Chapter 2236: 2237: Stepping In

The people who expressed gratitude naturally did so because of Lin Chen's reminder, which allowed them to get through. However, there were exceptions, such as Tao Yuyu and other members of the Azure Dragon group. They understood in their hearts that Lin Chen's intended recipients of the warning were not them. If it weren't for Sun Tianming and Chen Jie, Lin Chen might have remained silent like the others.

Considering prior grievances, words of thanks were naturally unwarranted, and the looks directed at Lin Chen were fierce.

Lin Chen had seen such looks many times and was naturally dismissive. Their enmity lingered deeply, and sooner or later, it would be settled.

Standing at the foot of the stairs, Lin Chen paused there.

Although many silhouettes had already reached this spot, none had yet departed, climbing up the stairs.

Because there was a layer of water light barrier here, though not prominent, it was clear and noticeable to them.

After witnessing the obliteration of some reckless individuals earlier, the people now in the scene dared not move rashly before the water barrier.

While waiting for Sun Tianming and Chen Jie, Lin Chen, although moving quickly at first, was the last to step forward due to the barrier layer.

"Dawdling around, not knowing what they're up to!"

Someone sneered, the same person who rushed first. He glared at Lin Chen with discontent and mocked aloud.

"If you're in a hurry, go ahead. What's the point of showing off here?"

His words immediately sparked rebuttal. Lin Chen's previous warning had helped many, provoking dissatisfaction with the previous comment.

"You... meddling too much, it's none of your business if I speak. Want to fight?"

The man, not intending to back down, raised his eyebrows and forcefully replied, making the atmosphere tense and explosive.

"Fine, let's fight then!"

Yelling erupted sporadically in the field; these people weren't afraid of conflict. The shouting made tempers flare even further, and if not for those barriers, they would have already started fighting.

Even with the barriers, verbal skirmishes continued, waves of noise converged into a clamor, highly disturbing.

"Stop arguing! Look behind! If you don't hurry, none of you will get out!"

Someone pointed towards their original path, where flames had suddenly appeared.

The flames seemed persistent, progressively lighting up the tunnel corridor, forming a vast expanse of light. Despite moving slowly, the growing aura was unsettling.

Upon hearing this, everyone was startled. Glancing back at the intensifying flames, they ceased their quarrels and stared at the water's undulating waves, contemplating cautiously, fearing to be the first to breach it.

"What should we do now?"

Someone hesitated, unwilling to take a step forward, and occasionally threw objects from themselves into the water.

Items thrown to the outside of the water barrier vanished as if devoured by a beast upon contact, leaving only a ripple on the surface before disappearing entirely.

This incident bewildered them, but they dared not proceed further.

"The spiritual trial isn't meant to trap us here..."

Lin Chen pondered briefly. With flames behind and a water barrier ahead, it seemed like they were doomed.

Yet this was just a sect competition, where death might occur, but Lin Chen couldn't believe the sect would maliciously eliminate promising disciples.

Thinking this way, Lin Chen stepped forward.

He wasn't alone; several figures moved simultaneously, including Tao Yuyu, approaching the water barrier.

Reaching out, Lin Chen's palm felt cool upon encountering the water barrier.

Simultaneously, an irresistible pull tugged them inward, as if someone inside was drawing them in.

Amidst this pull, some were startled, jerking their arms back, hesitant about the unknown.

Lin Chen's hand, too, felt the Qi Force within. Though peculiar and unlike teleportation formations, having entered without sensing danger, he took a deep breath and allowed himself to be drawn further inside.

The water engulfed him, feeling as if energy was pouring in from above, healing his superficial wounds. The sensation was extraordinary.

Shortly after, Lin Chen's body fully entered.

"Hmm?"

Upon entering, Lin Chen felt a sudden heaviness, making his knees bend and he grunted, unprepared.

Quickly reacting, Lin Chen supported himself on his knees, and with effort, straightened up.

Glancing ahead, the stairs stretched towards the hall, nearly a hundred steps ascending, with Lin Chen only at the first step, feeling greatly weighed down.

"What's going on here?"

Startled, Lin Chen saw Sun Tianming and Chen Jie had also entered. Upon entering, the pressure manifested on them as well.

They groaned softly, then stood up like Lin Chen, locking eyes, sharing mutual surprise.

The scene was incredibly bizarre.

Suddenly! As they exchanged glances, a wave of Spiritual Energy surged near Lin Chen's left side, swiftly approaching!