouthful of blood. Due to elementalization, he coughed up a piece of magma, directly burning a hole in the arena floor!

Zhou E.

"The Qi He family was previously weak, but that was previously… Not long ago, Elder Master Gu had already spoken. Before long, the He Rui family will become the upper-class family in Si Ning, the Gu family's most valued affiliated family."

"You are the Vice-Chairman of the Committee and the Chief Examiner of the Eight Halls Recruitment Trial. The rules of this battle are up to you to decide."

But this matter had not ended.

The next moment, Jiu Ning grabbed the Zhenlei Hammer and fiercely smashed it onto the thunder drum. In an instant, arcs of light splashed everywhere. This was indeed a forbidden sealed item. His mental power was consumed at an extremely fast rate, but the effect of the attack was terrifying. The moment the hammer fell, towering thunder light condensed, following the sound waves, directly shooting towards Shui Jian!

"Not my business."

"Junior Brother He Rui, this matter is not your concern."

Zhou E was indeed a very capable and talented junior.

His forehead was covered in sweat.

He turned his head to look at He Rui and said slowly, "You just said that within the Nagano laws… transcedent are not allowed to use forbidden sealed items without approval, right?"

"Hmm?"

He Rui narrowed his eyes, sizing up the woman beside him, "This First Tribunal of yours, is truly impressive… If Qi He family head hadn't spoken up, I wouldn't have known at all that you were going to take office as 'Great Tribunal'."

If what stood here today were the direct descendants of the Seven Great Families, where would he, He Rui, dare to say a word, let alone send them to the Danger Control Committee for supervision.

Jiu Ning was ranked last because he didn't challenge others!

Flames of anger surged in Shui Jian's heart, accompanied by alarm.

Everyone said that Jiu Ning was ranked last, but as soon as he made a move, I knew.

He frowned and prepared to step onto the stage to take sides.

A pitch-black arc of electricity exploded in the arena. Shui Jian's pupils shrank. The hand he was originally tightly gripping Hu Yan's with suddenly felt a burning pain. He let go of his hand, and countless pitch-black arcs of electricity shot out. The [Purgatory] domain that enveloped the four sides of the arena was also shattered at this moment.

Zhou E wanted to step forward, but at this moment He Ruibo reached out to stop him.

"I don't understand what you want to say." "Liu Quan."

Jiu Ning continued, "This fight was won by Hu Yan. In order to ensure the future, he interfered. There's no problem, I'm happy to watch. But if he wants to cover the sky with one hand, change the results, and even send this child to the Danger Control Committee for supervision… I'm sorry, I won't let that kind of thing happen."

"Win or lose."

He Rui chuckled, "He's more aware than anyone else of this child's mental state. As for sending him to the 'Danger Control Committee' because of a He Rui clan artifact? This folding knife is his opportunity. If he can't control it, he wouldn't be like this… Right now, his mind hasn't shown any signs of disarray, no signs of losing control?"

The newcomer wore the white robe of a Tribunal, and their body was still stained with the biting cold wind and broken leaves. Clearly, they had just learned of the news and rushed over from the outer realm.

Zhou E said with a slightly teasing expression, "Although Mr. Xiao Gu usually likes to cultivate in the mausoleum, who knows if he might get restless and wander around? Who knows if he might happen to walk to the Tribunal headquarters... After all, he was once a member of the Tribunal."

He Rui did not speak.

The process of crafting sealed items is extremely complicated and the conditions are extremely harsh. This kind of craftsmanship is usually mastered by large groups and large families. Of course, there are also a very small number of people who independently master a forging inheritance for sealed items. The most famous of these is the town of Chaxik in Northern Continent, where it is said that everyone is a forging master.

With a *snap!*

He was only one step away from receiving a federal honor!

But also... Grandfather Zhou Wei had already retired, and was fishing with Gu Qilin at the Gu Clan's ancestral hall every day.

"Senior Brother... Senior Brother!"

"Good! Since you call me teacher, I will stand in front of you, and no one will be able to touch you today!"

Unbalanced sealed items would cause the host to pay a heavy price… Of course, because of breaking the balance, they would often unleash even greater power.

Just as Liu Quan was about to press his palm down.

The backer he chose was of course not Shui Jian, but He Rui. Not to mention him.

We all wear the same attire.

Each time the champion of the Recruitment Trial would receive an award from the headquarters, with breathing techniques and sealed items as rewards…

Zhou E wasn't stupid; he could see that He Ruibo wanted to use his identity to put pressure on He Rui, so that Qi He Yu would win the championship. But this time, he couldn't stop him.

These consecutive questions left Shui Jian at a loss for words.

As the family head of an affiliated family of the Seven Great Families, his cultivation realm naturally couldn't reach the title level, but he was at least a seventh-order.

But the ice sword's pressure wasn't aimed at Jiu Ning, who was suspended in the air and forced to descend, but at Liu Quan and He Rui.

The Qi He family head had made quite a few good friends in Snow Forbidden City. As long as he pressed his palm down, those Xie Zheng would fall.

