Chapter 394: What Is This Feeling?

Li An held Guo Yao's hand tightly, step by step, slowly stepping through that mysterious gate leading to the Shinigami training ground. The instant he stepped in, a powerful pressure like a tidal wave surged upon him, as if invisible giant hands were about to crush his body.

"This... what is this feeling?" Guo Yao's voice trembled, her slender body shivering slightly, and she instinctively hid behind Li An.

Li An took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down. He gently patted Guo Yao's hand and whispered comfortingly, "Don't be afraid, I'm here." Despite his words, a hint of vigilance showed in his eyes; his gaze was sharp as he warily scanned the surroundings.

The environment around was terrifyingly gloomy, with thick darkness seeming ready to swallow everything. A faint mist hung over the ground, where oddly shaped black shadows could be vaguely seen appearing and disappearing within the fog. From time to time, a low roar echoed in their ears, a sound as if coming from the depths of hell, making one's hair stand on end.

"Can this place really make people stronger?" Guo Yao's voice carried a trace of fear mixed with a hint of doubt.

Before Li An could answer, a clear, cold voice suddenly rang out: "Who are you? Why are you here?"

Li An and Guo Yao turned toward the sound and saw a woman in a black shihakusho standing not far away. Her eyes were sharp as knives, staring intently at them. The woman was Rukia Kuchiki; she held her zanpakuto tightly, and an aura that chilled the bones emanated from her.

"I am Li An, here to participate in the Shinigami trial," Li An replied calmly, without a shred of fear in his eyes.

Rukiki frowned slightly, her eyes filled with suspicion: "Just you? What ability do you have to pass the trial?"

The corner of Li An's mouth curved upward, revealing a confident smile: "My abilities are beyond your imagination."

Rukia snorted coldly: "Hmph, boasting. I will conduct a preliminary test on you. If you fail, do not even think about participating in the trial."

Hearing Rukia's words, the surrounding Shinigami gathered around, their eyes filled with curiosity and anticipation, as if watching a splendid performance.

A sense of humiliation surged in Li An's heart, and his eyes grew firm: "Very well, I accept your test. I will prove to you that I am qualified to participate in the trial."

The test began. Rukia suddenly swung her zanpakuto, and a sharp blade qi whistled toward Li An. Li An flashed his figure, easily dodging the strike. Immediately after, Rukia launched several more attacks in succession, each carrying immense power and speed.

Li An remained completely unruffled. The best countermeasures analyzed by the system flashed rapidly through his mind. His body moved like a ghost, weaving freely through the blade qi, each dodge perfectly timed.

"This... how is this possible?" Rukia was greatly shocked in her heart; she never expected Li An to dodge her attacks so effortlessly.

The surrounding Shinigami also let out exclamations: "This person is so amazing; he actually managed to dodge Rukia's attacks."

"Yes, it seems he really has some skill."

The corner of Li An's mouth curved upward, revealing a smug smile: "Well? Do you want to continue?"

Rukia gritted her teeth: "Don't get cocky; this is only the beginning." Saying this, she gripped her zanpakuto tightly with both hands and began chanting. Suddenly, her zanpakuto emitted a dazzling light, and within the light, a massive reiatsu beast slowly materialized.