Divine King of Honour Chapter 1867: Black Scorching Star Lord
Previously on Divine King of Honour...
The fact that the Netherworld God Temple dispatched the legendary Shadowless Sword God to preside over the Qing State assessment was a surprise to all in attendance. Even Tang Wu and his companions exhibited a degree of astonishment, possessing prior knowledge of the Shadowless Sword God’s formidable reputation. Faced with such an esteemed expert, a palpable sense of reverence permeated the crowd.
"Everyone, as you are already familiar with the assessment procedures of the Netherworld God Temple, we shall dispense with formalities and commence," the Shadowless Sword God announced. A hush fell over the assembly, every individual’s expression alight with eager anticipation. They pondered who among them would successfully navigate this rigorous trial. After all, the Netherworld God Temple is revered as a sacred sanctuary, a pinnacle destination for the overwhelming majority of beings within the Netherworld. It is whispered that exceptional performers within its hallowed halls might even be granted an audience with the Netherworld Lord himself – an honor of unparalleled magnitude for countless experts.
"It’s about to begin, haha, as long as I make a token effort, I can report back," remarked Huo Qiu, a confident smirk playing on his lips.
Xu Nian, though his face remained impassive, harbored a flicker of intense expectation within his eyes. Only by gaining entry into the Netherworld God Temple could he possibly seize the opportunity to encounter the Netherworld Lord; therefore, passing this assessment was an absolute necessity. Xu Nian’s gaze was resolute; he was unyieldingly determined to carve out his place within the Netherworld God Temple’s esteemed ranks.
"Buzz!"
Without further ado, the Shadowless Sword God extended his arm, summoning a magnificent, circular stele into the view of all present. This artifact hovered weightlessly in the air, emanating uniquely potent energy fluctuations. The stele, measuring approximately three meters in diameter, was adorned with ancient, intricate patterns, inscribed with profoundly mystical Divine Patterns. Xu Nian found himself unable to ascertain the material from which it was crafted, but he was certain of one thing: its composition far surpassed the resilience of even a Divine Artifact.
"Is this the testing stele?" Xu Nian voiced his question aloud.
"Indeed, this is the testing stele. It possesses the capability to quantify the might of your strike, providing a precise numerical value. A score exceeding ten thousand is the requirement for passing. Ten thousand is no small feat; even certain Divine-level experts might struggle to achieve it," Huo Qiu explained, his tone confident.
A wave of surprise washed over Xu Nian. It appeared the initial stage of the assessment was far more challenging than he had initially presumed.
"Very well, let us begin. You are at liberty to select your turn in any order. Those who attain a score of ten thousand will be awarded a badge for the ultimate assessment directly from the stele. Failure to meet this threshold means forfeiture of your chance to participate in the ultimate assessment. Let the trials commence!" declared the Shadowless Sword God, stepping aside with his hands clasped behind his back, indicating no intention to interfere further. The first round of the Netherworld God Temple assessment served as a crucial selection mechanism; while any could attempt it, only those who met the criteria would qualify for the ultimate assessment.
"I shall go first!" proclaimed the black-clad Divine-level expert, the same individual who had previously scorned Xu Nian and the others, now stepping confidently forward. His power seemed to reside at the Low Grade Divine Level, often termed a lower god. Furthermore, the Divine-level energy emanating from him appeared somewhat unstable, suggesting a recent breakthrough into this formidable realm. As he advanced, onlookers turned their curious gazes toward him.
"Is that not the Black Scorching Star Lord from Black Scorching Mountain? He’s actually here as well," one voice from the crowd identified him, surprise evident in their tone.
"Black Scorching Star Lord? Hmph, that scoundrel is nothing but a vile perpetrator who, leveraging his high cultivation, has committed countless atrocities against young women, both raping and murdering them. Ever since he ascended to the Divine Level a millennium ago, his arrogance has been boundless, and virtually no one could bring him to justice," another individual retorted indignantly.
"If he manages to join the Netherworld God Temple, no one will dare to oppose him in the future," a worried murmur rippled through the crowd.
