The moment the mysterious wooden token was crushed, it unleashed a terrifying aura-one that carried an overwhelming sense of imminent danger.
At the very center of the city stood a massive stone pillar. Its base spanned a radius of thirty meters, and it towered a full hundred meters into the sky. The sovereign aura that burst forth from the shattered wooden token split apart and shot toward six different stone pillars scattered across the city.
Suddenly, crimson light ignited atop all six pillars.
A domain expanded outward, enveloping an area of more than one hundred thousand miles.
Zhang Yun shouted, "What is happening?! Don't tell me we've been trapped! I'm not planning to die locked up in this damned place! Long Tu-what have you done?!"
"Calm down," Long Tu replied coldly. "This is the only way-the last way -for us to leave the Second Trial. Don't you understand?"
Ling Yu remained silent. His gaze burned as he swept his surroundings. He quickly realized that all twelve cultivators who had entered earlier were now gathered within this domain-every single one present.
He could also feel it.
Something was watching them from the shadows.
Da An spoke up, his voice tense. "Then how exactly do we pass the Second Trial? Can you explain?"
All eyes turned toward Long Tu, waiting for his answer.
But before any reply could be given-
Da An's head fell cleanly from his shoulders.
Blood sprayed into the air.
Everyone leapt backward in shock, scrambling to regain their footing as suspicion and fear erupted among them.
Feng Lin roared, "Long Tu! What does this mean?! Attacking someone from the shadows like this-have you no shame?! Or are you planning to slaughter all of us?!"
A heavy silence fell.
If Long Tu truly intended to kill them all, then perhaps none of them would survive.
Only three remained calm-Ling Yu, Yin Tian, and Yan Lan.
The other eight were visibly shaken. Though all were top geniuses of their respective cities, the gap in strength and realm between them was undeniable.
After a long silence, Yin Tian finally spoke.
"Look at the six pillars," he said quietly. "Just now, I sensed Da An's soul drifting into the first pillar."
His voice grew colder.
"That means six lives must be sacrificed. Each pillar absorbs one soul. Only then can we pass this trial."
Shock spread across the group.
That meant some of them truly had to die.
Each person subtly adjusted their stance, preparing for battle, no longer daring to lower their guard.
Long Tu glanced at Yin Tian with surprise.
"You're sharper than I expected," he said. "In that case, why don't we cooperate? Kill five more people, and we'll clear this stage. Simple, isn't it?"
Lun Fu-ranked sixth among the geniuses of Huan Tian City-shook his head.
"No. There must be another way besides sacrificing living souls. These death auras are essentially remnants of fallen spirits. If we condense them properly, couldn't we recreate artificial souls to substitute for the sacrifice?"
The suggestion stirred hope among the others. It sounded reasonable.
But Long Tu interrupted.
"A clever thought. But who among us can refine this death energy into something resembling a living soul? Does anyone here possess such a terrifying ability?"
Su Lan remained silent.
He could do it.
He specialized in soul arts. Though reconstructed souls would be mindless husks, they might suffice as offerings.
But he chose not to speak.
Reducing the number of competitors would not be a bad thing.
The battle began.
Long Tu moved first, lunging toward Yin Tian at blinding speed.
Yin Tian did not hesitate. He unleashed the Soul-Devouring Demonic Technique. A massive flaming purple skull materialized and shot toward Long Tu.
Yet Long Tu blocked it with his sword.
"Hm. That blade of yours is no ordinary weapon," Yin Tian muttered. "To withstand my Soul-Devouring art... it must be at least a high-grade Buddhist artifact capable of striking the soul."
Long Tu smirked. "I'm surprised you know that much. But that only makes things easier-you understand resistance is futile."
Yin Tian sneered. "You're jumping to conclusions. Even if it's a high-grade artifact capable of harming souls, that doesn't mean you hold the advantage."
Suddenly-
An overwhelming surge of energy erupted from his body, like a tidal wave crashing outward.
It was the vast spiritual power he had previously absorbed through the Demonic Sovereign Soul Technique.
At this moment, his energy felt nearly inexhaustible.
It spread across the battlefield, forming yet another domain layered atop the crimson one. That region became his territory.
Within his domain, he was nearly omnipotent.
He could manipulate the laws within it-
or even freeze space itself for a brief moment.
