The Confrontation Outside the Ancient Formation
As Wei stepped out of the ancient formation, he was met by the five Sacred Sons, standing outside with an air of amicable intent—or so it seemed.
Scanning his surroundings cautiously, Wei spoke calmly,
"May I ask, esteemed Sacred Sons, what brings such esteemed figures to a place like this?"
Zi Rong, the Sacred Son ranked fourth, gave a faint smile, his tone polite yet shrewd.
"Ah, nothing too complicated. We were simply curious as to how you managed to enter that ancient formation, and perhaps… what treasures you may have uncovered within. If you have anything of value, we could discuss a mutually beneficial exchange. You see, I happen to own a renowned trading guild that spans across the Five Continents. Surely, a transaction between us would be most profitable."
Wei returned a faint smile of his own and replied,
"I must apologize, Sacred Son Zi Rong, but I found no treasures within. All I carry is this token passed down from my ancestor. He spoke of treasures from his era that could not be retrieved, but those words were from long ago. Whatever treasure he mentioned must have long been claimed by another before I arrived."
Hearing this, the five Sacred Sons exchanged glances, their expressions skeptical. They knew Wei to be a cunning and resourceful individual—the most shrewd among the Sacred Ten.
Breaking the silence, Long Tian, the Sacred Son ranked first, spoke with a piercing gaze,
"I have but one question. Why is it that your group numbers only seven? Where is the eighth?"
Wei, momentarily taken aback, furrowed his brow before replying,
"Your words confuse me, Sacred Son Long Tian. My group has always numbered seven. From whence would an eighth arise?"
The Sacred Sons deliberated among themselves, considering the possibility. Eventually, they concluded that the so-called "eighth person" might not belong to Wei's group at all but instead could be an interloper. Zi Rong spoke again,
"We investigated the area and discovered traces of an eighth presence entering the formation much like you did. This individual has been inside for quite some time. We suspect they are seeking a way out even now."
Wei was stunned. The ancient formation was not a mere maze but a construct so profound that even his ancestors struggled to fathom its depths. The token he possessed was a unique artifact that allowed him passage, bypassing the laws governing such formations. For another to enter without such a token—it defied logic. Who could this person be?
As his thoughts raced, fragments of scattered stones and disturbed ground he had seen before leaving the formation returned to his mind. It seemed the Sacred Sons spoke the truth—someone else had indeed ventured within.
With a contemplative expression, Zhao Wei replied:
"I am as baffled as you. Perhaps the treasures you seek have already fallen into the hands of this mysterious eighth individual. As for me, I left empty-handed."
The Sacred Sons, sensing the sincerity in his tone, began to believe his words, if only slightly.
Then Zhao Wei proposed with measured confidence:
"Why don't we stake out the area around this ancient formation and await this person's emergence? Once they reveal themselves, we shall know who they are—and, perhaps, reclaim the treasures they have taken."
Hearing this, the Sacred Sons exchanged nods of agreement. Zhao Wei's suggestion was sound, and they began preparing for their watch, taking turns to guard the perimeter.
All the while, Zhao Wei kept his thoughts hidden.
This plan would not only reveal the identity of the mysterious intruder but also allow him to learn more about their true purpose—and the treasures they might have uncovered...
After spending over two hours recuperating and restoring his energy, Xiao Tian emerged from the ancient formation camp. As he had anticipated, there were more than five Holy Children gathered outside, one of whom was Wei. Xiao Tian remained unrecognized, concealed beneath a black cloak and masking his aura completely.
However, his attention was drawn to the Fourth Holy Child, who seemed intent on doing something sinister to a woman nearby. But the moment the Fourth Holy Child noticed Xiao Tian leaving the ancient formation, his attention shifted entirely. The woman, now forgotten by the Fourth Holy Child, was none other than Xiao Tian's elder sister.
Suppressing his rising fury, Xiao Tian quickly calmed himself to avoid suspicion. Feigning confusion, he addressed the group with a casual tone, "Pray tell, what business do esteemed Holy Children have in this desolate place?"