"I doubt he will pass. While he has reached the Divine Level, it is rumored his Godhood was acquired through sheer fortune rather than genuine self-cultivation and insight. Consequently, his actual strength likely languishes at the very bottom rung of Divine-level power," someone else opined.
A significant number of people nodded in agreement with this assessment. Nevertheless, they remained silent, for even at the lowest rung, he was still a Divine-level expert.
Xu Nian also set his sights on the Black Scorching Star Lord, intrigued to witness the score he would achieve. "Haha, he’s definitely not going to pass. He’s just a lucky fool who thinks he’s remarkable simply because he stumbled upon a Godhood. And now he fancies joining the Netherworld God Temple? What a ludicrous notion," Huo Qiu scoffed. It was evident he harbored a deep disdain for the Black Scorching Star Lord and his fortuitous acquisition of Godhood.
Xu Nian found the situation rather amusing; a Nether Emperor openly mocking a Divine-level expert demonstrated Huo Qiu’s considerable audacity. He then cast his eyes upon the other Divine-level experts present, noticing their expressions of disdain were even more pronounced. Clearly, characters like the Black Scorching Star Lord commanded even less respect from them.
Incensed, the Black Scorching Star Lord shot a glare back at Huo Qiu, his anger evident.
However, with the formidable Shadowless Sword God observing, he dared not cause a disturbance.
Thus, he advanced to the floating stele and commenced channeling his Divine Soul Power.
As his Divine Soul Power surged forth, a peculiar black flame materialized in his palm.
This black flame burned with intense heat and possessed an exceptionally dominant aura.
It appeared that his very title, Black Scorching Star Lord, originated from this potent manifestation.
Many onlookers exhibited signs of apprehension, though the Divine-level experts regarded it with more disdain.
"Black Scorching Star Shining Fist!"
The Black Scorching Star Lord roared, unleashing a powerful punch.
The black flame instantly transformed into a devastating beam of black fire, striking the testing stele directly.
The intricate Divine Patterns etched upon the black stele illuminated, surprisingly absorbing the entire beam of black flame.
The surrounding crowd watched with anticipation, eager to see if the Black Scorching Star Lord would achieve a score of ten thousand.
The Shadowless Sword God remained impassive, a faint smile perpetually gracing his lips, betraying no discernible emotion.
"Hmph, I shall undoubtedly reach ten thousand," the Black Scorching Star Lord declared with arrogance.
"Buzz!"
The moment his words concluded.
The testing stele began to glow.
Subsequently, a numerical value materialized upon the stele.
A collective gasp of astonishment swept through the crowd upon witnessing the displayed value.
This was immediately followed by peals of laughter.
"Six thousand eight?"
One spectator voiced the number aloud.
Those nearby could only shake their heads in disbelief.
Xu Nian also expressed a degree of surprise, having not anticipated such a modest score of six thousand eight for the Black Scorching Star Lord.
This result fell considerably short of the required ten thousand for passage.
"I foresaw he wouldn't succeed, yet he refused to heed my words. Despite attaining the Divine Level, without comprehending the Great Dao True Intent, he is no superior to us Nether Emperors," Huo Qiu quipped with amusement.
Hearing this, the Black Scorching Star Lord's countenance flushed crimson with rage.
His gaze towards Huo Qiu burned with unadulterated killing intent.
Yet, Huo Qiu appeared entirely unfazed.
"Humph!" The Black Scorching Star Lord seemed to recall something, let out a cold snort, suppressed his murderous aura, and stepped aside.
He acknowledged his own failure to pass the assessment and harbored the conviction that the three Nether Emperors before him would fare no better.
He predicted their attack values would pale in comparison to his own.
"Next!" the Shadowless Sword God intoned impassively.
As his command echoed, another participant, a Nether Emperor Perfection Level expert who had maintained silence, stepped forward.
"Huh?"
Xu Nian's attention was inadvertently drawn to the young man.
He had, in fact, been observing this particular young man throughout the proceedings.
This individual did not appear to possess the straightforward nature he presented on the surface.