Chapter 292: Friendship

“Hehe, not bad. How many years have passed? Decades, right? I can’t remember. A few decent guys have come in!” The old man pretended not to notice Rod and the others’ reactions, murmuring to himself. Then he slowly stepped forward, and an almost imperceptible glint appeared in his eyes as he looked at them. All of this was caught by Rod, who was observing carefully.
Finally, he fixed his gaze on Rod, with a look that sent chills down Rod’s spine. With a slight smile, he said, “Four. Not bad. I guess those old guys will be happy this time!” Still ignoring the others, the old man continued to mutter to himself.
“Um… Senior, are you the one who will conduct the final assessment for us?” This time, Sognar surprised Rod and the others. Had they ever seen Sognar so enthusiastic and polite before? It was the first time. Rod struggled to hold back his laughter. Seeing Sognar like this was almost unbearable for him. Lucy also covered her mouth, giggling secretly.
Only Ziyang remained expressionless, looking at Rod and the others with a heavy heart. He sighed inwardly at his bad luck for running into these three. It seemed there was really no hope this time. Three against one—just as Sognar had said, it was obvious they intended to bully him.
“Hmm, a Dragon Clan member. Not bad! Divine-level mastery. Although it’s still a bit short, being at the bottom here is still passable!” Glancing at Sognar, the old man nodded and spoke slowly.
“Heh, old man, what do you mean ‘at the bottom’? I’m the best here!” Sognar became upset and spoke rudely, revealing his true nature. This time, both Rod and Lucy couldn’t help but laugh. Even Ziyang’s face twitched. This guy was still as outspoken as ever. Who was this senior? After all, he was the one who would test them—could one offend him? Not to mention his strength, which was far beyond what Sognar could match. Having survived in the core of the Netherworld for so many years proved just how powerful he was. At least Ziyang thought he couldn’t do what that old man had just done.
“Hmm, being outspoken isn’t good. Let me see… There’s also a little girl from the Black Phoenix Clan? Hmm…” When he saw Lucy, the old man nodded slightly at first, but then his face showed disbelief. He stared at Lucy wide-eyed and took two quick steps forward.

“Elder…” This remark scared Rod and Sognar greatly; they thought the old man was about to do something to Lucy and rushed to stop him. As the saying goes, those involved are often confused—when it comes to matters that matter to them, people’s minds tend to blur.
“Oh? Don’t worry, I won’t hurt her. I never expected it… really never expected it. After so many years—five or six thousand years, I guess—there’s someone like you emerging from the Black Phoenix clan again. It seems the Black Phoenix clan is about to rise again. Too bad… it seems not the right time!” Seeing Rod and Sognar’s reaction, the old man was slightly stunned before letting out a bitter smile and murmuring.
In the next moment, with a casual wave of his hand, Rod and Sognar were shocked to find themselves flung aside without any chance to resist. Both of them were gods at the peak of their power—how could they be so useless in front of him? They had known the old man was strong, but they never imagined he would be this formidable. What level did he even reach? Stronger than Melon, stronger than Gary—at least they couldn’t do what he did so easily. So what exactly…?
For a moment, Rod, Sognar, and Zi Yang exchanged glances, staring in disbelief at this seemingly frail old man.
Walking up to Lucy, the old man examined her carefully. “Those who come from the Netherhell Fire are truly different. You’re quite good! Among this group, you’re the strongest!”
These words darkened Zi Yang’s expression, who had been expecting to reap benefits from this spectacle. It left Rod and Sognar bewildered—how could Lucy receive such high praise? Could it really be true?
Thinking back to how Lucy had always completed her trials smoothly and quickly, Rod and Sognar inevitably gathered some clues. They looked at each other, their eyes filled with shock.
None of those who came from the Netherhell Fire were weak—this statement truly held true. Lucy, that little girl, had entered the Netherhell Fire trials at the saintly level, yet now… faintly, they guessed she might also be at the peak of the godly realm, even surpassing them both in strength.

“This belongs to the Purple Wing Thunder Eagle clan, right? Was the Purple Wing Thunder Eagle clan wiped out? What a shame. Hehe, sometimes one must know one’s limits. The Source of Darkness isn’t as simple as you think. The Purple Wing Thunder Eagles don’t yet have the strength to be arrogant! Your strength is good, but your mentality is lacking. Go back. Come again next time!” Then, the old man turned his gaze toward Zi Yang. To everyone’s surprise, he actually said such things.

