The Demonic Core Dispute Sparks Killing Intent
After the Demon Rock, Ren Xiaoyao concealed his aura to the utmost, like a speck of dust. The gray halo surrounding him blended perfectly with the withered, gnarled demon trees and jagged, black rocks around him. Even his spiritual fluctuations vanished without a trace, as if he had become part of the mountain. Only his sharp eyes, tempered by the Primordial Chaos Origin dense, inky demonic energy and the swirling black dust, locking onto the center of the battlefield—beneath the skull of the Unicorn Demon Rhinoceros, the azure Demonic Core pulsating slightly with its dying breath. The Demonic Core's aura peeked out through the gaps in its scales, colliding with the demonic energy in the air to create tiny ripples of energy, like a single beacon in the darkness, stirring the most primal greed in people's hearts.
The Unicorn Demon Rhinoceros was now at its last gasp. Its massive, three-zhang-tall body swayed precariously amidst the rubble. Its thick, black scales, like refined Mysterious Iron, were riddled with deep, bone-revealing cracks. The most gruesome crack stretched from its left shoulder to its right abdomen, almost cleaving its torso in two. The stark white bone fragments mingled with the jet-black demonic blood, a horrifying sight. Thick, black demonic blood gushed from the cracks in its scales like a broken curtain of beads, dripping onto the parched, tortoise-shell-like demonic soil, hissing and corroding coin-sized pits, releasing wisps of a foul, sweet-smelling... A putrid black mist swirled around it, like the shroud of Death God. The half-zhang-long spiral horn on its head, which once shone with a ghostly blue demonic light, was now as dim as a candle flickering in the wind. Each low roar was accompanied by a heart-wrenching wail, its chest heaving violently, its breath mixed with blood and demonic energy, corroding the ground and leaving black spots. Its limbs staggered, the scales on its forelimbs had cracked, revealing white bone fragments, and each step left a deep Blood Seal on the ground. It was barely able to stand, as if it would collapse at any moment.
Of the hundred Demon Soldiers had besieged it, more than half had perished or been wounded, but the remaining fifty or so remained fearless. These Demon Soldiers were all blue-faced with fangs, curved bone spurs on their foreheads, and their eyes flashed with a bloodthirsty red light. Their faces were filled with a crazed ferocity, as if they knew nothing of pain. The demonic swords in their hands gleamed with a chilling, eerie light, their blades engraved with twisted and bizarre Demonic Runes. Dense Black Demonic Qi constantly overflowed from these patterns, flowing down the blade to the edge and condensing into a few inches of demonic flame. Each slash was accompanied by a sharp Sky-Rending Strike, landing heavily on the demonic rhinoceros's scales and wounds, scattering Mars. The demonic energy, like a malignant tumor, surged wildly into the demonic rhinoceros's body through the wounds, eroding its essence and soul, making its resistance increasingly futile. It could only roar in vain, hastening the demise of this ferocious beast.
The purple-robed Devil Cultivator stood with his hands behind his back on a boulder three zhang behind the Demon Soldiers, his face as sinister as unyielding ice, the cold smile at the corner of his mouth growing stronger as the demonic rhinoceros neared death. His purple robe was embroidered with intricate dark gold Demonic Runes, the patterns flowing with a faint demonic energy that subtly shifted with his breath, radiating a hidden yet domineering pressure. A black Demon Jade hung at his waist, carved with a ferocious Demon Head, exuding an aura of calm and concentration. Seeing the demonic rhinoceros's movements completely halt... He had exhausted even the strength to raise his horn in a counterattack. A glint of undisguised greed flashed in his eyes as he raised his hand to activate the black longsword strapped to his back. The scabbard was forged from Thousand-Year Black Iron mixed with ten-thousand-year-old Demonic Crystal. The Demonic Runes on it suddenly lit up, twisting and writhing as if they had come alive. A dangerous and domineering aura spread out, causing the surrounding demonic energy to boil and form tiny vortexes. Clearly, he intended to pierce the demonic rhinoceros's head with a single sword and seize the Demonic Core that was about to be his.
At this critical moment, Ren Xiaoyao made his move!