At his question, the Holy Children turned their focus to Xiao Tian. The First Holy Child spoke up, his voice cold and scrutinizing.
"How is it that you can understand the ancient language?"
Xiao Tian chuckled lightly, responding with ease, "Understand? It's not difficult. One merely needs to glance at it, and the meaning naturally comes to mind. Or... could it be that you lack such comprehension? Truly, how disappointing. It seems the Holy Land has truly fallen-brimming with power and might, yet devoid of intellect. Perhaps I overestimated the so-called 'Holy Children."
His scornful words infuriated the Third and Fourth Holy Children, but the First, Second, and Fifth Holy Children remained unmoved, refusing to rise to Xiao Tian's provocation.
The First Holy Child broke the silence again. "If you are willing to share your method of deciphering the ancient language, we are prepared to offer you supreme resources in exchange."
Xiao Tian smirked. "Oh, noble Holy Child, do you take me for a fool? Do you believe I would hand over such knowledge, only for you to kill me afterward, assuming I possess treasures from the ancient domain? Or perhaps you suspect the Sixth Holy Child, Wei, of returning empty-handed because I entered five days before your group? How amusing."
The group's eyes shifted toward Wei, who maintained a composed demeanor. He replied, "Do not trust the words of an outsider. He seeks only to sow discord among us. Let us kill him and search his possessions to determine whether he lies. If he possesses no treasures, then perhaps his words hold some truth."
Hearing this, the Holy Children turned their attention back to Xiao Tian. This time, Xiao Tian remained silent, his expression unreadable.
The First Holy Child spoke again, his tone icy. "Will you surrender and spare us the trouble of ending you?"
Xiao Tian's response was a swift, deliberate motion. Drawing his sword, he pointed it at the group, his voice resolute. "Why waste time with words? Let us begin!"
The Fourth Holy Child, his ego bruised beyond repair, was the first to act. Unsheathing his blade, he charged forward with the confidence of one certain of victory. Yet, he underestimated Xiao Tian.
With a single strike imbued with celestial sword intent, Xiao Tian pierced through the Fourth Holy Child. The blade traveled from the man's mouth, exiting through his lower body in a brutal display.
The other Holy Children were stunned, unable to comprehend how someone of Xiao Tian's cultivation level had overpowered the Fourth Holy Child so decisively. The truth was simple: Xiao Tian had momentarily tapped into dimensional energy far beyond their understanding. Though his mastery was rudimentary and the effort left him gravely injured, he concealed his pain with unwavering resolve.
Xiao Tian stood firm, his gaze piercing. "So, who's next? Step forward if you wish to meet the same fate-or leave now before I change my mind."
Fear swept through the group. Even the Second Holy Child, a peerless combatant, dared not challenge him after witnessing such power.
The First Holy Child stepped forward, his voice measured. "We apologize for our earlier offense. If you are willing, we shall offer you resources and depart without further conflict."
Xiao Tian narrowed his eyes. "And how can I trust your word, knowing the Holy Land stands behind you? I'll need a hostage." His gaze shifted to a young woman nearby. "Give her to me, and I'll consider letting you go."
The Holy Children exchanged uneasy glances. Wei, however, masked his thoughts, assuming Xiao Tian had ulterior motives for choosing the woman. Feigning reluctance, he finally spoke.
But before he could finish, Xiao Tian's voice cut through, laden with sarcasm. "Ah, I see. She must be important to someone here. Or perhaps..."
Before Xiao Tian could continue, Wei interrupted, his tone tense yet calculated.
After Xiao Tian had rested and recovered his energy for over two hours, he emerged from the ancient formation. Just as he expected, there were more than five Holy Sons present, among them Wei himself. The area had been taken over by their influence, yet no one recognized Xiao Tian. Dressed in a black robe and masking his aura completely, he moved unnoticed.
However, amidst the scene, he caught sight of one Holy Son-the Fourth Rank-harassing a woman. When the Holy Son noticed Xiao Tian leaving the ancient formation, his attention shifted away from the woman. Seeing this, Xiao Tian clenched his fists tightly, for that woman was none other than his elder sister.
