Passing the Trial

Jiang Han's eyes widened in astonishment.

The Dark Reincarnation could be considered a skill that harmed both the enemy and the user—a thousand harm to the foe and eight hundred to oneself. Sacrificing a reduction of ten levels in exchange for a five-minute, 50% boost to all attributes was a calculated decision for ordinary players, one that required careful consideration.

Yet, for him, this skill was nothing short of divine!

After all, levels could be regained, but as one who had embraced the darkness, he had only one life; dying once was nearly equivalent to losing the account!

The Dark Reincarnation!

Without a moment's hesitation, Jiang Han activated it.

Instantly, a black mist emanated from his body, and a powerful, icy energy flowed from his chest to his limbs, causing his strength to surge.

"!!"

Sensing the unusual power of his adversary, the Water Qilin displayed a trace of shock. "What malevolent force is this? Who are you?"

It spoke with a voice as tender as a child.

It can articulate words?

Jiang Han was slightly surprised, then replied promptly, "Surrender, and I will tell you!"

"Dream on," the Water Qilin shook its head in refusal.

"In that case, there's nothing more to discuss."

Blessed by the Dark Reincarnation, his attributes surpassed those of the Water Qilin. However, the duration was only five minutes, with no room for wastefulness.

Evil Tread!

Jiang Han leaped fiercely before the Water Qilin could react, landing a heavy blow on its forehead, suppressing it for 0.5 seconds. He then opened his legs, riding on the Water Qilin's neck, launching a frenzied onslaught.

-10807!

-4481!

-4975!

-5555!

-6589!

...

A series of consecutive strikes dealt over thirty thousand damage, nearly a third of the Water Qilin's total health.

"Evil Tread!" The Water Qilin spoke again, "You actually know the lost Evil Tread!"

If it were not within the celestial trial, where it could easily see Jiang Han's skills and character panel, the Water Qilin, although not inferior in strength, could not ascertain his level, which was only 1, surpassing the scope of detection arts.

"I not only know Evil Tread, but also Breath of Water. Would you like to experience it?" Jiang Han, in the midst of the attack, didn't forget to taunt with words.

"You... damned!"

Seemingly touched by a sore spot, the Water Qilin became furious. It stamped its right hoof on the water-covered ground, causing water to surge within a hundred meters, forming a cubic space.

"Ding! ~"

System prompt: Water Qilin uses the skill [Forbidden · Ocean Domain]. All enemy units within the domain will be subjected to increasingly powerful attacks from marine creatures, lasting for three minutes!

Marine creatures?

Jiang Han's nerves tightened. He struck the Water Qilin's head with his fist, attempting to end the battle quickly.

"Whoosh!"

Suddenly, a sea serpent formed from water elements leaped out, biting Jiang Han's leg before disappearing.

"Ding! ~"

System prompt: You are attacked by [Toxic Sea Serpent], losing 500 health points per second for ten seconds!

Ten seconds equaled five thousand, still within Jiang Han's endurance range.

However, before he could recover, a water-element frog leaped up, its tongue landing on Jiang Han's leg, dealing 3096 damage before vanishing.

Ignoring the attacks, Jiang Han focused all his efforts on attacking the Water Qilin, fixated on its health bar.

60%!

40%!

"Get down!" The Water Qilin continuously leaped, attempting to shake him off, but Jiang Han firmly clamped his legs around its neck, refusing to let go.

"Brother, just die already." Jiang Han punched with all his might, attempting to distract with words. "It's not easy for me to acquire a better talent!"

"The dignity of the Qilin shall not be defiled!"

"You are an auspicious being. Why so combative?" Jiang Han complained, "You should say, 'Humans, as revered auspicious beasts, I won't stoop to your level. I don't want to be your enemy. I'll let you pass this stage; that would be reasonable.'"

"How can I not be your match when you treat the revered auspicious beast like this?"

...

Since good communication couldn't alleviate the current dilemma, Jiang Han stopped bantering.

In reality, his attempts at friendly persuasion were merely to distract the Water Qilin, preventing it from using other skills.

As for the Breath of Water, if it unleashed a cold wave again, the consequences would be disastrous.

"Jia Er, stay calm. Facing enemies, one must not lose composure. Be aware that some skills have completed their cooldown!"

Suddenly, a voice filled with authority rang out.

This was...

Were there indigenous people secretly watching the celestial trial?

Jiang Han felt a chill in his heart, finding the "evolution of the world" set by the official system somewhat eerie.

Clearly, NPCs acted according to their own will, leading to the presence of such onlookers.

"In broad daylight, someone is watching me subdue the Water Qilin like this. It seems like he's not a good person, probably fond of doing sneaky things." Jiang Han loudly declared, "Jia Er, let's not listen to him."

Jia Er seemed to be the Water Qilin's name.

As the saying goes, one tends to be affectionate when scolding, and calling the Water Qilin "Jia Er" seemed reasonable.

Unfortunately, the Water Qilin did not heed Jiang Han's advice. A chill enveloped its body, undoubtedly the prelude to unleashing the Cold Wave Sweep.

At this critical moment, Jiang Han remained silent, waiting for the opportune moment to suddenly leap up and step on the Water Qilin's head.

"Ding! ~"

System prompt: You use the skill [Evil Tread], successfully interrupting the Water Qilin's [Cold Wave Sweep], and causing it to enter a 0.5-second suppression state!

Interrupted!

With the plan exposed, he had to rely on the interruption effect of Evil Tread.

In fact, besides avoiding the Water Qilin's Cold Wave Sweep, he was also waiting for the cooldown of Evil Tread.

"Sigh!"

A sigh sounded.

Subsequently, Jiang Han, taking advantage of the incomplete outbreak of the Ocean Domain, relentlessly attacked. During this time, he occasionally suffered attacks from marine creatures formed by water elements.

20%!

10%!

Watching the Water Qilin's health reach a mere sliver, Jiang Han once again unleashed a frenzied onslaught. "Die!"

"Woo—"

Simultaneously, a small, water-blue whale leaped from the surface, accompanied by a roaring wave. However, just as it was about to approach Jiang Han, it spontaneously dissipated, turning into droplets.

"Ding! ~"

System prompt: Congratulations, you have met the conditions. The talent acquisition range is now upgraded to S~A tier!

"Ding! ~"

System prompt: Congratulations, you have successfully defeated the Water Q

ilin. Reward: Free attribute points +10!

The Water Qilin's illusion disappeared, and the consecutive ringing of the system sounded like a burden lifted, causing Jiang Han to exhale gently.

"You're quite impressive." The voice carried a hint of emotion. "Unfortunately, you've chosen the wrong faction."

"Do you think joining the Light faction means embracing the light?" Jiang Han countered.

Light and darkness are not just words.

Human hearts are complex, and the line between good and evil is just a thought. How can justice and evil be clearly distinguished?

...

The owner of that voice seemed to fall into silence. After a moment, they replied, "With your strength, we will meet again sooner or later."

"Hopefully, not as enemies." Jiang Han nodded.

Afterward, there was no more response, and he refocused his attention on the present.

"Ding! ~"

System prompt: Congratulations on successfully completing all celestial trials. Enter the talent selection phase and carefully choose a talent suitable for yourself! (Note: Talents cannot grow, cannot be changed, will not be forgotten, and will accompany you for a lifetime.)