His figure emerged from behind the Demon Rock like a ghost, his toes lightly touching the ground, using the momentum to transform into a blur, darting through the jumbled rocks as if by Teleport. His movements were as light as falling leaves, without stirring up a speck of dust; only the hem of his robe brushed against the air, creating a barely perceptible wisp of air. At his brow, the golden patterns of the Indestructible Emperor Formation flashed by, too fast to be detected. A golden Formation Blade, condensed to the point of being tangible, materialized out of thin air, its blade flowing with the unique holy luster of the Primordial Chaos Origin, like a sword cleaving through darkness, silently slashing towards the Demon Soldiers. This Formation Blade blade... The blade was incomparably sharp, possessing supreme power to purify all Evil Filth. Wherever it passed, subtle ripples appeared in space, as if it were being sliced apart. Three Demon Soldiers who were frantically slashing at the wounds of the demon rhinoceros didn't even have time to let out a scream before they were cut in half at the waist by the Formation Blade. Their upper bodies were still in the posture of swinging their swords, and the madness in their eyes had not yet faded, but their lower bodies crashed to the ground, black demonic blood gushing out. Before the spurting black demonic blood could land, it was instantly purified into wisps of green smoke by the Indestructible Dao Patterns flowing on the Formation Blade, dissipating into the dense demonic energy, leaving not even a trace of blood.
"Who?!"
The purple-robed Devil Cultivator was filled with shock and rage. He abruptly turned his head, a look of disbelief flashing in his eyes. As Grand Unity Golden Immortal in the early stage, his divine sense had long since covered an area of Fang Yuan miles. No movement could escape his perception, yet he had not noticed anyone lurking in the shadows. The opponent's aura was so deeply concealed that he only detected it the moment the attack was made, which made him feel a strong sense of crisis. The instant the Black Sword was drawn, a jet-black demonic flame Sword Qi roared out, carrying a terrifying power that could incinerate everything and corrode the soul, piercing straight for Ren Xiaoyao's face. The air along the way was scorched and distorted, leaving a jet-black trail. Wherever it passed, even the rocks were scorched black.
Ren Xiaoyao neither dodged nor evaded, his expression as calm as ever, as if the deadly Sword Qi had nothing to do with him. With a thought, the Indestructible Emperor Formation instantly unfolded a golden light screen half a zhang square. On the light screen, countless intricate Indestructible Dao Patterns flowed rapidly, like a vast Star River, or like interwoven Emperor Mark, radiating a warm yet firm aura, isolating the surrounding demonic energy. The pitch-black Sword Qi containing terrifying Demonic Might collided with the light screen, only stirring up a weak ripple, before melting away as quickly as ice and snow meeting the scorching sun, leaving not a trace, as if it had never existed. Without stopping, he walked straight towards the Unicorn Demon Rhinoceros as if strolling in a garden, condensing a strand of Primordial Chaos Power to its extreme at his fingertips. The power seemed weak, but it contained the power of World Creation, like the first ray of light at the Beginning of the Universe, and gently touched the indestructible head of the Demon Rhinoceros.
To everyone's horror, the scales and skull that could withstand a full-force attack from Golden Immortal and leave only a white mark on a demonic blade were like paper before the Primordial Chaos Power. A tiny hole was instantly pierced through them without a sound, as if a thin layer of paper had been torn. Ren Xiaoyao reached in and his fingertips touched a cool, smooth, and slightly pulsating hard object. The touch was like fine warm jade, yet it contained immense energy. Without hesitation, he took it out—it was the fist-sized, gleaming blue unicorn Demonic Core. The surface of the Demonic Core was covered with delicate patterns, like naturally formed Dao Patterns. The blue light was pure and rich, like the deepest night sky, captivating anyone who looked into it, as if they were about to be drawn into it.
The Demonic Core felt cool to the touch, and its extremely pure Origin Power flowed continuously into Ren Xiaoyao's body through his fingertips, like a rushing stream merging into a vast ocean, instantly spreading to every part of his body. This demonic essence, imbued with violent attributes, was rapidly purified by the Indestructible Emperor Formation circulating around him the moment it touched his skin, removing its Evil Filth and violence and transforming it into gentle, mellow energy that nourished his dantian along his meridians. His dantian, which had been somewhat depleted due to the previous battle, was now rapidly replenished, like parched land receiving rain, and his Primordial Chaos Origin became even more condensed. Ren Xiaoyao was overjoyed. The quality of this Demonic Core far exceeded his expectations; the Origin Power it contained was several times more concentrated than that of an ordinary Grand Unity Golden Immortal. For him, who desperately needed to replenish his energy and break through to a higher realm, it was like a godsend, arriving at the perfect time.
