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墨書 Inktalez
Online Game is a remarkable phenomenon, capable of roughly simulating a strange world that makes everyone feel as if they are living in another space. Although it is illusory, it is incredibly captivating. However, no matter how good something is, one cannot lose themselves in the virtual world of games and abandon their real life; that would be an act of foolishness.
Such a globally popular online phenomenon has long since infiltrated the lives of demons. While human technology cannot achieve complete realism, Spell can easily accomplish this. The matrix that only appeared in The Matrix has already become a new way of life for demons.
The super game developed by the International Demon Alliance—Monster Legend! It is said to integrate the most advanced game engines with extremely complex Western Magic and Eastern Immortal Path, perfectly merging them together. The demons who roam this game far exceed any ordinary online game in the world. This is because the biggest difference between demons and humans is that they inherently possess immense power. Due to the principle of fairness in Monster Legend, demons can only suppress their powers within the game, making it a battlefield for them to test their combat skills and maximize their effectiveness with minimal effort. Although most demons integrated into modern society do not wish to live bloodthirsty lives every day, a significant portion of warlike demons still seeks to hone their combat techniques. Finding someone for real combat is exceedingly difficult; not to mention whether others are in the mood to engage, encountering a particularly ruthless opponent could lead to losing one's life in a single misstep. Therefore, Monster Legend has also nurtured a large number of skilled young demon fighters.
Fang Lin Kong, while not particularly obsessed with games, has not been immune to the trend and has played several Online Game titles over the years. Especially with the popularity of World of Warcraft, Fang Lin Kong applied for an account to play as an Elf Hunter and a Dwarf Warlock. He even tried out an Ogre Magi.
During the days leading up to his exam, Fang Lin Kong purchased a virtual helmet and entered Monster Legend for some leisure time. Compared to the underground market at home, Japan has fewer restrictions and offers more exclusive items for demons. Unlike the Grand Auction House, Japan's underground market provides less rare but very practical household tools. Such items would never appear in the Grand Auction House, which specializes in selling the most bizarre and precious treasures.
Monster Legend contains all elements of an online game; its dedicated helmet must be connected to an identity card issued by the International Demon Alliance to activate it. As a premium entertainment experience, everything within Monster Legend must be purchased with real currency. This aspect significantly differs from human Online Game. Each day spent in Monster Legend costs more than staying at a three-star hotel.
As one of the five executive Chairmen of the International Demon Alliance, Zhou Qingzhe naturally has access to considerable authority and resources. To prepare for this selection process, he had already customized a large number of Spirit Demon Shikigami. In Taoism's Five Elements Yin-Yang Technique, talismans driven by spells can grow increasingly powerful over time when carefully nurtured by their master. Moreover, Japan's yin-yang arts heavily rely on their cultivated Shikigami, especially when the Yin-Yang Sorcerer lacks sufficient power.
At Japan's Yata Group, production of Shikigami has already begun secretly on a large scale. Although annual output still hovers around two hundred, they can now produce high-quality Shikigami with demonic power exceeding ten thousand. Meanwhile, China's mainland's Yinshan Group, which boasts super experts like Ghost Ancestor Xu Huan and Green Brow, has numerous elites within its vast organization. The talismans they cultivate have entered practical use, providing over seventy percent of the supplies for this examination for Zhou Qingzhe. Furthermore, their average demonic power exceeds that of the Shikigami from the Yata Group.
The examination question for Fang Lin Kong was to hunt down an Arctic Overlord Elephant with a demonic power value of seventeen thousand. He could choose any weapon he wanted, but as a participant, his own demonic power was merely at the minimum standard of one thousand three hundred. Concealing most of his strength, seeing this exam question left him feeling extremely frustrated.
No matter how confident he was, challenging a Spirit Demon Shikigami with over six times his power was exceedingly difficult. It was easy to imagine how daunting such an almost impossible task would be.
Thus, next, Fang Lin Kong began his first-ever retreat to reflect deeply on his training.
In his life experiences, he believes that the strongest being is his elusive future self. Almost every time he appears, he effortlessly defeats formidable foes while barely revealing any hint of his true abilities or techniques. However, what terrifies him most is his cheap Master Uncle, Liexiezi. Although Liexiezi has never attempted to kill him and has even provided him with many benefits—second only to the guidance from the Future Seer—every time he encounters him, Fang Lin Kong instinctively heightens his senses to their maximum in hopes of rapidly elevating his power level to face any unforeseen challenges.
On his path of cultivation, although it was Oren Vikin who initially inspired him, unconsciously, Fang Lin Kong gravitated toward emulating two ultimate figures in his mind: the Future Seer’s precise targeting that exposes every flaw before acting and Liexiezi’s versatile methods and mastery over various magical artifacts. With expertise in both areas and accumulated battle experience, he does not lack confidence in defeating enemies stronger than himself if they employ poor strategies or lack combat skills; he can fight freely and display his prowess.
