CHAPTER 346: SWATTING A MOSQUITO

Valerian, eyes flashing with anticipation, slowly took a step forward toward the unknown final trial. Orion, unwilling to be outpaced, decisively stepped forward as well, merely a step behind the vampire lord.

The moment their feet landed simultaneously, the world around them distorted abruptly, reality rippling like reflections upon water.

Orion suddenly found himself standing alone upon soft, moss-covered ground, the vibrant scent of lush greenery filling his senses.

Momentarily disoriented, he blinked, taking in his surroundings. Before him stretched an immense lake, crystal-clear waters shimmering serenely beneath a sky painted brilliant shades of gold and crimson.

Towering above was a colossal waterfall cascading majestically, its thunderous roar echoing powerfully across the landscape.

Birds soared overhead, their melodic cries harmonizing beautifully with the tranquil ambiance. Animals moved calmly along the shoreline, seemingly oblivious to Orion’s presence.

The air was pristine, pure, filled with an aura of profound serenity and vitality that Orion found strangely comforting yet simultaneously alarming. His heightened instincts warned him sharply that despite its peaceful facade, this place was no ordinary location.

His gaze slowly drifted upward, catching sight of a distant silhouette seated casually atop the waterfall’s peak.

Squinting slightly, Orion attempted to discern the figure clearly, but it was shrouded by a gentle mist cascading from the waterfall, obscuring its features entirely.

Suddenly, as if sensing Orion’s scrutiny, the mysterious figure atop the waterfall stirred gently, slowly rising to his feet.

A vibrant, lively voice echoed clearly over the roaring waters, imbued with playful confidence and boundless vitality.

"Finally, a challenger worthy of this world."

Orion immediately tensed, his muscles tightening with readiness. Without hesitation, he drew forth the Realm Guardian Sword, holding it defensively before him as he fixed his dual-colored gaze firmly upon the enigmatic figure above.

"Who are you?" Orion called out firmly, voice calm yet cautious, echoing clearly across the serene lake.

On the other hand, Valerian stood alone beneath the towering waterfall, its thunderous cascade drowning out all other sounds. The vampire lord quickly oriented himself, eyes narrowing sharply as he sensed an overwhelmingly powerful presence directly above him.

Lifting his gaze slowly, Valerian witnessed the same enigmatic figure rising leisurely atop the waterfall.

The figure was bathed in radiant sunlight, its silhouette proudly outlined against the golden skies, exuding an unmistakably imposing aura.

Valerian’s senses rose sharply, instinctively recognizing a danger far surpassing any he’d ever encountered.

"Interesting," Valerian murmured softly, crimson eyes narrowing sharply as his muscles tensed. Despite himself, a cold trickle of sweat slid down his spine, though his pride refused to acknowledge such weakness.

The figure above calmly reached upward toward his ear, casually withdrawing what appeared to be a simple toothpick-sized staff.

With a subtle flick of his wrist, the tiny object expanded instantly, rapidly enlarging into a magnificent, full-sized golden staff, ornately decorated with ancient inscriptions glowing softly.

The figure twirled the mighty weapon slowly, its presence commanding awe from all those who gazed upon it.

The mysterious being raised his head slowly, vibrant golden eyes meeting Valerian’s gaze directly, brimming with playfulness. "Are you ready for the final test?"

Valerian’s jaw tightened fiercely, recognizing the gravity of this moment. Summoning every ounce of power within him, he unleashed his peak strength.

Crimson darkness erupted violently around his body, forming a protective cloak that radiated a sinister, oppressive aura. Blood-red mana crackled chaotically, signaling his utmost seriousness.

"I will not lose here," Valerian declared coldly, voice firm. "Come, test me!"

Above, the figure smiled brightly, eyes twinkling with enthusiasm. Without further warning, he launched himself upward into the skies, raising his golden staff high.

Its form expanded infinitely, rapidly stretching to unimaginable proportions until it seemed to blot out the very heavens.

In the blink of an eye, the figure brought the immense staff hurtling downward toward Valerian with devastating force.

The sky itself shattered under the colossal pressure, cracks spreading across reality. The irresistible might of the strike descended relentlessly, promising obliteration upon anything beneath.

Valerian’s eyes widened sharply in sudden realization of his vulnerability, his confidence instantly shaken as true, primal fear gripped his heart.

Roaring fiercely, he mustered every shred of darkness and blood mana, desperately forming barriers to shield himself. Yet, beneath the descending divine strike, they dissolved effortlessly.

As the overwhelming pressure reached Valerian, he knew with chilling certainty this strike was beyond his capability.

His pride and arrogance shattered instantly, replaced with raw, primal desperation. As the golden staff approached mere inches from his trembling form, instinct overcame pride, compelling him to take a single, fearful step backward.

Instantaneously, the entire vision around him vanished, dissolving like smoke. Valerian found himself flung downward violently, reality forcibly reasserting itself as he plummeted helplessly toward the distant ground below.

Disbelief, anger, and shock flooded his consciousness as he watched the celestial staff rapidly receding from view.

Back in Orion’s perspective, he remained standing cautiously, still gripping his sword tightly, facing the silhouette atop the waterfall. The figure lowered his gaze calmly toward Orion, eyes glowing vibrantly golden, a gentle yet undeniably formidable presence emanating from him.

"Your rival has failed," the figure’s resonant, playful voice echoed downward, carrying clearly despite the waterfall’s roar. "Now, your turn, little one. Will you pass this test or flee like the coward before you?"

Orion tightly clenched the Realm Guardian Sword, his knuckles whitening beneath scaled fingers, as powerful mana surged visibly along his muscular Draconic body, enveloping him in a resplendent shroud of crackling azure lightning.

His heart beat rapidly within his chest, the blood of the two Dragon Emperors and the mysterious Human Emperor resonating fiercely, each lineage demanding he face this trial head-on, unflinching.

Yet despite the turmoil within, his voice remained steady and composed as he asked softly, eyes narrowed cautiously, "Are you the Monkey King?"

High atop the waterfall, the figure momentarily froze, the casual confidence giving way to genuine surprise.

A broad, lively grin quickly appeared upon the figure’s face, eyes alight with renewed intrigue. "Well now," he chuckled warmly, scratching his head as his golden eyes sparkled with playful interest. "I wasn’t expecting anyone in this little world to recognize me."

The figure leaned forward slightly, his gaze sharpening dramatically as he stared deeply into Orion’s eyes.

A brilliant fiery golden glow suddenly ignited within those eyes, illuminating his mischievous face in radiant splendor.

He had activated his fabled Fiery Golden Eyes, instantly perceiving all that lay hidden within Orion’s very being.

"Hmm," the Monkey King mused thoughtfully, stroking his chin in amusement as his brows rose in genuine astonishment. "Limitless? Mixed bloodlines of two Dragon Emperors..." His voice trailed off momentarily before he nodded knowingly. "I see now. So, you’re the current bearer of that artifact. Truly fascinating!"

Orion’s eyes widened sharply, momentarily stunned at this revelation. He had never imagined that this legendary being could discern not only his Limitless System but also his hidden lineage, knowledge even he himself struggled to fully comprehend.

A complicated blend of respect and caution filled Orion’s mind, yet determination quickly overrode any lingering hesitation.

Sun Wukong grinned cheerfully, seemingly pleased by Orion’s reaction. Reaching leisurely toward his ear once more, he withdrew the small toothpick-sized staff, twirling it playfully between nimble fingers.