Gu Shen still had an impression of this youth. When he first entered Nagano, He Rui was just a small team leader in the Danger Control Committee's action team. His duel with Shen Li was considered his first meeting with Zhou E. Later, during the battle at the mausoleum, he was framed by Han Dang and imprisoned in the Supervision Building. Zhou E helped him a great deal. After that, Zhou E's career rose steadily.

As soon as this tall woman appeared, several burly figures in the spectator seats stood up.

Ice element, fire element... Looking at the Seven Continents, there is only one person who simultaneously possesses two major accomplished domains with completely opposite attributes! There was also a mental attack accompanying it!

But that hammer was not just a physical attack!

Jiu Ning lowered his head to look at the youth, simply asking this question.

Jiu Ning silently looked at these people, his eyes gradually turning cold.

Although Shui Jian only used 20% of his strength to deploy his domain, Jiu Ning's flick of the sleeve had still shocked him.

Nagano holds a new talent battle every year, and some transcendents will use forbidden He Rui clan artifacts.

As the vice-chairman of the Eastern Continent Committee, Zhou E was constantly socializing these days. Qi He Bo, as a giant in the Si Ning district, extended a sincere invitation after arriving in Nagano, saying that they would have lunch together and take a look at the Recruitment Trial at the Tribunal headquarters. At the time, he didn't think much of it and agreed.

"You're crazy! Fighting in this kind of situation?!"

He Rui reached out to stop him again.

It seemed as if a more powerful domain was spreading out, covering his fire element domain!

Shui Jian took a deep breath, the veins on his forehead bulging. "I..."

He Rui's last words were not pleasant to hear, but I had no way to refute them, because that was indeed the truth.

Shui Jian was shocked by the forbidden He Rui clan artifacts that appeared in the dojo!

The [Purgatory] major accomplished domain instantly surged out!

The lightning that beat Shui Jian until he had no power to fight back was broken by Liu Quan.

"As far as I know, that Mr. Xiao Gu never cares about what happens in the Tribunal. He hasn't even entered through the main gate once."

Liu Quan frowned.

But the so-called "forbidden sealed item" was originally a definition given by the Tribunal itself. What truly outstanding transcendents, or rather, what large families, didn't have a few forbidden sealed items?

The reason why the Tribunal wants to collect this kind of item.

Liu Quan was only one step away from breaking through to the title level, which was why he was confident in serving as the Great Tribunal.

He Rui's expression was very ugly. Jiu Ning's words had just landed.

"Even if Liu Quan comes, it's useless."

Forbidden sealed items should indeed be prohibited.

An unfamiliar face appeared in Gu Shen's eyes. The Qi He family of Si Ning district.

"It was me who lost."

The forbidden sealed item in Liu Quan's hand was of average quality, but the calamity emanating from it… was unusual. What shocked Shui Jian even more was that Jiu Ning had taken the initiative to launch a challenge against himself!

"Senior Brother, it seems like something's not right. *Kacha!*"

"Clearly, he's here to take sides."

The wings entwined with lightning separated and flew away. One pair embraced He Rui, and the other embraced He Ruiyu, dragging these two innocent youths to an extremely distant location. Immediately afterwards, the entire dojo began to tremble. Jiu Ning continuously pointed, and the ten arenas rose from the ground one after another, shifting, colliding, and finally piecing together in a roar.

Liu Quan raised his head, looked at Jiu Ning who was suspended in the air with wings and holding a hammer, and said slowly, "Today's battle is really too absurd. Let's stop here."

The next moment, Jiu Ning appeared beneath the arena, his appearance causing the [Purgatory] domain to dissipate instantly.

The two Tribunal members had a conflict?

Qi He Bo's trip to Nagano wasn't just about sending his son to participate in the "Recruitment Trial."

It was obvious that Jiu Ning had the advantage.

Jiu Ning was very strong, and those forbidden sealed items were also very.

Weak… But unfortunately, compared to me, a major seventh-order who was only one step away from the title level, there was still a lot of difference.

Transcendents can lose control, and sealed items are actually the same.

The appearance of these two things together today led Gu Shen to believe that this could be considered a kind of "fate."

If it were someone else, they would retreat at this time, but I just happened to be a stubborn person. I didn't want to retreat.

"Sorry, I don't agree."

"Junior Brother Jiu Ning... I'm calling you junior brother to save your face."

He Rui scolded his junior brother, then reached out his palm, lightly grabbing the black lightning that the Zhentian Hammer had produced.

Qi He Bo slowly opened his mouth, "Using forbidden sealed items in Nagano should be reported and approved... Winning through this kind of method should not be acknowledged."

The current Zhou E had already become the Vice-Chairman of the Danger Control Committee?

Qing He district had not only lost the part with [The Goddess of Fate's Blessing], but was also stained with a forbidden He Rui clan artifact bearing the calamity of netherflame. These three words silenced Qi He Bo.

