Chapter 602: The Archeldritch Trial

Upon hearing this, Eldritch General Hou She's face brightened. He understood that the chieftain had likely already tested Wu Yuan.

"Earth Eldritch, you flatter me," Wu Yuan respectfully replied.

He was still unsure of the exact names, identities, and cultivation phases of these Earth Eldritches before him, thus he dared not address them carelessly.

"I'm not flattering you at all," the elderly man in white robes remarked. "The strength of your soul must have reached the level of Soul Will. Tsk, tsk. Many Eldritch Generals who have cultivated for thousands of years might not have souls as powerful as yours. No wonder your Dao comprehension is so deep."

The white-robed elder sighed, "An Eldritch Warrior with Soul Will? This alone makes you one of the top ten geniuses in the ten million year history of our eldritch race."

Wu Yuan listened attentively.

"Soul Will?"

"What?!"

"This youngster has actually reached the Soul Will level?" The other Earth Eldritches, and even Eldritch General Hou She, all revealed looks of shock.

For the eldritch race, the normal process was to first break through in cultivation, after which one’s powerful physique would nurture their soul, allowing it to advance to the next level.

But reaching the Soul Will level while at the Eldritch Warrior phase? Even among the immortal race who specialized in soul cultivation, there probably weren't many geniuses who could achieve this.

"I suppose your immortal root must be exceptionally strong too. Third-degree? Or second-degree?" The white-robed elder gazed at Wu Yuan with great interest.

"Second-degree," Wu Yuan replied respectfully.

"Second-degree?"

"An Eldritch Warrior with a second-degree eldritch root, impressive," the surrounding Earth Eldritches all commented.

Even Eldritch General Hou She inwardly marveled. Although he knew of Wu Yuan's battle achievements, he hadn't really looked into these details.

A second-degree eldritch root? That was already incredibly extraordinary.

Wu Yuan, however, remained quite calm. He naturally understood why these Earth Eldritches weren't too surprised.

The Huanggu eldritch race faced a scarcity of root establishment treasures and mostly relied on themselves to enhance their immortal roots.

However, their overall environment was special, with refined cultivation teachings and a vast territory. Therefore, the emergence of geniuses with third-degree eldritch roots and second-degree eldritch roots was not uncommon.

"Excellent!"

"Hou Feng, I heard from Eldritch General Hou She that you're willing to join our Hou Cheng Tribe," the white-robed elder smiled. "I, Earth Eldritch Hou Cheng, hereby bestow upon you the title of Eldritch General in my capacity as the chieftain of the Hou Cheng Tribe.

From this day forward, you shall be an Eldritch General of our Hou Cheng Tribe. Do you accept?" The white-robed elder looked at Wu Yuan.

The other Earth Eldritches all watched Wu Yuan, but none objected. They had already discussed this matter beforehand.

"I accept," Wu Yuan replied.

"Good. This is the Eldritch General token, produced by the Archeldritch tribe. Decipher it first," the white-robed elder waved his hand, and an ancient black token flew out, landing before Wu Yuan.

Wu Yuan received it, infusing a trace of Soul Force to decipher it. He quickly left a mental imprint on the token.

Hmm?

Once Wu Yuan successfully claimed ownership, he instantly sensed something calling out to him from the far end of the endless earth, as though he was being summoned.

A flash of surprise crossed Wu Yuan's face.

"Haha, I suppose you've already sensed it," the white-robed Earth Eldritch Hou Cheng laughed. "The place you're sensing is the Earth Archeldritch Hall."

Archeldritch Hall? Wu Yuan listened intently. After gathering intelligence these past few days, he had largely confirmed his objectives.

First, enter the Archeldritch Hall! Second, enter the Creation Divine Hall.

From Wu Yuan's speculation, the opportunities within Huanggu likely lay in these two halls and the so-called Creation Divine Artifacts. As for other opportunities? He would have to explore them over time.

"Typically, once someone becomes an Eldritch General, they have the chance to visit the Archeldritch Hall," Earth Eldritch Hou Cheng explained. "For most Eldritch Generals, this is their only opportunity to enter. But with the vastness of the earth and the long journey required, reaching the Archeldritch tribe is extremely challenging.

For instance, our Hou Cheng Tribe is over ten billion li from the Earth Archeldritch tribe. It would take several months of travel by ordinary battleship. Even with an Earth Eldritch leading the way, it would still take ten days.

For some extremely distant tribes, separated by twenty or thirty billion li, the time required is even more staggering," Earth Eldritch Hou Cheng smiled. "Additionally, new Eldritch Generals don’t all emerge at the same time from various high-tier eldritch tribes.

