**Devouring Demonic Technique!** Shen Xiang froze when he heard this name, standing in a daze, drawing strange looks from passersby.
"Don't be so surprised. Otherwise, it wouldn't be called a demonic technique! The Devouring Demonic Technique has three primary rules. First, never devour someone whose cultivation is far higher than yours. Second, never devour good people, or you'll develop inner demons due to guilt, eventually turning into a true demon. Third, never let anyone know you possess this technique, or you'll be hunted down by the righteous sects."
Listening to Bai Youyou's cold voice, Shen Xiang's expression grew more solemn. This demonic technique was indeed powerful, allowing him to seize others' cultivation. However, he also knew that frequent use would have significant negative effects on himself.
"After using it once, you must fully refine the energy you devour into your own. You must ensure that all the energy you absorb becomes absolutely pure, or you mustn't attempt a second devouring!" Bai Youyou's voice was icy and stern.
Shen Xiang took a deep breath. To use such a technique required a certain mental preparation.
"I'll teach it to you now, but be cautious when using it. There must be no witnesses, and the person you devour will die as a result," Bai Youyou said as she transferred the technique's method directly into Shen Xiang's mind through divine sense.
The ability to devour others' power—while this technique was undoubtedly sinister, it was also profound. Shen Xiang found himself captivated, trying to understand the intricacies of the Devouring Demonic Technique, attempting to unravel its principles.
"Don't bother trying to comprehend it fully. Even I can't do that. The person who created this technique was a peerless genius. Every technique he created is both magnificent and terrifying," Bai Youyou's voice held a rare trace of admiration.
Shen Xiang, too, felt a deep respect for the creator. He continued walking toward the headquarters of the Black Wind Gang. The Black Wind Gang was a notorious organization. While they appeared clean on the surface, they engaged in many unsavory activities behind the scenes. Their headquarters being located in the King City indicated they had powerful backers. Shen Xiang suspected their backer to be the Yao Family.
Ever since Yao Tianhua and the Yao Family elder had disappeared, most of the underworld gangs had been dismantled, yet the Black Wind Gang remained. This, in itself, was suspicious.
Having been targeted by the Black Wind Gang, Shen Xiang certainly couldn't let the matter go.
In the distance, a large mansion was filled with lively noise. Shen Xiang suddenly remembered that the leader of the Black Wind Gang had been preparing for his 70th birthday banquet. The celebration was in full swing inside the mansion.
A cold smile appeared on Shen Xiang's lips. The Black Wind Gang had sent assassins after him, likely receiving a hefty reward for it. They must have believed they had succeeded.
While there was a rule against fighting within the King City, personal vendettas were an exception, especially when Shen Xiang had been the target of an assassination attempt.
The gates of the Black Wind Gang's mansion were wide open, with about a dozen guards standing at the entrance. They saw Shen Xiang approaching, dressed in ordinary clothes, and quickly shouted, "Who goes there?"
Shen Xiang glanced at them with disdain and said calmly, "Shen Xiang of the Dan King Hall."
The guards froze. They had heard of Shen Xiang, but they hadn't seen him before. None of them expected him to show up here. Today was their leader's birthday, and they had close ties to the Yao Family. Shen Xiang's appearance clearly had a purpose.
"What's your business here? Our leader didn't invite you!" one of the guards said, though his tone wasn't as forceful. After all, Shen Xiang was known for defeating a seventh-level Mortal Martial Realm expert and was also a young alchemist. He was not someone they could afford to offend.
One guard hurried inside to report the situation, knowing this was beyond their authority. Shen Xiang didn't make things difficult for them and simply stood at the gate, waiting patiently.
It wasn't long before the noise inside quieted down. Shen Xiang, with his powerful divine sense, could sense several individuals, all between the fifth and seventh levels of the Mortal Martial Realm, slowly approaching him. He was slightly surprised; he hadn't expected the Black Wind Gang leader to have such influential connections.
Shen Xiang stood tall, his hands behind his back, his posture steady as he watched a group of richly dressed individuals emerge from the mansion.
Most of them appeared to be middle-aged. Though Shen Xiang had been in King City for some time, he wasn't familiar with the local martial families. However, he guessed that these men were likely heads of respected martial families or held high status within those families.
As the crowd looked at the proud and upright young man before them, admiring his calm and composed demeanor, they found it hard to believe that Shen Xiang was only sixteen. Their own younger generation couldn't compare to him.
"Young Master Shen, today is my birthday. I don't want any unpleasant incidents. If you have other matters to discuss, let's do it another day," said the Black Wind Gang leader, a sturdy old man wearing a black fur cloak that made him look quite imposing. However, when he saw Shen Xiang, a flicker of shock flashed in his eagle-like eyes.
Shen Xiang caught that flicker of surprise and smiled to himself. He responded loudly, "Leader of the Black Wind Gang, I've come to inform you of something. Earlier today, as I was returning to the city, someone posing as members of the Black Wind Gang attempted to assassinate me."
The Black Wind Gang leader's pupils contracted. "How do you know they were impersonating members of the Black Wind Gang?" he asked.
Shen Xiang smirked and replied, "Although there were more than three hundred of them, I killed every single one. I imagine members of the Black Wind Gang wouldn't be that weak, would they?"
Earlier today, the Black Wind Gang had received word that the forest outside the city had caught fire. The three hundred men they had sent out had yet to return. Now, seeing Shen Xiang standing here unscathed, the leader's heart sank.
The leader's facial muscles twitched upon hearing Shen Xiang's words. Those three hundred men were critical to the Black Wind Gang, but he couldn't admit they were his.
Several people behind the Black Wind Gang leader looked shocked as well. Shen Xiang guessed they were aware that the gang had sent assassins after him, which meant they were likely connected to the Yao Family.
"I must be right, Leader of the Black Wind Gang. You should investigate who's tarnishing your reputation by posing as your men," Shen Xiang smiled and continued, "Consider this information a birthday gift from me."
The leader's eyes trembled, filled with both anger and sorrow. The three hundred men, led by his son, had planned to present Shen Xiang's head as a grand gift. Instead, they had all been killed by Shen Xiang.
"Shen Xiang!" the Black Wind Gang leader suddenly roared, stopping Shen Xiang as he was about to leave.
Shen Xiang turned his head, his expression calm. With a smile, he asked, "Is there anything else, Leader?"
The Black Wind Gang leader's voice trembled as he squeezed out two words through gritted teeth, "Thank you!"
"You're welcome!" Shen Xiang smiled faintly and strode away, leaving behind the mansion in silence.