The Legend of the Netherworld

Chapter 204 Qingran

As night fell, the battlefield gradually fell silent. The air around them seemed to grow heavy due to Lin Xiao's immense fighting prowess, as if even the air between heaven and earth dared not flow easily. Lin Xiao took a deep breath, a cold glint in his eyes. He knew that tonight's battle was destined to be unusual, and he must remain vigilant.

He walked towards the distant jungle, slipping silently under the cover of darkness. Moonlight cast a hazy veil over the surrounding scenery. Lin Xiao's steps were light and steady, as if blending in with the surroundings. Suddenly, a faint aura of movement reached him from the front. He abruptly stopped and quickly hid in the shadows of a nearby tree.

Soon, several figures slowly walked out from the bushes ahead. Lin Xiao narrowed his eyes slightly and found that these people were actually familiar faces to him - Wang Qingzhao and Qian Budong.

"How could they appear here?" Lin Xiao was secretly puzzled, but he did not show up immediately. Instead, he continued to observe.

Wang Qingzhao, slender and dressed in a simple black robe, still wore his characteristic gentle smile, but his eyes were remarkably firm. Qian Budong, on the other hand, wore a suit of light blue armor, his brows slightly furrowed, his gaze revealing a calm and composed look.

"Qingzhao, the battle tonight will definitely be fierce, we have to be extra careful." Qian Budong whispered, looking around, as if he noticed something unusual.

Wang Qingzhao nodded calmly, "That's right. We can only avoid direct confrontation and minimize unnecessary losses. Lin Xiao... you should also know that tonight's enemy is stronger than ever before. We must be careful."

Hearing Wang Qingzhao's words, Lin Xiao's heart moved. He knew that Wang Qingzhao, as a rational and calm person, would never talk about the enemy's strength easily. These words undoubtedly revealed the seriousness of the situation tonight.

Lin Xiao frowned slightly, his gaze fixed on the two of them through the shadows of the trees. Wang Qingzhao and Qian Budong's reactions clearly didn't resemble those of mere trial participants; they seemed to have a deeper premonition of the impending battle. Lin Xiao secretly pondered that if he collaborated with them, perhaps he could more easily face the upcoming challenge.

"Qingzhao," Lin Xiao called softly in his heart, and his internal force was transmitted quietly. His voice was silent, but it was clearly heard by Wang Qingzhao.

Wang Qingzhao suddenly stopped, raised her eyebrows slightly, then turned around and looked around, her eyes fixed on Lin Xiao's figure under the shadow of the tree.

"So it's you." Wang Qingzhao smiled easily, not surprised at all, as if he had anticipated Lin Xiao's appearance. Qian Budong immediately glanced around warily, but seeing that Lin Xiao showed no hostility, he lowered his guard.

"The situation tonight is very complicated. I think you have already noticed it." Lin Xiao said in a steady tone. He walked out of the shadow of the trees and looked into Wang Qingzhao's eyes.

Qian Budong nodded: "It seems that you already have a plan."

Lin Xiao smiled slightly. "It's not really a plan, but we need to cooperate, especially to guard against enemies like Li Hong. Tonight, we must do our best to defeat them."

Wang Qingzhao's eyes flashed with deep thought, and then he said, "Li Hong's strength should not be underestimated. If it really is him, I'm afraid even if you and I join forces, we may not be able to easily win."

Lin Xiao was silent for a moment, then nodded. "Indeed, but I still have some cards I haven't used yet. If Li Hong really dares to challenge me, I will let him know what a real fight is."

Qian Budong looked at Lin Xiao, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes: "With you here, we can breathe a sigh of relief."

Wang Qingzhao's smile faded, and her eyes became more determined: "In that case, we will face the enemy tonight together."

Without further ado, the three split up. Lin Xiao used his "Illusionary Body Technique: Imitating Shadow" to create two more clones, temporarily hiding among the surrounding trees and rocks, while Wang Qingzhao and Qian Budong each sought a suitable ambush position.

The night deepened, the stars in the sky twinkling faintly. All around was silence, as if the entire world had been swallowed by darkness. Yet, Lin Xiao felt no panic in his heart; instead, he grew even more resolute. He knew this battle would be the key to his journey to a higher realm.

"Tonight will definitely be the moment that decides everything." Lin Xiao whispered to himself, staring into the distance, waiting for the inevitable showdown.

The moonlight in the night sky streamed down like mercury, scattering across the grass and rocks, coating everything in a thin, silvery veil. Lin Xiao, Wang Qingzhao, and Qian Budong each hid in their own surroundings, nervously yet calmly awaiting the enemy's movement. However, just as Lin Xiao prepared to deploy further, another figure suddenly emerged from the distant woods, as silent and ghostly as a ghost.