The Unicorn Demon Rhinoceros, stripped of its Demonic Core, let out a piercingly mournful cry, a sound filled with despair and resentment that echoed throughout the valley, causing even the distant rocks to tremble. Its massive body could no longer sustain itself, collapsing to the ground with a deafening crash, kicking up a cloud of black dust that resembled a small storm. The impact shook the surrounding rocks, sending several fragments bouncing and striking distant demonic trees with dull thuds, snapping their withered branches. The surviving Demon Soldiers, seeing this, roared and charged at Ren Xiaoyao, their eyes filled with bloodlust and the fury of their stolen prey. They brandished their demonic blades, forming a dense net of blades, their intense killing intent looming like a dark cloud, intent on tearing this unexpected thief to pieces and avenging their fallen comrades.
The purple-robed Devil Cultivator was enraged, his eyes blazing with fury, almost dripping with ink. His demonic energy surged, roaring and churning like a black tidal wave, causing the surrounding rocks to levitate and swirl around him. His Black Sword unfurled with strange Demonic Runes, its blade wreathed in raging Black Demonic Flame, interspersed with subtle Demonic Runes, radiating an aura of utter destruction. It aimed directly for Ren Xiaoyao's vital point in the back, moving with lightning speed, accompanied by a Sky-Rending Strike sound as it tore through the air. He roared, "You dare steal my things? You're courting death!"
Ren Xiaoyao sneered, a hint of disdain flashing in his eyes. His left hand swiftly formed a hand seal, golden light flowing from his fingertips. The golden light of the Indestructible Emperor Formation suddenly intensified, and the circular light barrier expanded outwards like a giant golden net, carrying unparalleled power and repelling all the attacking Demon Soldiers. The Demon Soldiers crashed into the light barrier as if they were hitting an impenetrable wall forged from ten-thousand-year-old Mysterious Iron; the cracking sounds of bones shattering were audible and distinct, like popping beans. One by one, Demon Soldiers coughed up Black Blood and flew backwards, crashing heavily to the ground or rocks, suffering heavy casualties instantly. Only three or four remained, trembling with fear, sitting on the ground, their eyes filled with terror as they looked at Ren Xiaoyao, as if they had seen Death God, no longer daring to take another step forward.
At the same time, he slightly sidestepped, his movements fluid and effortless, as if strolling in a garden, perfectly dodging the sword thrust from the purple-robed Devil Cultivator cultivator. The sharp sword tip grazed the hem of his clothes, carrying a wisp of black demonic energy, but it failed to harm him in the slightest. Holding the Demonic Core in his right hand, the Primordial Chaos Power at his fingertips erupted once more, and a condensed and heavy golden palm print materialized out of thin air. Primordial Chaos Dao patterns flowed on the palm print, carrying an overwhelming and majestic aura, like Mount Tai Crushing Down pressing down, slamming heavily into the opponent's chest. Wherever the palm wind passed, the air was compressed and produced a muffled sound.
Caught off guard, the purple-robed Devil Cultivator was struck squarely by the palm print. A searing pain shot through his chest, as if pierced by a thousand steel needles or crushed by a giant boulder. His demonic energy instantly became chaotic, surging through his meridians like a runaway torrent. He coughed up a mouthful of Black Blood, mixed with bits of flesh, clearly indicating severe internal organ damage. His body flew backward several feet like a kite with a broken string, crashing heavily onto a boulder with a dull thud. The boulder cracked several times from the impact, sending debris raining down before he managed to regain his footing. He wiped the blood from his mouth, staring at Ren Xiaoyao in horror, his eyes filled with disbelief and deep dread. His voice hoarse as he roared, "Primordial Chaos Origin? You're a cultivator from the Primordial Chaos Realm!"
Ren Xiaoyao was too lazy to waste words with him. He knew that it was best to nip the problem in the bud, especially in the perilous Demon Realm. Leaving any Hidden Danger could lead to his death. He stepped forward, and the Indestructible Emperor Formation between his brows once again condensed into several golden Formation Blade, gleaming with a deadly luster. Like a sharp sword hanging overhead, they exuded an aura of purification, intending to completely kill this purple-robed Devil Cultivator and eliminate any future troubles.
Just then, a deafening roar suddenly echoed from the sky, like a thunderclap. The entire Demon Mountain region trembled violently, and several small cracks even appeared in the ground, from which black demonic energy surged forth. The pitch-black demonic energy swept in from the sky like dark clouds, blotting out the sun and dyeing the entire sky black. With a suffocatingly terrifying pressure, it instantly enveloped the entire battlefield, causing the concentration of demonic energy in the air to increase several times over. Even the light dimmed, as if plunging into darkness, where one could not see their own hand in front of their face.
