As Gu Ping hovered in the moonlight, the Demon Spirits hiding in the bushes couldn't help but peek out. Many of these Demon Spirits were already contemplating retreat, having been severely wounded by Extermination on two occasions. Gu Ping appeared to have lost the ability to counterattack against Extermination, yet inexplicably, those who had fought against Gu Ping were reluctant to leave, as if they hoped for a miracle.
The Shadow Demon and Gu Ping stood at opposite ends—one on the ground and the other in the sky—each observing the other without making a move. Gu Ping was aware that he had gained a certain advantage, as the Shadow Demon's specialty of ambush was no longer an option.
The Shadow Demon showed no signs of anxiety. It understood that this seemingly weak cultivator had managed to reach its presence, indicating that he was certainly not an ordinary opponent. Centuries of experience told it that this was one of the most troublesome enemies it had ever encountered; even the Radiant Unicorn King had not exerted such pressure on it. Yet now, this human evoked a profound sense of life-threatening danger.
The flames of light gradually spread from Gu Ping's legs to his entire body. This was a spell he had long comprehended but never utilized. Just as Hong Yulong and Zhang Chenglin had consumed pills to enhance their cultivation, Gu Ping sought a similar effect through the secret technique he was now employing—a light-based secret art that significantly boosted his momentum, bringing him close to the peak of Jin Qi, almost on the verge of breaking through to the Nascent Soul Stage. However, just as his momentum was about to break through, it abruptly halted at the Golden Peak.
The light completely merged with Gu Ping's body, and a pale pink sun radiated from his chest, enveloping him in an aura of nobility and sanctity that resembled a descending photon, making it hard for anyone to look directly at him. The incessant glow stung the eyes of all nearby Demon Spirits.
The Shadow Demon let out an enraged roar, its piercing voice echoing across half of the Heavenly Ladder. Even Azure Bull and the Senior Sister at the far eastern end heard its shrill cry.
This was a signal for battle; the Shadow Demon could no longer afford to wait. Its sense of crisis intensified as it clearly felt that this human had grown stronger—not just by a little but significantly. Even the injuries it had inflicted moments ago were completely healed. The Shadow Demon dared not speculate what other abilities this human might possess and resolved not to give him any more chances; it would strike with lethal intent.
In the blink of an eye, the Shadow Demon vanished from sight and reappeared before Gu Ping, moving so quickly that it left no time for Gu Ping to react.
With its black claws aimed at Gu Ping's chest, it seemed intent on ripping out his heart. Observing Gu Ping's unmoving demeanor, the Shadow Demon laughed—a chilling sound that echoed eerily in the ears of the surrounding beasts.
The Demon Spirits who had just witnessed Gu Ping's surge in power through his secret technique felt as if another miracle was about to unfold. In an instant, they plummeted from celestial heights into despair; the stark contrast left all present closing their eyes in disbelief. They had seen such scenes before and could only pray silently now.
He was a strong one; even if he fell today, he would still be considered powerful. Never before had he encountered a human like Ren He—someone who could achieve such feats at his age and level of strength. Even if he were to rise again, today might truly mark his end.
Azure Bull turned to Senior Sister as if writing Gu Ping's epitaph. At that moment, Azure Bull sensed clearly that the Shadow Demon's claws had already pierced into Gu Ping's body.
The Heart Extraction, the signature spell of the Shadow Demon, allows one to extend their claws into the body of Mistake without harming the surrounding flesh, and then extract the enemy's heart.
The Senior Sister remained silent, gazing at Gu Ping in the sky, shining like a brilliant star. Was he alive? If he was alive, there was hope. Suddenly, she felt a flush of warmth; why did Gu Ping desire life so much? Everyone yearns to live because being alive means they can accomplish many things. For some, living is a belief.
I will leave; there will be no more Demon Spirits troubling me. My companion's life has earned the respect of the entire Spirit Tribe. No Demon Spirit would dare challenge me outside the Flowing Cloud Realm.
The Senior Sister still did not speak. The star in the sky shone brightly. Was he alive? She felt her eyes becoming moist, tears welling up as she fought to keep them from falling. In all her years of living, she had never felt such a strong conviction as she did now; she knew he would not fail.
He was the first disciple to enroll at Mok Ming Academy, yet held a high status among his peers. Still, he remained their Junior Brother, the Junior Brother of the academy. It was only his senior brothers and sisters who decided to ascend the Heavenly Ladder of the Demon Spirit, while she could only stand by and watch him risk his life, unable to do anything herself.
How she wished that the dazzling star shining in the sky was her! But reality made her feel cold all over. Yet she firmly believed that miracles would continue to unfold. Gu Ping had already brought her too many miracles—countless times he had triumphed against adversity; this time would be no different.
The Shadow Demon had already opened its mouth and let out a laugh. It could feel that beating heart; it was so powerful, like an ever-flowing spring, providing endless energy to the person before it. And now that person was about to pay the price for their pride. At that thought, the Shadow Demon became so excited it could hardly control its power; even its form resembling Gu Ping began to blur.
Comment 0 Comment Count