The night was as dark as ink, so thick it seemed to devour all light. A pale, full moon hung in the sky, casting a cold, silvery glow over the ancient town. Lanterns swayed gently in the breeze on either side of the street, their flickering light casting mottled shadows that seemed like countless eyes peering from the darkness.
This was the "Hidden World," a place where humans and demons coexisted. Yet, most humans remained unaware that within the shadows around them lurked countless secrets.
Ye Huang walked alone along a desolate mountain path, the moonlight stretching his shadow long behind him. In his hand, he held a jade pendant carved with ancient demonic runes. His fingers lightly traced the intricate patterns, and the pendant emitted a faint glow under the moonlight, as if responding to his thoughts.
"Father... who exactly were you?" Ye Huang murmured to himself, his words carried away by the night wind.
He had no memories of his father, only his mother's final words before she passed: "Ye Huang, your blood carries the lineage of demons, but you need not fear it. Your power is meant for protection, not destruction."
Yet, Ye Huang had never truly understood what those words meant. He had grown up in a human village, his appearance no different from anyone else's. But he could feel a power within him that did not belong to a human. It was a force that sometimes stirred restlessly, other times lay dormant, like a slumbering beast waiting for the moment to awaken.
A few days ago, the village had been attacked by a group of malevolent demons. In the chaos, Ye Huang's demonic power had awakened for the first time, and he had transformed into his demon form. His strength was immense, but he could not control it fully. In his rampage, he had driven off the enemies but had also inadvertently harmed innocent villagers.
Consumed by guilt and confusion, Ye Huang decided to leave the village and seek the truth about his origins. He set out on a journey to the "Demon Capital," a gathering place for demons and the only place where he might find answers.
Suddenly, Ye Huang's steps faltered as he sensed a change in the air around him. A faint, metallic scent lingered—the smell of demons. His eyes sharpened, and the demonic power within him began to stir.
"Come out. Hiding isn't the style of demons," he said coldly.
Before his words had fully faded, three dark figures leaped out from the trees, surrounding him. They were low-level wolf demons, their fangs bared and eyes gleaming with greed.
"Heh, didn't expect to find a lone demon brat in a place like this," the lead wolf demon sneered, licking its lips. "Hand over your demonic power, and we'll make your death quick."
Ye Huang didn't respond. Instead, he slowly raised his head, a glint of golden light flashing in his eyes. His body began to be enveloped in a dark mist, wings unfurling from his back, and claws extending from his fingertips.
"You want my power? Then come and take it," he said, his voice low and icy, as if emanating from the depths of an abyss.
The battle erupted instantly. The wolf demons lunged at Ye Huang with terrifying speed, their movements almost too fast to follow. But Ye Huang was faster. With a flap of his wings, he vanished from his spot, reappearing behind one of the wolf demons. His claws slashed across its back, drawing a spray of blood.
The wolf demon let out a piercing howl and collapsed. The other two, enraged, charged at Ye Huang, their fangs aimed at his throat.
Ye Huang smirked, clasped his hands together, and condensed his demonic power into a blade of black light. With a swift motion, he swung the blade, slicing one of the wolf demons in half. The last wolf demon, realizing it had picked the wrong fight, turned to flee.
"Running away?" Ye Huang's voice echoed like a ghost in its ears. His claws pierced through the demon's chest, crushing its heart.
The battle ended, and Ye Huang stood amidst the carnage, breathing heavily. This was the first time he had actively used his demonic power in combat. Though he had emerged victorious, he could feel the restless energy within him, still untamed and wild.
"It's not enough... I need to become stronger," he muttered, the golden light in his eyes gradually fading.
Just then, a slow clap echoed from the distance. Ye Huang spun around to see a man in a black robe standing beneath a tree, a knowing smile on his face.
"Not bad, kid," the man said. "But your demonic power is still too raw. If you faced a true powerhouse, you wouldn't last a single move."
Ye Huang eyed the man warily, his demonic power stirring once more. "Who are you?"
The man chuckled and stepped closer. "My name is Gui Ya, and I'm a guide to the Demon Capital. I can see that your bloodline is... unusual. If you're interested, I can take you somewhere where you can truly master your power."
Ye Huang hesitated, his grip tightening on the jade pendant. He knew this could be an opportunity—or a trap. But regardless, he had to move forward.
"Lead the way," he finally said.
Gui Ya nodded in satisfaction and turned, walking into the darkness. Ye Huang followed, his figure gradually disappearing into the moonlight.
The two walked in silence, passing through dense forests and desolate valleys. Ye Huang could feel the demonic energy around him growing thicker, the air becoming heavy and oppressive.
"We're almost there," Gui Ya said suddenly, a hint of excitement in his voice.
Ye Huang looked up and saw a massive stone gate ahead. The gate was covered in ancient demonic runes that glowed faintly. Beyond it was a thick mist, obscuring whatever lay inside.
