Looking at the examiner, the arrival of an ancient giant indicated that this year's Devilman Ranking L Battle had officially begun!
The 16 contestants were going to compete fiercely for the 1650th place on the Monster Ranking List!
"Everyone, please follow me …" The ancient giant smiled and walked out of the valley slowly, stepping on the withered leaves.
His entire body emitted a mysterious aura, as if everything was under his control.
"Uh …"
Under the influence of the giant's aura, the disobedient and dissolute veteran swordsmen all became well-behaved and knew their place. They did not even dare to breathe too loudly.
All of them were extremely obedient as they followed behind the ancient giant.
Xiao Han silently followed at the back of the group.
Out of the valley, there was a long path lined with fresh flowers and fragrant flowers.
No one spoke a word along the way.
At the end of the long path, they saw a towering mountain rising into the sky!
The mountain was about ten thousand zhang tall, like a sharp sword piercing the sky.
It was like a divine mountain, causing those who stood at the foot of the mountain to feel extreme pressure, suffocation, and palpitations.
It was as if they were facing an ancient giant.
The mountain was greyish-brown in color, without any vegetation covering it. It exuded an ancient and mysterious aura, as if time had passed.
"What a majestic mountain, it makes people feel like they can't climb it …" Xiao Han involuntarily stopped in his tracks, his heart filled with admiration.
The ancient giant also stopped at the foot of the mountain, then turned around.
The 16 contestants, including Xiao Han, stood in a row, looking at the ancient giant suspiciously.
What were they going to do now?
Fight at the foot of the mountain, and the winner would be the king?
Or to see who would be able to climb over this divine mountain?
"Everyone, today's Ranking Challenge Competition has officially begun.
This Ranking Challenge Competition is similar to the Monster Hero Selection Competition that all of you have participated in before.
It is not only a test of the contestants' martial prowess, but also a test of luck. It is mysterious.
As a matter of fact, as a martial artist, luck would accompany him throughout his life and was indispensable.
Heh … "Speaking of this, the ancient giant's eyes narrowed slightly and he sighed in a low voice," When you reach my level of cultivation, you will find that sometimes luck is even more important than strength … Alas, back in those days, all my old brothers were outstanding geniuses, but along the way, they all fell one by one. It just so happened that I, a good-for-nothing person, finally entered the top 0 of the Devil Man Ranking List and became the ancient giant that you guys mentioned … Alas … It's all because of time, luck, and fate. It's not something I can do … "
Hearing this ancient giant ramble on, all the participants looked at each other in dismay, not knowing what he was trying to do.
"Heh … everyone, listen up.
Although the Hex Hero Ranking Challenge and the Hex Hero Trial were different routes to the same goal and coincide.
However, the competition schedule was much shorter.
Let's also use the method of passing the test!
However, there were only two checkpoints.
There are a total of 16 of you. After going through two checkpoints, the last one will get the 1650th place on the Devilman List.
Do you understand? "The ancient giant smiled at the participants.
"Oh … So that's how it is.
There are two checkpoints, layers of screening. Out of the 16, 15 will be eliminated, and the last one will get the 1650th place. "Xiao Han nodded to himself.
For Xiao Han, who had just participated in the Hex Hero Trial, this kind of competition system was not unfamiliar.
On the contrary, it made it easier for Xiao Han to accept.
The other 15 senior Devilmen also nodded their heads.
"This ancient giant, we have completely understood what you mean. Then, may I ask, what is the content of the first checkpoint?" The Emperor of the Sun asked impatiently.
He had a sense of eagerness to win.
"Hahaha, don't be impatient.
It's just two checkpoints, it won't make you feel complicated and long. "The ancient giant said confidently.
"Alright, I will talk about the first checkpoint.
In the first checkpoint, out of the 16 of you, 8 people will be eliminated.
The remaining 8 people will successfully enter the second checkpoint. "
The first checkpoint, 16 to enter.
Half of the elimination rate!
The participants all quieted down, held their breath, pricked up their ears, and listened carefully.
"The first checkpoint is to climb this ancient sacred mountain!" The ancient giant finally announced the content of the first checkpoint.
"It really is to climb a mountain!" A few of the participants exclaimed in their hearts.
