Punch after punch after punch—no fancy moves needed. With unmatched strength and blinding speed, Ink Ash carved a vacuum zone before him that erased everything in its path.

The shockwave from countless overlapping punches, crackling with sonic booms, slammed into the Sphinx with unstoppable force.

Dust billowed instantly; space trembled. Half its body blown through, the Sphinx slumped miserably into the mountainside.

"Oh? Self-repairing too. Home-field advantage really helps—but let’s see how many hits you can take!"

Watching the Sphinx bathed in milky-white light with keen interest, the unhurried Ink Ash suddenly darted downward.

Though many griffins tracked her, the invisible threat kept them at bay. Lily passed this tense stage unharmed—truly fortunate.

After all, it was just a hollow shell with a trace of the Demon King’s aura—all show, no substance. If any griffin dared attack, Lily would be utterly annihilated.

When the familiar white light enveloped her again, Lily arrived at the trial’s third and final stage—an unexpectedly peaceful one.

Above, the azure sky stretched like an endless ocean, clouds drifting in neat fish-scale patterns. Below, sunlight bathed the land; a warm breeze rustled through green trees, and a stream babbled gently.

A paradise of birdsong and blossoms—nothing more.

Blinking uncertainly, Lily—fresh from slaughter—felt as if she’d stepped into heaven. It was hard to believe.

Her master’s teachings echoed: the more beautiful the scene, the deadlier the danger. Lily didn’t relax; she doubled her vigilance.

Cautiously following the pebble-paved path, her doubts grew heavier. This was just an ordinary forest—no danger at all.

Could there really be no threat here? No, no—even if there isn’t, I can’t let my guard down!

Soon, a clear lake rippling with waves came into view. At its center stood a massive, imposing gate.

At that moment, the familiar desolate voice echoed in her ears—

"Fearless challenger, I admire your courage and wisdom. Seek my treasure? It lies beyond the gate—but only... for the sole victor!"

Pondering the words repeatedly, Lily’s expression suddenly paled. "The sole victor... it can’t mean—"

"Lian En! As a knight, would you betray your master?!"

Just then, an enraged shout mixed with clashing swords shattered the lake’s silence.

On the far shore, the grim-faced knight captain swung his broadsword mercilessly. His target was Valen, the city lord’s son, barely holding his own.

Lian En’s silver-white armor was stained with filthy blood. With a pained, resigned expression, he explained,

"Sorry, young master! You heard it too... only the sole victor passes through. That means—one of us must die!"