The night was mysterious, filled with a tense silence, as if the darkness itself was breathing slowly, engulfing every inch of the eerie forest.
Liu Chen stood, his expression cold and emotionless, while the faint moonlight filtered through the massive tree branches.
He was alone, but the feeling of solitude wasn't unfamiliar to him.
In fact, he preferred it. Solitude meant complete control, and it also meant that no one stood in his way toward absolute power.
Since entering this world, Liu hadn't needed the guidance or friendship of others.
His power and determination were all he required. His goal was clear, domination. But not just over this world. He sought to become the master of all realms.
Every step he took was part of his intricate plan to achieve ultimate authority, and he was willing to do anything, no matter the cost.
At that moment, as the darkness prevailed, a faint, hesitant voice approached him.
A young man, slender and wearing humble clothing, emerged, looking visibly anxious. His eyes shimmered with both hope and fear.
This young man, who was merely a beginner cultivator from a nearby village, had heard of Liu's growing power and his ability to control dark spirits.
"Sir... please, I need your help. I heard that you can guide me to power. I want to be like you," the young man said, his voice trembling.
Liu looked at the young man coldly, his eyes scanning him like a hunter examining his prey.
The boy was just another tool to be used.
Liu had no real interest in helping him, but he saw an opportunity to exploit him.
"Power?" Liu said softly, a faint smile devoid of warmth forming on his lips.
"Do you think power comes easily? You must pay a price."
The young man hesitated for a moment, but his overwhelming desire for strength made him quickly nod in agreement.
"Yes, sir. I'll pay any price."
Those words were all Liu needed. To him, every person was a tool, and every situation an opportunity.
He saw in this young man the chance to use him, whether through his success or failure. If he manipulated him successfully, he'd gain a loyal subordinate.
If he failed, his death would simply be another step toward Liu's greater power.
"Very well," Liu said slowly, his gaze fixed on the boy.
"Sit in front of me. I'll help you, but you must be prepared for the consequences. The power I'll grant you isn't natural. It's dark. If you cannot control it, it will destroy your life."
The young man sat down on the ground as instructed.
At that moment, Liu pulled out a piece of ancient black stone from his pocket, etched with mysterious inscriptions from forgotten ages.
This stone, known as the "Soul Imprisoning Stone," was a source of unimaginable power, but it also carried a deadly risk.
Only those who could tame the spirits trapped within it could harness its strength.
"I will open a gateway for you to the dark realm, where the spirits dwell that can grant you power. But understand this... these spirits are not obedient. If you are not strong enough, they will devour you without mercy."
Liu closed his eyes and began chanting a mysterious incantation, raising the black stone high above his head.
Suddenly, the ground beneath the young man began to tremble, and the air grew heavier, as if something unnatural was taking over the space.
Around them, faint spirits started to materialize out of thin air, hovering around the stone, whispering in incomprehensible languages.
The young man felt a surge of fear, but he had no choice. He had committed to seeking power, and now he had to pay the price.
His eyes were locked on Liu, who seemed to be in complete control of everything.
"Now..." Liu whispered, his voice low and filled with a hint of mockery.
"The dark energy is flowing toward you. Prepare yourself... if you're not ready to receive it, it will destroy you."
Suddenly, a tremendous wave of energy erupted from the black stone, surging toward the young man.
The energy was dark, heavy, and filled with the voices and screams of the spirits that had been trapped within the stone for centuries.
These spirits longed for freedom, but at the same time, they sought a host to control.
The young man began to feel something strange filling his body.
The energy was flowing into him, but with every passing moment, he felt a sharp pain spreading through him.
The pain was unbearable, as if the spirits were tearing him apart from the inside.
"Master... please!" the young man cried out in agony, writhing on the ground.
But Liu remained still. His eyes were cold, watching the scene unfold without any emotion.
"This is the nature of dark power..." Liu muttered.
"If you want it, you must endure the pain. If you cannot, it means you are unworthy of it."
The dark spirits tried to take control of the young man. They attempted to invade his mind and bend him to their will.
The pain was intensifying, but the young man was fighting back, desperate to hold on.
He didn't want to lose this one chance.
"Focus..." Liu whispered, his voice filled with quiet sarcasm.
"If you want to survive, you must control them. Don't let them control you."
But the spirits were stronger than the young man.
After a few more moments, the boy let out another agonizing scream, his body convulsing violently.
His eyes turned a dull black, and black smoke began to pour from his mouth and nose.
Liu didn't move. He knew this was the decisive moment.
If the boy could endure, he might have a chance. If not... his death would only add more power to the stone.
The young man screamed one last time before collapsing entirely to the ground, his body writhing as the dark spirits consumed him whole.
In the end, all that remained was a cold, lifeless body, with black smoke still rising from it.
Liu stared at the dead body for a few moments, then turned away with indifference.
He knew the boy wasn't ready for the power he sought. But that didn't bother him.
In fact, the boy's death was just another step toward Liu's goals.
"The weak have no place in this world," Liu muttered quietly as he walked away into the darkness.
Liu left the body behind without a second thought.
He knew the dark spirits that had killed the boy would remain trapped in the black stone, growing stronger after absorbing his soul.
For Liu, that was all that mattered. The stone was now more powerful, and he was one step closer to his ultimate goal.
In his mind, Liu knew this boy was only the beginning.
Many more would come seeking power, and they would meet the same fate if they were unable to tame the dark energy.
Each one would contribute to Liu's strength, step by step.
Liu continued walking through the forest, leaving faint traces of dark energy trailing behind him.
He knew the future held more challenges, but he had no doubt that he would overcome them all.
"True power doesn't come without sacrifice," Liu whispered as he disappeared into the darkness, determined to continue his path toward greatness.
"And I will be the one to decide who lives and who dies."