C9

Ye Hao's appearance caused Ye Yunfeng to be stunned for a moment. Anger welled up in his heart and he immediately shouted out.

In today's Martial Hall Exam, he had deliberately not informed Ye Hao about it. After all, Ye Yunfeng thought that if Ye Hao were to participate in the exam, his cultivation base would have plummeted and he would not even have the ability to protect himself.

Because of this, even though Ye Yunfeng knew that he had reached the age of the examination, he still did not want him to take the risk.

Ye Yunfeng had already decided in his heart that even if Ye Hao did not participate in this assessment, as long as he put down his pride, the three elders would not fight with him over such a small matter.

Ye Hao would not be kicked out of the Ye Family.

But now, the unexpected arrival of this young man caused all of Ye Yunfeng's thoughts to fail.

Right now, in front of everyone's eyes, nearly 90% of his clansmen were present. If he disregarded the clan rules and allowed the old Ye Hao to escape the exam, how could the clansmen present be convinced?

Of course, it was all because of Ye Yunfeng's ignorance. Not only was the current Ye Hao able to cultivate once more, his strength had even surpassed that of the past. If he knew of all these, he would not be as anxious as he was now.

As for the crowd, although they were quiet due to Ye Yunfeng's shout, they all looked at Ye Hao as if he was a fool, full of ridicule and schadenfreude.

Ye Peng and Ye Ying laughed coldly in their hearts. Under the watchful eyes of everyone, they wanted to see how Ye Hao and the chief would deal with this situation.

As for Ye Hao, he carelessly scanned his surroundings. Sensing the mockery in everyone's eyes, a cold smile involuntarily surfaced on his delicate and pretty face.

The only people in the entire Ye Clan who knew that he could cultivate once again were Qing Wu and Ye Hong, who was crippled by him.

As for his true strength, forget about everyone present, even Qingwu didn't know.

In order to take revenge on Ye Peng and Ye Ying's blood feud and lower their defenses, Ye Hao could only choose to hide it for now.

Therefore, Ye Hao took a deep breath. He looked at the elder on the high platform with determination and said, "Chief, I am not messing around. I am very clear about the danger of the exam."

Ye Hao's black eyes were clear and firm, revealing a look that Ye Yunfeng was both unfamiliar and familiar. Thinking back carefully, he suddenly realized that this look was exactly the same as the one four years ago when he was in high spirits.

But now, there was an extra sense of calm and persistence within the youth's black eyes.

"Hao'er, you …" Ye Yunfeng was slightly shocked and frowned.

At the same time, on the high platform, the Ye Family's Second Elder suddenly said: "I almost forgot. Ye Hao, you have reached the age limit for this year's assessment."

Glancing at Ye Yunfeng beside him, the Second Elder pondered for a moment before continuing, "The clan's rules cannot be broken. If so, Ye Hao, you and Ye Ze will be participating in this Martial Hall assessment."

"Second Elder!"

Ye Yunfeng's expression changed. Just as he was about to say something, the skinny old man beside him who seemed to be napping all this time lifted his eyelids and interrupted in a low voice, "Patriarch, the clan rules are the basis of our family. We should set our example on such an occasion."

"Great Elder, but Ye Hao only has the strength of Tempered Body 2nd Layer. Could it be …" Ye Yunfeng's face turned ugly. Although he felt that the young man was a little different, he still felt uneasy when he thought of the danger of the exam.

"Patriarch, don't forget. In the Martial Hall's examination, life and death are determined by fate. You can't be merciful to each other." At this moment, the Ye family's third elder also spoke up.

The three elders of the clan had the same opinion, and all the clansmen below the stage were watching him closely.

After a long sigh, he flew down the high platform and stood in front of Ye Hao. With an unprecedented seriousness on his face, he said: "Hao'er, although the examination area has been explored, there are still quite a few dangers. You must be careful, if you meet any demon beasts, do not hesitate and immediately escape."

He slapped his bag of holding, took out a cold long spear that gave off waves of spiritual power, and said in a low voice, "Take this low rank Spiritual Weapon and protect yourself. Remember, if you cannot endure it, you must immediately leave. Don't worry about three days, your grandfather will take care of everything."

