As the portal to the Demon Deity Realm opened, each person was suddenly handed an identification token engraved with their name. Xie Bai Shan then spoke with a commanding tone, "These are your identification tokens. Each time you slay a demon, their souls will be absorbed into your token. However, to activate this power, you must bind the token to your own soul. This way, it will recognize its master and cannot be tampered with. Beware—if you fail to kill the demons, they will not only claim your life but also devour your soul, leaving you trapped within this realm forever. Proceed with caution, for the competition begins now!"
As Xie Bai Shan's declaration ended, disciples from all corners of the realm surged forward, diving into the portal without hesitation. Their goal was clear: to slay as many demons as possible before others could claim the kills. To fall behind was not an option—for death at the hands of demons meant forfeiting their souls entirely. Thus, they rushed in with urgency, a mix of determination and desperation fueling their every step.
Yet amidst the chaos, Xiao Tian lingered, watching patiently. Only after everyone else had entered did he step forward, crossing the threshold as the final participant.
---
On the other side of the portal…
"Hmm…"
Xiao Tian's eyes narrowed in surprise. "Why does this place look so different from what I expected?"
He had imagined a desolate wasteland teeming with bloodthirsty demons—a land of crimson skies, scorched earth, and mountains of bones. But what greeted him was far from that vision.
Lush forests stretched as far as the eye could see. Vibrant green leaves shimmered in the sunlight, and the sound of rustling wildlife filled the air. Birds sang, and small creatures darted through the underbrush. It was a land full of life and beauty.
"Can this truly be the Demon Deity Realm?" Xiao Tian muttered, his voice tinged with confusion.
Still, he remained cautious. "In a place so abundant with life, danger often lurks beneath the surface. Even the most beautiful flower hides its thorns. This could all be a trap to lower one's guard."
Scanning the area, Xiao Tian quickly located a towering tree, its height and thick branches providing the perfect vantage point. "This will do nicely," he thought, leaping into its canopy with practiced ease.
---
High above the ground, Xiao Tian perched silently on a branch over 200 meters tall. From here, he surveyed the forest, his senses extended in every direction to detect any threats that might arise.
Suddenly, his keen eyes caught movement. "What is that?" he whispered.
To the north, a massive creature slithered through the forest. Its body was covered in glimmering scales that reflected the sunlight in dazzling hues. Each scale appeared as sharp as a blade, and its serpentine form stretched over 50 meters long.
"A high-level beast," Xiao Tian mused. "No doubt, this must be a demonic serpent… but it seems to be heading south rather than toward me."
CRASH!
A thunderous noise echoed from the serpent's path. Xiao Tian's gaze sharpened. "Something is happening over there. I should take a closer look."
With careful, silent movements, Xiao Tian leapt from branch to branch, his breathing steady and controlled, masking his presence entirely. He approached the source of the commotion, each step calculated to avoid detection.
---
As he neared, the scene became clear. A group of six individuals was locked in battle with the colossal beast—a demon-serpent of the seventh tier, possessing the bloodline of an Earth Dragon. Its scales gleamed with an impenetrable sheen, as though forged by an invincible master. Even weapons of the Earth-grade struggled to leave a mark upon its hide.
Xiao Tian crouched in the shadows, his gaze piercing through the foliage. "This beast… it's far beyond ordinary. Let's see how they fare against it," he thought, a faint smirk curling his lips as he settled in to observe the unfolding battle.
~~~
The battle was fierce. Six warriors faced off against the colossal demonic serpent. Among them, a burly man stood at the forefront, enduring the serpent's relentless attacks and redirecting its fury elsewhere. Two others, tall and graceful swordsmen, wielded their blades with the precision of seasoned cultivators in the Ninth Realm of Alchemical Mastery.
Yet, despite their best efforts to strike at the serpent's weak points, they left not a single scratch upon its scales. The sheer power of the beast, a creature at the Seventh Tier of Demonhood, was far beyond their reach.
The team was rounded out by three women. One was a masterful archer, another a healer whose techniques bore more resemblance to mystical magic than traditional cultivation, and the last a spear wielder who waited patiently for an opening to strike at the serpent's critical points. Though their coordination was flawless, the serpent's overwhelming might rendered their efforts nearly futile.
