I'm a major player in a parallel universe

"To enhance my strength, I have no choice but to take the risk!" Yang Haoxuan knew he didn't meet the required 9th level of Martial Artist, but when it came to hunting beasts, he held a distinct advantage.

Every cultivator's martial arts technique follows a process, gradually transitioning from weak to strong, slow to fast. However, Yang Haoxuan was different—every skill he used directly unleashed corresponding abilities, and his Spiral True Qi was especially terrifying.

This allowed him to dispatch enemies at an incredibly fast pace. Moreover, it wasn't just about the speed—there were many "disguised forest assassins" in the Terrifying Valley, but Yang Haoxuan could instantly see through everyone's true nature, giving him an edge over others.

As he moved through the crowd, Yang Haoxuan discreetly examined each person's attributes. All of them were Martial Artists at the 9th level. The stronger ones were almost at the 10th level. Some of them noticed his cultivation level and sneered derisively, but no one dared to provoke him directly, wisely avoiding unnecessary trouble.

In order to ensure the smooth operation of the Terrifying Valley, the trial prohibited Martial Masters from participating. As Yang Haoxuan continued to observe, he noticed a cluster of soldiers gathered in one area, and standing among them was a tall woman in white robes. Her long, slender legs and full figure were accentuated by the elegant attire.

The beauty of this woman wasn't just in her figure; it was the ethereal aura she emanated. While Yang Ruolan's beauty was celestial, this woman was like an immortal descended from the heavens.

Despite the faint, translucent white veil over her head, no one could discern her true appearance, no matter how closely they gazed. With these distinguishing features, it was clear—she was none other than the Ninth Princess, Yan Ya.

"You see her? That's the Ninth Princess of Great Yan. I heard she was attacked on her way back, and her face was disfigured!"

"Is it true? What a shame! She had such a good figure too."

"Be careful how you speak. The Ninth Princess recently broke through to the 10th level of Martial Artist. Although she's not much stronger than us, she's only seventeen. She's truly the darling of the heavens!"

"Seventeen years old and already at the 10th level of Martial Artist? That's terrifying! If she gets a Blood Pill, maybe she'll become a Martial Master before she's eighteen!"

"That's nothing. I heard the Yang family has a Martial Master who's barely eighteen!"

"What?! Is that for real?!"

Yang Haoxuan overheard the entire conversation, the words slipping into his ears as he stood there. He knew that information was ubiquitous in such places, especially with him being at a disadvantage. The camp's main tent was elevated by a meter, offering a prime spot for people to gather and talk.

At noon, a burly soldier stood up, loudly announcing the rules.

He explained the essential things to note about the Terrifying Valley and how to return. The rules themselves were simple: survive and return, then pay the fee.

They weren't concerned with what happened inside the valley, nor would they hold anyone responsible. Even if the Ninth Princess Yan Ya was killed inside, Great Yan wouldn't intervene. Of course, Great Yan took precautions and had assigned twenty soldiers to accompany her.

"…If you want to increase your chances of survival in the Terrifying Valley, it's best to form a team. But don't say I didn't warn you—any good teammate might just stab you in the back," the soldier said, his last words holding the most weight.

Yang Haoxuan had thought about finding a team, but after surveying the diverse and often unsavory characters around him, he decided against it. At the soldier's final words, the adventurers drank down some strong liquor, readying themselves for the challenges ahead. Yang Haoxuan, however, felt no fear; he had his own confidence.

As they made their way toward the so-called parallel space, Yang Haoxuan was taken aback when he reached the entrance. Instead of a typical portal, they had arrived at the edge of a cliff.

The cliff was barren, with no vegetation, offering a clear view down below—a vast expanse of clouds stretched endlessly, the bottom entirely invisible.

While Yang Haoxuan was stunned, the others showed no reaction, clearly accustomed to the sight. The soldiers accompanying Princess Yan Ya were the first to jump off the cliff without hesitation.

Normally, such a leap would result in certain death, but as they fell, a flash of light enveloped them, and the soldiers vanished from sight.

Princess Yan Ya, looking calm, said softly, "To enter the Terrifying Valley, one must endure for three months. Only then will someone come to pick you up!" She then leapt off the cliff as well.

Unlike the soldiers, who lost their balance mid-jump, Yan Ya's descent was graceful and controlled, as though she were a celestial being. She fell with perfect poise.

Soon after, other adventurers followed suit, leaping off one by one, creating a strange spectacle. Yang Haoxuan stood behind, his heart racing with anxiety. He glanced down, wondering what would happen if the light didn't appear. Just then, a sharp voice came from beside him.

"Kid, first time, huh?"

Yang Haoxuan turned to find a man with a rat-like face, his smile more malicious than friendly. Yang Haoxuan didn't respond, remaining silent.

"You, a 6th-level Martial Artist, think you can survive here alone? Why not join my team? You might stand a chance!" the man pressed on, not taking the hint to stop.

Yang Haoxuan paused for a moment, glancing at the man. He thought to himself, You really think I'm an idiot? Joining you would just make me cannon fodder.

Still, he didn't say a word. As soon as it was his turn, he leapt off the cliff, his balance faltering as he fell rapidly. His heart raced with anticipation, but fortunately, a white light flashed around him, and it felt as if he had sunk into a deep swamp.

In the blink of an eye, the world around him transformed completely. The day turned to night, and an eerie, chilling wind swept through the endless valley, the trees and plants seeming to come alive, as if they could attack him at any moment.

Yang Haoxuan found himself suspended ten meters in the air, the view below a dark, oppressive mass, resembling hell itself.

Then, he fell to the ground, landing with a slight jolt. Around him, other adventurers had also landed, their eyes filled with disdain, though none of them spoke.

Embarrassed, Yang Haoxuan stood up, noticing the white light above, from which more adventurers were descending.

The landscape around him was filled with black soil, black trees, and black plants. So this is the Black Forest of the Terrifying Valley, Yang Haoxuan thought as he began observing his surroundings.

He soon noticed that the adventurers were huddled together, discussing something. He couldn't afford to ignore them, so he quickly moved closer to eavesdrop. As it turned out, the first two stages of the Terrifying Valley didn't offer much in terms of profit, so these adventurers were planning to cross the prairie quickly and head straight into the Ghost Cave to search for treasure.

Once all the adventurers had gathered, Yan Ya ascended a high point.

"Listen up! To avoid unnecessary trouble, it's best to cross the Black Forest and the Great Prairie together. Once we reach the Ghost Cave, everyone can act independently."

Yan Ya's words were met with nods of approval from the adventurers. After all, it would be difficult to traverse the Black Forest and the Great Prairie alone without attracting the attention of the valley's beasts. It was safer to travel as a group.