"You audacious scoundrel, how dare you kill and plunder in my Black Flame Demon Realm!"
The voice was aged and violent, as if from the Nine Nether Hell, containing unfathomable Daoist principles, and even faintly possessing a terrifying power surpassing that of Grand Unity Golden Immortal. This made Ren Xiaoyao's heart tremble, and the Primordial Chaos Origin within his body pause for a moment. He looked up and saw an old man in a black robe, his face withered, walking through the air. The black robe fluttered in the wind, embroidered with a ferocious Devil Ancestor pattern, which writhed with his movements. He was surrounded by a dense demonic aura that was almost tangible, and the tangible black mist rolled and surged around him, forming a huge demonic shadow that blotted out the sky. Behind him emerged a Three Heads Six Arms Demon Ancestor Phantom, each face ferocious and terrifying, displaying three strange expressions: joy, anger, and sorrow. His eyes were filled with boundless hatred and killing intent, as if he wanted to devour the entire world. The pressure made the heavens and earth lose their color.
It was none other than the ruler of the Black Flame Demon Realm, the Great Demon Ancestor Ku Rong, one of the Seven Great Demon Ancestors of the Demon Realm!
Upon seeing the arrival of the Great Demon Ancestor Ku Rong, the purple-robed demon Devil Cultivator felt as if he had seen a savior, his eyes blazing with a fierce will to survive. He struggled to his feet, ignoring his injuries, and knelt down with a thud, his knees hitting the ground with a dull thud. His voice was filled with sobs and resentment, as if he had suffered a great injustice. "Grandfather, this person is a cultivator from the Primordial Chaos Realm. Not only did he steal my Demonic Core, but he also killed dozens of Demon Soldiers from my Black Flame Demon Realm! You must avenge me!"
The Great Demon Ancestor Ku Rong's gaze was fixed on Ren Xiaoyao with an almost tangible intensity, the hatred in his eyes almost materializing into raging Flame Sect that could scorch everything. Hundreds of years ago, he had sent his most valued Personal Disciple to infiltrate the Primordial Chaos Realm in search of fortuitous opportunity. That disciple was exceptionally talented, a once-in-a-millennium genius, and the future pillar that Kuru had nurtured with countless heavenly materials and earthly treasures, carrying his hopes of reaching higher realms. Unexpectedly, the disciple had barely stepped into the Primordial Chaos Realm when he was killed by a powerful figure Primordial Chaos Realm, his very soul failing to escape, leaving only... A faint trace of aura confirmed his death. This deep-seated hatred had always been etched in his heart, a desire for revenge that raged on and on. He harbored an intense hatred for the cultivators of the Primordial Chaos Realm Primordial Chaos Realm, wishing he could grind them all to dust. Now, seeing the Primordial Chaos Origin Aura emanating from Ren Xiaoyao, both old and new grudges surged forth, his killing intent instantly reaching its peak. The demonic energy around him became violent, surging like a tsunami. "Scum of the Primordial Chaos Realm, today I will make you vanish into thin air, to pay for my disciple's life!"
Before the words were even finished, the Great Demon Ancestor Ku Rong raised his hand and waved it. Endless demonic energy rapidly condensed before him, transforming into a gigantic demonic spear tens of feet long. The spear was entirely black, covered with dense Black Demonic Markings. Each Demonic Runes resembled a tiny demonic snake, constantly writhing and emanating a terrifying aura that corroded the soul and annihilated life. The spearhead gleamed with a ghostly blue poisonous light, seemingly capable of piercing through any defense. The demonic spear, with a sharp whistling sound that Sky-Rending Strike, pierced the surrounding space, creating cracks, and like a meteor falling to earth, it aimed Ren Xiaoyao's face, blocking all his escape routes. The sheer power of this attack was terrifying. The power of this strike far surpassed any attack from the purple-robed Devil Cultivator. Even with the Indestructible Emperor Formation, Ren Xiaoyao dared not rashly take it head-on.