"You are here too?" The voice was playful and relaxed. Lin Xiao's eyes narrowed and he recognized the owner of the voice.

"Wang Qi?!" Wang Qingzhao immediately stepped out from the shadows of the trees, a look of surprise on her face before she smiled. "I didn't expect you to participate in this trial."

Wang Qi, dressed in a suit of light, dark blue armor, had a handsome face, sharp eyes, and a steady pace. Her presence relaxed the atmosphere slightly, but Lin Xiao felt a hint of unease. The expression Wang Qi casually revealed seemed to conceal some hidden thoughts.

"Of course I'm here." Wang Qi smiled slightly, his eyes sweeping across Wang Qingzhao, then turning to Qian Budong, and finally settling on Lin Xiao. "But you guys are quite quick. You've only just arrived here, right?"

"Yes, I just arrived a while ago," Lin Xiao replied succinctly. He didn't directly ask Wang Qi about her purpose, but he was secretly thinking that Wang Qi's appearance was no accident. She was definitely not an ordinary contestant, and there seemed to be a deeper purpose behind her.

"By the way," Wang Qi's tone suddenly changed, his brows slightly raised, "Do you know what will happen tonight?"

Lin Xiao was slightly startled, then responded: "I know a part of it. There will be a large-scale collapse tonight, and many people will be involved."

Wang Qi smiled and said, "Yes, it seems you understand it very well. But, have you ever heard of Qingran?" A complex light flashed in her eyes.

"Qingran?" Qian Budong repeated the name in a low voice, his expression becoming serious. "You mean that 'Qingran'?"

"That's right." Wang Qi's voice was low, as if he was recalling something. "Qingran was a friend of mine in the past, and he was once a core member of my faction. But ever since he embarked on another path, our relationship has gradually drifted apart. Now he is our enemy."

Lin Xiao's heart skipped a beat. He knew that the "Qingran" Wang Qi mentioned was no ordinary person. The strength behind this person was definitely beyond the reach of ordinary contestants. He couldn't help but ask, "Who is he, and why did he become an enemy?"

Wang Qi was silent for a moment, then whispered, "He has now joined the enemy camp and possesses an extremely powerful force. Tonight's collapse wasn't simply a natural disaster, but a plan he launched in conjunction with certain forces. His goal is to lure more people into the 'trap' and find a way out."

Upon hearing this, Qian Budong's expression became even more serious. "It seems that tonight's trial is no longer just a test of our strength. I'm afraid it involves more conspiracies and struggles."

Lin Xiao nodded, his mind secretly on guard. "The only thing we can do now is to try our best to avoid falling into Qingran's trap."

Just as the three of them were silent, a chilling aura suddenly reached them, and the air seemed to grow icy and oppressive. Lin Xiao's perception immediately became alert. He turned sharply and saw a figure emerging from the woods in the distance.

"Qingran..." Wang Qingzhao said in a low voice, her eyes full of vigilance and uneasiness.

Qingran was tall, with long hair cascading down like a waterfall. His face was handsome, yet he carried an undeniably cold aura. He wore a black battle robe that fluttered in the wind, as if even the air was oppressed by his presence. His eyes were deep, as if they could penetrate everything, seeing into everyone's heart.

"Wang Qi, I didn't expect you to be here too." Qingran's voice was low and magnetic, with a hint of playful smile. He looked at Wang Qi, seemingly not surprised by her appearance.

Wang Qi frowned slightly: "Qingran, are you going to start your plan again?"

"Plan?" Qingran sneered, "I'm just here to clean up some people who shouldn't be here. Today, I'm afraid only a few can walk out of this trial ground."

He paused, then turned to Lin Xiao and Qian Budong: "You guys don't seem to understand what happened tonight, right? But it doesn't matter, you'll understand in a moment."

Lin Xiao smiled coldly, a hint of coldness flashed in his eyes: "Do you think you can do whatever you want here? You can't do that today."

Qingran was slightly stunned, then smiled and said, "What a confident young man! It looks like tonight will be an interesting night."

Without saying anything else, he simply raised his sword and pointed it at Lin Xiao and the others. His aura suddenly erupted, and the air around him seemed to be suppressed by a powerful force. Clearly, tonight's battle was unavoidable.

Wang Qingzhao and Qian Budong also prepared for battle, and Lin Xiao's eyes lit up with fighting spirit. He knew that this battle was not only a contest of strength, but also a test of mind and courage. And Qingran was one of the most formidable enemies.

"In that case, let's have a showdown!" Lin Xiao's eyes were as sharp as knives. He stepped forward, ready to meet the upcoming battle with a resolute aura.