Therefore, the Archeldritch Halls of the four great Archeldritch tribes only collectively open once every hundred years. The next opening is sixty-two years from now," Earth Eldritch Hou Cheng explained.

Wu Yuan was stunned.

Sixty-two years? Perhaps for those Eldritch Generals who had cultivated for hundreds or thousands of years, a hundred years wasn't too long.

But by then, Wu Yuan would have already entered the Elysian Field phase. He didn't want to wait that long. It was worth noting that Wu Yuan hadn't even reached a hundred years old yet.

"Chieftain," Wu Yuan changed his form of address. "Is there no other way to enter earlier?"

Instantly, Earth Eldritch Hou Cheng and the other Earth Eldritches exchanged glances, then erupted into laughter.

"Hou Fu, remember to give me what you promised for our second wager," Earth Eldritch Hou Cheng laughed. "Hou Feng took the initiative to ask, you've lost again."

The only Earth Eldritch who wasn't laughing sighed ruefully, glancing at Wu Yuan as if blaming him for speaking out of turn.

Wu Yuan felt helpless inside. How could he have known these Earth Eldritches were so idle that they would bet on such matters?

"There is! Our eldritch race naturally treats peerless geniuses differently," the Hou Cheng Tribe chieftain smiled. “You may attempt the Archeldritch Trial."

"Archeldritch Trial?" Wu Yuan revealed a puzzled expression.

"The Archeldritch Trial has nine levels, testing both real-world battle skills and comprehension aptitude," the Earth Eldritch named Hou Fu explained in a low voice.

"You need to complete the first six levels of the trial within the tribe. Once you successfully pass the first six levels, you can proceed to the Archeldritch tribe to take the seventh level.

Passing the seventh level grants you the qualification to enter the Archeldritch Hall directly, along with other rewards, and you'll even receive an audience with a High Eldritch," Earth Eldritch Hou Fu continued.

"Although our eldritch race is large, only peerless geniuses can obtain the most precious resources and treasures. The full power and potential of treasures and resources can only be unleashed in the hands of the strong," Earth Eldritch Hou Fu stated.

This was a consistent philosophy of the eldritch race.

"The seventh level allows direct entry to the Archeldritch Hall?" Wu Yuan nodded slightly, then suddenly asked, "What if one passes the ninth level?"

Instantly, the entire hall fell silent, with all the Earth Eldritches and Eldritch General Hou She looking at Wu Yuan in astonishment.

"Eldritch General Hou Feng. Those who can pass the seventh level are rare in our entire eldritch race, with barely one emerging in ten thousand years," Eldritch General Hou She couldn't help but say. "As for the ninth level? Since the establishment of the Archeldritch Trial, no one has ever passed it!

Even those who passed the eighth level number less than ten in the last ten million years," Eldritch General Hou She added.

Wu Yuan nodded lightly.

Not a single person had passed the ninth level? It sounded challenging enough.

"Chieftain, I hope that the tribe can initiate the Archeldritch Trial," Wu Yuan said solemnly.

For Wu Yuan, the more impossible and rewarding a task seemed within the Huanggu eldritch race, the more he felt compelled to strive for it.

Not knowing where the opportunities lay, there was nothing wrong with him simply expanding his search radius.

The Earth Eldritches exchanged glances.

"Alright. If an ordinary Eldritch General requested this, I would only give them a scolding," Earth Eldritch Hou Cheng smiled. "However, since it’s you, Eldritch General Hou Feng, making the request, I'm somewhat looking forward to it. I hope you can successfully pass the seventh or even the eighth level.

However, we must follow proper procedures. Tomorrow, you will undergo the first six levels of the trial at the Eldritch Battle Platform in the center of the tribe, " Earth Eldritch Hou Cheng said.

"Understood," Wu Yuan nodded.

"Then go and prepare well," Earth Eldritch Hou Cheng said. "Hou She, escort Eldritch General Hou Feng to the rest hall."

Swiftly, Wu Yuan and Eldritch General Hou She both withdrew from the temple.

"Chieftain, shouldn't we look into his past a bit more?"

"Indeed, although we've checked the Hou Hu Tribe's records and confirmed his identity as a genius, there's been no news of him for decades. It's very strange."

"We should investigate thoroughly." These Earth Eldritches voiced their concerns one after another.

Was Wu Yuan talented? Yes, he was! But it was precisely because he was so talented, unusually so, coupled with his mysterious background, that it made these Earth Eldritches feel uneasy.