However, they also vaguely felt that something was wrong … The first checkpoint was actually to climb a mountain.
Although this ancient sacred mountain emitted an unsurpassable aura that made people's hearts palpitate, and ordinary people didn't even have the courage to climb it.
But for these senior Devilmen, which one of them wasn't an unfathomable big shot that could travel a thousand miles in an instant?
Asking them to climb a mountain was a little too much.
"Hahaha, of course, as the first checkpoint of the Hex Hero Ranking Competition, this sacred mountain is not so easy to climb …" The ancient giant laughed.
In the next moment, he waved his sleeves.
Streaks of mist and rare godly light surged out from the ancient giant's sleeves like thousands of galloping horses.
It enveloped the body of the ancient sacred mountain.
All of a sudden, 16 holes appeared on the grayish-brown mountain!
These 16 caves were the entrance to a tunnel. Each of them was the same size, and they all emitted a glazed luster. Endless airflow surrounded them, and the light was distorted.
On the surface, these 16 caves were exactly the same, and there was no difference.
"Oh?"
Xiao Han was stunned. Then, an idea flashed through his mind. "I know now. The so-called climbing over the mountain is actually a trick. I don't really need to climb over the ancient mountain, but to pass through these caves!
Then, 16 caves and one tunnel must be hiding an unknown danger, and it will be a test for the participants! "
"Sixteen participants, each of you will choose a path." As expected, the ancient giant said.
"To put it simply, only one person will be able to successfully pass through this Sacred Mountain."
"Oh?
I see!
I see!
This is the so-called Top 16 to Top 8! "The contestants were all clear now.
"Ancient giant, is this what you mean by luck?
One of the corridors is the Path of Life, which allows one to pass directly through the mountain and advance to the next trial. There is also the Path of Death. Those who choose the Path of Death will be trapped in the belly of the mountain and eliminated, "Ying Zhan Tian said cautiously.
However, there was a feeling of discomfort in his heart … It must be known that Ying Zhantian was already invincible among this group of participants in terms of cultivation base and combat strength.
Therefore, Ying Zhantian was not afraid of fighting alone or against a group. Instead, he was excited to use his tyrannical methods to kill!
Ying Ting had overcome all the obstacles along the way, suppressing all the outstanding talents, and finally obtained the 1650th ranking. But now, it seemed that luck was more important in the rules, and the first stage was actually a choice between the Path of Life and Path of Death.
The displeasure in Ying Zhantian's heart was clear on his face.
"Oh?" The ancient giant smiled at Ying Zhantian.
"You are Ying Zhantian, right?
I've heard of you. As early as 20 years ago, you were ranked within the 1560th place on the Devilman List. If you hadn't encountered a mutated Demon Emperor and escaped with injuries, I'm afraid you would have been a giant of the ages now.
What do you think of the rules of this first stage? "
"This … this …" Ying Zhantian was a little hesitant, but he still braced himself and said.
"The ancient giant's words about luck are too illusory, making people unable to grasp it, unable to grasp it in their hands …"
"Hahaha, that's not true, that's not true. Luck can also be seen and touched. For example, 20 years ago, when you fought with the mutated Demon Emperor, if it weren't for your luck, I'm afraid that your corpse would have been cold by now.
Why don't you believe in fate now? "The ancient giant said with certainty.
"This … this … yes, I admit that luck is one aspect, but that battle was also because I had enough foundation and strength, so I could escape.
Otherwise, luck alone would not be able to escape bad luck. "Ying Zhantian slightly argued.
The ancient giant did not take offense, but instead smiled in agreement.
"Yes, luck and strength, both cannot be lacking.
If you only have strength without luck, your life will be a waste; if you only have luck without strength, it will be a reckless waste of resources.
Thus, this first stage is a comprehensive test of strength and luck! "
"Hmm?
Crossing the tunnel, crossing the mountain, and they actually said that this is a comprehensive test of strength and luck?
Could it be that there really is a ferocious creature hidden in the tunnel?
Is there going to be a fierce battle? "Hearing this, Xiao Han's heart skipped a beat.
"In the first tunnel, there is only one, the Zhuang Kang Great Path.
Once you choose this path, everything will be smooth sailing. You will be able to pass through this divine mountain and pass the first trial, "explained the ancient giant.
