Lucifer surveyed the fallen figure of Frederick, then glanced at his diminishing Energy counter, which now read 50.
Although expending that much energy might seem extravagant, considering he had to take human lives to replenish it, the past 7-8 days had provided him with ample time for introspection.
From this contemplation, he reached several significant conclusions.
Firstly, Lucifer resolved not to shy away from killing humans solely based on his initial disastrous experience. But he acknowledged the need to thoroughly investigate his targets before taking any action.
Among the city's inhabitants, he had already identified four individuals who, in his assessment, transcended the mere façade of humanity. Their malevolent deeds and actions marked them as the true embodiment of evil.
Additionally, Lucifer made the conscious decision to embrace and savor his existence despite the adversities of his new world.
While his survival was not currently under threat, his mental stability was sufferings.
To address this, he decided to frighten Frederick, as it brought him a profound sense of happiness—a feeling he hadn't experienced in a while. Additionally, he hoped that scaring Frederick would discourage him from bothering Emily any further.
In his pursuit of emotional well-being, he also turned to the practice of mindful meditation, a technique he recalled from his previous life.
This practice aimed to anchor him in the present moment and encourage thoughtful decision-making, regardless of the situation at hand.
Furthermore, Lucifer acknowledged the necessity of reevaluating his goal of protecting Emily. Although he held no ill will towards her and regarded her as his first friend in this world, he recognized the need to define a personal purpose beyond her safety.
While uncertain of how Emily would react upon discovering the truth about her father's demise, he remained resolute in safeguarding her from the shadows if necessary.
However, he still understood the significance of seeking out a distinct objective for himself and vowed to persist until he found it.
'I suppose I should also check the required Soul Points for evolving into a Devil,' Lucifer thought to himself. He examined the details:
[Devil: 100,000 Soul Points]
{Features}
1. Energy capacity increases to 1000.
2. Physical body is present.
3. Ability to cultivate like humans.
4. Unlocking of new skills.
5. Access to Devil exclusive skill.
6. Full version of Devil Transformation System unlocked.
"What! I will obtain a physical body after becoming a Devil?" Lucifer exclaimed in disbelief.
He contemplated the fact that obtaining the necessary 100,000 Soul Points would require him to kill at least 400 humans. Chuckling, he remarked, "Hehe, I don't think that will be happening anytime soon."
.....
As Lucifer embarked on his nightly hunt, an inconspicuous yet crucial gathering unfolded within the city lord's manor.
The assembly comprised all twelve Qi Condensation cultivators in White Lotus City, including the city lord, who had attained the esteemed Foundation Establishment cultivation stage.
Three cultivators hailed from the Red Lotus Clan, three from the Blue Lotus Clan, while the remaining individuals belonged to the White Lotus Clan. Notably, both the leaders of the Red and Blue Clans, Blaze Emberheart and Frost Winterbane, respectively, were in attendance.
The gathering also included several Martial Artists at the Dantian Formation Stage, who held significant roles in the city's administration, with William's mother present among them.
"City Lord, I bring urgent news," one of the Dantian Formation Stage martial artists reported. "The massive gathering of wolves we discovered a few days ago has transformed into a beast tide. It is now heading towards White Lotus City and is expected to reach us tomorrow."
The City Lord's expression turned grave. "Do we have an estimation of the number of wolves we're dealing with?"
"The exact number is unknown, but reports indicate that this is the largest tide our city has ever faced," the martial artist replied.
Blaze Emberheart, the leader of the Red Lotus Clan, chimed in. "The size doesn't matter anyways. We will just unleash a relentless barrage of attacks from atop the city walls. And our citizens will also be protected behind the fortified walls, so no need to worry about them."
The City Lord nodded, considering the situation. "While we must remain confident, we should also prepare for any accidents."
"I expect all cultivators to be present tomorrow, and we must implement a city-wide lockdown. Have we notified the villagers affiliated with us?" he continued, scanning the gathered individuals before fixing his gaze on the official in charge of public communication.
"Yes, sir. We have already alerted them and deployed a small unit to ensure their safety during the wolf tide," the official confirmed. "We will inform the city's citizens tomorrow morning, ensuring they are aware of the situation and remain in their houses."
The City Lord nodded in approval. "Very well. Blaze and Frost, I assign both of you to gather martial artists above the Lungs Tempering Stage from your respective clans and sects. Keep them prepared near the city walls in case any wolves enter the city."
Both Blaze and Frost nodded without saying anything.
The City Lord glanced at everyone once again, seeking confirmation that they had understood their assigned roles.
"Good. Now go and make the necessary arrangements," the City Lord commanded.
