Death is the beginning huh!? Shit was does that even mean, death is the beginning, should I die first or no... no.no...no that's not it. Let's try and see what my Tao soul looks like. The voice said this is my sea of consciousness wow it's pretty cool. Jeez what's that? What kind of beast or soul is that, couldn't the voice have been a little more specific about this stuff." Reece stood within his own sea of consciousness puzzled by what he was told and what he saw.
"So how do I begin this death part, aaah let me touch it and see what happens. Huh nothing at least you could have moved a little bit."
The space in his sea of consciousness began to crumble apart and reconstruct itself all over again, more spiritual energy flowed and flooded in as it kept changing as he held onto the Tao soul. The more the changes the more power he accumulated, just then he began to realize what he was told by the mysterious voice. In order to begin you must face death and death is the beginning.
Reece realized the first phase of the stage which would usher him into the cultivation. He was realizing his own meaning and why he was cultivating and taking up the world of immortals. He wanted to have the freedom to enjoy the meat and food he hunted that was his realization and what was going to push him forward.
After opening and successfully initiating the first phase of the Tao now he had the power to confront the demon king. In death does the beginning start, in reality Reece had suffered a lot of pain which was had almost led him to death door and this was the key he needed all along to usher him in towards this great journey and perilous one all over again.
With newfound strength coursing through his veins and the first phase of the Tao successfully initiated, Reece stood on the precipice of destiny. The demon king, a towering, monstrous figure with crimson eyes that burned like molten lava, awaited him at the heart of the desolate, otherworldly battlefield. The ground trembled beneath Reece's feet as he approached, the air crackling with an electric tension.
The demon king sneered, his jagged teeth gleaming in the eerie light that bathed the barren landscape. "You think you can challenge me, mortal?" he hissed, his voice a cacophony of malevolence. "You are but a fleeting ember in the darkness, and I am eternal!"
Reece squared his shoulders and clenched his fists, determination in his eyes. "I may be mortal, but I've tapped into the power of the Tao, and I have something you'll never understand—the strength that comes from enduring pain and suffering, a strength to overcome all that challenges me my very own definition of strength."
With a deafening roar, the demon king lunged at Reece, his enormous, clawed hand slashing through the air. Reece's newfound agility allowed him to evade the strike narrowly. He retaliated with a swift punch, sending a shockwave of energy rippling through the demon's armored chest. The demon king staggered back, bellowing in agony.
Reece pressed his advantage, his movements fluid and precise. He summoned the power of the Tao, manifesting it as ethereal blades of energy that danced around him. With a graceful flourish, he sent the blades slicing toward the demon king, who howled in pain as they cut through his flesh and dealing damage to his soul too.
But the demon king was no pushover. He swung his massive tail, crashing it into the ground with such force that it sent shockwaves racing toward Reece. Reece leaped into the air, somersaulting gracefully to avoid the shockwaves. He descended, landing on the demon's back, and drove one of his ethereal blades deep into the demon king's spine.
The demon king shrieked in agony and thrashed about wildly, attempting to dislodge Reece. But Reece clung tenaciously, channeling the power of the Tao to keep himself anchored. He continued to stab and slash at the demon's vulnerable spots, blood and ichor spraying with each blow.
As the battle raged on, the skies darkened, and thunder rumbled ominously. Reece could feel the Tao within him growing stronger with each passing moment, as if the very essence of the universe was lending him its power, the heavens growled in anger as more power was drawn to the Tao. The demon king, weakened and wounded, realized he was facing an adversary unlike any other.
With a final, desperate effort, the demon king unleashed a blast of infernal energy, engulfing Reece in a searing maelstrom. The ground quaked, and the air filled with smoke and debris. When the dust settled, Reece emerged, his body battered and scorched, but his resolve unbroken, his eyes full of life and determination to finally succeed this time.
In his hand, Reece held the ethereal blade charged with the full force of the Tao. With a determined gaze, he plunged it into the demon king's heart. The demon let out one last, ear-piercing scream before dissolving into a swirling vortex of darkness, vanquished at last.
As the battle-weary Reece stood victorious on the battlefield, the world around him began to transform. The bleak landscape blossomed with life, and vibrant colors filled the sky. The power of the Tao had not only vanquished the demon king but also restored balance to the battle. Reece stood towering over the demon kings' corpse as the other cultivators stood in disbelief of what had just happened.
Who was thought to be dead after the first round finally summoned new strength to defeat the demon king and restore what was at first a fleeting win for human cultivators. As Reece stood victorious over the defeated demon king, a new wave of energy surged forth from the horizon. The ground trembled, and the very air vibrated with power as Mei Ling (a powerhouse from an ancient sect) approached the battlefield once more. Her presence alone sent shockwaves through the remnants of the demon army that had still been lurking nearby.
The demon king's lingering darkness had not yet fully dissipated, and it tried to resist Mei Ling's presence. The remnants of the defeated demon king coalesced into a grotesque, shadowy form, attempting one last desperate assault. But Mei Ling was prepared.
With a flick of her hand, Mei Ling unleashed a torrent of radiant energy, like a beam of pure light. The light cut through the shadowy remnants, causing them to shriek and writhe in agony. It was a battle of pure willpower and spiritual strength, and Mei Ling's determination was unbreakable which was to rescue the cultivators as she had rushed over when she first heard of the presence of the demon king.
With a final surge of power, Mei Ling shattered the remnants of the demon king, and they dissolved into nothingness, leaving behind only a lingering echo of their malevolence. The once-darkened skies cleared, and the world seemed to sigh in relief.
Reece, still standing amidst the aftermath of his own battle, turned to see Mei Ling, her body glowing with a brilliant aura. They locked eyes, and with a shared understanding, they nodded at each other. Together, they had not only defeated the demon king but also ensured the survival of humanity's cultivation legacy. And saved countless lives from falling under the demon king's sword. The other demon kings undoubtedly recognized Mei Lings strength and retreated with grieving hearts for their fallen comrade.
The news of their triumph spread far and wide, rekindling hope among human cultivators and inspiring them to continue their quest to fight the invading demons.
Reece had completed the first phase of his journey, but he knew that more challenges and perils lay ahead. With newfound wisdom, strength, and the power of the Tao, he embarked on the next phase of his great adventure, ready to face whatever trials and tribulations the universe had in store for him.