Seeing the worried look in the old man's eyes, Ye Hao nodded his head. Under the envious eyes of the surrounding people, he put away the long spear into his storage bag and then said in a voice that only two people could hear: "Grandpa, don't worry, I won't do anything that I'm not confident in."

Ye Yunfeng's eyes flashed, he nodded his head as if he had understood something.

At this time, Ye Ze, who was at the side, also said, "Patriarch, don't worry. I will definitely take care of Ye Hao. I'll do my best to prevent him from getting injured!"

Although the strength of Tempered Body 4th Layer isn't considered top among the younger generation of the Ye Family, they're not weak. As long as they're careful, surviving in the outskirts of the mountain range for three days isn't impossible.

"Remember, after entering the outskirts of the mountain range, do not stray. You must return safely." Ye Yunfeng patted Ye Hao's shoulder. After instructing the two for a while, he returned to the high platform.

"Since you are ready, let's go." On the high platform, the second elder's dignified voice sounded again, "Whether you can enter the Martial Hall and stay in the family will all depend on your results."

As his voice faded, all the participating members of the Ye Family on the martial arts practice field shouted out loudly. Then, they started to move into groups of two under the leadership of the experts supervising the exam.

As the number of people on the field started to decrease, Ye Hao suddenly had a reaction. He turned his head and saw not far away, there was a malicious looking Ye Peng standing side by side with Ye Ying.

Looking at the malicious gazes of the two, he instantly understood that Ye Peng and Ye Ying were probably thinking the same thing as him. They wanted to take the opportunity to make a move in the Black Abyss Mountain Range, leaving no traces behind.

Thinking of this, Ye Hao couldn't help but grin at them, a strange smile appearing on his face.

This dog-couple probably still had no idea who the real hunters were in this hunting game.

"Ye Hao, that... Let's go too. " At this moment, Ye Ze, who was at the side, took a few steps forward. With a slightly bashful expression, he said, "After we reach the Black Abyss Mountain Range, you just need to follow me closely. Let's find a place to hide for three days. There's definitely no problem!"

Looking at the introverted thin teenager in front of him, Ye Hao smiled and nodded. Afterwards, he left the Ye family under the lead of Ye Ze, heading towards the Black Abyss Mountain Range.

Although Ye Hao wasn't familiar with Ye Ze, he was still a member of the Ye Family. He had met him a few times before, so he could be considered a good friend.

However, he doesn't have any bad intentions. Even if all these years he fell down the altar, and Ye Ze met him, he would always greet him shyly and kindly, unlike those from the same clan that threw stones at him when he was down.

It was also because of this that Ye Hao had chosen to team up with him. After all, the Black Abyss Mountain Range was quite dangerous. Ye Ze entering it alone at Tempered Body 4th Layer didn't guarantee his safety.

Along the way, Ye Hao took the initiative to converse with Ye Ze. Ye Ze was no longer as reserved as he was initially. His face shyly withdrew and his expression gradually relaxed.

Finally, under the lead of the clan experts supervising the examination, a pitch black mountain range that looked like a giant dragon lying in hibernation appeared in front of the two of them.

"Entering from the front is the outer region of the Black Abyss Mountain Range. Unless one obtains the heart of the Cyanwood Demon Wolf, one must stay in the mountain range for three full days." In front of him, the Life Sea Realm middle-aged man stopped and said a few words. Then, he walked to the side and began to converse with the supervisors who had arrived in advance.

Ignoring the former's attitude, Ye Hao looked forward. A fairly wide mud road extended into the dense forest of the mountain range ahead.

The dense forest was shrouded in mist. It was a bit hazy. Ye Hao could still see a few figures flashing and disappearing from inside. Presumably, they were the Ye family's disciples who had arrived before them.

Although the Black Abyss Mountain Range was vast, there was only this entrance to the examination grounds. With the Ye Family's Life Sea Realm experts guarding outside, there was no possibility of cheating at all.

"Let's go."

Letting out a light breath, Ye Hao took the lead and walked forward. Behind him, Ye Ze hurriedly followed with an unconcealable nervousness on his face as he said: "Ye Hao, when we enter the mountain range, you must follow me closely. Let's find a safe place to hide."

Seeing Ye Ze's forced calmness, Ye Hao couldn't help but laugh. During this assessment, he not only wanted to obtain the heart of the wolf, but also wanted to obtain a huge debt of blood from it. How could he hide it away?