It seemed he knew everything about the outside world, even about the destruction of the Purple Wing Thunder Eagle clan. And Zi Yang was simply dismissed like that? Seeing Zi Yang’s expression of disbelief, Rod and Sognar were also puzzled, without feeling any joy at his misfortune.

“You may go!” With that, without giving Zi Yang any chance to explain, the old man waved his hand. Zi Yang turned into a beam of white light and disappeared from that spot, seemingly sent beyond the Netherworld.

This move had the intention of intimidating others, instantly making the atmosphere awkward. Rod and Sognar dared not say another word, fearing they might suffer unjustly. They didn’t want all their efforts to go to waste here.

“Elder…” When the old man’s gaze fell on Rod, Rod called out nervously.

Lucy had received plenty of praise earlier; clearly, she had become the most promising candidate. As for Sognar, although he was said to be the worst, he wasn’t kicked out yet. Zi Yang had been sent away immediately. Now it was Rod’s turn, so he couldn’t help but feel nervous.

“Relax. Hehe, I don’t eat people! Hmm, not bad, really not bad. Hehe, such strong bones and muscles! I’ve been waiting for you for a long time. Don’t you have many things you don’t know? Don’t worry. As long as you can pass my test, someone will tell you. Though your combat energy… hmm, it’s quite unique. Let me, an old man, study it carefully!” Staring at Rod as if he’d seen some treasure or something new, the old man kept nodding and muttering to himself. Rod was terrified, but in the end, he heaved a sigh of relief. At least he still had a chance. And most importantly, the old man said someone would tell him the secrets, meaning his main goal for coming here had already been achieved! That was the greatest gain.

“Well, there are three of you left. Only one can receive the benefits of the Netherworld Core’s inheritance. The other two must leave. What do you think?” After observing them, the old man regained his usual calm expression and spoke slowly.

Suddenly, the three of them looked at each other, unsure what to do—no one wanted to give up, as such an opportunity came once in a thousand years! But…

“I give up. I hope I can give Brother Rod a chance!” Unexpectedly, it was Lucy who stepped forward first. She said firmly to the old man, then turned to Rod with a slight smile.

“Lucy…” Rod became anxious. Though he desperately wanted this opportunity, he didn’t want to cause Lucy any regret.

“It’s okay, Brother Rod. I know you need to understand many things. If I miss this chance, I’ll have another one. It’s fine!” Seeing Rod’s worry, Lucy hurriedly comforted him.

“Anyway, only one of us can go in. Brother Rod, don’t give up. I trust you. Don’t forget what you said—you still have many things to do. Haven’t you been working hard for this day? If we lose this chance, who knows when we’ll get another one? I’m different. My spot in the Black Phoenix clan will definitely be mine next year!” Seeing Rod’s skeptical expression, Lucy continued.

“Hmm, you’re right. Kid, this time it’s your turn. Damn it! Since I followed you, things haven’t been good for me! Now I can’t refuse—otherwise, how will I get by in the future? You’re my junior; I can’t treat you unfairly!” Soon after, Sognar also stepped forward and spoke indifferently.

Yet his expression twitched slightly, clearly showing some reluctance. He must have said those words through gritted teeth.

“You two…” Looking at them, Rod couldn’t believe they would suddenly say such things and make such a decision—it was completely unexpected! It was hard to accept. His heart was tumultuous, beyond words. A gentle warmth surged through his soul—touchment!

Rod naturally understood what this opportunity meant, what their decision meant, and how much pressure they were under to make it. It was all for him!

“Alright, kid, work hard. Lucy and I will have other chances. Who am I? I’m the invincible super handsome dragon! Beauties are more important than opportunities. If I compete with you, that little girl Lucy will hate me to death. Though I know I’ll definitely win!” Sognar continued, smirking arrogantly, seemingly adjusting his mood quickly.

Before Rod could speak, he turned to look at the old man. “Old man, how about it? The two of us gave up; it’s just this kid left. What’s the result?” This time, Sognar seemed to have regained his cynical attitude after being free from pressure and internal struggle.