Long Tu narrowed his eyes.
"It seems I underestimated you. Fine-let's see who will be the one left standing."
Their battle escalated violently. The shockwaves from their clash shattered surrounding laws and tore apart the space within and beyond the domain.
Yin Tian raised a single finger toward the sky. At his fingertip, a colossal crimson blade condensed-formed entirely from scarlet aura. With a sharp motion, he pointed at Long Tu.
The giant blade descended.
Long Tu sensed the danger immediately. It was too late to dodge. Within Yin Tian's domain, he was suppressed by its governing laws-his speed reduced to half.
BOOM!
The explosion shook heaven and earth.
Everything within Yin Tian's domain-and even ten miles beyond it-collapsed under the impact.
Dust and debris filled the air.
Yin Tian did not lower his guard. He released his spiritual sense to scan his surroundings. He felt something hurtling toward his back.
He did not dodge.
"Martial Art-Heavenly Imprisonment!"
Fwoosh!
Long Tu's sword was caught mid-strike, bound by dense spiritual energy infused with the Law of Confinement. It was as if invisible chains had wrapped tightly around the blade, sealing it in place.
Realizing his weapon was suppressed, Long Tu reacted instantly. He flashed forward, appearing directly before Yin Tian. At the same time, he activated his ultimate defensive technique-capable of withstanding attacks from peak Essence Core experts.
Seeing Long Tu charge fearlessly with such powerful defenses, Yin Tian understood how simple his own plan had been-yet how effective it could have been.
"You think such a simple trick can kill me?"
"Soul Art-"
"Void Shatter!"
The very space before them fractured, splitting open in a rift dozens of meters wide.
Long Tu's expression changed drastically. He forced himself to retreat just in time.
Huff... huff...
"That was close. If I had been dragged into that void, no matter how long it took, I might never have escaped... That was truly dangerous. I never expected the number one genius of Huan Tian City to be this terrifying-far beyond the rumors."
Yin Tian regarded him calmly.
"You've surprised me as well. The movement technique you used just now... it was faster than my spiritual perception. Even under my domain's suppression, you still moved with such speed. It seems you carry more than a few treasures. Your gains from the Second Trial must have been substantial."
Long Tu smiled without fear.
"That's none of your concern. What you need to know is this-once someone dies, the benefit belongs to those who survive."
Yin Tian snorted. "You seem overly confident. But your sword has already been sealed. Unarmed as you are, what gives you the confidence to defeat me?"
Long Tu's smile widened.
"How do you know I only have one weapon?"
With that, he drew another blade from his spatial ring.
It was a sword-but unlike the previous one. Its form was jagged and sinister, its edge unnaturally sharp. From its tip radiated a horrifying aura-merely sensing it felt like having thousands of blades slashing through one's soul.
Yin Tian's eyes widened.
"That's the Myriad Soul Sword! I never expected you to possess such a treasure. No wonder you rose to first rank in Luo Yan City. It's not just your skill-you wield a weapon that surpasses even high-grade artifacts."
Long Tu laughed.
"As expected. You truly know too much-especially about demonic relics."
Yin Tian chuckled indifferently.
"So what if I do? Even if I were truly a demon, would the world care?
Humans more vicious than demons walk freely without consequence...
But I am curious-if I truly became a demon, what could any of you do to stop me?"
His expression hardened.
He manipulated the laws of his domain, reinforcing and restructuring them. The suppression intensified.
Long Tu's speed, once halved, now dropped to one-tenth.
Dark clouds gathered above within a fifty-mile radius of Yin Tian's territory.
Seeing this, Long Tu acted without hesitation. Using his secret movement art, he surged forward faster than lightning. In the blink of an eye, he stood before Yin Tian and swung the Myriad Soul Sword down without the slightest hesitation.
Yin Tian retaliated.
"Demonic Claw-Soul Rend!"
A massive claw of demonic energy shot toward Long Tu's chest.
At the same instant, countless bolts of purple lightning descended, infused with the Law of Lightning, amplifying the attack.
Their strikes collided.
Both were blasted backward in opposite directions.
"Tch... I didn't expect that attack to fail to kill you. You're tougher than I thought."
Gah!
Yin Tian spat out a mouthful of blood. His internal injuries, combined with the spiritual damage, were severe.
Long Tu burst into laughter.
