Mystic valley challenge

The scope could be "machinery" or "biology" research. There was no limit to the content. Based on the previous challenge, it should be decided by the challenger. The time when Norris won the position of commander was a challenge where both of them were confined in a sealed magic circle with a mad beast. They had to use mind control, spirit, various magic or secret techniques to control the mad beast to attack each other.

The rules were one cannot kill the mad beast nor directly attack the opponent. Whoever dies first will lose. Therefore, this challenge was also called the **deathmatch**.

## Mad beast

*See also: Mad beast (creature)*
Mad beasts are used in the deathmatch.

## Spanda PK Norris

Norris and Spanda used all their powers in the duel which was very exciting. In the end, under the control of Norris, the mad beast tore Spanda into pieces, and Norris won the final victory.

Chen Rui was secretly shocked: *This challenge isn't a physical battle between two people, but the cruelty is even higher. It's the same in every field, the winner stays and the loser dies.*

## Norris PK Chen

"Norris is proficient in dark magic, curse and mind control secret techniques. The previous content will probably be used in this challenge. You have great potential to become a grandmaster, but every field has its specialization. You're definitely not his opponent in this. I suggest you not participate in this challenge. You can come directly to the Mystic Valley, and I'll appoint you as the deputy master craftsman!"

Master Toto had some good intentions. It was mainly because he couldn't bear a talent who might become a grandmaster and had potential in "scientific research" to die. The position as the deputy master craftsman was also wanted by many. Even the dual-specialized mechanic master, Horford, brought by Izola was only a "project leader" at an ordinary level. For Chen Rui who just arrived to be below one person and above many people was unprecedented.

### Judge Jacob

In the Mystic Valley, the crystal dragon, Jacob came personally as the judge. Both sides were Sabrina and Izola respectively. The people from the Mystic Valley were usually immersed in work, most of them, except for those who couldn't walk away, came to watch this exciting challenge that rarely happened.

If it was a direct one-on-one battle, with Chen Rui's combat power and his characteristics like [Anti-Magic], Norris could be easily killed (surely, under the premise of not exposing his strength). However, the challenge today wasn't to fight directly. Instead, they had to control the mad beast to attack each other. If one of them lost, the loser would be in a life danger.

"Master Arthur, try your best. You'll be fine with me being here no matter whether you win or lose."

Norris' smile froze on his face. The one who spoke was today's judge, the strongest Demon Overlord in the Crystal Valley – the crystal dragon, Jacob.

Jacob couldn't bother about those things. Master Arthur was the key to improving his recovery magic circle. Besides, he was also an important servant in the future so nothing should ever happen to him. As for the fight between the two women, it had nothing to do with him.

### Deathmatch

*See also: Chapter 284*
Soon, both of them came to the challenge site, standing in front of a magic circle.

A magic cage appears containing the mad beast (Lafar).

"Wait a minute." Norris said, "Arthur is a mechanic master, so he must have a lot of magic items. To be fair, I ask that no items can be used for this deathmatch."

Sabrina sneered, "If you want the so-called fairness, then why don't you first confine your strength to early stage of the Demon King level?"

Izola surely wouldn't agree. She immediately refuted, "That's impossible. This challenge was proposed by you, so Norris should decide the rules."

"Didn't he already decide the mad beast rule? Why don't we change the content of the challenge? What about magic circles?" Sabrina knew that Chen Rui had specially created a "magic item" in preparation for the challenge. If she let go, the preparation would be wasted, so she obviously wouldn't let go of that advantage.

"Stop it!" The judge, crystal dragon spoke, "Both parties can use any magic equipment or items. Start now, hurry up!"

After Jacob said so, no one dared to have any objections. There was no other way. Strength was the greatest rule.

Norris wasn't unprepared. Immediately after his "proposal" was rejected, he put on a ring and a necklace, and took out a skull-shaped wand. He secretly thought that these should make his mind control more powerful.

However, when he saw Chen Rui's equipment, the sense of superiority suddenly disappeared. Chen Rui wore a set of metal armor, helmet, shin guards, leather gloves, rings, and cape. He was fully equipped and armed to his teeth. The most annoying part was that he was even holding a huge buckler. He looked just like a mobile equipment storage.

There wasn't a shortage of mechanic masters present, so they naturally could tell that the quality of these equipment were extraordinary. They were likely to be quasi-legendary grades or even legendary grades. *Is it all made by him? Trio-specialized. It's really enviable!*

In reality, most of these things were from Paglio's treasures. The matching of equipment was a profound knowledge. The final attributes of the wearer weren't as simple as adding up each piece of equipment. Some equipment could complement each other whereas some couldn't be layered, and they might even restrain each other. Although Chen Rui's current set wasn't all legendary grade equipment, the overall coordination was quite good, especially his defense had reached a very high level. The main function of the entire set of equipment was just to cover up.

"Master Arthur actually has such equipment." Jacob's eyes lit up, and his eyes fell onto the buckler. His overwhelming greed was showing on his face, "That shield... is it an artifact?"

*Artifact!* As soon as the crystal dragon said that, a sudden commotion was raised around. Norris felt like crying. *That's just bullying. Legendary grade equipment is still fine, but he even has an... artifact?*

Izola and Sabrina were both surprised. Sabrina had already recognized the shield and said movingly, "Illusive Demon Shield... Demon Shield?"

There were more whispers around: *Illusive Demon Shield? One of the highest grade seven artifacts in the Demon Realm? The strongest shield?*

*Isn't that the Leviathan Royal Family's artifact? Why is it with Arthur? Did Madam Sabrina give it to him?*

"This was lent to me by Sir Manu a few days ago for research." Chen Rui answered himself, "Unfortunately, I still have no clue until now. However, even if I can't exert the power of the artifact, it should be fine to block as a usual shield. I hope I won't break it."