As everyone else left, the City Lord and William's mother were the only ones remaining in the room
"It has been eight days!. Why didn't you take Blaze into custody or at least ask him about Thomas and Emily?" William's mother inquired.
"I received the report of the massive wolf gathering that very night, so I couldn't take any action," the City Lord explained.
"What! And now don't tell me that even after such a coincidence, you didn't get suspicious?" William's mother exclaimed.
"What do you mean, 'didn't get suspicious'? Suspicious about what? Should I have been suspicious that they gathered the wolves just to distract me?" the City Lord responded.
"That does sound reasonable," William's mother conceded.
"I think, madam, you should go home and rest. I promise you that after this beast tide, I will settle all the debts with both of them. Just don't say anything in front of other people, or they might misunderstand something entirely different and have their morale affected during this crucial time."
.....
On the outer side of the massive city walls, in a secluded area devoid of guards or any other individuals, two figures could be seen meticulously attaching a peculiar artifact to the sturdy wall.
"Do it properly, Blaze," Frost instructed, balancing herself on a thin layer of ice.
"If you have time to lecture me, why don't you take over then?" Blaze retorted.
"I'm just cautioning you because the success of the entire plan relies on this artifact functioning correctly," Frost explained, her voice calm and composed.
"Anyways, can such an artifact really exist?" Blaze inquired.
"I'm not entirely sure myself, but I believe those individuals must have the support of a sect or clan ranked at least Grade 4 to possess something like this," Frost replied.
As soon as the artifact affixed itself to the walls, the array inscriptions on the surface of the city wall began to undergo subtle transformations. These alterations were so minute that only someone fully focused on investigating the wall, particularly someone in the Foundation Establishment Realm, would be able to discern them.
.....
Last night, Lucifer took the lives of two more humans, gaining 500 soul points in the process. To replenish the energy he expended while frightening Fredrick and committing the killings, he secluded himself in a remote area of the forest. There, he planned to convert 80 soul points into the necessary energy.
As he pressed the "convert button," a surge of energy coursed through him, but it was immediately accompanied by an overpowering rush of desire.
It was as if a tempestuous storm of lust for the opposite gender engulfed his being, threatening to sweep away his control. His hands trembled as he fought against the alluring temptation, struggling to maintain his composure.
But the battle had just begun. In the depths of his soul, a sinister force awakened—an insatiable thirst for blood.
A chilling, murderous instinct clawed at his conscience, threatening to consume his very essence. The weight of inhumane desires, tainted remnants left by the souls he had taken, bore down upon him mercilessly.
The relentless assault made it impossible to resist.
With each passing moment, his ghostly form was drawn inexorably towards White Lotus City, following the very path he had previously traversed.
His eyes, once clear and determined, now reflected a myriad of dark desires. The allure of violence and debauchery enticed him, luring him further into the depths of depravity.
Just as he neared the outskirts of the city, a flicker of clarity pierced through the maelstrom of his mind.
For a fleeting second, he glimpsed the consequences that awaited him if he succumbed to his base instincts.
The ghosts of his past mistakes, the haunting guilt he had only just begun to overcome, reminded him of the agony he had endured.
He refused to be shackled by remorse once again.
Summoning all his remaining strength, he took slow, deliberate breaths, seeking solace in meditation.
Time stretched before him like an eternity, the weight of his actions pressing upon his conscience.
And finally, like a fragile bloom emerging from the darkness, he opened his eyes.
In that moment, clarity returned to his gaze, as though a veil had been lifted. The struggle, though not entirely vanquished, had subsided.
[Madness has stabilised at 85]
After finding a moment of respite, Lucifer immersed himself in deep meditation, his unwavering focus aimed at discerning whether the tumultuous desires would resurface. An hour passed in tranquil introspection, and a sense of relief washed over him as he remained free from their grip.
Now, it was time to check on Emily and assess the situation with Frederick. As he made his way towards her location, a conflicted mixture of anticipation and trepidation filled Lucifer's thoughts. He pondered whether Frederick had truly learned his lesson or if another dose of terror was necessary to drive the point home. A mischievous glimmer danced in Lucifer's eyes, hinting at a darker side of his nature that he had recently discovered—an enjoyment in scaring people.
Lost in his own musings, Lucifer contemplated the reasons behind his impulsive actions in Greenfield Village. Could it be that his growing fondness for scaring people was the driving force? Or did it hold more weight than his own fear of the timer ticking away his existence? The possibilities twirled through his mind, intertwining with his wicked imagination.
A hint of apprehension crept into Lucifer's thoughts. "Don't tell me," he mused, "this peculiar aspect of my being is what led the system to transform me into a ghost after bringing me to this world." The notion unsettled him.