Hogwarts: Bloodline Legend

Women only affect Ian’s speed of learning.

Ian didn’t stop, just flapped his wings and flew higher.

"You reject me?" the Witch roared, her figure twisted and transformed into a shadow like a black snake, rushing straight forward.

Ian’s eyes narrowed, he dove suddenly, his sharp beak like an arrow, piercing precisely into the soul’s forehead.

"Bang!"

Another Fallen Wizard’s soul exploded, turning into black mist and dissipating.

Souls rose from the Nether River, some roared, some whispered, some cast long-decayed magic, trying to disturb Ian’s mind, even launching direct attacks.

"Young body... so vibrant..."

"Let me out... let me return to the Human World!"

"Your soul... belongs to me!"

Ian was no longer an ordinary mortal; his Raven Form was an existence between soul and reality, not bound by the laws of the Nether River and unaffected by these fallen souls. He shuttled across the sky like a black lightning bolt over the Nether River, every dive accompanied by an explosion of souls, every flap dissipating a plume of black mist.

His sharp beak became the blade of judgment, mercilessly pecking apart the souls of wizards trying to seize his body.

After over ten minutes.

He crossed the Nether River.

Like passing through the corridor of time and fate, flying over endless darkness and sorrow. Finally, he slowly landed on the stony shore on the opposite bank, folded his wings, and his body reverted to human form. Behind him, the Nether River continued to flow in endless darkness; its waters were silent yet seemingly capable of devouring everything.

Yet unable to devour Ian.

"Very swift."

Anubis was already waiting there, standing silently as if he had never left. He stood on the black stone shore of the Nether River bank, his figure upright and solemn like a shadow, his black robe faintly fluttering in the invisible nether wind. Under his mask, his eyes deep as the night sky flickered with a cold light.

Like the needle of the scales of judgment, impartial and unwavering.

"A truly clever approach."

Anubis looked at Ian, his eyes flashing a hint of admiration.

"Your transformed creature is very special," he said slowly, with a rare note of gentleness in his tone, "It seems you are indeed extraordinary."

The Ancient Egyptian God of Death rarely gave such an evaluation, seemingly unfamiliar with the raven-form. Of course, Anubis could distinguish the aura of the Raven. Unlike the most general God of Death, he didn’t harbor animosity towards the Raven, instead feeling a sense of familiarity towards Ian’s transformed creature.

Ian grinned.

"Thanks for the compliment. Can we start the challenge now?"

He was already prepared.

Anubis didn’t answer, merely raised his staff and struck the ground heavily.

Rumbling —!

The land began to tremble.

A deep rumbling sound emanated from the depths as if a long-dormant giant beast was awakened. Dust churned, stones splattered, and cracks spread on the ground like a spider web extending in all directions. The outline of the arena gradually emerged from the darkness, initially shadowy then becoming clear and grand.

Huge stone pillars rose from the ground, one after another.

Carrying a heavy sense of time, the pillars were engraved with Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs and mysterious runes, each symbol glowing with a bluish light as if containing the will of ancient deities. These stone pillars encircled the central area, gradually forming a massive circular structure.

Like a forgotten Divine Hall, emerging from the dust of time — an ancient arena rose from the gray desert, the outer walls of the arena slowly ascending, towering into the dim sky of the Netherworld, the obsidian-like walls reaching high into the clouds.

Its surface smooth as a mirror yet emanating a disconcerting oppressive feeling. At the corners, carvings depicted countless souls struggling, seemingly recording the fate and end of challengers throughout the ages.

When the last foundation was in place, the whole arena exuded a dignified and ancient aura, as if it was more than just a battleground, but a Divine Hall embodying Death and Judgment. The air was filled with a heavy breath, even the nether wind seemed suppressed by this power, motionless.

The stands were filled with indistinct shadows — the souls of deceased spectators from past eras.

"The first test begins."

Anubis’s voice echoed in the arena.