"However, there is only one Zhuang Kang Great Path!
If you choose this tunnel, it will be good luck.
Conversely, there is also a bad luck.
In Tunnel 1, you will meet me in one of them.
Yes, you must defeat me in order to pass.
That is the worst luck. "
"Hiss!"
The participants all gasped!
One of the passageways would actually lead to an ancient giant!
Moreover, you must defeat him in order to pass!
However, everyone understood that to defeat this ancient giant was no different from a fool's dream!
That was something that was completely impossible.
Even if the ancient giant only defended and did not attack, it was impossible for him to pass.
"The worst luck … to encounter the ancient giant is the same as being eliminated.
This is probably the worst choice. "Zhuge Xing, who was ranked 1811th on the Monster Ranking, laughed at himself.
"I hope my luck is not that bad."
"Once you encounter me, don't hope that I will go easy on you.
I will not go easy on you.
If you want to pass through here, you'll have to defeat me in a real fight, "the ancient giant said without any hesitation.
"Defeat you?
I don't think anyone here dares to fight you! "Xiao Han licked his lips.
"Then, one of the best luck, one of the worst luck, and the remaining tunnel.
These tunnels will intersect in pairs and converge in pairs.
In other words, if you give up the tunnel that leads you to pass and the tunnel that leads you to meet me, the remaining 11 tunnels, no matter what you choose, you will meet an opponent.
Only the courageous will win.
Out of the 14 participants, only one will pass. "
The ancient giant squinted his eyes, "In the first tunnel, only one can reach the other side and see the beautiful scenery outside of this mountain.
Now, do you understand the rules? "
Everyone nodded!
Understood everything!
One of them was a straight path, and there was no danger. The other was a dead end, and if one encountered an ancient powerhouse, they would lose without a doubt. As for the remaining path, the fourteen contestants would meet in pairs, and they would fight to the death. The winner would pass, and the loser would have to return home!
Indeed, what the ancient giant said was not wrong. This first trial was a double test of luck and combat ability!
Not a single one could be missing!
"Okay, the 16 of you, make your choice.
Don't take any chances, and don't release your mind power to probe every tunnel, because no matter what, you will not find any clues.
Before you enter the first tunnel, it will be exactly the same to you, without the slightest clue or abnormality.
Choose as you please. "The ancient giant clapped his hands.
"The first trial begins now!"
The 16 participants looked at each other, then at the 16 glistening tunnels.
"Forget it!
I choose first!
You'd better pray that you don't meet me! "Ying Zhantian gritted his teeth and moved, entering one of the tunnels.
As soon as he entered the cave, the entrance was sealed, preventing anyone else from entering.
"There's nothing to wait and see, it's just a gamble of luck. Hahaha, interesting, interesting!"
The Devil Lord of Seven Nights, ranked 1700th on the Hex Ranking, also made a random choice. He flashed into a tunnel.
The tunnel was sealed.
"Interesting.
Interesting. "The Thousand Swords Gentleman also turned into a sword light and shot into a tunnel.
"Whoosh ~ ~ ~ Whoosh ~ ~ ~ Whoosh ~ ~ ~"
The contestants made their choices one after another.
In reality, this choice was more of an intuition, a feeling, without any basis.
"Xiao Han, I wish you good luck." Lu Wenying smiled sweetly at Xiao Han and also entered a cave.
"Xiao Han, I don't know if we will meet again." The Great Sun Son crossed his arms and looked at Xiao Han, his eyes filled with killing intent.
"But I can tell you in advance, if we meet, then … you will die a terrible death.
My disciple Huo Lie, if he is still alive, I'm afraid he will also be a genius. Good, good, Xiao Han, wait and see! "
Heavenly Son Great Sun laughed sinisterly and also chose a cave entrance.
Soon, five of the sixteen entrances had already been sealed, leaving only the final one.
"Wu … it seems like I don't have any other choice." Xiao Han rubbed his nose and laughed involuntarily.
"Those guys are really fast."
Shaking his head slightly, Xiao Han moved his body and entered the last hole!
"I don't know who I will meet, or should I say, will I pass directly.
Hmm … of course, if I am unlucky, I will meet the ancient giant … "
…