Qingran's gaze locked onto Lin Xiao. He smiled softly, the longsword in his hand flashing a cold light. "You seem very confident, but I advise you not to overestimate yourself." His tone was a hint of teasing and threat.

Lin Xiao stared at him calmly, a surge of fighting spirit in his heart. He knew that the man before him not only possessed immense strength, but was also extremely intelligent and cunning. If he acted rashly, he would likely fall into his trap. However, Lin Xiao did not intend to retreat. The situation tonight had become complicated, and no matter what, he could not allow Qingran to act recklessly.

"Qingran," Lin Xiao sneered, his eyes sharp as a sword, "Tonight, who is the hunter and who is the prey is still unknown."

Qingran's lips curled up slightly, as if she felt a little contempt for Lin Xiao's words. "Very courageous. In that case, let me see if you are qualified to fight me."

Before he finished speaking, Qingran suddenly leaped forward, his sword swift as a startled wild goose, charging straight at Lin Xiao. The sword's energy was sharp, like a cold wind sweeping across the air, causing the surrounding air to vibrate violently.

Lin Xiao's eyes focused, and he quickly unleashed his "Illusionary Body Technique: Imitative Move." Instantly, two figures identical to Lin Xiao appeared in the air. The three of them stood in a triangle, each with their own independent aura, as if each Lin Xiao posed an equal threat.

"Shadow Spirit Sword Stab!" Lin Xiao moved, and the phantom on his left swung its sword towards Qingran. Simultaneously, the phantom on his right unleashed "Sword Dance Spin," and sword energy swept out like a whirlwind.

A gleam flashed in Qingran's eyes, and without hesitation, he swung his sword, unleashing a powerful aura. The sword energy surged, colliding instantly with Lin Xiao's, emitting a deafening roar. The moment the sword energy collided, space seemed to rip apart, and the surrounding trees suddenly bent, branches and leaves flying.

Qingran's sword energy was incredibly sharp, and his power seemed unrestrained. He looked down at Lin Xiao, a sneer forming on his lips: "What threat can these little tricks pose to me?"

A cold glint flashed in Lin Xiao's eyes, and he charged forward without retreat. He understood that Qingran's strength was extraordinary, and that relying solely on his sword skills would not be enough to completely defeat him. So, Lin Xiao channeled his internal energy, unleashing the "Sword Qi Horizontal Technique." An even more powerful sword energy erupted, charging towards Qingran.

Qingran's expression changed slightly. He had clearly not expected Lin Xiao to unleash such a powerful move at that moment. He took a sudden step, and his figure suddenly disappeared, as if merging with the air. As Lin Xiao's sword energy streaked through the air, Qingran had already shifted position in mid-air, appearing behind Lin Xiao.

"Hmph, have you finally revealed your flaw?" A cunning gleam flashed in Qingran's eyes, and the long sword pounced towards Lin Xiao's back like a poisonous snake.

However, at this moment, Lin Xiao's other phantom suddenly turned around, and the sword blade met Qingran's long sword, instantly blocking his attack.

"Found it!" Lin Xiao's heart was shocked. He took advantage of this moment to quickly counterattack, swinging his sword towards Qingran.

Qingran raised his eyebrows, clearly not expecting Lin Xiao to be able to accurately detect his weakness. Just as Lin Xiao's sword energy was about to strike Qingran, he suddenly rolled over, quickly dodging the attack, but also losing the opportunity to counterattack further.

"Interesting." Qingran's eyes became serious, but soon, a sneer appeared on the corner of his mouth, "However, your speed is still not enough."

As Qingran's voice fell, he once again erupted with powerful momentum, gripping the sword with both hands and rapidly unleashing a series of sword techniques. Each sword strike carried a powerful pressure, and the sword energy pounced on Lin Xiao like a beast.

Lin Xiao's eyes instantly became sharper. He activated his "Dragon Swimming Across the Seas" technique, his body swift as a dragon, instantly soaring into the air and easily avoiding Qingran's attack. At the same time, he continued to unleash his sword skills, counterattacking at an extremely fast speed.

This time, Qingran's sword energy didn't easily hit Lin Xiao. Instead, Lin Xiao cleverly dodged and bounced back. Qingran's face darkened. Obviously, he didn't expect Lin Xiao's speed and reaction to be so fast.

"Indeed, you've made considerable progress." Qingran looked at Lin Xiao with a barely perceptible hint of respect in his tone, but then turned cold. "However, tonight, you are destined not to leave alive."

Lin Xiao remained unmoved, with a determined light flashing in his eyes: "I want to see who can survive to the end."

The auras of the two intertwined in the night sky, and the battle entered a white-hot stage. Every blow contained great power, and every move was filled with murderous intent. The battle between Lin Xiao and Qing Ran was destined to be a contest to the death.