Throughout history, humans have pursued rapid paths in cultivation due to their short lifespans; they seek swift progress toward achieving unity with heaven and forming their primordial infant within a brief lifetime. To attain accomplishments during their fleeting lives, humans often indulge in fanciful ideas and have accumulated countless theories on cultivation. Some excellent techniques have reached perfection after generations of refinement by masters and apprentices alike. Demons enjoy much longer lifespans; thus, they are less concerned about time passing by and do not feel urgency regarding slow progress in cultivation. Additionally, since most demons rely on innate abilities rather than extensive knowledge like humans do, their self-discovered techniques tend to be relatively rudimentary.
Moreover, due to their unique physiological structures, many methods discovered by demons do not apply well to others of their kind. While humans also face issues regarding suitable physiques for certain techniques, it is ultimately not as severe as it is for demons.
Fang Lin Kong does not lack pathways for cultivation; in fact, he possesses an abundance of knowledge regarding secret practices. Though guidance from the Future Seer may lack systematic structure, it directly addresses profound truths and questions one's heart. Furthermore, what he learned from Liexiezi, including the Mystic Transformation of the Nine Heavens and the Eternal Demon Suppression Scripture, are ancient texts rich in depth regarding cultivation methods. Choosing either path would yield results if one puts forth diligent effort; unraveling heavenly principles is not merely a dream.
After retreating for contemplation, Fang Lin Kong delved into his Inner Universe where nine primordial spirits each took on distinct states of deep thought. His First Primordial Spirit merged with the Haotian Divine Sword into one entity; unable to manifest human form, it resembled a radiant red sun illuminating the void.
The Second Soul merged with the Great Freedom Heaven Realm Seven Treasures Banner, manifesting within Fang Lin Kong's Inner Universe. Clad in imperial robes and seated upon a golden throne, a visage radiating ten-colored brilliance emerged. Although the appearance of the Second Soul was identical to Fang Lin Kong himself, the imperial aura it exuded was overwhelming, like a tidal wave crashing forth, shrouding everything in its might.
The Nine Heavens Primordial Demon Flame converged into the third Yuan Shen, taking the form of a pure white flame. It would suddenly flare up fiercely, then contract into a ball, constantly shifting, occasionally forming the image of a fiery figure.
The Fourth Primordial Spirit had already fused with the Taiyin Soul Piercer, becoming one with the divine spear. While its Yuan Shen form also resembled a human, it was entirely different from Fang Lin Kong. The Fourth Primordial Spirit had transformed into a warrior clad in bizarre armor, muscles bulging, wielding a demonic spear, with an eerie smile on its face and an aura that was dark and inscrutable.
The fifth Yuan Shen bore no difference from Fang Lin Kong himself; however, it held the Hundred Escape Spirit Control Seal. Layers upon layers of countless magical beasts formed an intricate web around it, protecting the fifth Yuan Shen within. Millions of magical beasts and demon birds roared fiercely, their chilling cries shaking the heavens and earth.
Since cultivating the Eternal Demon Suppression Scripture, Fang Lin Kong's nine Yuan Shen had quietly begun to change. Yet, when he pondered matters, all nine Yuan Shen remained unified in thought and connection without any discrepancies.
Countless magical treasures were controlled by the nine Yuan Shen in an order of power, creating a formation that shimmered like stars in the celestial realm.
In stillness lay movement; in movement lay stillness. Fang Lin Kong's nine Yuan Shen and boundless magical treasures formed a complex array that slowly rotated. The outermost layer consisted of the Azure Fire Divine Flame and thirty-three heavenly seals combined with a Light Boundary defense shield that firmly protected Fang Lin Kong's inner universe.
Suddenly, Fang Lin Kong's Fourth Primordial Spirit moved without any response from the other Yuan Shen. The demonic radiance it emitted subdued everything in an instant…
After being in seclusion for a day and a half, Fang Lin Kong finally opened his eyes. He had made his choice to appear at this selection event as Huan Huo and decided to utilize the Taiyin Soul Piercer, allowing the Fourth Primordial Spirit to manifest independently.
Fang Lin Kong's reasoning for this choice was simple: the Taiyin Soul Piercer was the only weapon among the Four Treasures of the Demon Gate. Its past masters were all formidable warriors with overwhelming demonic power. The countless memories it carried were sufficient for the Taiyin Soul Piercer's battle intent Yuan Shen to become an unparalleled martial expert.
