As Shenlong immersed himself in the forbidden Soul Devouring Art, he felt a surge of immense power. His cultivation, which had been rapidly progressing ever since the pendant's awakening, now skyrocketed to a level far beyond his peers. Yet with every use of the technique, a shadow seemed to settle over his heart, whispering dangerous thoughts—urging him to take more, to consume more.
Late at night, Shenlong sat cross-legged in his chamber, his brows furrowed in concentration. He had already absorbed the cultivation base of several minor beasts, but he knew that in order to truly grow, he would have to start absorbing human cultivators. The mere thought of it twisted his stomach, but the hunger for power gnawed at him, ever present.
Just then, Zhang Wei entered the chamber, breaking the silence. His usual carefree demeanor was replaced with concern. "Shenlong, something's changed about you," Zhang Wei said, his voice laced with worry. "Your aura… it feels darker."
Shenlong looked up, his expression unreadable. "I've found a way to grow stronger."
Zhang Wei frowned, crossing his arms. "At what cost? I've heard rumors—people disappearing, strange things happening around the sect. Don't tell me you're mixed up in something dangerous."
Shenlong remained silent for a moment, weighing his words carefully. "There's always a cost for power. But I won't let it consume me. I'll control it."
Zhang Wei sighed, shaking his head. "Just be careful, Shenlong. Power like that—it changes people. I don't want to see you lose yourself."
As Zhang Wei left, Shenlong clenched his fists. He knew his friend was right, but he couldn't stop now. He was too close to reclaiming his honor, too close to unlocking the mysteries of his pendant and his past. There was no turning back.