Ryu's cold, biting expression made it feel as though the gravity of the surroundings had multiplied many times over. Those who were weaker found it almost impossible to breathe and even those who held some strength felt their knees buckle all the same.
The young woman overseeing the entrance to the trial gate felt an overwhelming pressure bear down on her heart. It made her realize that even though this Ryu's cultivation was a bit low, he really couldn't be underestimated in the slightest. If he wasn't worthy of entering the trial grounds… than who could possibly be?
The expression of the half-masked man warped. Though it was a bit difficult to tell behind the abilities of a necromancer mask, just the disruption in his gloomy aura was enough to paint enough of a picture.
Niel raised an eyebrow. He was a bit surprised by Ryu's actions as well. Though conflicts between talented disciples weren't rare, what was rare was shedding all pretenses like this. After all, many followed the principle of 'there were no eternal enemies, only endless benefits'. Since everyone had such thoughts, there was no need to become irreconcilable with people because you just might need them in the future.
However, this Ryu didn't have qualms at all.
At that moment, Niel cleared his throat.
"Brother Anfroy, your words were indeed a little inappropriate and it seems Brother Ryu didn't take kindly to them. How about we forget it for now? I think you yourself realize this as well. If you want something from others, it's better that you come forward with a bit more sincerity."
The half-masked young man with a gloomy aura, who apparently went by Anfroy, shot a ferocious glance toward Niel.
He had come here with every intention of trading fairly. However, he had told Ryu that he wanted to buy the key when Ryu said 'I refuse.' To answer in such a cold and succinct manner, was the person who first showed disrespect not this Ryu and not him?
"Stay out of this." Anfroy said coldy before turning his gaze back toward Ryu. "I really want to see just how this arrogant fool plans to kill me. I'm standing right –"
Before Anfroy could react, Ryu's fist blasted into his chest.
Completely stunned, the air was completely knocked out of Anfroy, his eyes bulging and his tongue involuntarily hanging out from his mouth as he dry heaved while his body flew through the air.
Ryu didn't pursue as Anfroy slammed against the sturdy black walls of the Martial Tower. He could tell that his strike hadn't done any true damage to Anfroy. Not to mention the fact the latter was a Half-Step into the Path Extinction Realm, he also wore a high grade defensive treasure as well.
The only reason Ryu was able to put him into such a sorry state was because he was a Necromancer, yet he actually dared to stand so closely to him. Necromancers were ultimately Mental Realm Masters, how could their bodies match up to Ryu's? He was simply courting death.
However, in the end, Ryu had still chosen to hold back for now. This Anfroy was lucky that he had used a fist and not his spear, or that latter really would have died. If he really killed Anfroy in a single, sudden strike, his Nightingale Palace might use it as an excuse and say he had used a sneak attack. But this way, it would become a formal duel of the younger generation.
At that moment, the scene of numerous twitching lips could be seen. How could they not be shocked? When had cultivation realms become so meaningless? Since when was it possible for a Divine Vessel Realm expert to treat someone on Anfroy's level like a ragdoll?
Even if they weren't aware of Anfroy's cultivation due to his mask, what they did know was that he was the leading disciple brother of the Nightingale Mansion. This meant his cultivation was at worst a Half-Step into the Path Extinction Realm.
Of course, there was another reason Anfroy was blasted away so easily, and that was because his Immortal Ring hadn't been summoned.
BANG!
"I'LL KILL YOU!"
Ghastly black qi surged from Anfroy as he roared with all his might. If this had been a normal dwelling, the shout of such an expert would have caused it to collapse entirely. But since this place withstood countless ongoing trials, how could it not withstand this little bit?
Unlike what one might expect, the Martial Tower didn't prohibit battle. In fact, though guards were present, it was actually quite rare for them to act. It was just that Ryu was a bit unlucky in going over his time limit.
Now that there was the sudden eruption of battle, not only did no one in a position of authority step forward, many even looked over in interest. This was called the Martial Tower for a reason.
"To think that I, Anfroy Nightingale, would have a day where a mere Divine Vessel Realm expert dares to attack me."
Niel seemed to want to stop Ryu, but the latter had already flicked his wrist and opened his palm, causing a spear to appear in his hand.
Ryu's black robes billowed, sharp piercing spear qi whipping around his body incessantly. Their momentum was so fierce that even the sturdy materials the tower was forged of were suddenly filled with countless white marks in an instant.
He slowly walked toward Anfroy who had raised into the air, his qi billowing like a dense black fog with the intent to envelop everything.
"I'll use your head as a warning." Ryu said in a calm and even tone. "Those who want this key in my possession should be ready to pay a price, no matter who they are."
Anfroy's laughter shook the air. Even as it did, three figures stalked outward from the dense fog that was his qi, sulking forward with the scent of death lingering in their wake. Though all three were humanoid in their shape, but they were most definitely larger than any human would be. Unfortunately, it was impossible to tell exactly what they were due to the thick black robes they all wore.
A black Impose Barrier erupted around Anfroy. In that instant, the auras of his three corpse puppets raised to another level. Their cultivations jumped from the Peak Immortal Ring Realm to infinitely close to the Path Extinction Realm.
If others saw how Anfroy was acting now, they'd see that he was truly infuriated. Though it couldn't be said that he had brought all of his trump cards out, it was very clear that he wasn't underestimating Ryu in the slightest.
As for Ailsa? He didn't even spare her a thought. If she dared to make a move, even if she ran to the ends of the earth, the experts of the Nightingale Mansion would never let her off!
"You think that just because you cleared some neglected trial that you have the qualifications to go up against me? You want to know why passing this trial is only worth a spot as a Working Disciple? It's because this trial is worthless! Only by taking this trial at one of the Eight Cities can it actually have some meaning to it and allow you to become an Outer Disciple.
"Since you've thoroughly infuriated me today, I'll toy with you to the brink of death and then refine you into a puppet so you can spend the rest of your miserable existence regretting your –"
BANG
In that moment, Anfroy's Impose Barrier shattered and he spit out a mouthful of blood as he almost fell from the air. An instant later, the auras of his three corpse puppets plummeted once more, returning to their original strength.
"Impose."
A beautiful green barrier wrapped around Ryu in the shape of a dome. Arcs of bright blue electricity and wisps of light green wind followed his steps, building momentum with his every stride.
A solemn expression coated Niel's face. It wasn't just him, but everyone watching felt a shudder in their hearts. Just how much stronger was Ryu's Inheritance to shatter the Nightingale Mansion's Death Inheritance so swiftly and easily?
"I suggest you don't use such flimsy Impose Barriers before me. Bring out everything you have now, or you'll lose your chance to do so."
Anfroy was right about one thing, the trial to Ryu's back was meaningless. It had far too many flaws and had been far too easy. The current Ryu wanted to deter others from pissing him off on the one hand, but on the other… He wanted to test where the limits of his new strength lied.
This leading disciple brother was the perfect target dummy.