As the team began to falter, one man stepped forward. Unlike the burly defender, his figure was lean and unassuming, yet there was an air of natural confidence about him. His long green hair flowed behind him, and a small mole rested under his eye. His voice rang out, calm yet commanding:
"Listen to me! The three of us will distract this beast. Use this chance to flee and regroup on the other side of the Beast Mountain. Do not hesitate!"
The others hesitated only briefly before nodding in agreement, for they understood that staying would only hinder the plan. With heavy hearts, they obeyed, leaving the three behind to face the monstrous serpent.
The green-haired man, Qi Lin, took charge. But just as the battle intensified, the burly defender was struck by the serpent's massive tail. The force of the blow sent him hurtling hundreds of meters, crashing into a nearby hill with a thunderous impact that echoed through the area, drawing the attention of surrounding beasts.
Seeing their comrade fall, the two remaining men faltered. Their moment of hesitation gave the serpent an opening, and it lunged forward, its jaws wide open, ready to devour one of them.
Qi Lin, acting swiftly, slashed his spirit sword at the serpent's maw. The blade carved through its jaw, leaving a gaping wound three meters wide. The serpent howled in fury, its blood staining the ground, and entered its second phase. Its speed and power surged fivefold, overwhelming the two swordsmen. Both were sent flying in opposite directions, their bodies striking the ground with explosive force.
Despite their injuries, Qi Lin and the other man, Long Jie, struggled to reach their fallen comrade, the burly Long Han. As they attempted to lift him, they found themselves surrounded by a horde of Tier Six beasts. Exhausted and gravely wounded, the two realized they had no strength left to fight.
Despair gripped their hearts. Dropping to their knees, they laid Long Han on the ground, closed their eyes, and braced themselves for the end. Yet, before the beasts could strike, an eerie silence fell. The roars and snarls ceased as if the beasts had never been there.
Opening their eyes, Qi Lin and Long Jie gasped in shock. The once menacing beasts now lay lifeless, their blood soaking the earth. Even the demonic serpent that had nearly ended them was now in pieces, its massive body severed into five parts.
Before them stood a lone figure, cloaked in shadows. His presence exuded an aura of cold indifference, a boundless solitude that froze the very air around him. The two could only stare, their bodies paralyzed by the overwhelming pressure.
The man's voice, low and unhurried, broke the silence:
"Are you still alive? No fatal injuries, I trust?"
His words, though calm, were like a lifeline from the heavens.
Struggling to gather their wits, Qi Lin and Long Jie stammered their gratitude. "Thank you, esteemed one, for your assistance. If you desire the cores or spirits of these beasts, they are yours. We will not oppose your claim."
Their voices quivered, a mixture of respect and fear. They did not know whether this man was a savior or a danger greater than the serpent itself.
The stranger replied, his tone devoid of emotion:
"Do not concern yourselves. I have no interest in these spoils, nor do I wish to be your enemy. I merely came to see what caused such a commotion. Consider yourselves fortunate that I passed by."
He turned to leave, but Qi Lin called out:
"May I have your name, honored one? I vow to repay this debt one day."
Long Jie, equally earnest, added, "Yes, please, tell us your name. We will not forget this kindness."
The man paused, his face obscured beneath his hood, revealing only cold, piercing eyes.
"If fate wills it, we shall meet again. Then, perhaps, you will learn my name."
With that, he vanished into the shadows, leaving only his words behind:
"Take what you can and leave quickly. The noise here will draw more beasts—or worse, other competitors."
Shaken but grateful, the two warriors hurriedly gathered what they could, lifting Long Han and retreating to regroup with their comrades on the far side of the mountain.
From the shadows, the cloaked man observed them, a faint smirk playing on his lips. This mysterious figure was none other than Xiao Tian. Stroking his chin in mock contemplation, he muttered to himself:
"Never thought I'd get to say lines like that in real life. Feels strangely... heroic."
He let out a laugh, equal parts amusement and satisfaction.
"HAHAHAHA!"
....
Scene shift
A lone woman in battle.
She stood amidst the battlefield, facing three demonic beasts of low supernatural rank. Despite their fearsome aura, she dispatched them effortlessly. Though their cultivation bases were higher than hers, her profound foundation, as solid as an unshakable mountain and as deep as an abyss, rendered her superior in every aspect.
This woman was none other than Xiao Hanyan.
"It seems there are no higher-level demons around here—only these worthless minions," she remarked disdainfully, her tone dripping with scorn.