He Rui then asked, "This kind of thing should be said by Shui Jian himself, right? If he admits that he lost, I will naturally stop."

The youth's heart felt as if it had been struck by an arrow.

"If Junior Brother Jiu Ning thinks so... then Liu Quan has nothing to say. So many people are in the dojo today, how can we mess around privately?"

Two major accomplished water element domains descended, overlapping, and the space-time within the dojo seemed to freeze.

On the other side, Gu Shen silently watched this scene. He Ruibo took a deep breath.

But perhaps the truth was not so.

Qi He Bo slightly turned his body, opening a path for the youth behind him.

Qi He Bo slowly opened his mouth and said, "You should also be following the widely publicized 'Great Tribunal' incident, right? The current 'First Tribunal' He Rui, is Tribunal Shui Jian's direct disciple. These two have a very good relationship. Even if you don't let me take action, it doesn't matter. I've already informed Mr. Liu Quan about what's happening in this dojo. He's at the headquarters and will arrive very soon."

That person.

He coldly stared at the slovenly woman on the stage, "My questioning is based on the regulations of Nagano law. That youth is carrying a 'forbidden sealed item', and should be dealt with and investigated by the Danger Control Committee, and released after confirming that their mental state is correct… This matter can be left for him to question, but how does he want to question it?"

I came to Nagano, just wanting to stay in Nagano.

There were so many people in the dojo, I could only enforce the law impartially, stating the regulations within the law.

Shui Jian also felt that something was wrong with his domain. The [Purgatory] flames that originally enveloped the dojo arena inexplicably began to tremble, shake, and shiver.

He narrowed his eyes, and raised his head to say seriously: "I say, Brother Qi, isn't that enough... These two youths combined aren't as old as you, as for using a domain?"

Two major accomplished domains descended above the dojo.

Of course.

One roar after another, appeared behind He Rui. Behind him, several black holes appeared, and between flashes of electric arcs, one after another "He Rui clan artifact" containing forbidden auras, materialized from the black holes.

The other match of the Eight Strong was already over. The two youths on the adjacent arena looked at each other, puzzled.

Qing He district was the most inconspicuous district in the four districts of Eastern Continent.

The three words, let Qi He Bo fall silent.

He Rui then asked, "This kind of thing, should be said by Shui Jian himself, right? If he denies that he lost, I will naturally stop."

The youth's heart felt as if it had been struck by an arrow.

"If Junior Brother Jiu Ning thinks so… then Liu Quan has nothing to say. There are so many people in the dojo today, how can we mess around privately."

Two major accomplished water element domains, descending, overlapping, the spacetime within the dojo seemed to freeze.

On the other side, Gu Shen silently watched this scene. He Ruibo took a deep breath.

But perhaps the truth was not so.

Qi He Bo slightly turned his body, opening a path for the youth behind him.

Qi He Bo slowly opened his mouth and said: "You should also be paying attention to the widely publicized 'Great Tribunal' incident recently, right? The current 'First Tribunal' He Rui, is Tribunal Shui Jian's direct disciple. These two have a very good relationship. Even if you don't let me take action, it doesn't matter. I've already informed Mr. Liu Quan about what's happening in this dojo. He's at the headquarters and will arrive very soon."

That person.

He coldly stared at the slovenly woman on the stage, "My questioning is based on the regulations of Nagano law. That youth is carrying a 'forbidden sealed item', and should be dealt with and investigated by the Danger Control Committee, and released after confirming that their mental state is correct… This matter can be left for him to question, but how does he want to question it?"

I came to Nagano, just wanting to stay in Nagano.

There were so many people in the dojo, I could only enforce the law impartially, stating the regulations within the law.

Shui Jian also felt that something was wrong with his domain. The [Purgatory] flames that originally enveloped the dojo arena inexplicably began to tremble, shake, and shiver.

He narrowed his eyes, and raised his head to say seriously: "I say, Brother Qi, isn't that enough... These two youths combined aren't as old as you, as for using a domain?"

Two major accomplished domains descended above the dojo.

Of course.

One roar after another, appeared behind He Rui. Behind him, several black holes appeared, and between flashes of electric arcs, one after another "He Rui clan artifact" containing forbidden auras, materialized from the black holes.

The other match of the Eight Strong was already over. The two youths on the adjacent arena looked at each other, puzzled.

Qing He district was the most inconspicuous district in the four districts of Eastern Continent.

That person won't be here by such a coincidence, right?! There was also the favor of a big shot.

(This is a long chapter, thank you all for waiting! Please vote for me with a monthly ticket! Although there are only two chapters today, the number of words updated is equivalent to three regular chapters~)

He Rui, who had elementalized into fire, had already coughed up several mouthfuls of blood. Seeing his senior brother Liu Quan standing in front of him at this moment, he was extremely excited. This Jiu Ning was too heavy-handed and ruthless. He couldn't hold on any longer!

Now, Hu Yan's mental state was clearly stable and he was perfectly capable of lifting it high and gently placing it down.