In lower-tier battles, martial prowess became increasingly evident. Conversely, the power of spells worked oppositely; as one ascended to higher levels of competition, spells became more practical. In actual combat, most battles depended on martial strength, with spells serving merely as support. By the time spells began to exert their true power, there was often no clear distinction between martial arts and spells; Kyo Kusanagi embodied this fusion of magic and martial prowess.
Although Fang Lin Kong suppressed his strength, if he chose to take shortcuts by using powerful magical treasures he possessed to slay the Arctic Overlord Elephant, it would not be an issue. However, that did not align with his current identity as Huan Huo. Explaining the origin of any powerful magical treasure would be quite challenging.
Choosing to present himself as a martial artist allowed him to harness abilities such as eroding internal organs, absorbing demonic power, corroding muscles, and enhancing lethality through fire and lightning. A person's martial skills, insight, experience, and techniques could yield tremendous power. Huan Huo was inherently a master of martial arts; achieving some breakthrough in a short time was entirely reasonable.
An ordinary punch might miss entirely against an opponent for an average person; however, for a master, even without great strength or speed—merely exploiting an opponent's weakness with a light punch could determine victory or defeat. The principles of overcoming strength with softness or using minimal force against greater weight are among the most profound strategies in martial arts. If one could harness these intricacies effectively—striking weak against strong or using softness against steel—it would not be impossible to confront beasts with six times greater demonic power.
After putting the other eight Yuan Shen to sleep, although Fang Lin Kong's exterior showed no change whatsoever, his eyes radiated an infinite allure of malevolence. A naturally cold and ruthless aura emanated from him.
Fang Lin Kong gently raised his hands; an entirely new sensation enveloped him—one that made him feel strangely unfamiliar with his current state. Completely governed by the Fourth Primordial Spirit’s will was something he had never experienced before; he could distinctly perceive profound changes within himself that were difficult to articulate.
"This world lies beneath my feet; all beings are but ants… Demons reign supreme! Only I am exalted…"
Countless strange techniques and secrets flowed through Fang Lin Kong's mind. Millions of images showcased numerous battle scenes. The combat experience of the past holders of the Taiyin Soul Piercer was instantly absorbed by Fang Lin Kong. Although his abilities had been rapidly advancing, he had never felt such confidence before, the kind that allowed him to believe he could trample any existence beneath his feet. It was only at this moment that Fang Lin Kong truly understood what it meant to be a powerful being.
Yuan Tiankong, who was staying in the same hotel as Fang Lin Kong, glanced toward his room, whether intentionally or not, and suddenly smiled lightly. He picked up the "Please Clean the Room" sign and hung it on his door before leaving the hotel alone.
On the day of the exam, Fang Lin Kong woke up early and set off a few hours ahead of time. When he returned to the Underground Arena, it had transformed completely. The last time Fang Lin Kong came to register, he hadn’t seen the full extent of the Underground Arena. This time, it had been restored as a battle venue with five newly set Battle Barriers and seating for over eighty thousand spectators.
Since Fang Lin Kong had arrived before the exam started, he found a comfortable spot to casually watch others fight. The Spirit Demon Shikigami purchased by the International Demon Alliance were all powerful beings with demon power values exceeding ten thousand, despite their differing abilities due to their varied systems. Some exceptional ones even possessed high combat intelligence, demonstrating outstanding performance in strategy and technique. In just thirty to forty minutes, more than ten demons were severely injured by these formidable opponents. One particularly fierce-looking yellow-haired demon had already declared itself unable to recover before the Battle Barrier was even lifted. The demons present here had undergone elimination, with an average Demon Power Index exceeding four thousand. However, these selected Spirit Demon Shikigami were even more astonishingly powerful. Some began to speculate whether the purpose of this gathering by the International Demon Alliance was merely to showcase strength. The Spirit Demon Shikigami gathered for this event were enough to form an incredibly powerful army of demons.
The brutality of battle did not frighten Fang Lin Kong; instead, it ignited his bloodlust. Every muscle in his body trembled with anticipation as he felt an unprecedented desire for combat, for slaughter, for trampling all enemies beneath his feet.
“Huan Huo, you really are hard to deal with! After leaving us for so long, you don’t even say a word? Why haven’t you contacted us?”
As Fang Lin Kong was engrossed in watching, four figures emerged from a corner. The woman at the front spoke in a voice that sounded very familiar; she was tall and slender, standing at about one hundred eighty centimeters, exuding an air of superiority over others with a cold expression—she was indeed the speaker.
Fang Lin Kong searched his memory and finally identified her.
Yan Yini: One-eighth demon bloodline! An external member of the Chinese Army Demon Subduing Team and part of the North Ao Team's five-member group. One of Huan Huo's lovers!