He quickly calmed himself, suppressing his emotions to avoid suspicion, and feigned ignorance. "I beg your pardon, esteemed ones. May I inquire as to why you are gathered here in such numbers?"
At the mention of "ancient formation," the Holy Sons turned their attention to Xiao Tian.
The First Holy Son stepped forward and asked, "How is it that you, a mere stranger, could comprehend the ancient script?"
Xiao Tian responded nonchalantly, his tone laced with mockery. "Comprehend it? It is no great feat. Simply by observing and contemplating, I understood it with ease. Or could it be that none of you could grasp its meaning? How utterly foolish. Perhaps this so-called Holy Land has truly fallen into decline-strong in brute force, yet lacking wisdom. It seems I have overestimated the caliber of Holy Sons."
His words sparked anger in the Third and Fourth Holy Sons, but the First, Second, and Fifth remained indifferent, unbothered by Xiao Tian's provocation.
The First Holy Son spoke again, his tone measured. "If you are willing to share the means by which you deciphered the script, we would gladly offer you high-grade resources in exchange."
Xiao Tian smirked. "Oh? Do you take me for a simple fool, easily swayed by promises? Even if I were to share my knowledge, what guarantee is there that you wouldn't kill me afterward? Surely you believe I must possess treasures from the ancient ruins. And let me guess, the only one who came away empty-handed must be the Sixth Holy Son, Wei. Isn't that so? I observed your group, but I entered five days before you ever set foot there."
Hearing this, the Holy Sons turned their gazes toward Wei. Remaining calm, Wei countered, "Do not believe the words of an outsider. He seeks to mislead you and cast suspicion upon me. We need only kill him and search
his belongings. If he holds no treasures, then his words may bear truth."
The Holy Sons turned their focus back to Xiao Tian, who stood silent and unmoving.
The First Holy Son sneered coldly. "So, will you surrender and accept mercy, or must we take action?"
Xiao Tian sighed, drawing his sword and pointing it toward the group. "Enough talk. Let us begin."
The Fourth Holy Son, incensed by Xiao Tian's audacity, drew his own weapon and charged forward, confident he could end this in one strike. Yet he gravely underestimated Xiao Tian.
Channeling his sword intent-a power borrowed from the boundless heavens and earth-Xiao Tian struck with precision. Though he had not fully mastered this higher-dimensional energy, his limited use of it exceeded the comprehension of the Holy Sons. Despite sustaining severe internal injuries from overexerting himself, Xiao Tian concealed his pain.
The Fourth Holy Son fell, pierced through from mouth to tailbone, his body akin to a skewer.
The remaining Holy Sons were stunned, for Xiao Tian-a cultivator with seemingly lesser foundations-had dispatched one of their own in a single move, employing power they could neither see nor fathom.
Recognizing the danger, the First Holy Son stepped forward and said, "I must apologize for our earlier offense. We are willing to offer compensation and withdraw without further conflict."
Xiao Tian eyed them coldly. "And why should I trust your words? You are Holy Sons, backed by the Holy Land's authority. I would require a hostage to ensure your sincerity."
His gaze fell on the woman-his elder sister, Xiao Hanyan. "Her. If you leave her with me, I shall consider letting you go."
The Holy Sons hesitated, reading the situation. Wei, assuming Xiao Tian sought the woman for his own desires, feigned reluctance but ultimately agreed. "I... I am willing to hand her over as a token of goodwill."
The other Holy Sons followed suit, nodding begrudgingly. "Yes... of course. We shall leave her to you, honored elder."
Xiao Hanyan, realizing what was happening, cried out in anguish. "What nonsense are you speaking? Do not hand me over to this demon! Release me, I beg you!"
Despite her protests, the Holy Sons handed her over, suppressing their shame and anger, then quickly departed.
Unaware of Xiao Tian's true identity, Xiao Hanyan pleaded tearfully, "Please, do not harm me. I'll do anything you ask, just don't take away my freedom..."
Unable to endure her cries, Xiao Tian finally spoke. "Are you unharmed... elder sister?"