"That was exhilarating. I almost took the full brunt of your lightning. But in the end, it only grazed me. So-how does my Soul-Rending Claw feel?"
Guh!
Long Tu coughed up blood as well.
Five deep claw marks pierced through his chest. The attack had torn through parts of his internal organs and even wounded his spirit slightly. His injuries were grave.
"If I cannot kill you... that doesn't mean I cannot kill the others to fulfill the trial's condition."
His laughter turned manic.
Yin Tian shook his head, laughing coldly.
"You fool. Even if you kill enough people to meet the requirement, do you truly think you can walk out alive after fighting me?"
Silence fell.
Long Tu had expected someone capable of matching him-but he had not anticipated someone whose combat mastery rivaled, perhaps even surpassed his own. Even the Myriad Soul Sword had failed to secure victory.
Before he could think further-
He sensed attacks from behind.
Clang! Clang!
He turned and blocked with the Myriad Soul Sword.
The attackers were none other than Su Lan and Ling Yu.
Long Tu frowned. "So it's you two. You want to join in? Let me warn you -interfere, and this battle won't end with just me dying."
Su Lan replied calmly, "I have no desire to interfere. But if I allow someone wielding such a terrifying weapon to walk free, I doubt you'll stop at killing just six people. Or do you think I don't know how you rose to first rank so quickly?"
Long Tu spat to the side, irritated.
"I truly despise knowledgeable people. Knowing too much is not always a good thing."
He grinned wickedly.
A thunderous roar of laughter exploded across the battlefield, echoing through the entire domain.
"Hahahahahahahaha-!!!"
"I will no longer hide it! From this moment on, pray that you can survive the grasp of me-Long Tu! Yaaaahhh!!!"
He let out a frenzied howl.
An overwhelming surge of power erupted from his body in endless waves. The aura they sensed was not merely spiritual energy-it was a chaotic fusion of multiple forces: demonic aura, pure qi, holy energy, darkness, and even the energy of death.
These energies were not simply mixed-they were compressed together within Long Tu's body, colliding violently like primordial chaos itself.
As the five of them grew increasingly uneasy, Yan Lan suddenly stepped forward, moving beside Ling Yu and Su Lan. She cast a glance toward Yin Tian before speaking firmly.
"Let us join forces and eliminate this demon. If we do not cooperate, none of us will leave this place alive. I have learned that Long Tu has cultivated the Heaven-Devouring Demon Body."
"What?!"
Shock rippled through them all.
The most stunned among them was Yin Tian.
"That's impossible! The Heaven-Devouring Demon Body belongs only to the true inheritors of the Heaven-Devouring Demon lineage. He's human -how could he possess that bloodline? This makes no sense."
Yan Lan was slightly surprised by Yin Tian's knowledge, but she quickly continued.
"You are not wrong. Humans are not born of demonic origin, so naturally they cannot inherit the Heaven-Devouring Demon bloodline by birth. However, you may not know what occurred ten thousand years ago."
"There was once a demon who inherited the Heaven-Devouring lineage, though her bloodline was extremely thin. Even so, she was recognized as a true successor."
"Her name was Mo Yin."
"She was the first Demon Queen recorded in history-renowned as the most powerful and wise demon of that era, ten thousand years ago. There are even rumors that she created a bloodline inheritance scripture of the Heaven-Devouring Demon-one that did not require demonic ancestry to cultivate."
"That scripture attracted countless greedy individuals. Its existence ignited fierce struggles and ultimately sparked a great war."
"But the scripture vanished long ago. It was rumored to have fallen into the Shan Su River-back when heavenly waters still flowed from the upper realms. That river branch was once connected to the Shan Su River itself."
"However, since the heavens were sealed and the world lost connection to the upper realm, the heavenly waters dried up. It may have been during that era that the Heaven-Devouring Demon Scripture resurfaced."
Everyone fell into stunned silence.
A cultivation scripture created by a Demon Queen-an existence comparable to a Demon Empress at the imperial level.
Ling Yu finally spoke.
"So what do we do? Can the five of us really defeat Long Tu after he has cultivated the Heaven-Devouring Demon Body?"
Yan Lan's lips curved slightly.
"Five of us?"
"Who said there are only five?"
