"Wait. Let's see what he wants first."
Huo Yuhao spoke to the Ice Empress in his mind while watching the black-robed old man who had suddenly appeared with a wary gaze.
The black-robed old man said calmly, "Hehe, no need to be so nervous. Just answer me this: did you do all this?"
"No." Huo Yuhao continued to deny it.
A hint of amusement entered the black-robed old man's voice. "Hehe, there's no need to be afraid to admit it. There are no outsiders here. This is a wondrous power that devours life force, isn't it?"
Huo Yuhao frowned, realizing that the man had already attributed everything to him.
The black-robed old man continued, "Don't reject it, child. Do you know how powerful this ability is?"
After witnessing an ability as evil as devouring, he showed no disgust. Instead, he looked at Huo Yuhao with appreciation and satisfaction.
Huo Yuhao had been debating whether to explain everything or simply flee. Hearing the black-robed old man's words, he couldn't help freezing for a moment, wanting to hear what else he had to say.
"The greatest characteristic of devouring is that you grow stronger with every battle. Only when you face powerful enemies can you reveal its true might."
The black-robed old man smiled and spoke in a tempting tone. "Your Soul Power is very weak right now, child. Wouldn't you like to become stronger?"
"Then what should I do?" Huo Yuhao played along.
Seeing Huo Yuhao show interest, the black-robed old man said softly, "Naturally, it's very simple. All you need to do is change what you devour from these plants to people."
"The life force of plants falls far short of the blood and vitality of living people. Trust me, your cultivation will advance by leaps and bounds that way."