Awakening of the Ancient: Rise of the Fallen

The Demon Emperor heard the question and went silent for a moment as if he was trying to remember the past.

"Ah, Your Majesty? I apologize for asking the unnecessary question. You don't need to answer me," the demon general said as he saw the Demon Emperor not answering.

"Ah, no. it's fine. It's not a bad question," Demon Emperor replied.

"Is he really dead? Even I wonder if he is really gone or is there still something left of him," The Demon Emperor said as he closed his eyes.

****

"That bastard, does he think I'm not worthy of his daughter? Just because in the past, we were defeated by a monster, does he think that we aren't strong? He has become so arrogant. He thinks our white tiger clan can't take care of the Demonic Realm?" The White Tiger Crown Prince cursed as he left the palace.

"No matter what, his daughter will definitely become mine. He can't prevent it!" He said as he started flying away from the Royal Palace.

****

Xu Ming was still in the forest in the Mighty Demon Sect. It was Zi Zhenfeng that was taking care of them while Wu Tian and Xu Ming cultivated.

There was no problem so far as people didn't attack them, but that peace didn't last for long.

It was the 6th day in the forest. When everything started, 1002 people had entered the forest, but more than half of them were already killed.

There were many teams that were completely wiped out while there were some teams that only had one or two people remaining. Only 47 teams were fully intact.

Most of the weak teams were fully wiped out and only the strong ones remained. The ones that had the enlightening balls had to go through vicious battles. Some of those teams had managed to successfully protect the ball while there were some teams that weren't lucky or strong enough.

The teams that still didn't have the ball were starting to get desperate as the time kept passing. It was already the 6th day and when the 7th day was over, the trial would be over along with their dreams to get selected in the Inner Sect.

Zi Zhenfeng was getting bored when he heard the footsteps of someone.

"You! Give me that ball and we won't do anything!" A boy came out of the bushes as he pointed his sword towards Zi Zhenfeng.

"You alone? Do you think you can do anything?" Zi Zhenfeng said with an amused look on his face.

"I'm not alone! They are with me!" the boy let out as 5 more people came out of the bushes.

"Were you all waiting for him to finish his dialogues?" Zi Zhenfeng said with a wry smile on his face.

"It's interesting that 2 teams joined hands, but you're still not enough. Unless you want to die, leave," Zi Zhenfeng said casually. He didn't even bother standing up for them.

"Hahaha, We all know who you are. I know that the 6 of us won't be enough for you, but who said that it's just the 6 of us?" The boy said smilingly.

"I guess this is getting somewhat serious. 20 teams joined together to get a single enlightening ball? I don't understand how it works?" Zi Zhenfeng asked with a confused look on his face.

"It's simple. We are not strong enough to face the big teams like yours. If this keeps on going like this, none of us will be able to take the ball and get selected, that's why we decided to join hands together to get the ball. Later on, we will decide who keeps the ball," the boy in the lead said.

"Interesting. I like your determination. Here, you can keep the ball," Zi Zhenfeng grinned as he threw the ball towards the boy.

The boy was shocked as he caught the ball.

"W-what? What's happening here? How can you give the ball so easily? Don't you want to keep the ball and get selected?" He asked in shock.

"Nah, we just joined this test because our masters wanted us to join. See? We are cultivating here and not even trying to fight. We don't want to fight for the ball that we don't even need. Also, I think you need the ball more than us. You guys can leave," Zi Zhenfeng said.

"Hmm? Are you serious?" the boy asked in surprise.

"Yeah, I'm really serious. Now leave. Don't disturb our peace," Zi Zhenfeng said.

"Ah, right," The boy said as he turned back and walked away. The others followed after him.

They were still walking away when Zi Zhenfeng heard their voices.

"Hey Fu Lixun, give that ball to us!" 

"Wait, he gave it to me. We all had an equal chance in this way and I won. So why should I give it to you?"

"Hah, now the ball is their problem. I give them 10 minutes before they start fighting for the ball. That's what happens when you don't decide on a proper plan before getting teams together to get something that only one person can keep" Zi Zhenfeng chuckled as he relaxed and rested his back against the tree.

After a few hours, Xu Ming stopped his cultivation. It was his turn to guard them.

"You can go cultivate now," He told Zi Zhenfeng.

"Oh, you're up. Alright," Zi Zhenfeng sat straight as he heard Xu Ming's voice.

"Where is the ball?" Xu Ming asked as he found the ball missing.

"I finally got the opportunity to give it away, and I gave it away. If I'm not wrong, they should still be fighting for the ball," Zi Zhenfeng chuckled as he explained what had happened.

"Great, Now we just have to get the ball back tomorrow night," Xu Ming said as he smiled lightly.

Zi Zhenfeng began cultivation.

More time passed and even Wu Tian woke up. He was also informed about the ball being given to someone else.

Just like that, time kept passing. Even the 6th night passed away. The 6th night was one of the most intense nights yet as everyone fought for the balls.

It was the 7th night. The test was said to be over early morning at 4 am, so everyone had 6 more hours only.

Xu Ming, Wu Tian, and Zi Zhenfeng were all standing together as they gazed towards the pillar of the light.

"It's finally time for some action. I can't tell you how boring the last 7 days have been," Zi Zhenfeng said as a smile appeared on his face.

"I don't think any of us enjoyed spending 7 days under a tree. But it will all be over in a few hours. We will all become an inner sect disciple," Wu Tian commented.

"Yup, let's see who has the ball that's closest to us," Zi Zhenfeng said as he started walking towards the pillar of light.

After walking for around 20 minutes, they finally reached the place. They could see the team that had the ball. It was fighting against 7 other teams at the same time, but it didn't look as if they were at a disadvantage.

"I guess we got a tough opponent here. Those 3 are the personal disciples of the elders as well. The leader is Mu Li, the personal disciple of Elder Xu. He is a 6th stage Spirit Establishment Realm cultivator. His cultivation is one minor realm higher than mine, but I should be able to handle him. The other one is the disciple of Elder Li. His cultivation is the same as Zi Zhenfeng's. They are both at the 5th stage of the Spirit Establishment Realm. Zi Zengfeng should be able to take care of him as well," Wu Tian said 

"The real problem is the 3rd guy. The one that holds the ball. He is also a 5th stage Spirit Establishment Realm cultivator, so Xu Ming can't fight him and the other 2 won't let us get near him. Let's watch, maybe one of them will get information. We still have 5 hours left," He further added.

Xu Ming heard his words, but he didn't say anything. He was sure that he could even defeat Mu Li with the strength he held, but there was no need to explain. All that really mattered was getting that ball.

2 hours passed away and the other teams were killed. Only the team of Mu Li was left. They didn't look injured either. All 3 of them were perfectly fine.

"None of them were hurt. That's not good. Alright, Xu Ming, you need to block that guy for some time. Zi Zhenfeng, finish your opponent fast and go help, Xu Ming. I'll take care of Mu Li and come for help as well. We can't let it go wrong," Wu Tian said as he pointed  towards the boy that held the ball.

Zi Zhenfeng nodded his head.

"I'll block him," Xu Ming said, but the real plan in his mind was entirely different.

Wu Tian, Zi Zhenfeng, and Xu Ming stepped forth.