He tilted his head as he thought of this. He glanced at the people who came to participate in the assessment one after another. A cold look gradually appeared in his eyes.

In three days, he, Ye Peng, and Ye Ying would definitely meet inside.

"..."

In the dense forest, ancient trees towered up into the sky. Mist filled the air and it was somewhat gloomy. After Ye Hao and Ye Ze entered this place, a wave of damp air, along with the stench of demonic beasts, rushed into their noses.

The surroundings were dead silent. Only the sound of wind breaking could be heard from a distance. Obviously, it was the other disciples of the Ye family who were taking the exam.

As he entered the forest, Ye Hao became vigilant. Although his strength had increased tremendously, if he were to fail in the wrong path, then it would be extremely funny.

Moreover, this was not a sewer stream, but a true vicious place.

The Black Abyss Mountain Range had existed for an unknown amount of time. It was rumored that the name of the Black Abyss City originated from this.

As far as he knew, the mountain range was vast and limitless. Demonic beasts roamed about, and deep within the mountains existed terrifying Greater Demons who exceeded the Dao Soul Realm.

Ever since Ye Hao had gotten to know things, all kinds of legends about the Black Abyss Mountain Range had been constantly heard.

It was rumored that in the deepest parts of the mountain range, there was an incomparably strange and bottomless black abyss that seemed to lead straight into the catacombs. It was filled with a dense mist that caused people to indulge in wild fantasies.

Another theory was that an earth-shattering expert had fallen here countless years ago. Perhaps his legacy was still hidden in the deepest parts of the mountain range.

Of course, with regards to all of this, no one could be sure.

After all, the Black Abyss Mountain Range was a place where demon beasts ran rampant and were incomparably dangerous. Even the major powers of Black Lake City were unable to truly penetrate it and were extremely fearful of this place.

However, dangers were also often accompanied by opportunities. Other than powerful demon beasts, there were also various rare heavenly materials and rare grade five elixirs that had been discovered by others in the Black Abyss Mountain Range.

It was for this reason that the various forces in Black Abyss City had never given up on exploring the Black Abyss Mountain Range. At the same time, they had also explored the surrounding areas to train their juniors.

Ye Hao recalled all kinds of information about the Black Abyss Mountain Range. Ye Hao followed behind Ye Ze as the two of them gradually went deeper into the forest.

Looking at the cautious figure in front of him, Ye Hao couldn't help but shake his head and smile. He really didn't think that although Ye Ze had a shy personality, he was very loyal and believed that his strength was only at the Second Layer of Body Tempering. He took the initiative to scout the path ahead of him, so he could deal with this unpredictable crisis as soon as possible.

"He's someone worth befriending."

Ye Hao secretly nodded. As he was mumbling in his heart, a trace of bright light suddenly appeared in his vigilant black eyes. His gaze suddenly turned towards a huge tree with lush foliage not far ahead.

Ancient trees towered in the forest, and mist filled the air. Visibility wasn't too high.

At this moment, not too far away, on an ancient tree with lush branches and leaves, a black python as thick as an adult's waist was rapidly swimming down while spitting out its scarlet tongue.

The inside of the forest was dark and gloomy. The python's skin was like a natural protective color. If it wasn't for Ye Hao who felt a slight fluctuation of Qi and blood, it would have been extremely difficult for him to sense it.

At this moment, the python was like an experienced hunter. It moved very quickly and didn't make any noise as it closed in on its prey.

As for his prey, it was Ye Ze, who didn't notice anything from below.

When he realized this, Ye Hao's eyes lit up. The moment he looked over, his right hand slapped his storage pouch.

Immediately, an imposing and cold spear emitting Spiritual Energy appeared in his hand.

As he held the spear in his hand, Ye Hao felt an ice-cold feeling, which made his mind clear up.

It was also at this moment that the black python in front suddenly opened its bloody mouth, revealing its sharp fangs. A fishy stench permeated the air as it abruptly charged towards Ye Ze.

Swish!

The moment the giant python pounced, Ye Ze, who was below, finally sensed something. When he raised his head, he saw a bloody mouth. It was so close that he had no time to react.

"It's over!"

Just as his heart was filled with fear and despair, an ear-piercing sound of wind breaking suddenly rang out. Immediately after, the enormous python's body flew out as if it had been struck by something amidst a mournful roar.