Stunned, Xiao Hanyan gasped. "What... what do you mean? Are you truly my... brother?"
Before she could comprehend, Xiao Tian coughed violently, blood spilling from his mouth and flowing from his five orifices. Horrified, she removed his cloak and recognized him at last.
Realizing the toll his battle had taken, Xiao Hanyan wasted no time. Carrying his injured body, she fled in the opposite direction of the Holy Sons, her heart aching.
As she ran, tears streamed down her face. "Please, don't die, Xiao Tian. I've already lost so much-l cannot lose you too. Even if you are not my blood, you are still my brother. Hold on... I will save you."
With her cries echoing into the distance, Xiao Hanyan carried Xiao Tian, her steps fueled by desperation and hope.
Panting. Panting. Panting.
A heavy thud.
Panting. Panting. Panting.
At long last, a weary voice broke the silence. It was none other than Xiao Hanyan's.
She had reached the edge of this realm, a boundary cloaked in a vast domain resembling an endless fog. Her steps faltered as she leaned against a nearby tree, finally allowing her body to rest. Gently, she placed Xiao Tian's unconscious body down beside her.
Reaching into her spatial ring, she retrieved a high-grade tier-7 medicinal pill—one that could heal and restore profound energy. She placed the pill into her own mouth, allowing it to dissolve partially, before transferring it to Xiao Tian's mouth. As he remained unconscious, he could not take the medicine himself. Once she had ensured he had swallowed the pill, her strength gave out. Overwhelmed by exhaustion, she collapsed, her body slumping over his.
The cold wind whispered through the forest, carrying with it a biting chill. Leaves, once clinging to the trees, drifted lazily to the ground. Time passed, slow and unrelenting.
One day later.
Xiao Hanyan's eyes fluttered open. Her first sight was Xiao Tian, still unconscious. Rising unsteadily to her feet, she resolved to find food. Surveying the surrounding area, she eventually encountered a tier-6 high-level spirit beast.
The battle was arduous. Already injured, her body pushed beyond its limits, and her spirit veins weakened from the grueling escape from the Demon God Realm's center to its very borders, she fought against all odds. In the end, though gravely fatigued, she managed to slay the beast and dragged its massive carcass back to their temporary haven.
Her injuries throbbed with each step, but she persevered. By the time she returned, her strength was nearly depleted. She attempted to ignite a fire, yet failed repeatedly. Each failure sapped her determination, but eventually, a small flame flickered to life.
Collapsing against the same tree for support, she allowed herself a brief moment of respite before continuing. Slowly, she began to butcher the beast, preparing its flesh for cooking. Despite her weariness, she pressed on, determined to see Xiao Tian recover.
Throughout the day, Xiao Hanyan meticulously tended to his wounds. Using her lips, she fed him bits of the cooked spirit beast meat, ensuring he received nourishment. She dressed his injuries with care, her delicate hands working tirelessly to stop the blood flowing from his five orifices. For hours, she remained at his side, staunching the bleeding and ensuring his head wound was properly bandaged.
It was the first time Xiao Hanyan had shown such care and devotion to another person. Never before had she looked after anyone with such meticulous attention. The effort stirred an unfamiliar feeling deep within her heart—one she couldn't quite identify.
Even so, she brushed the thoughts aside, forcing herself to focus. She stayed vigilant, taking the first watch to guard against any approaching spirit beasts. Yet despite her determination, fatigue won over. Her body, battered from the long journey and her recent battle, succumbed to slumber.
As she drifted into uneasy sleep, the flickering light of the campfire illuminated her weary form, casting long shadows that danced amidst the forest's endless silence.
As the new day dawned, Xiao Hanyan's eyes fluttered open once more.
Her gaze shifted to Xiao Tian, who remained unconscious. A gentle breeze had carried fallen leaves onto his face, and she instinctively reached out. Her fingers moved delicately, brushing the leaves away. Her hand lingered, and for the first time, she studied his face closely.
To her surprise, Xiao Tian's features had softened. The once cruel and domineering visage that radiated malice had transformed into a calm, serene countenance. It was as if the arrogance that once defined him had been swept away, replaced by a strange tranquility.