Upon hearing that, the five of them glanced toward the others standing behind them-those people being Feng Lin and Lun Fu. As for the rest, they had long since died from the aftershocks of Long Tu and Yin Tian's previous attack, unable to withstand its impact.
Yin Tian quickly rushed to where they were standing and began discussing a solution.
"Do you really think the seven of us can handle this? I've heard that the Devouring Heaven Demon Body was nearly invincible in its era. Even those far stronger than it couldn't leave any significant wounds on that body."
However, Yan Lan shook her head and said, "I'm not referring to us. I mean the one watching us from afar. Will he be willing to join this battle, or will he simply wait to reap the benefits?"
When everyone heard that, they were stunned. Had they truly been secretly followed without realizing it?
Yin Tian thought to himself, What? Even my spiritual sense couldn't detect that presence. That means this person's concealment skills must be at an extremely high level. Yet this young lady, Yan Lan, was able to sense it? What extraordinary ability. Her spiritual perception might even surpass mine.
Hearing this, Wu Ming was also quite surprised that he had been discovered. He was extremely confident in his concealment abilities. Even the empire's Supreme Generals had been unable to detect his hidden formation-let alone cultivators who had yet to reach that level.
Wu Ming thought, It's rather strange to be detected by a little girl of unknown origin. But from what I've observed, her gaze and demeanor have changed greatly. Is something unusual going on? Well, no harm done. Since I've already been discovered, helping them out a bit wouldn't hurt.
He dashed out from his hiding place and stopped about twenty meters away from them.
"Hello everyone. Is there anything I can help with?" he said, scratching his head as if he knew nothing.
Feng Lin snapped, "How dare you secretly follow us and wait to take advantage if we failed? What right do you have to stand before us?!"
Su Lan said, "I think we need to cooperate to get out of here no matter what. Having one more person to help should be a good thing."
Feng Lin was clearly displeased that Wu Ming was accepted so easily, without even properly introducing himself.
Yan Lan said, "Alright, let's begin preparing to deal with this situation." Everyone took their positions, waiting for the chaotic energy to settle.
The turbulent aura quickly began to fade. Seeing this, they all unleashed their full power in attack.
Yan Lan shouted, "Everyone, attack together now!"
"Moonblade Technique!"
Ling Yu: "Sword of Truth!"
Feng Lin: "Heaven-Cleaving Blade!"
Zhang Yun: "Wind of Fate!"
Su Lan: "Soul Annihilation!"
Lun Fu:
"Arrow of the Heavens!"
Yin Tian:
"Heaven-Shaking Earth-Shattering Authority!"
BOOM!
BOOM!
BOOM!
Explosions thundered across tens of thousands of miles. Mist filled every direction. All of them hoped that this combined attack would succeed.
But suddenly, within the thick dark mist, two pairs of crimson, vengeful eyes appeared.
"This is bad-everyone, be careful!"
A voice rang out from behind Yin Tian.
"So this is all the skill you possess?"
Yin Tian immediately turned to react, attempting to evade and defend-but it was too late. A fist shot straight into Yin Tian's dantian. The impact between fist and body thundered loudly. His body was sent flying hundreds of miles, crashing through ruins in a long trail of destruction.
"Hahaha! What a truly powerful body and strength!"
Ling Yu muttered, "It seems the god has truly become a demon now... Long Tu."
"Hm? Oh, it's you, Sword Saint. I'm willing to spare your life-if you are willing to become my loyal servant."
Ling Yu raised his sword, his expression unchanged.
"I have never bowed to anyone except my parents and the heavens and earth. I'm afraid in this life or the next, you will never get your wish."
Long Tu burst into wild laughter.
"Good! I've never met anyone as bold as you. I fear none of these six would dare face a powerful demon like me-except you. But once you die, the rest will follow soon after."
Ling Yu moved at extreme speed with his sword-so fast that no afterimage could be seen where he passed. In an instant, he appeared behind Long Tu. Yet in Long Tu's eyes, that speed seemed ordinary. He easily defended and counterattacked. With just one strike, Ling Yu was gravely wounded and nearly unconscious.
"T-too strong..."
"Hahaha! If all of you submit to me as servants and keep what happened here a secret, we will all survive these trials. What do you say?"
Yan Lan shouted, "Keep dreaming, you demon! Even if I must die, I will never serve anyone!"
