Demon God Origin, Xuan's Past and Present

"Annihilation · Return to Nothingness!"

Xuan's cold voice, like a death knell, echoed through the silent void of this secret realm. Centered on her, a domain of absolute "nothingness" rapidly expanded!

The five sharp attacks rushing towards her—the demon cultivator's devouring dark light, Hou Yi's sky-splitting arrows, Kuafu's earth-shattering impact—instantly dissolved and vanished upon entering the domain of annihilation, like ice meeting a scorching sun, without even stirring a ripple!

Not only that, but the domain of annihilation seemed to possess life, continuing to spread towards the three demon cultivators and the two Great Witches!

"What?!"

"Not good! Retreat quickly!"

The five powerhouses' faces changed drastically. Sensing the ultimate void intent within the domain that made their very origins tremble, their hearts screamed with alarm! They retreated without hesitation, each using their own methods to resist the intangible erosion.

Hou Yi shot nine arrows in succession, each imbued with the power to shatter space, attempting to tear open the domain, but it was like a stone sinking into the sea. Kuafu's giant shield bloomed with earthy yellow light, forming a thick barrier, but the barrier rapidly melted under the power of annihilation. The three demon cultivators were even more disheveled; their devouring demonic arts were like a small stream meeting a great river in the face of true annihilation, being suppressed instead and their demonic energy scattering!

In just one exchange, the five great powers were forced to retreat together, facing grave danger!

Xuan didn't even glance at them, her entire attention focused on the pulsating dark purple crystal. She extended her fair hand and gently placed it on the crystal's surface.

Hummm--!

The crystal vibrated violently, erupting with even more dazzling purple light. A ferocious devouring will attempted to resist, even trying to devour Xuan in return! This was the residual instinct of the Devouring Demon God!

"Hmph," Xuan snorted coldly. Silver-white light completely enveloped the crystal from her right eye, and purer, more fundamental power of annihilation surged into it.

Devour and Annihilation, two laws that both represented ultimate destruction, began their most direct collision and erosion!

But clearly, Xuan's power of annihilation was superior! The dark purple light dimmed at a visible rate, the ferocious will within the crystal was forcibly suppressed and erased! Finally, the crystal stopped pulsating, became docile, shrank to the size of a fist, and fell into Xuan's palm.

The entire process took only a few short breaths!

Li Wuyang, who had been watching from the side, was dumbfounded. He knew Xuan was formidable, but he hadn't expected her to be this formidable! Facing two Great Witches and three clearly not weak demon cultivators simultaneously, she had so effortlessly succeeded in seizing the treasure! This strength, she must be at least at the quasi-saint level, right?!

The five powerhouses stabilized themselves, looking at the crystal in Xuan's hand with extremely grim expressions, but their eyes were filled with deep apprehension, not daring to step forward rashly. The power Xuan had just displayed was completely beyond their scope of understanding.

Hou Yi put away his divine bow, his expression solemn as he cupped his fists and said, "Fellow Daoist, this item was discovered first by my Witch Clan. It is of utmost importance to our clan, so please..."

Xuan directly interrupted him, her gaze still fixed on the crystal, her tone indifferent, "This item has no fate with you. It... is mine."

Her tone carried an undeniable certainty, as if stating the most basic fact.

Hou Yi and Kuafu frowned. The Witch Clan was upright and forthright, but not brainless. Xuan's strength was unfathomable; a direct confrontation was clearly unwise. Hou Yi said gravely, "Fellow Daoist's strength is extraordinary, we are impressed. However, this item involves great significance, it is a remnant of a Chaos Demon God. If you take it rashly, you may invite disaster upon yourself."

Xuan finally looked up, her heterochromatic eyes sweeping over Hou Yi and Kuafu, then glancing at the three demon cultivators who were eyeing them covetously. The corners of her mouth curved into an extremely faint, mocking arc, "Invite disaster upon myself? My origin is annihilation itself. What fire can burn me?"

Her words sent shockwaves through everyone present! Her origin was annihilation? Could she be...?

Xuan no longer paid them any mind and turned towards Li Wuyang. The three demon cultivators exchanged glances, seemingly unwilling, but ultimately did not dare to make a move, transforming into three streams of black smoke and quietly fleeing. Hou Yi and Kuafu exchanged a look, knowing they could not force the issue. They cupped their hands towards Xuan and Li Wuyang and departed with resignation.

In the void, only Li Wuyang's group and Xuan, holding the crystal, remained.

Li Wuyang leaned closer, looking curiously at the dark purple crystal, "Xuan, what exactly is this? Is it very important to you?"

Xuan gazed at the crystal, her eyes revealing extremely complex emotions—sadness, nostalgia, and a hint of... filial affection? This was an expression Li Wuyang had never seen on her face before.

"This is a trace of 'Devour' Uncle's... residual origin core," Xuan's voice was very soft, with a hint of etherealness. "During the Heaven-Opening Tribulation back then, he was injured by the Pangu Axe's intent while protecting me... and eventually perished. I never expected that a trace of his origin would end up here, giving birth to this 'Devour Origin Core'."

Li Wuyang held his breath. Devour Uncle? Heaven-Opening Tribulation? Pangu Axe's intent? Xuan was indeed an existence from the same era as the Chaos Demon Gods! And judging by her words, she seemed to be the one being protected?

"Are... are you also a Chaos Demon God?" Li Wuyang asked cautiously.

Xuan was silent for a moment, then nodded, and then shook her head, "I am the 'Myriad Manifestations Annihilation Demon God'... but incomplete. Most of my origin and memories were shattered and lost during the Heaven-Opening Tribulation. The current me is more like a reincarnated remnant soul, carrying the origin of annihilation."

She caressed the Devour Origin Core in her hand and continued to whisper, "Uncle Devour's origin might help me... find some of what I've lost."

Li Wuyang suddenly understood. So the "truth" and memories that Xuan had been searching for were hidden within these remnants of the Chaos Demon Gods! This Devour Origin Core was undoubtedly a crucial key for her!

He looked at Xuan's rare display of vulnerability and confusion, and a protective urge surged within him. He patted his chest (though it might be useless), "Don't worry! I'll help you find them from now on! We'll find all the treasures left behind by those Demon God uncles and aunties!"

Xuan glanced at him. The complex emotions in her eyes gradually receded, returning to her usual coldness, but it seemed... a little softer? She put away the Devour Origin Core and said lightly, "Let's go. It's not safe to stay here. Refining this requires an absolutely safe environment."

Li Wuyang nodded, knowing that obtaining such a treasure would undoubtedly attract more covetous eyes. The two quickly left the chaotic secret realm and returned to the outside of the Guixu Sea Eye.

However, as soon as they broke through the surface of the sea, they felt several powerful auras rapidly approaching their location from different directions!

Clearly, the commotion in the secret realm earlier had still attracted unwanted attention!