She couldn't look away, her eyes fixed on his face for what felt like an eternity.
Suddenly, Xiao Tian's fingers twitched. His eyelids fluttered as if struggling to open, and finally, his eyes greeted the light of day. Startled, Xiao Hanyan quickly pulled her hand back and pretended to be unconscious.
Xiao Tian rose slowly, taking in his surroundings. His gaze fell on Xiao Hanyan, who sat leaning against the tree, seemingly in a deep sleep. Moving closer, he examined her more carefully.
"She must have fainted from exhaustion," he thought, recalling how far they had fled and how much she had done to keep him alive. His eyes drifted to the remnants of a campfire and the bones of a spirit beast. "Did she hunt and prepare food on her own?"
He touched his lips briefly. Though he hadn't eaten in three days, he didn't feel hungry. Nor did his lips feel parched, even though he hadn't had water. The thought puzzled him, but he dismissed it quickly. Rising to his feet, he ventured into the surrounding forest, determined to gather food.
When he returned, he carried two tier-6 high-level spirit beasts over his shoulders. He had slain them both with ease and intended to prepare them for their morning meal. Building a larger fire, he began roasting the beasts, the aroma of cooked meat filling the air.
Afterward, he sat beside Xiao Hanyan, his eyes drawn to her disheveled hair. Strands of it had fallen across her face, obscuring her delicate features. Without thinking, he reached out, brushing the strands behind her ear.
For the first time, he saw her face clearly. Her beauty was breathtaking, her complexion flawless like the finest jade. Xiao Tian froze, caught off guard by the sight.
"She's even more beautiful than any woman I've ever met," he murmured, almost to himself. "More beautiful than the one who once left me behind... and she's shown me more care than anyone ever has."
His mind wandered briefly to memories of his past life, to a sister figure who had long since faded into memory. Yet Xiao Hanyan seemed to surpass even her.
At that moment, Xiao Hanyan stirred, her eyelids twitching as she slowly awoke. Xiao Tian quickly pulled his hand back, a hint of surprise flashing across his face.
"Oh, you're awake, Sister," he said, his voice soft.
Xiao Hanyan blinked, still groggy. She hadn't meant to truly fall asleep—her attempt to feign unconsciousness had ended in genuine slumber. Realizing how close Xiao Tian was, she instinctively recoiled.
"Could you… give me some space? I feel a little cramped," she said, her voice tinged with embarrassment.
Xiao Tian nodded, stepping back. "Ah, my apologies."
She tried to sit up but collapsed almost immediately, her legs giving out beneath her. The pain shot through her body, a stark reminder of the injuries she had sustained during their desperate escape. Her tendons were strained, her meridians weakened, and yet, she had pressed on without complaint.
"You shouldn't move, Sister," Xiao Tian said firmly. "Rest. I'll handle everything from here."
He knelt beside her, concern evident in his eyes. "But… how did you manage to feed me these past few days? I feel full, and my lips aren't dry. Did you… give me something to eat?"
Xiao Hanyan's cheeks turned crimson at his question. She averted her gaze, fumbling for words.
"I-I only gave you water and a few pills. Nothing more," she stammered, her voice betraying her flustered state.
Xiao Tian raised an eyebrow but chose not to press further. Instead, he smiled softly. "Thank you, Sister. From now on, I'll take care of you. Consider it repayment for everything you've done for me."
His smile was genuine, a rare sight on a face that had long been hardened by life. For the first time since arriving in this world, Xiao Tian felt a warmth in his heart—a sense of being cared for that he hadn't known in either this life or his past.
With renewed resolve, he turned his attention back to the roasting spirit beasts, ensuring they cooked evenly.
~The fire crackled, the smell of seared meat wafting through the air as the two began their quiet recovery in the shadow of the forest...~
After finishing the preparation of the two slain spirit beasts, Xiao Tian skillfully sliced the meat and began seasoning it with techniques he had mastered in his previous life. Though devoid of proper cooking tools or elaborate spices, his knowledge of herbs and natural seasonings proved invaluable. Utilizing the culinary wisdom gained from his past, he crafted a dish that carried the essence of nature, perfectly balancing flavor and simplicity. Once the meat was ready, he brought it to his elder sister.
