Chapter 862 - Opening the Secret Realm

Chen Fan sat in one of the top ten seats, surprising the crowd.

After all, a ninth-level Heavenly Star realm brat was not worth mentioning before the crowd of ten thousand people.

However, after witnessing a half-step Manifestation realm genius attempt to force his way into the ten-seat area—only to be struck down by an invisible force and dragged off by guards like a dead dog—their perception of Chen Fan shifted dramatically.

Though his cultivation was low, simply sitting in the ten-seat area spoke volumes about his extraordinary talent.

Everyone knew that a dark black imprint was required to claim one of those seats, which was a feat beyond the reach of ordinary individuals.

Not long afterward, several peerless monsters made their appearances and walked to the ten-seat area. These were the top ten seed candidates in the Demonic Child Selection Battle.

Their presence made it clear: the ten-seat area was reserved for those with monstrous talent, not just overwhelming strength.

When the nine others saw Chen Fan, a ninth-level Heavenly Star realm expert, sitting with them, strange looks flashed across their eyes, but they did not say anything. After all, this wasn’t the Demonic Child Selection Battle; it was just the banquet. The top ten seats only represented a person’s talent, not their actual strength.

For Chen Fan to sit among them meant his talent was on par with theirs.

Suddenly, a voice rang out. “Hahahaha, it’s so lively again this year. So many old friends have come.”

The crowd suddenly saw a blur in the distance, which solidified into a figure walking with a commanding presence toward the most honored demonic chair.

The newcomer was none other than the king of the Ping Shan Demonic Domain—Demon Venerable Ping Shan.

In that instant, countless figures on the vast battlefield stood up in unison. They bowed and shouted, “Greetings to the Demon Venerable.”

“Take a seat, everyone.” Demon Venerable Ping Shan waved his hand.

“Our thanks to Demon Venerable.” The crowd bowed and took their seats.

Countless gazes fell on Demon Venerable Ping Shan. Everyone was eager to glimpse the legendary master of the boundless Ping Shan Demonic Domain.

Chen Fan’s gaze also turned to Demon Venerable Ping Shan. The dignified demon venerable did not emit any aura. Seated calmly on his throne, he radiated the natural majesty of a sovereign overlooking his realm.

“Today marks the passing of another hundred years. In this once-a-century Demonic Child Selection Battle, I am curious to see which of you will rise above the rest to claim the title of candidate.”

As his gaze swept over the countless figures, it felt as though his eyes contained entire worlds. Nothing escaped his notice.

When his gaze fell on the top ten seats, it paused for a moment. Among the monstrous talents, his eyes settled on Chen Fan—a ninth-level Heavenly Star realm cultivator seated among them.

Typically, the ten seats were occupied by the ten demonic child candidates, each a peerless prodigy. For someone of Chen Fan’s cultivation level to be seated there was almost unheard of.

“Hoho, little fellow, what is your name?” Demon Venerable Ping Shan looked at Chen Fan and asked.

Chen Fan stood up and answered respectfully, “Reporting to Lord Demon Venerable, I am Chen Fan.”

“Haha, good. Each generation brings forth new geniuses, destined to rule their domains in time. Not bad, not bad at all.” Demon Venerable Ping Shan laughed out loud, withdrawing his gaze as if he had only inquired about Chen Fan out of passing curiosity.

After all, what kind of figure was he?

He ruled over the entire Ping Shan Demonic Domain as a Legendary realm peak expert. In his eyes, even the top ten seeds were no more than ants.

No matter how extraordinary or monstrous these so-called geniuses were, they remained insignificant before his might. A mere casual strike could obliterate any of them.

Though his question about Chen Fan appeared offhand, it carried a far different weight in the eyes of the crowd.

He didn’t say a word when he looked at the other peerless monsters present, but he notably inquired about Chen Fan.

The crowd couldn’t help but speculate about the deeper implications behind this.

At the ten-seat area, several seats away from Chen Fan, Mu Tianfang stiffened when he heard the name.

Others might have been unfamiliar with Chen Fan, but he was a genius once heavily nurtured by the Merit Hall. How could he have not heard of Chen Fan before?

Chen Fan, Chen Fan, it’s really him. I thought he looked familiar, and now I know why. Did the academy send him here to kill me?

Cold sweat formed on Mu Tianfang’s back as his mind raced. A flood of thoughts surged through his mind, each one more unsettling than the last.

Damn it, damn it, they actually chased me to the Myriad Demon Islands. Hmph, fine, you want to kill me? Let’s see if you can!”

An incomparably sharp luster flashed across Mu Tianfang’s eyes.

He had decided to advance to the Manifestation realm upon entering the secret realm; now, he added another step to his plan: kill Chen Fan to eliminate any future troubles.

Chen Fan’s fierce reputation in the eastern continent naturally made Mu Tianfang take him seriously.

“Alright, since everyone has traveled far, we’ll follow tradition: the Demonic Child Banquet will set the stage for the Demonic Child Selection Battle. Enjoy yourselves to the fullest. No need to restrain yourselves.”

Demon Venerable Ping Shan raised his wine cup in the air. Countless figures followed suit, toasting him in return.

“Alright, no need to be polite. Let’s get the banquet started.”

“Many thanks to Demon Venerable.”

With that, the lively feast began.

“For the past century, I’ve wondered which young talents have risen on my Ping Shan Demonic Island and across the other islands,” said Demon Venerable Ping Shan.

“An impressive character has appeared on my demonic island.”

“Lord Demon Venerable, a very exceptional figure has also appeared on my demonic island.”

“Reporting to Demon Venerable, that guy is from my demonic island,” said Demon King Xuan Ting, pointing at Chen Fan.

“Hahahaha, good, very good. Only with new geniuses emerging will the Ping Shan Demonic Domain continue to thrive. I hope to see a second—and even a third—demon venerable rise in the future.”

As the demon venerable, there was truly nothing left in the Ping Shan Demonic Domain that warranted special attention from him. However, the emergence of geniuses among the younger generation was closely tied to the rise and fall of the domain.

As the banquet continued, everyone ate and drank to their heart’s content.

“Alright, next is the main event, the Demonic Child Selection Battle. As per the usual rules, you have three months. There are countless opportunities in the Sky Suspended Secret Realm. What you young fellows can obtain inside in these three months will depend on your luck.”

All of a sudden, Demon Venerable Ping Shan stood up, and a terrifying aura erupted from him. It swept out like the ocean, causing the souls of everyone present to tremble, sensing an incomparably terrifying pressure.

“Open!”

With a roar, overwhelming power surged from him. The earth shook violently, and a dark golden door slowly began to open.