Brushing the dust off her robes, she continued, "At least my situation is still safe, with no cause for concern. But Xiao Tian… how is he faring? No matter how strong he is, there's no way he can survive in this perilous land on his own. I must find him. After all, he is my younger brother, whether I want to admit it or not."
Her voice wavered with reluctant acknowledgment, but she wasted no time. She shot off in the direction she believed Xiao Tian might be, leaving behind only a gust of wind in her wake.
As her figure vanished into the distance, a group of shadowy figures emerged from the darkness.
"She's heading south. Let's move quickly before we lose sight of her," one of them said, his voice low and urgent.
Without hesitation, the group disappeared, not through teleportation but sheer speed, so swift that it seemed as though they had dissolved into the void itself.
---
Scene shift
Xiao Tian.
Xiao Tian stood before a massive beast lair. The entrance alone was an awe-inspiring sight—114 meters tall and over 78 meters wide. From within the depths of the cave, he sensed the breath of a colossal beast, a creature over 50 meters long.
This aura belonged to a wind-type demon beast with four legs, immense wings, and claws as sharp as divine blades. Its fangs were so massive they rivaled the size of ancient trees.
As Xiao Tian laid eyes on the beast, he was struck by its familiar appearance. Its white-scaled body glimmered with an ethereal light, its tail resembling that of a dragon. With every breath it exhaled, an icy chill filled the air, the kind that could pierce to the very marrow of one's bones. But to Xiao Tian, such cold was nothing.
His Ninefold Demonic Body, cultivated to perfection, rendered him impervious to such conditions. Lightning from the heavens, flames of hell—none could harm him. Yet he remained cautious, for this was no ordinary beast.
The creature was at the Peak of the Eighth Rank, its spiritual might far surpassing its physical prowess. It wasn't a foe he could underestimate.
Drawing his blade, the Demon-Slaying Sword, Xiao Tian prepared himself. This was no ordinary weapon; it had been forged through heavenly laws and tempered in the blood of a slain Ninth-Rank Sacred Phoenix. Even now, the sword shone with a murderous intent, its edge unblemished.
However, Xiao Tian knew victory would not come easily. His current strength felt suppressed, as though some unseen force was shackling his full potential. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was intentionally sealing his power, holding him back.
Despite this, Xiao Tian stood firm. The beast before him growled, its eyes glowing with otherworldly malice. With a calm breath, Xiao Tian tightened his grip on the hilt of his blade.
"Come then," he muttered under his breath, his voice steady yet filled with resolve. "Let us see which of us will emerge alive."
The air grew heavy as the clash between man and beast began to unfold.
Xiao Tian readied himself for battle, his gaze steady and unwavering. The moment the beast became aware of his presence, it let out a thunderous roar.
Its voice reverberated like a great war drum, echoing across the land for thousands of li. Those who dwelled within its reach shuddered as the deafening cry pierced the heavens, a sound so fearsome that even the mightiest cultivators paused in their tracks.
It was a declaration of dominance, a warning to all who dared to approach—and yet, Xiao Tian stood firm, unshaken by the beast's intimidating presence.
dragon. Its icy scales gleamed like polished diamonds, and its name was spoken in whispers-the Ice Demon Dragon. Renowned not only for its formidable strength but also for its cunning, it manipulated its surroundings to gain the upper hand in battle.
As Xiao Tian closed the distance, the dragon retaliated. It opened its maw and exhaled a torrent of icy breath with the power to obliterate entire mountains. The moment the freezing blast engulfed him, Xiao Tian's form was frozen solid in a glistening prison of frost.
The dragon, its pride swelling, allowed a sinister grin to curl across its maw. Yet, unbeknownst to it, danger loomed closer than it could perceive.
A sudden streak of light pierced through the air, moving faster than the dragon could react. The beam struck with unerring precision, boring a massive hole into its flank. The beast howled in agony, the sound reverberating with raw pain.
"ROOOAAARRRR!!!"
Turning its head toward where Xiao Tian once stood, the dragon found nothing but shattered ice. Panic set in as it scanned its surroundings, only for a shadow to materialize behind it. Before it could react, a concentrated blade of will-infused with both sword intent and the laws of heaven and earth-descended upon it.
BOOOOMMM!!!