"This is the entrance to the Demon Capital," Gui Ya explained. "Only true demons can pass through this gate. Any human who tries to force their way in will be devoured by the runes."
Ye Huang nodded, though a sense of unease settled in his chest. He had awakened his demonic power, but he still felt uncertain about his identity. Was he a demon? A human? Or something in between?
"Let's go," Gui Ya said, stepping through the gate. Ye Huang took a deep breath and followed.
As he passed through the gate, a surge of powerful demonic energy washed over him. The sight before him made him hold his breath.
The Demon Capital was not the dark, foreboding place he had imagined. Instead, it was a bustling city. Towering buildings made of black stone lined the streets, and red lanterns hung everywhere, casting a warm glow over the city. Demons of all shapes and sizes moved through the streets—some in human form, others in their true demonic forms. Despite their differences, they coexisted harmoniously.
"Welcome to the Demon Capital," Gui Ya said with a smile. "This is a paradise for demons, but also a battlefield for the strong."
Ye Huang remained silent, taking in his surroundings. He could sense that this city held countless secrets, and his journey was only just beginning.
As Ye Huang absorbed the strange new environment, a commotion caught his attention. He turned to see a group of demons gathered around, watching something intently.
"That's the 'Demon Arena,'" Gui Ya explained. "Demons go there to test their skills and showcase their strength. Want to take a look?"
Ye Huang nodded and followed Gui Ya to the arena. In the center, two demons were locked in a fierce battle. One was a massive demon covered in thick scales, wielding a giant battle axe. The other was smaller and more agile, armed with a slender dagger.
The fight was intense, the clash of axe and dagger ringing out sharply. Ye Huang watched intently, a sense of battle lust rising within him.
"Want to give it a try?" Gui Ya asked suddenly.
Ye Huang hesitated, then nodded. He knew this was his chance to prove himself.
Gui Ya grinned and called out, "Next match: newcomer Ye Huang versus 'Iron Scales'!"
The previous fight had just ended, and the crowd buzzed with excitement at the prospect of a new challenger facing Iron Scales, a regular in the arena known for his impenetrable defense and brutal fighting style. Ye Huang, on the other hand, was a complete unknown.
Ye Huang stepped into the arena, feeling the weight of countless eyes on him. His heart raced, and the demonic power within him began to stir.
"Kid, you sure you want to challenge me?" Iron Scales sneered, hefting his axe.
Ye Huang didn't respond. Instead, he slowly raised his head, a glint of golden light flashing in his eyes. His body began to be enveloped in a dark mist, wings unfurling from his back, and claws extending from his fingertips.
"Let's begin," he said coldly.
The battle erupted instantly. Iron Scales roared and charged at Ye Huang, swinging his axe with terrifying force. Ye Huang dodged, but Iron Scales was faster than he expected. The axe grazed his shoulder, drawing blood.
Ye Huang winced at the pain but knew he couldn't afford to be careless. He quickly adjusted his stance, condensing his demonic power into a blade of black light. With a swift motion, he slashed at Iron Scales.
The blade struck the demon's scales, producing a sharp clang but failing to penetrate. Iron Scales laughed and charged again.
"Is that all you've got?" he taunted.
Ye Huang didn't respond. Instead, he retreated, putting distance between them. He needed to find Iron Scales' weakness. His eyes scanned the demon's body, finally settling on the joints.
"There!" Ye Huang thought, darting forward with incredible speed. Iron Scales was too slow to react. Ye Huang's claws struck the demon's joints, piercing through.
Iron Scales howled in pain, his movements slowing. Seizing the opportunity, Ye Huang unleashed his full power, the black blade forming once more. He thrust it forward, aiming for Iron Scales' chest.
"It's over," Ye Huang said quietly as the blade pierced through the demon's defenses and struck his heart.
Iron Scales' massive body collapsed to the ground, and the arena fell silent. Then, the crowd erupted into cheers.
Ye Huang stood in the center of the arena, breathing heavily as his demonic power subsided. He had won, but he knew this was only the beginning.
After the fight, Gui Ya approached and clapped Ye Huang on the shoulder. "Not bad, kid. But remember, the Demon Capital is far more dangerous than you think. The true powerhouses are still out there."
Ye Huang nodded, gripping the jade pendant tightly. He knew his journey was just beginning, and his strength was far from sufficient.
Just then, a deep bell toll echoed through the air. Gui Ya's expression turned serious.
"Something big is about to happen," he said quietly.
Ye Huang followed his gaze and saw a massive shadow rising in the distant sky. It was an enormous demon, its form like a mountain, eyes glowing with a sinister red light.
"What... is that?" Ye Huang asked.
Gui Ya didn't answer. Instead, he said, "Let's go. It's not safe here."
Ye Huang didn't hesitate, following Gui Ya as they quickly left the arena. He knew he was about to be swept into a far greater storm.