"Elder Sister, try this roasted meat I've prepared. Tell me if it pleases your palate," Xiao Tian said with a hint of anticipation.
Xiao Han Yan, driven by hunger, inhaled the aroma of the roasted meat. The scent was intoxicating, far richer than anything she had ever prepared herself. Her curiosity piqued; she took a tentative bite. Silence followed as she savored the taste.
Concerned by her lack of reaction, Xiao Tian asked urgently, "Is something wrong? Is it burnt? Does it not taste good? Please, tell me!"
Breaking her silence, she exclaimed, "It's delicious! Truly exceptional!" A radiant smile adorned her face, her features glowing with a natural beauty akin to polished jade.
Xiao Tian was momentarily captivated, nearly lost in her serene elegance, before shaking himself free of the trance. "Really? I'm glad you like it! I've made plenty, so eat as much as you like, whenever you're hungry."
She nodded in appreciation, her expression warm and content.
Under the shade of a towering tree, the two of them feasted on the spirit beast meat, its rich flavors making for a rare moment of peace and joy amidst their perilous journey.
---
The final day of the competition had arrived, and they knew they had to leave the Demon Deity Realm. The exit portal would soon open in the northeast sector of the realm.
Before departing, Xiao Tian spoke gravely, "Elder Sister, you must conceal yourself completely. If you're discovered, it could spell trouble for both of us. We've slain the Fourth Holy Son, and his sect will surely seek vengeance. There were witnesses, and this matter is far from trivial. You cannot allow them to recognize you."
When Xiao Tian killed the Fourth Holy Son, he had disguised himself as a mysterious black-cloaked figure. However, Xiao Han Yan had not taken such precautions and was spotted. If she were recognized and reported alive, her survival alone would mark her as an accomplice of the mysterious figure.
Drawing on the profound art of Heaven and Earth Yin-Yang Harmony, Xiao Tian invoked his mastery of the natural laws. This technique, derived from the Codex of Celestial Intent, allowed him to merge with nature itself, making one indistinguishable from the world around them. He cloaked his elder sister in this technique, erasing her aura and altering her appearance to blend seamlessly with her surroundings. Though it consumed a vast amount of his celestial energy, Xiao Tian pressed on, determined to shield her from danger.
---
At the northeastern exit, they encountered a group of Holy Sons lingering near the portal. Among them were the survivors of the Fourth Holy Son's faction. Now numbering only four, they remained on high alert, searching for the black-cloaked man who had decimated their ranks.
In his original appearance, Xiao Tian was unrecognizable to them. Beside him, Xiao Han Yan, disguised as an authoritative and mysterious woman in a veiled hat and thick cloak, exuded an air of power.
Stepping forward, the Sixth Holy Son, Zhao Wei, addressed Xiao Tian. "Have you seen a man clad in black? We've been searching for him."
Feigning ignorance, Xiao Tian replied, "I've not ventured far beyond the central regions of the Demon Deity Realm. I encountered only a few minor demonic sects and saw no one fitting that description."
Xiao Han Yan, maintaining her composed façade, asked in a calm yet authoritative tone, "Why do you seek this black-cloaked man?"
Zhao Wei hesitated briefly before responding, "It's nothing of concern. He aided us, and we merely wish to repay his kindness."
Hearing this, Xiao Han Yan felt a wave of disgust but concealed her emotions, maintaining her stoic demeanor. After exchanging a few more words, the pair proceeded through the portal.
---
As the other contestants gradually left the realm, Zhao Wei turned to his companions. "I've found no trace of the black-cloaked man. It seems he may have used another method to leave the Demon Deity Realm."
The remaining Holy Sons nodded solemnly. A man capable of killing the Fourth Holy Son in a single strike was no ordinary cultivator, and his elusiveness only added to the enigma. Suppressing their frustrations, they too departed through the portal, their expressions heavy with unresolved tension.