The dragon writhed, its injuries severe. Yet, driven by unyielding will, it attempted to rise. Recognizing its dire situation, it prepared to self-destruct, hoping to take Xiao Tian down with it.
Xiao Tian: "Self-detonation? In your dreams!"
He raised his sword, its blade gleaming with an aura of destruction.
"Heaven-Splitting Sword Technique, Thirty-Three Layers of Creation! First Form-Earth-Cleaving Strike!"
BOOOOMMMMMMM!!!!
The sword descended, unleashing a cataclysmic force. A wave of destruction radiated outward, shaking the air itself and creating a shockwave that spread over 600 miles. Every living being in its path was hurled away, and even Xiao Han Yan, who was searching for Xiao Tian nearby, was caught in the blast.
Thrown back and injured, Han Yan struggled to rise, her body trembling from the residual shock.
Xiao Han Yan: "What kind of attack was that? Such terrifying power..."
Determined to investigate, she steadied herself and approached the epicenter of the devastation. But before she could reach it, a group of mysterious figures emerged, surrounding her.
Xiao Han Yan: "Who are you? Stand aside or face my blade!"
Mysterious Leader: "Apologies, Lady Xiao Han Yan, but we have orders to capture you alive. Do not resist, and come with us willingly. It will save you much trouble."
At their words, her eyes narrowed. She drew her sword with deliberate precision, gripping it firmly as a cold light danced in her gaze.
Xiao Han Yan: "Capture me? Let's see if you have the strength to back up such arrogance!"
The cloaked figures sighed in unison, clearly reluctant to escalate the situation. Yet, as they stepped forward, their intent was unmistakable-they, too, were ready for battle.
The scene shifted to Xiao Tian, emerging from the cave amidst the dissipating smoke and debris. His expression remained calm and inscrutable, yet the faint flicker of satisfaction gleamed in his eyes. In his hand, he held the core of the Ice Demon Dragon, a beast of the 8th level. With a casual motion, he stored the core within his spatial ring, a faint shimmer marking its secure place.
He now possessed his first soul, the soul of the Ice Demon Dragon—a treasure so rare and potent that it could easily propel him into the ranks of the top ten in the competition.
Xiao Tian muttered under his breath, his voice a blend of self-assurance and caution:
"This alone is enough to ensure I pass the first round unscathed. Striving for first place now would draw unnecessary attention, and that's a risk I cannot afford. A single 8th-level beast core within my token is already a glaring target. Any more, and I may as well paint a mark on my back."
With these thoughts in mind, he strode away, his steps deliberate yet light as the faint remnants of his aura caused the frozen landscape to fracture in his wake. A silent storm brewing amidst the calm, Xiao Tian moved toward his next objective.
As Xiao Tian finished speaking, he prepared to leave the desolate battleground behind. Yet, before he could take a step, an intense pain surged through his body, and he coughed up a mouthful of blood.
"UGH!"
Shock flashed in his eyes as he wiped the blood from his lips. "How...how could I be this injured?" he muttered, his thoughts racing.
He recalled the earlier battle, where he had unleashed the Heaven-Sundering Blade Art—33 Layers of Heaven, utilizing only the First Form: Earth Severing Strike. That single technique had drained over eight-tenths of his spiritual energy, a cost far beyond his current reserves. Worse still, the use of his Heavenly Will, far superior to ordinary worldly comprehension, had left his willforce damaged and his internal injuries severe. His demonic body's recovery had also pushed him to his limits, as he lacked sufficient spiritual qi to sustain such a monumental strain.
"Damn it!" he growled through clenched teeth, his frustration evident. "Why must I always find myself in such dire straits? No matter. My Ninefold Demonic Body will recover these internal injuries soon enough. The real challenge lies in restoring my damaged willforce... I'll deal with that after absorbing the core of the Ice Demon Dragon."
He straightened his posture, his exhaustion visible in the subtle stiffness of his movements. "For now, I need to find shelter and rest."
Just as he turned to leave, his keen senses picked up on something unusual. The faint echoes of a battle carried over a distance of more than 300 miles. It was faint, but Xiao Tian's finely attuned perception caught the unmistakable fluctuations of energy.
He furrowed his brow as a familiar aura resonated within him. "That energy... Why does it feel so familiar?"