"What's there to worry about? The existence of the Teng Snake cannot be faked. I don't believe the noble Teng Snake would follow a spy from the immortal race," Earth Eldritch Hou Cheng said calmly. "Moreover, even if he were a spy, how could he escape the scrutiny of the Archeldritch Hall?

Rather than us expending effort to investigate Hou Feng’s past, which might even displease him, why not let him go to the Archeldritch Hall? The Archeldritch tribe will naturally help us perform a thorough investigation," Earth Eldritch Hou Cheng smiled. "We’ll be killing two birds with one stone."

The gathered Earth Eldritches were stunned. They hadn't expected the chieftain to have such far-sighted thoughts.

"Very well, let's discuss another matter," Earth Eldritch Hou Cheng suddenly said, his face turning grave. "Long Chang Immortal City grows increasingly brazen. Their immortal armies now dare to venture hundreds of millions of li from the city to encroach upon our eldritch race's territory."

"Once the matter with Hou Feng is settled, we Earth Eldritches should stir things up a bit and teach them a lesson."

"Agreed!" The gathered Earth Eldritches responded in unison.

…

After leaving the Earth Eldritch hall, Wu Yuan was led through a sprawling complex of halls to a quiet chamber.

Eldritch General Hou She departed, then quickly returned.

"Eldritch General Hou Feng, this will be your temporary residence. Once you’ve completed the trial, we'll establish a separate mansion for you," Eldritch General Hou She said with a smile.

He then flipped his palm, producing a storage artifact which he handed to Wu Yuan. "These are the standard artifacts befitting an Eldritch General."

"Additionally, some of the spoils you've acquired might be difficult to manage personally. You can take them to the Archeldritch shops," Eldritch General Hou She advised. "You can also purchase more suitable artifacts there."

"Thank you," Wu Yuan said, cupping his hands in gratitude.

"Haha, no need for thanks. Just perform well tomorrow," Eldritch General Hou She laughed. "If you can pass the seventh or even the eighth level, it will bring great honor to our Hou Cheng Tribe."

Wu Yuan nodded slightly.

He could sense that Eldritch General Hou She's words came from the heart. In this world, the tribal honor among the eldritch race was incredibly important.

After Eldritch General Hou She left, Wu Yuan sat in lotus position in the hall, first examining the newly acquired treasures.

Battleship, battle armor, saber... all second-grade spirit equipment. How utterly ordinary.

Wu Yuan shook his head slightly.

Still, getting them for free was better than nothing.

The Archeldritch Trial tomorrow?

Wu Yuan closed his eyes and began to meditate quietly. Though he didn't believe he would be defeated, even a lion used all its strength to catch a rabbit.

Besides, my goal is to pass the ninth level.

Wu Yuan thought to himself.

Perhaps there will be some extraordinary rewards.

…

"The Archeldritch Trial?"

"Eldritch General Hou Feng?"

"An Eldritch Warrior granted the title of Eldritch General by the chieftain himself, and now he's undergoing the Archeldritch Trial?"

"We must go watch!"

"The last time the Archeldritch Trial was held was one thousand years ago." As the Hou Cheng Tribe's upper echelons spread the news, word rapidly circulated throughout the tribe.

So, when the next day arrived, nearly a million tribesmen had already gathered at the surrounding viewing platforms of the massive floating Eldritch Battle Platform in the east side of the Hou Cheng Tribe.

The air thrummed with their voices, their eyes fixed on a single stage.

Ninety-nine percent of the audience consisted of Eldritch Soldiers, and elite ones at that. Ordinary Eldritch Soldiers didn't qualify to attend.

Of the hundreds of millions of tribesmen in the entire Hou Cheng Tribe, only one in ten could reach the Eldritch Soldier phase. For these Eldritch Soldiers, this was a rare and grand occasion.

"Eldritch General Hou Feng!"

"Hou Feng!"

"You must clear the sixth level! Enter the Archeldritch Hall!"

"Hou Feng!"

When Wu Yuan appeared at the center of the two-thousand-li-diameter Eldritch Battle Platform, a saber strapped to his back, the entire arena instantly erupted into cheers. Shouts rose up from all sides.

Their love of battle seemed etched into their very bones.

Such passionate fervor.

Wu Yuan thought as his gaze swept across the crowd, feeling a hint of fighting spirit rising within him. It was easy to be influenced by such an environment.

"Eldritch General Hou Feng, Archeldritch Trial, first level! Countdown: ten, nine, eight... one!"

"Begin!" A cold, stern voice echoed across the vast Eldritch Battle Platform.