The Grand Elder began to calculate in his mind. If this was truly the case, his chances of victory would decrease. But there was absolutely no way the two could escape from him, even if they were newly advanced Unity stage cultivators.
They still were no match for him.
So he just snorted coldly and made full preparations, ready to prevent them from fleeing during the tribulation. That would truly be troublesome.
At this moment, Baili Shang, the demon clan young master who had been misunderstood by the Grand Elder, was staring heavily at the figure in the sky. His eyes revealed an undeniable shock and confusion.
Because the one undergoing tribulation was Song Wanníng.
But hadn't Song Wanníng just advanced to late Void Refinement?
Now she had suddenly advanced two levels, reaching early Out-of-Body?
And most importantly, why was her body filled with demonic energy?
That was clearly a demon cultivator!
Yet that person was undeniably Song Wanníng.
Baili Shang's expression grew heavier. He seemed to have discovered an incredible secret.
Song Wanníng—could cultivate both spirit and demon energies simultaneously!
Boom—
The first heavenly thunder struck, interrupting Baili Shang's thoughts.
He looked up and saw the terrifying thunder wrapping Song Wanníng completely.
But her figure remained firm in midair without moving.
Interest flickered stronger in his eyes, curiosity toward this mysterious woman growing.
…
Boom—
Several bolts of heavenly thunder fell one after another.
Song Wanníng's body did not move, but the divine thunder seed inside her was absorbing the heavenly thunder crazily, boosting her energy.
The Jing Hong Sword was no different. Already containing thunder attributes, it now seemed to have returned to its warm homeland, leaping joyfully.
As for the tribulation cultivator herself, Song Wanníng did not feel any discomfort. She calmly embraced the cleansing of the lightning.
The demonic energy within her was being greedily absorbed, gradually expanding the meridians and acupoints in her body. Even her dantian was growing more spacious.
The four-colored circle vibrated with excitement in her dantian.
It seemed to be celebrating her latest advancement.
Boom—
The last heavenly thunder fell, completely engulfing Song Wanníng's form. The next moment, the thunder dissipated, and colorful, radiant clouds shone down directly on her.
At that instant, she closed her eyes in comfort, feeling her primordial soul being cleansed.
Although she only absorbed part of the Demon God's spiritual power, it far surpassed the power of the Out-of-Body stage. She could even compete with Unity stage cultivators.
Still, her strength remained quite lacking compared to the highest levels.
However, Song Wanníng's advancement speed was already incredibly unnatural. Anywhere else, she would be considered a genius among geniuses.
Finally, the glowing clouds faded.
Song Wanníng descended energetically from midair, immediately meeting Bai Li Shang, who was standing with arms crossed, watching her calmly.
She raised an eyebrow. After such a long time, her tribulation had revealed her location.
But judging by Bai Li Shang's attitude, he was not here to cause trouble.
She landed slowly and smiled voluntarily.
Bai Li Shang approached and cut straight to the point: "The Demon God's origin is inside you, right?"
Though it was phrased as a question, Baili Shang's tone was very certain.
For Song Wanníng to advance so quickly, she must have obtained the Demon God's origin.
Song Wanníng did not hide the truth and nodded.
"You guessed correctly."
She stayed guarded inside, but outwardly showed indifference.
Baili Shang chuckled softly and looked deeply into Song Wanníng's eyes.
"Don't worry, I won't snatch it by force."
His expression was hopeful yet respectful. Through the barrier, he gazed into the depths of the sky.
"The Demon God was an extraordinary figure. Since you have the Demon God's origin, it means you have the Demon God's approval. I am no match for you. I accept defeat."
Baili Shang was calm. Since the Demon God did not choose him, it meant he was not worthy. The Demon God had been his idol since he began cultivation, and he firmly respected her choice.
This surprised Song Wanníng. To remain calm when faced with such a great opportunity showed that the demon clan young master had an extraordinary character.
"You are also very impressive," she sincerely praised. "If the Demon God knew the demon clan had such a promising successor, she would be very pleased."
Song Wanníng did not lie. Given the Demon God's personality, she would indeed appreciate Baili Shang's excellence.
Unfortunately, the Demon God could never be seen again.
Baili Shang finally smiled.
It was the first time since they met that she saw his genuine smile.
Song Wanníng looked at him, and they shared a smile without saying more, silently reaching a tacit understanding.
Both were supporters of the Demon God, and their bond grew stronger without words.
…
Half a month later, Song Wanníng's cultivation stabilized completely, and she adapted well to coordinating with the Jing Hong Sword.
During this half month, Baili Shang willingly acted as her training partner, helping her adjust to the new powers of body and magic. His admiration for Song Wanníng grew day by day. Her comprehension was exceptional, and her progress rapid. If she had more time, he might no longer be her match.
Thinking this, a sense of urgency filled him. He had always been regarded as an absolute genius, and he could not be surpassed by Song Wanníng.
"There's nothing left here we need. It's time to leave."
Baili Shang still remembered the matter of stealing the Alchemy inheritance.
This time, Patriarch Huo had forced them into a frantic escape, and Baili Shang was determined not to let that slide.
"Alright, but Patriarch Huo surely will not give up easily. Even if he himself is absent, others must be waiting outside the forbidden land."
Song Wanníng understood very well. For more than a month, Patriarch Huo had been relentlessly hunting Huo Jinchuan.
In her free time during cultivation, she often watched the map of Huo Jinchuan's rapid escape for amusement.
He was probably close to breaking down.
Patriarch Huo must have realized Huo Jinchuan's uniqueness and was even more determined to wipe him out.
"After we get out, I will try to lure the pursuers away. You go first."
Baili Shang's expression was cold, and the killing aura on him made the surrounding demonic energy boil.
Song Wanníng shook her head.
"Why hide? If he dares to block us, then we'll make sure he never returns!"
Killing intent burst from her, her eyes filled with ruthless determination.
Baili Shang was momentarily stunned, then his surprise shifted to intense excitement, as if he had found a treasure.
"Good!"
His clenched fist tightened, and the battle spirit on him surged. He seemed to have finally found someone as crazy and arrogant as himself. That joy of meeting a kindred spirit made him look utterly excited.
Song Wanníng glanced at him but ignored his excitement. She lowered her head and revealed her plan.
BailLi Shang raised his brow. Even though they were discussing killing, his gaze grew gentler. "Alright, I'm with you. I'll follow your lead."