The final test
"You only need to endure 2¹⁴ trials to awaken the ancient power sleeping within the Key of the Star Prison and become the most powerful being in the universe."
Timothy, the youngest demon lord in the history of his race, saw these words emerge after he touched the Key of the Star Prison, the most powerful artifact of the demon race, handed to him by the old demon lord on his deathbed.
According to demon lore, no demon lord had ever achieved this.
Over a span of 100,000 years, Timothy had breezed through 16,383 trials.
Now, once again turning the Key of the Star Prison, an unknown force mistakenly sent him to a completely new world, transforming him into an obscure, worthless demonic cultivator apprentice.
In a shabby little cabin, Timothy slowly opened his eyes to find himself lying on a stiff bed.
He tried to feel the demonic power within him, but to his horror, he discovered that the once overwhelming force was gone, leaving only a faint trace of power.
"Damn it! What the hell? My power..." Timothy's voice was hoarse, tinged with panic.
"You're finally awake, but congratulations, young man, you're a demonic cultivator. This world is called Elant, a place where demonic cultivators are looked down upon," an elderly voice interrupted his thoughts. An old man in a tattered robe stood by his bed, his eyes and expression exuding kindness.
...
A month later,
Goddess Sylvia, commanding twelve Star Palaces, each as powerful as a mighty empire.
Holding a divine weapon that had once made countless righteous and evil cultivators tremble in fear.
Ranked among the top ten in the Enchanting Goddess Rankings, it was rumored that her beauty was celestial, often clad in a white robe, she appeared ethereal like an angel from heaven, incomparably beautiful.
Yet at this moment, looking at the misty Sky Sanctuary, Timothy's heart was cold.
He was here today to meet Goddess Sylvia, and moreover, to challenge this lofty being who could only be looked up to.
"Those damn old fools," Timothy cursed inwardly.
A month ago, he had crossed into this World of Elant.
Unfortunately, he had crossed into the body of a demonic cultivator apprentice, whose physique could almost be called useless.
Not only had he not learned any cultivation techniques, but he had also been used as a pawn by the Doomed Soul Sect to deliver a challenge to Goddess Sylvia!
What right did a minor Doomed Soul Sect have to challenge Goddess Sylvia?
In fact, after writing the challenge, the Doomed Soul Sect had hidden in the Abyssal Rift, nowhere to be found.
Those old guys just wanted to brag, they actually had no courage to confront Goddess Sylvia.
Once he was executed, they could boast to other sects, saying:
"We once battled Goddess Sylvia! The proof is that Goddess Sylvia killed our disciple who issued the challenge!"
To prevent Timothy from escaping, the Doomed Soul Sect even sent an elder to "escort" him up the mountain as a hero.
Challenge Goddess Sylvia?
Anyone with a brain would know that doing such a thing was tantamount to a death sentence.
Timothy's mind was full of "Fuck!" This last trial was a real trap. After losing all his power and without any cheats, just a month in and he was already being sent to his death? What was the point of using the demon race's most powerful artifact, the Key of the Star Prison, to come to this world?
Step by step, he walked up the stairs made of dense mist, his mood growing heavier.
He slowly entered the Sky Sanctuary.
Through the mist, a stunning figure gracefully sat in the distance.
Her long, beautiful eyes, skin smooth as porcelain, her flawless face proud and aloof like a noble goddess.
In her breathtaking beauty, there was an authority that made her untouchable.
Staring at the figure before him, Timothy was momentarily stunned.
He had heard rumors of Goddess Sylvia's beauty that could topple cities, but he hadn't expected her to be this breathtaking. If the glamorous celebrities of his past life were to stand beside her, they would seem no more impressive than plain janes next to a phoenix, utterly incomparable.
"Speak, what does a disciple of the Demonic Sect want with me after going through so much trouble to get here?" Her voice was melodious, like an orchid in a secluded valley, intoxicating to those who heard it.
Yet, within that enchanting voice was an authority that chilled to the bone, commanding absolute respect.
Suddenly, a crushing aura spread around, tangible and oppressive.
"Emperor-level pressure!"
Timothy's body trembled. If not for his sheer willpower, he would have already been forced to his knees.
"I've come to deliver a letter to Goddess Sylvia," Timothy managed to say through gritted teeth.
"Oh? A letter? Bring it here," Goddess Sylvia's gaze sharpened, showing a flicker of interest as Timothy withstood the pressure.
"Yes." Timothy approached with the letter, feeling death drawing nearer with each step.
The power of an Emperor-level being could shake the heavens and earth, and with a mere thought, Goddess Sylvia could end his life.
The moment she read the contents of the letter would likely be his last.
As death seemed to inch closer, a chime sounded unexpectedly.
[Ding, congratulations host for successfully activating the system!]
"System!" Timothy's heart surged with unexpected joy.
His salvation had finally arrived!
If he had the system, maybe he could survive this encounter with Goddess Sylvia!
The mechanical voice continued, "Host detected in critical situation. Since you've only been in the World of Elant for a month, you can activate the system's assistance feature for free to help you conquer Goddess Sylvia. Would you like to activate it?"
"Of course." Timothy didn't hesitate.
Without the system's help, his current situation was practically a dead end.
Now, the system was his only hope for survival.
[Ding, system task activated. Please hand the letter to Goddess Sylvia.]
"That's it?" Timothy was taken aback.
He had thought the system would help him escape instantly or temporarily boost his strength.
But it seemed like nothing had happened!
"What are you hesitating for?"
Meanwhile, Goddess Sylvia's icy gaze swept over Timothy's paused figure, her eyes as cold as the deepest winter.
With no other choice, Timothy steeled himself to trust the system.
"The contents of this letter might be offensive, but please, Goddess, take a look."
In the mist, her elegant white robe fluttered gently, her celestial figure ethereal, her long hair flowing, her skin flawless like meticulously carved jade.
Her beauty was heart-stirring, awe-inspiring.
Yet, an invisible pressure enveloped the area, the air shimmering with golden light, making it hard for Timothy to breathe.
This was the power of Goddess Sylvia, her mere presence exuding an awe-inspiring aura.
Her delicate hand, as soft as white jade, gently took the letter from Timothy.
Timothy stood still, waiting for judgment to fall.
Every passing second felt like an eternity of agony.
However, after a long wait, no response came.
Confused, Timothy looked up only to see Goddess Sylvia's body tremble slightly under his gaze, her hands shaking uncontrollably as she held the envelope.
"Goddess Sylvia?"
The guards clad in armor on both sides seemed to notice something amiss and hurriedly moved to inquire.
"Everyone leave. I need to discuss something privately with this person."
At that moment, Goddess Sylvia's voice carried a hint of panic.
"But, Goddess..."
"Are my words no longer effective? Or do you think my position as the ruler of Sky Sanctuary is just for show?"
Goddess Sylvia's cold voice came through, immediately imposing a tremendous pressure on those who tried to stay, making even breathing difficult.
"Yes, Goddess."
No one dared to defy Goddess Sylvia's command.
Besides, with her strength, no one believed that a mere Demonic Sect disciple could pose any threat to her.
The guards all withdrew, leaving only Timothy and Goddess Sylvia in the vast hall.
Sylvia, revered by both the righteous and the wicked as the supreme Goddess.
Yet now, her hand trembled slightly as she held the letter, the words written on it throwing her heart into disarray.