Nine Star Hegemon Body Art

Clang, clang, clang…!

Long Chen observed the Hidden Dragon Legion as they trained, their swords clashing rhythmically in the air. After all, he needed to get an overall understanding of their power. But the more he watched, the deeper his brow furrowed.

Noticing his expression, the disciples started to feel uneasy. Even Tang Wan-er grew nervous. She could tell Long Chen wasn’t satisfied with their performance.

“Long Chen, are their attacks not fierce enough? This is just training, so they’re holding back. They're actually quite strong,” Tang Wan-er said, trying to justify the situation.

The disciples stopped their training and stood silently, awaiting Long Chen’s assessment. Though they had never met him before, they had heard endless stories from Tang Wan-er about his power and achievements. Seeing his frown now only made them more anxious.

Shaking his head, Long Chen said, “Their power is acceptable, and they are also very talented. But there’s something missing—mental strength. Perhaps it’s because they’ve grown up in peaceful times or had powerful backers, but they lack the resilience that true experts need. If they face a stronger opponent, their willpower will crumble before the fight even begins. Even against enemies of the same level, their emotions could get the best of them—fear, anger, hesitation—all of which would cause their power to plummet on the battlefield.”

His words hit them hard. In truth, they were aware of this weakness, but their cushioned lives had made them complacent. Back in their old sects, they cultivated only to show their own value, to gain honor for their families, and to gain face for their fathers and mothers.

But after entering the Wind God Sea Pavilion, they fell from the heavens to hell. They had been stripped of their privileged positions, their comfortable lives turned upside down. Even if they realized they had wasted a great deal of their youth, it was too late to make up for it.

“You must have a way to fix it, right? You’re the founder of the Dragonblood Legion. There’s nothing you can’t solve,” Tang Wan-er said, holding Long Chen’s hand. Her voice carried both encouragement and a hint of desperation.

She knew the situation of her legion well, but she couldn’t bear to abandon them. After all, their fates were already intertwined; they would rise or fall together.

“There is a way, but I don’t know if they can endure the pain. It’s called the Divine Flame Soul Refinement,” Long Chen replied, looking at everyone.

“We’re willing! As long as it makes us stronger, we’ll endure anything!” one disciple declared resolutely.

“This soul refinement technique is something I developed for my brothers in the Dragonblood Legion. They are battle-hardened warriors, but even they find it excruciating. You need to be mentally prepared,” Long Chen cautioned.

Tang Wan-er’s expression changed slightly at his warning. “Is it really that painful?”

Long Chen explained, “After we ascended to the immortal world and I joined the High Firmament Academy, I created this technique because I was concerned some brothers would struggle to adapt to this new world. So, the Divine Flame Soul Refinement is a technique to awaken dormant combat instincts. When the Dragonblood Legion reunited, some brothers had achieved such high positions that they hadn’t needed to fight for years. As a result, their battle instincts started to wane. This technique reawakened their fighting spirit, but it was an incredibly painful process for them at the time.”

“Sister Wan-er, we’re not afraid of pain. We’re only afraid of being trampled on and treated as worthless for the rest of our lives,” one disciple interjected.

“Wan-er, is this place absolutely safe? Can someone spy on us here?” asked Long Chen.

Tang Wan-er reassured, “It is safe. The barrier around this island was personally set up by my master. Other than her, no one can spy on us.”

“Good. Everyone, spread out and keep a distance of thirty meters from one another,” Long Chen instructed.

Once everyone was in position, Long Chen formed hand seals. The space behind him twisted, and a massive, radiant tree appeared, casting the world in its divine glow. It was the Seven Treasure Colored Glass Tree.

It had grown to a huge size. When it was summoned, it filled the sky, its divine radiance turning this place into a wonderland. In an instant, all the disciples felt like they were in a land of myth and legend.

“How beautiful…” Tang Wan-er and the others murmured, captivated by its brilliance. The entire island became unspeakably beautiful because of its existence.

“Enjoy the view while it lasts,” Long Chen said. “In a moment, things will change. My Spiritual Strength will merge with the Seven Treasure Colored Glass Tree, pulling you into another world—one filled with bloodshed and fear. You’ll face the things you dread most, and your lives will feel as fragile as flickering flames. This world is partially born from my own heart. You won’t die, but the pain will be very real. Are you ready?”

Tang Wan-er playfully saluted him and said, “Reporting to eldest brother Long Chen, we’re ready!”

Long Chen smiled slightly. “Then let us begin!”

As the Seven Treasure Colored Glass Tree quivered, the beautiful landscape vanished, replaced by darkness. It was like they were drawn into an endless abyss, and countless monsters came pouring out of every direction.

Suddenly, Tang Wan-er felt a chilling wind behind her. Without hesitation, she spun and struck with her sword, knocking back her attacker. But when she saw who it was, her eyes widened in shock.

“Gui Yan[1]?” she gasped.

Tang Wan-er recognized the attacker—creepy Gui Yan from the Martial Heaven Continent. He grinned wickedly before dissipating into the darkness.

“Careful!” Tang Wan-er cried out as she noticed Xiao Yue, who was fighting crazily with everyone else, was ambushed by an assassin.

A dagger appeared out of nowhere, slicing through Xiao Yue’s neck. In an instant, her head flew from her body.

Enraged, Tang Wan-er directly attacked the assassin. Her strike revealed a chubby man who was smiling sinisterly.

“Enpuda?!”

1. Corrupt path’s genius with a creepy smile from the Martial Heaven Continent. A piece of dialogue from Chapter 1284 to jolt your memories: “It was caused by Leng Yueyan. She said my smile was very ugly, so she left this wound behind. Now, whenever I smile, my mouth instantly splits open.” ☜

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