The spike was siphoning the demonic energy, yes. But it was not rotting.
Deep inside the ancient metal, a series of geometric runes began to realign. The artifact was not passive. It had a highly sophisticated self correction mechanism, a system designed to handle overwhelming corruption by converting it into raw, concentrated suppression.
CLIIIIING!
A soft chime echoed through the chamber. It was identical to the one Alfonso's sacred domain had released.
Suddenly, the air froze.
In an instant, the dark purple mist vanished. The blood in the circular array evaporated into thin, grey dust.
"What… what is this?" the younger disciple screamed, his voice cracking. "My qi… my cultivation! It's gone!"