Curiosity tugged at him, and a sliver of concern formed in his mind. Without a second thought, Xiao Tian concealed his presence and moved toward the source of the commotion, determined to uncover the truth behind the distant clash.
Meanwhile, Xiao Hanyan found herself cornered, her breathing labored, as the mysterious group of assailants closed in. Desperately, she had been leading them toward the source of the deafening explosion earlier, hoping to lure them into the territory of a high-level beast. However, her plan was falling apart faster than expected-her internal injuries from the earlier shockwave had worsened, sapping her strength at an alarming rate.
The aftermath of Xiao Tian's devastating attack had left an indelible mark on the surroundings, and Xiao Hanyan, though far from the epicenter, bore the brunt of the residual energy. Now, as her strength waned, she found herself surrounded with no way out.
The leader of the mysterious group smirked, his voice dripping with mockery. "Impressive... even injured, the young mistress of the Xiao Clan still managed to wound many of us. Truly worthy of your reputation. But it seems your strength has run dry. It's over now."
With those words, Xiao Hanyan's grip on her sword faltered. The blade slipped from her hand, clattering onto the ground-a sound that echoed her despair.
As one of the assailants moved forward to seize her, a sudden whistling sound cut through the air. A blade appeared out of nowhere, impaling the man through the head with unerring precision.
Gasps of confusion erupted among the group.
"Who's there?!" one of them bellowed, his eyes darting around wildly. "Show yourself!"
Silence reigned for a moment before a figure emerged from the shadows-a man clad in a black cloak, his face obscured entirely. His aura exuded an oppressive killing intent, chilling the air around them.
Without a word, he strode forward and yanked his blade from the corpse, the sound of metal scraping against bone unnerving the onlookers. The man raised his weapon and pointed it at the remaining assailants, his voice calm yet deadly.
"Your luck ends here. None of you will leave this place alive."
Before the group could react, the cloaked man vanished, his blade flashing once in the moonlight. When he reappeared, the bodies of his enemies fell in unison, their torsos severed with terrifying precision. The air was filled with the dull thuds of lifeless forms collapsing.
Xiao Hanyan watched in a daze, her vision blurring. The cloaked man approached her and knelt down, his voice softening as he spoke.
"Are you all right, big sister?"
Her lips moved as if to respond, but exhaustion claimed her, and she fell unconscious before she could utter a word.
The man-Xiao Tian-sighed, shaking his head. "Looks like she's out cold. Well, leaving her here would be too cruel. After all, I'm her younger brother, am I not?"
Gently, he lifted Xiao Hanyan onto his back, securing her with care. Without another glance at the lifeless bodies scattered around, he strode into the depths of the forest.
As the shadows consumed them, Xiao Tian's figure faded into the darkness, leaving nothing but silence in his wake.
Deep within the cave, faint light flickered from a small fire, casting shadows that danced on the walls. Xiao Hanyan slowly opened her eyes, blinking to adjust to the dim glow. She noticed a warm blanket draped over her, shielding her from the biting chill of the night air.
Suddenly, a deep voice echoed from the darkness.
"You're awake, it seems."
The voice startled her, and she quickly sat up, instinctively reaching for her sword. But to her dismay, it was no longer by her side. The mysterious man, cloaked in black and his face hidden, held her sword in his hand. His tone was calm, almost indifferent.
"There is no need for alarm. If I meant you harm, I would have done so long before you woke."
His words caused her to hesitate. She lowered her guard slightly, but just as she did, the cloaked figure moved with lightning speed. She felt his hands grip her wrists firmly, and in the next moment, her back was pressed against the cold, hard wall of the cave.
"You're far too naive," he said, his voice carrying a hint of mockery. "A few words were all it took to lower your defenses. You must learn to be more cautious—blind trust will lead to your downfall."
His tone was not scolding, but it carried an unmistakable weight. After his words sank in, he released her and stepped back. He held out her sword, offering it back to her.
"Your internal injuries have been tended to, but I advise you to stay here tonight. Venturing out into the wilderness at this hour would be reckless, especially in your current state. Wait until dawn before you leave."
~As he turned to leave the cave, Xiao Hanyan gathered her courage and called out softly.
"At least tell me your name. I wish to remember it, so I may repay this debt one day."
The man paused for a brief moment before answering, his tone flat and distant.
"There is no need. I have no intention of meeting you a second time."
And with that, he disappeared into the shadows as though he had never been there.~