Izola's face suddenly became gloomy, and her heart was doomed. It wasn't only because of Chen Rui's equipment or the Illusive Demon Shield, (outsiders only know Illusive Demon Shield, but they don't know that IIlusive Shield and Demon Shield can be separated) but also because Manu actually gave the Illusive Demon Shield to "Arthur". This showed the degree of his importance. If "Arthur" died here, Manu would definitely retaliate madly.

The one with the worst mood wasn't Izola but Norris. Even if he took out all his possessions, it wasn't comparable to the value of the shield. *Arthur has a full set of superb equipment and the support of Sir Manu and Sir Jacob. How am I supposed to compare?*

After the two walked in, the magic circle began to light up. The magic circle acted like a seal, which could prohibit entry and exit, and prevent the audience from being injured.

The door of the magic cage slowly opened. The mad beast that had been previously isolated by the cage suddenly exuded a horrifying breath that mixed with a bloody and rotten smell. It sent chills down their spine. Chen Rui tried to communicate with [Analytical Eyes] when he first went in, but he could only feel the madness and violent killing breath. There was no rational consciousness at all. This was similar to the demonic flies he encountered at Xilang Mountain. However, those demonic flies were created by the bloodline talents of the Beelzebub Royal Family; whereas the mad beast had its own consciousness, but this consciousness simply couldn't control or communicate.

The mad beast had been imprisoned and tested. Now that he was free from the cage, he immediately transferred his anger to the two people outside. He roared loudly and pounced toward Norris, who was the closest. The mad beast's speed was rated B which was weaker as relative to its strength and physique. However, it was still the level of Great Demon King. It was quite scary. Norris' reason for getting close to the beast wasn't to suicide but to control it within the effective range of mind control. After all, he had the previous experience so he seemed calm.

At the moment that the mad beast pounced, Norris's eyes flashed as a powerful spirit surged out. The huge body of the beast suddenly stagnated. When it was only two meters away from Norris, its action actually froze in mid-air.

Chen Rui once saw this kind of [[[Psychokinesis]]] from Snowden. It could be offensive and defensive, and it can be used at will. It was very good. Norris' [Psychokinesis] was obviously better than Snowden by a lot to actually confine the mad beast at the peak of Great Demon King.

The beast seemed hypnotized, but then broke free.

Chen and Norris then parry, casting various spells like Gravity and Dark Sky.

Eventually Chen wins using Galaxy Territory, manipulating the beast to tear apart Norris brutally.

### Victory

*See also: Chapter 285*
What surprised the audience was that after the mad beast killed Norris, It slowly walked toward Chen Rui and knelt down. It lowered its head and let Chen Rui's hand pet its head. That gentle look stunned the "scientists" who studied the mad beast and they thought there was something wrong with their eyes. Chen Rui patted its head and slowly walked out of the magic circle while the mad beast remained unmoved.
This kind of mind-control fully convinced all the people. Norris really died in a fair fight.

"You're indeed a genius. This game, Arthur wins! You're the commander from now but don't forget our business." The crystal dragon praised but he didn't forget to remind Chen Rui his so-called business of improving the magic circle.

Sabrina was overjoyed whereas Izola's face was very bitter. Norris was one of her two best assistants. She never expected such a tragic death. Also, based on the crystal dragon's tone, he had a very close relationship with Arthur. Together with Arthur's relationship with Manu, she could only endure it for the time being.

In reality, when the two spiritual energies collided just now, the memory of the mad beast that was originally lost due to the experiment was miraculously recovered. Chen Rui keenly noticed that with Analytical Eyes. When his initial dark power was on the verge of disappearing, he immediately changed to communicating with [Analytical Eyes], which was why the mad beast moved towards Chen Rui step by step.

Chen Rui immediately expressed his kindness and willingness to help the mad beast. The IQ of the mad beast was only equivalent to a child. After feeling Arthur's goodwill, he was naturally fully convinced by this person who could communicate with himself. Although he almost killed Chen Rui under Norris's control, he got rid of Norris's control with Chen Rui's help and killed Norris at once.

In fact, in case he couldn't control the mad beast with dark power, Chen Rui still had a trump card. It was to give up Snowden as a puppet and use the helmet as a cover-up to control the mad beast with the power of God-Eating Mask. However, that might be detected by a powerhouse like the crystal dragon. Therefore, this "accident" was perfect for him.

"Keep the mad beast in the cage first. Temporarily stop all experiments and remain the food supply. When I recover, I will test him alone." Chen Rui's voice was weak but his current identity was already the commander of the Mystic Valley. Together with his undisputed performance just now, no one dared to take him lightly.

The mad beast couldn't speak but its hearing was intact. It understood that it was what they had negotiated in its consciousness. It was very grateful and entered the cage obediently, making everyone in awe.

Izola handed a crystal symbolizing control to the judge, Jacob without saying a word and left with a bitter face while Sabrina's harsh laughter came from behind.

Sabrina was indeed proud. Betting on "Master Arthur" was the smartest decision. Now that the Mystic Valley was back in her hands, her position was more stable. As long as she could give birth to a descendent of Beelzebub Royal Family, then even if her husband, Azgalor became an emperor, her position as the empress would still be unshakable. She might even take control of her son to hold actual power at a certain stage.

Surely, these were just long-term plans. The current plan had been completed successfully. After losing control of the Mystic Valley, Izola had no way to compete with her.

## Notes

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Chapter 283
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Chapter 284
3. ↑ Chapter 285