The identities of the other three were also clear; they were Zero Sakura, Yu Beiyao, and Xiong Jingjing—the other members of the North Ao Team. Along with Fang Lin Kong’s impersonation of Huan Huo, these five were quite close comrades.
Yan Yini's expression was unfriendly. Upon receiving Fang Lin Kong's random call, she immediately set off for Sudan in Africa only to find that Fang Lin Kong had already left. After meeting Murphy and discussing things in detail, both women left in anger. While there were no records of what happened with Murphy, Yan Yini quickly contacted all her connections to trace down this impersonator’s whereabouts.
Originally, Zhou Qingzhe's selection for the security team going to Gou Li World was a significant event; Fang Lin Kong was not one to understand discretion. A simple search on the International Demon Alliance registration website would reveal his impersonation of Huan Huo's whereabouts.
Among the North Ao Team’s five members, four were women besides Huan Huo. Although these four beautiful women appeared pleasing to the eye, Fang Lin Kong did not feel well received by them.
Yu Beiyao and Zero Sakura’s surveillance mission had completely failed due to Fang Lin Kong's disappearance. After receiving news about Huan Huo, they immediately joined Yan Yini; now confronting their long-lost comrade did not bring them any joy either.
Seeing that Fang Lin Kong remained silent for a long time, Yan Yini's expression darkened further as she coldly said, “Huan Huo, if you no longer wish to see us, just say so! I am not someone who clings desperately to men; let’s part ways early!”
Fang Lin Kong felt a headache coming on and was about to speak when a gentle voice came from behind him.
“Huan Huo! As they say, ‘Only after losing do we realize how hard it is to regret! Don’t let temporary anger lead to hasty separations!’ You should explain this misunderstanding; wouldn’t it be better for everyone involved?”
A tall, refined man appeared leisurely. It was the man who called himself Yuan Tiankong. Since Yuan Tiankong had quietly left the hotel, Fang Lin Kong had not seen him. Therefore, Fang Lin Kong was quite surprised by Yuan Tiankong's sudden appearance.
Fang Lin Kong was certainly not Huan Huo, and he had no idea about the ways of a playboy. He really had no way to comfort the fierce beauty standing before him, who had come to demand an explanation. With Yuan Tiankong's words, the atmosphere between them eased a bit. Fang Lin Kong helplessly said, "I have urgent matters to attend to, so I naturally forgot to contact everyone! Charming, where did you think I went?"
Yan Yini coldly replied, "You forgot to contact us? But you didn't forget to flirt with women? That Murphy has quite a figure—curvy and tall. I can only imagine how enticing she must be."
Fang Lin Kong scoffed, ready to confront her. He had no intention of being a substitute for Huan Huo to placate a woman.
Zero Sakura noticed the tension between the two and sighed inwardly. She spoke up for Yan Yini, saying, "Huan Huo, you really have no conscience. You've been gone for so long, and Charming has worried about you so much. Every day when she sees us, the most frequent question is whether there's any news about you. She's usually so strong; when have you ever seen her cry? During your absence, Charming has shed countless tears and has become a shadow of her former self. Just look at her complexion—how haggard she looks!"
Although Yan Yini wore heavy makeup, there were still hints of pale skin peeking through the foundation, clearly indicating that she had been under considerable stress lately. Fang Lin Kong couldn't bring himself to say anything harsh at that moment. He could only nod lightly and said to Yan Yini, "Murphy is my fault; I don't want to make excuses. You know what kind of man I am. This isn't the first time this has happened, nor will it be the last. I can't give you any guarantees or promises... I'm truly sorry!"
Fang Lin Kong recalled his own recklessness. Although he was addressing Yan Yini, his words were meant for Ding Qingya, who was not present. At that moment, his heart was filled with regret. Ever since he left the ordinary path of life, Fang Lin Kong and Ding Qingya had spent little time together; often he would forget her existence due to various matters. When he thought of Ding Qingya, he couldn't help but wonder what their future would look like. The arrangements made by Future Seer were shrouded in mystery; sometimes Fang Lin Kong felt a sense of dependency on it—perhaps Future Seer could solve everything? He often comforted himself with this thought.
Yan Yini's expression improved significantly as she smiled faintly, though it was tinged with sadness. "I know I'm not your first woman and may not be your last either. But Huan Huo, you must keep a place for me in your heart..."
Accepting Fang Lin Kong's apology without further protest, Yan Yini walked over and linked her arm with his. "Maybe being with this troublemaker is my lifelong curse!" Her expression was incredibly complex.
Fang Lin Kong remained silent; that was all he could do. What else could he say? Aside from loudly cursing Zhou Qingzhe for choosing such a troublesome role for him—what a mess—he didn't dare show even a hint of weakness on his face.
(To be continued)
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