The entire Demon Galloping Heavenly Dragon Array began to break apart, instantly transforming into streams of black light, all of which were absorbed into Ling Chen's body.

The entire Great Formation completely disintegrated into nothingness.

Under the black light shroud, Ling Chen abruptly opened his eyes, a sharp gleam forming rapidly within them.

Containing his aura, Ling Chen rose from his seat, a smile appearing at the corner of his mouth.

The complete absorption of the power of the Demon Galloping Heavenly Dragon Array not only made Ling Chen's Cultivation surge, but also allowed for a process of accumulation and brewing.

The Great Formation was unfathomably complex, its seven Demon Dragons representing seven different Martial Arts.

The seven Martial Arts originated from five Demonic Cult Leaders. That is to say, Ling Chen destroyed the seven Demon Dragons, effectively absorbing the Martial Arts of all five Demonic Cult Leaders.

While each person's Martial Arts are unique and cannot be replicated, one can learn from the strengths of others to compensate for one's own weaknesses. Just as a stone from another mountain can be used to polish jade, even Martial Arts with conflicting philosophies can offer valuable insights.

While his Cultivation had just advanced to the Grand Master Third Level, his Martial Realm was vastly different from before. Although it didn't seem like a particularly significant improvement on the surface, the actual advancement was profound.

"How is it?"

SWOOSH! The Black Swordsman landed opposite Ling Chen, inquiring.

"Everything is ready." Ling Chen touched the Treasure Sword at his waist, smiling lightly.

"In that case, let's head to Sky Demon Peak where the Sky Demon Tower is located." The Black Swordsman's eyes sparkled. Ling Chen's affirmation suggested that the refining process must have gone smoothly.

Next, it was time to reveal his true strength.

"What was that bell sound just now?" Ling Chen raised an eyebrow, asking.

"That was the Demon Bell. Once it rings, its sound will resonate throughout Magic Fog Mountain, clear to every peak. Today is the day of the Sky Demon Tower trial. Apart from the Disciples of the Saint Witch Religion, even other Demonic Sects and some members of the Demon Way from the entire Earth Country will rush over to participate. Also, some of those powerful geniuses you have a grudge against—individuals who reached the Great Master level around the age of twenty—will come to participate in the trial. However, they are still considerably weaker than you."

"A Grand Master at seventeen. Now, demonstrating extraordinary talent at eighteen, you were able to challenge Yan Xiang, a Grand Master of the Sixth Level, with just your Cultivation as a Third Level Grand Master. I knew about the Saintess's pregnancy back then. She spent a great deal of effort, even damaging her own Cultivation, to practice a nurturing Secret Art, laying a solid foundation for your Cultivation while you were still in her womb," the Black Swordsman explained.

"So that's what happened." Ling Chen looked surprised. He had reconciled with Liu Xiling, but no one had ever told him about this. To think Liu Xiling had poured so much effort into him.

"Let's go! It's time to show the world your strength." Hearing the bell, the Black Swordsman stood up.

"Mm." With a nod, Ling Chen's figure flashed, and he rushed out of the grand hall.

A glimmer sparked in the Black Swordsman's eyes. Although Ling Chen was currently only a minor figure, he could see a great man gradually rising in him.

...

「Sky Demon Peak.」

Located deep within Magic Fog Mountain, Sky Demon Peak resembled the five fingers of an Ancient Demon Lord, thrusting into the sky and deep into the clouds.

Atop Sky Demon Peak stood the Sky Demon Tower. The Sky Demon Tower was a hundred zhang tall, appearing impossibly high.

Around Sky Demon Peak, hordes of people had already gathered, a veritable sea of humanity.

After a full incense stick's worth of time, winds gathered and clouds churned. As Ling Chen emerged from the grand hall, he saw a towering structure standing in the distant, dark void.

Ling Chen and the Black Swordsman rode a Black Giant Eagle, flying swiftly. After half an hour, they arrived before Sky Demon Peak.

As they drew closer, they could see even more clearly the crowds of people surrounding the tower, practically sealing off the entire mountain.

Among them were many extremely powerful auras. Some were familiar to Ling Chen, but others he had never seen before.

"Haha, Black Swordsman, why have you left your den to come here instead of cultivating your Destructive Sword Intent? You seem to be escorting someone to participate in the Sky Demon Tower trial, am I right? I heard the Saintess's son recently defected from the Righteous Path to join our Holy Church. Could this be him? His Cultivation seems a bit low, though."

Just then, a strong, acrid gust of wind blew past everyone. A tall, imposing old man with a dark golden coronet, a green face, and purple hair suddenly spoke.

Ling Chen's eyes narrowed slightly as he looked at him. This old man gives off the feeling of a fierce beast—extraordinarily ferocious.

"Green-faced Demon Sect, how audacious! This is Ling Chen, the Young Master of Saintess Hall. You should come forward and pay your respects immediately!" the Black Swordsman bellowed sharply.

"Young Master? What utter nonsense!" The Green-faced Demon Sect spat, glaring ferociously at Ling Chen. "Where did this whelp come from, daring to call himself Young Master? Delusional! Our Holy Church has long decreed that only a woman of unimpeachable purity can serve as Saintess. Now she has a son? What is the meaning of this? Is she provoking the traditions of our Holy Church? As an elder, I've long wanted to address this. And now this whelp even dares to appear before us so brazenly! When the Saintess emerges from her seclusion, I want to see how she explains this!"

"You old cur, what did you say?" Hearing the word "whelp," Ling Chen's True Qi instantly surged and condensed within him, threatening to erupt. He knew this Green-faced Demon Sect's Cultivation was also at the Grand Master Ninth Level, on par with the Earth Demon Sect's master, and he couldn't handle him. However, this man had insulted him so grievously and was clearly an enemy.

"Old dog, for those words, your death is not far off!" Ling Chen's voice was cold and merciless. Chills radiated from his body, showing no weakness even against a peak Supreme Demonic Grandmaster like the Green-faced Demon Sect.

"Arrogant whelp... You want my life? I'll cripple you first!" The Green-faced Demon Sect's eyes flashed with killing intent. Amidst his flying purple hair, PUFF! An invisible black Air Energy blast shot from his mouth, aiming straight for Ling Chen's head.

Before the black Air Energy could reach Ling Chen, the Black Swordsman stepped forward. With a grasp of his hand, this sword qi disintegrated into dust. He said, "Green-faced Demon Sect, you're courting death! Daring to attack the Young Master? Daring to challenge the Saintess? Your Cultivation is merely that of a Ninth Layer Grand Master, not yet at the Sky Apex Realm. If you persist, I don't mind erasing you from this world completely."