The Pantheon's guardian resides in a magnificent hall, its figure standing tall in the center, awaiting every brave challenger. However, regrettably, despite more than twenty days having passed, not a single person has stepped into this place to accept the challenge.
To this day, a clear sound of footsteps finally echoed in that silent hall.
Ta-ta-ta...
Chen Ping steadily walked towards the guardian located in the center, instantly attracting the attention of this slumbering being.
Bright and bright!
A pair of golden eyes slowly opened, focusing their gaze on Chen Ping, who was walking towards them. Because of the golden bird helmet, Chen Ping was unaware that the guardian had awakened.
"It's rare to see a brave soul daring to take on such a challenge at the Pantheon..."
A deep, resonant voice rang out, causing Chen Ping to pause slightly before turning his gaze toward the Guardian.
Chen Ping: "Oh, so the sound just now was made by you?"
With the sound of metal scraping together, the Pantheon Guardian did not respond, but instead stood up, his armor creaking and groaning.
Chen Ping was slightly surprised to see this, as the guardian was extremely tall when standing, standing at a height of three meters.
"Challenger! I am Arathus, the guardian of the Pantheon. Come, tell me your name, and let this challenge begin!"
Chen Ping looked up at the bird-head mask, a smile playing on his lips, and replied, "Alasos, my name is Chen Ping."
Arathos: "Alright, Chen Ping! Are you ready to begin the challenge immediately?"
Chen Ping pondered for a moment, then took out the ticket to the core sea area and asked curiously, "Alasos, given that I already have this ticket, what is the difference between defeating you to enter the core sea area and directly using the ticket to enter?"
Arathus's gaze fell on the ticket in Chen Ping's hand, revealing a hint of interest. She asked him, "Chen Ping, since you already have this ticket, why do you still choose to challenge me? You should know that fighting me is life-threatening."
Upon hearing this, Chen Ping smiled and said, "You haven't explained the difference between the two yet. Once you do, I'll answer your question."
Arathus nodded slightly, seemingly considering how to answer his question. After a moment, her deep, metallic voice echoed in the hall again: "Chen Ping, using a ticket does allow direct entry into the core sea area without going through a life-or-death test, but it also doesn't grant any rewards, and only the ticket holder can enter the core sea area."
However, gaining entry by challenging me signifies that you possess extraordinary strength and courage, a testament to unparalleled honor and power. Furthermore, successfully defeating me will not only grant you access to the portal to the core sea area, but also a hidden, mysterious reward within the Pantheon—an extra gift for true heroes.
Chen Ping stroked his chin and then said, "So, if I want to bring our forces into the core sea area, the ticket won't work; I can only do it by challenging and defeating you, is that right?"
Arathos: "That's right! You can understand it that way."
Upon hearing Arathos's reply, Chen Ping smiled, glanced at the ticket, then put it away. He looked at Arathos, a confident smile returning to his lips: "Arathos, I understand. I think I'd rather challenge you to gain access to the core sea area. Because I believe that only by facing and overcoming difficulties can one truly grow."
As soon as he finished speaking, Chen Ping's aura changed, and a powerful force gradually gathered. He was ready to face the upcoming fierce battle.
Looking at Chen Ping's imposing aura, Arathos couldn't help but pause. This aura was very powerful, not much less than his own. He wondered if it was Chen Ping's full strength.
However, Arathus was satisfied. It craved battle, but unfortunately, since the Pantheon had descended so many times, few had found a challenge. So it responded with the same fighting stance, its armor gleaming in the light, as if announcing that an epic duel was about to unfold.
Arathus instantly unleashed a powerful divine might, its massive body radiating an unprecedented holy aura, and a mountain-like pressure instantly filled the entire Pantheon. The powerful force originating from the ancient gods surged forth like a tidal wave, causing every stone brick and every inch of air in the temple to tremble and respond.
The challengers still inside the Pantheon felt the suffocating pressure. Their faces turned pale, their hearts filled with horror, and they all looked towards the center of the Pantheon, their eyes filled with awe and fear.
It was obvious that someone had challenged the guardians of the Pantheon, and instantly, most people rushed to the center to witness it.
......
With a hearty laugh, Chen Ping's Seven Deadly Sins artifacts instantly transformed into a greatsword symbolizing the power of arrogance. The blade shimmered with brilliant light, like stars gathering, reflecting Chen Ping's unwavering gaze.
He fearlessly met Arathus's divine might, and his own aura rose accordingly, eventually reaching a level of equal strength with this guardian of the pantheon.
Arathus was clearly surprised by Chen Ping's strength. His expression, hidden beneath his bird helmet, changed rapidly, from initial shock to anticipation. Arathus felt no fear of a strong opponent; on the contrary, he was thrilled. After all, a challenger who could match him was the kind of opponent he had long craved.
Arathus gripped his spear tightly, a divine weapon forged from the power of the Pantheon, imbued with ancient and mysterious energy. Facing Chen Ping, who stood ready and seemingly without a weakness, Arathus said nothing. After a brief silence, he launched his attack without hesitation. The spear ripped through space like lightning, carrying the force of a thunderbolt straight towards Chen Ping.
Arathus brandished his spear, creating a howling gale within the Pantheon that caused the stone pillars to sway and the ground to tremble. Each spear thrust carried a power powerful enough to shake the heavens and the earth.
Faced with this fierce offensive, Chen Ping remained calm and composed. The Arrogant Greatsword flew nimbly in his hand, each flash of sword light precisely breaking through Arathos's attacks and using the force to counterattack, directly attacking Arathos's defensive blind spot.
The two sides were locked in fierce combat, each move showcasing their profound skills and boundless potential. The air within the Pantheon seemed to freeze, with only the sparks from the clashing swords illuminating the sky. Each impact triggered massive energy fluctuations, a truly awe-inspiring sight.
The others who had just arrived were pushed back by the aftershocks of the collision before they could even get close, making it impossible for them to approach the central hall.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com