I am becoming the ultimate demon.

Chapter 11: Heading North to the Capital, the Demon Suppression Division Trials; Prodigies Compete A

"Great, Lin'er, don't miss this opportunity, prepare well."

"Yes, having the identity of a Demon Suppressor will make things much easier in the future."

Upon hearing the news that the capital had invited Ji Lin to participate in the trials, both the county magistrate and Ji Chang'an were extremely excited.

They felt this was a sign of the court's approval, and that they no longer needed to worry about suppression in the capital.

With the support of the imperial court, and a demon-suppressing envoy appointed in Xiong'an County, who would dare to provoke him?

However, Ji Lin was the only one who didn't see it that way. In an extraordinary era, what mattered was not gaining the court's approval, but acquiring sufficient strength. Relying on the power of others would inevitably lead to failure sooner or later.

However, the Demon Suppression Division's trial will definitely gather disciples from all forces across the land. Being able to go to the capital to meet experts from all walks of life and broaden one's horizons is also a good opportunity.

Therefore, Ji Lin decided to accept the invitation and travel to the capital alone.

Although he encountered many troubles on his way to the capital, such as bandits, refugees, and strange occurrences, he easily resolved them all with his iron fist.

The carriage was stopped at the city gates. After crossing the city wall, which was several meters high, and stepping into the capital, one was greeted by the bustling Zhuque Avenue.

Every restaurant and inn was bustling with activity, especially the Drunken Immortal Restaurant, whose aroma of wine could be smelled from afar.

The streets were filled with a dazzling array of goods, most of which he had never seen before in Xiong'an County.

"Selling douzhi (fermented mung bean juice)~ Come and have a taste!!"

"Imperial Jade Liquor, 180 yuan a glass!!"

"Kidney Tonic, Kidney Tonic, men all say it's great!!"

Ji Lin was delayed on the road because he had to rush to participate in the trial; otherwise, he would have stopped to properly taste these specialties of the capital.

He arrived at the gates of the imperial city, entered the towering red building, handed the token to the official in charge of receiving him, passed through nine gates, and finally stood outside the magnificent palace he had seen in the illusion.

While waiting, people chatted about who would be the champion of this trial.

"I heard that the champion of this trial will receive a special reward."

An old man dressed in a blue Taoist robe said, "I guess the champion of this trial will definitely be the Ninth Prince. His martial arts skills are unparalleled in the world."

A young man dressed in imperial robes bowed and replied, "The White Cloud Sect is a renowned sect throughout the land. How could my mediocre skills compare to your sect's Holy Son?"

The two complimented each other and chatted happily.

Ji Lin could sense that there were many other Awakened Ones present who had been invited, and their strength was no less than that of Grandmasters.

After waiting for a while, a middle-aged man dressed in gray armor recited in a clear and resonant voice:

"I am Jiang Tianchen, the Deputy Commander of the Demon Suppression Division, and I will be in charge of this trial!"

Ji Lin then used his Insight skill to check the person's information:

[Martial Artist: Jiang Tianchen]

【grade:??】

Martial Arts: Bagua Palm, Demon-Slaying Spear Technique

"???"

He was filled with doubt, wondering why he couldn't see the person's level information. He estimated that this person's strength had reached a terrifying level.

"This trial is very simple. Just enter the royal forbidden area and pass the third level alive," Jiang Tianchen continued.

Ji Lin could tell from his words that this trial was bound to result in deaths, and that it would be quite an achievement to survive.

But royal family members are also participating in the trials. What if they die inside? Doesn't the court care? That's too cruel.

"Now, the competition rules will be read. Everyone, listen carefully."

"First challenge: Push open the forbidden stone gate to advance."

"The second challenge is to pass through the Beast Valley. The first one hundred people to arrive will advance."

"The third challenge is to pass through the ruins of the previous dynasty and come out alive. There is no limit to the number of participants."

"The trial will begin in fifteen minutes. Please proceed to the Royal Forbidden Area."

Then, the crowd began to discuss amongst themselves, exchanging bewildered glances. Someone muttered under their breath, "Why are the rules different from before?"

Ji Lin seemed to be deep in thought.

The first challenge is a test of strength, which is easy to understand.

The second round may seem to be about speed, but it actually tests overall strength. Due to the limited number of spots, it is likely that many people will die.

The third challenge mentions the ruins of the previous dynasty, which was actually destroyed by demons. If this is true, then it means directly facing the anomaly.

Everyone followed Jiang Tianchen to the royal forbidden area.

Beyond the garden lay a vast canyon, its entrance blocked by a ten-foot-high wall, with a ten-foot-high stone gate at the entrance, and a wide, barren open space in front.

Strange screams could be heard from the depths from time to time; the wild beasts that lived there probably didn't exist in reality.

The mountain breeze carried the stench of corpses, making one want to vomit.

Everyone present felt very uneasy about this strange place.

"Everyone, please follow the order. Once inside, do not wander around, or you will be responsible for the consequences."

"The first one is the Ninth Prince, Zhao Yuan."

Jiang Tianchen read out the identities and backgrounds of each person.

Perhaps this is the true purpose of the first trial; the so-called trial of strength is just a pretext.

Zhao Yuan walked forward to the stone door, gently pushed it open, and after he went inside, the stone door slowly closed.

"The second one is Qin Dong from the Baiyun Sect."

Qin Dong strode forward and pushed hard, but the stone door didn't budge at all. It took a lot of effort to finally open it.

"The fifth one... failed. Please leave."

"With this kind of strength, you can't even push open the stone gate and you still want to participate in the trial? Go home and raise pigs!" People outside kept mocking.

Ji Lin originally thought that since the imperial court had already conducted the screening, the test in terms of strength should be just for show. Who knew that there were actually people who couldn't push open the stone door.

"The sixtieth one is Ji Lin from Xiong'an County."

Finally, it was his turn. Reading out names one by one was indeed inefficient.

Ji Lin calmly stood outside the stone gate, placed his hands on it and pressed them tightly against the stone wall. He took a lunge and pushed off the ground with all his might, but the stone gate only moved slightly and did not open.

He thought that with his Grandmaster strength, pushing open this stone door shouldn't be a problem, but he didn't expect the stone door to be so heavy. Strange.

"If you don't have the ability, don't get involved. You're wasting our time. Let's go." A chorus of boos erupted from outside.

Ji Lin thought back again. When the Ninth Prince went in earlier, he was clearly very relaxed. He had also used his Insight skill to check, and he was at the level of a Grandmaster. Not only him, but almost everyone had this level of strength. There was no reason for such a big difference in strength.

After a brief moment of thought, he tried to touch it gently, and the stone door began to move.

So that's how it is. The harder you push the stone door, the less you can move it. This challenge is actually a brain teaser.

The only trap in this level is that it doesn't give you much time to think; after three attempts, it's considered a failure.

Of course, he wouldn't easily announce his agreement, so he used half his strength, which still looked quite strenuous, but the stone door finally opened.

Those who can easily pass this level are either too weak or exceptionally clever...