Before the others could decide, a voice suddenly rang out-
"I-I am willing to become your servant, my lord!"
Everyone turned toward the source and saw Feng Lin kneeling at Long Tu's feet without a shred of shame.
"Oh? It's you," Long Tu said. "Since you're willing to serve, I accept. But you must prove your loyalty."
"Please give the order, my lord! I'll do anything for you!"
"Good! Then deal with them. Choose whoever you like."
"At once, my lord!"
Feng Lin bowed deeply. He glanced at the remaining five people and then fixed his lustful gaze upon Yan Lan. He rushed toward her.
Under the pressure radiating from Long Tu, Yan Lan could barely stand. Feng Lin subdued her easily and attempted to tear off her clothes. He ripped open her outer garment, exposing her beautiful figure.
"Hahaha! I'll play with you today! I'll show you what happens to those who refuse to serve my lord!"
Yan Lan cried out, "S-someone help me! Please! Didn't we agree to cooperate? Why are you all just standing there?!"
The four others felt despair and helplessness. Yan Lan glanced toward Wu Ming in desperation. When he saw this, he couldn't help but recall the image of his own sister being violated. He could not endure witnessing such a scene again. This time, he would act.
Just before Feng Lin could tear away her final garments, a hand stopped him. It grabbed his arm and squeezed violently-his arm snapped.
Feng Lin screamed in rage.
"Who do you think you are, daring to interfere with me?! You're courting death!"
His fist shot toward Wu Ming's face-but Wu Ming simply flicked his palm lightly and swiftly across Feng Lin's face. The strike looked gentle -almost soft-yet Feng Lin's head exploded instantly, turning into a spray of blood and fragments that scattered across the ground, clothing, and faces.
Everyone was stunned. Even Long Tu was shocked by such strength.
Wu Ming removed his black cloak and covered Yan Lan's body to shield her. Calmly, he stood and walked toward Long Tu with his hands clasped behind his back.
Seeing such reckless courage, Yin Tian shouted, "Are you insane?! Do you know that demon isn't something we can handle?! Do you think you alone can do anything? Don't throw your life away!"
Wu Ming replied coldly, his eyes indifferent.
"What nonsense are you spouting? That's the most foolish thing I've heard. This isn't courting death-it's seeking survival for all of you. If we do nothing, we die. If we become his servants, that's disgraceful-unworthy of being reborn as human."
Everyone was shaken by such boldness-yet it was undeniable truth.
Long Tu sneered. "Oh? Another who wants to act heroic? With your talent and composure, you're quite impressive. If you serve me, I'll treat you better than anyone-equal even to myself!"
Wu Ming laughed mockingly.
"Equal to you? In my ideals, no one stands equal to me-nor above me. I alone stand above all others. That includes you."
His voice was icy cold.
Long Tu's expression darkened. His aura intensified violently and surged toward Wu Ming.
"What a pity. Many talented people die foolish deaths. You will be one of them!"
He dashed forward at unbelievable speed-so fast it seemed less like movement and more like teleportation.
His massive fist smashed toward Wu Ming-but Wu Ming did not dodge.
Yan Lan murmured in despair, "It's over... we have no chance of survival..."
Before anyone could react-
Crack!
The sound of bone breaking rang out. Everyone assumed it was Wu Ming's-but when they looked again, it was Long Tu's wrist, twisted grotesquely in the opposite direction.
Shock filled their faces.
Ling Yu gasped, "He's... completely unharmed?!"
Long Tu roared in pain and disbelief. He attacked again, slashing with his left clawed hand, attempting to tear Wu Ming apart.
But it was useless. Wu Ming countered with a punch-using pure physical strength alone-sending Long Tu flying ten miles away.
A clear fist imprint appeared on Long Tu's abdomen, penetrating deep and severely damaging his internal organs.
"How is this possible?! This is the Devouring Heaven Demon Body! How can it be injured like this?! I refuse to believe it!"
Wu Ming scoffed.
"You're truly foolish. Did you really think absorbing large amounts of different energies and forcibly fusing them would perfect the Devouring Heaven Demon Body? How ignorant."
Without hesitation, he rushed forward. He drew his sword-a blade that appeared ordinary and low-grade, nothing special. Yet it was infused with overwhelming killing intent and a violent sword spirit, raging madly as if ready to slaughter everything before it.