Ren Xiaoyao's eyes narrowed, and he instantly made a decision: he absolutely could not linger in battle! The Great Demon Ancestor Ku Rong's cultivation was at least at the peak of the late Grand Unity Golden Immortal stage, and might even have touched the threshold of the Grand Unity Golden Immortal stage. His unfathomable aura made even him feel a chill, and his strength far surpassed his current level. Continuing to stay would be tantamount to throwing an egg against a rock; only by temporarily avoiding his sharp edge could he have a sliver of hope. With a thought, the Indestructible Emperor Formation instantly contracted, transforming into a thin Golden Light Shield that tightly protected his entire body. The Dao Patterns on the light shield flowed rapidly, as dazzling as Star River, pushing his defense to its limit. At the same time, he fully activated the Primordial Movement Technique, his figure transforming into a golden streak of light, like an arrow released from a bow, rushing towards the depths of the Demon Mountain at such a speed that only a blur remained.
"Trying to run? Stay here!"
The Great Demon Ancestor Ku Rong snorted coldly, his voice filled with disdain and confidence. His figure flashed, several times faster than Ren Xiaoyao, following closely behind as if Teleport. The distance between them rapidly closed, and the terrifying Demonic Might enveloped Ren Xiaoyao like Mount Tai Crushing Down, making it difficult for him to breathe. The Three Heads Six Arms phantoms behind him attacked simultaneously, countless black Demon Blade, ferocious demonic claws, and raging demonic flames sweeping in like a torrential downpour, blocking all escape routes and leaving Ren Xiaoyao with no way to avoid them but to withstand the attacks head-on. The Demon Blade sliced through the air with piercing shrieks, the demonic claws carried an aura capable of tearing apart the soul, and the demonic flames burned away all life force; every attack was potentially fatal.
The purple-robed Devil Cultivator also hurriedly rose, ignoring his injuries, and led a few surviving Demon Soldiers to follow closely behind, roaring, "Seal off Demon Mountain! Guard all exits! We absolutely cannot let this Primordial Chaos scum escape!" His voice was filled with resentment and unwillingness; he vowed to see Ren Xiaoyao torn to pieces before he could vent his hatred. Although the Demon Soldiers were terrified, under the urging of the purple-robed Devil Cultivator and the Great Demon Ancestor Ku Rong, they gritted their teeth and chased after him, brandishing their demonic blades and letting out bursts of roars.
Ren Xiaoyao raced along the rugged Mountain Path of Demon Mountain, the ground strewn with sharp stones and ravines, threatening him with danger at any moment. The Demonic Might lurked behind him like a persistent shadow, an inescapable leech. The terrifying pressure caused beads of sweat to trickle down his back. The Golden Light Shield of the Indestructible Emperor Formation was constantly struck by the barrage of demonic attacks, producing deafening booms like thunderclaps, making his eardrums ache. The shield trembled violently, the Indestructible Dao Patterns on it flickering between Primordial Chaos Origin. The depletion of his Primordial Chaos Origin intensified suddenly. Ren Xiaoyao could clearly feel the energy within his body rapidly draining away. The Primordial Chaos Origin in his dantian was like a lake being swept by a raging storm, violently fluctuating. He knew that once the Great Demon Ancestor Ku Rong caught up with him, he would surely die. He could only desperately activate the Primordial Movement Technique, constantly weaving between the sharp, blade-like stalagmites and the dense, ghostly Withered Demon Tree, using the complex terrain to evade pursuit. Stalagmites were struck by demonic attacks and snapped in two, while Withered Demon Tree were ignited by demonic flames, crackling and bursting into flames.
The demonic energy deep within Demon Mountain grew increasingly dense, almost solidifying into a tangible substance, filling the air like viscous ink. Inhaling even a single breath sent chills down his spine, and his meridians throbbed with pain. Had it not been for the Indestructible Emperor Formation protecting him, he would likely have already succumbed to the Demonic Qi Erosion. Simultaneously, the fluctuations of that High Antiquity array became clearer, beating steadily like a heart, carrying an ancient and mysterious Daoist aura, as if guiding him from the the Unseen. Out of the corner of his eye, Ren Xiaoyao noticed faint, blurred Demonic Runes etched on the cliff Mountain Path ahead. The patterns were ancient and powerful, subtly echoing the array fluctuations in the air. His conviction grew stronger; there must be Ancient Ruins on this mountain.
Without further hesitation, he gathered his energy, and the Primordial Chaos Origin surged violently through his meridians, causing his body to accelerate abruptly, like a Golden Lightning, climbing upwards along the steep Mountain Path. The demonic vines on both sides of the Mountain Path grew increasingly dense, like wildly growing tentacles with sharp barbs, constantly wrapping around him. Several thick demonic vines even emerged directly from the mountainside, blocking his way and attempting to stop him.