In the valley, the cultivators stared nervously at the colossal sword suspended in the sky. Fear gnawed at their hearts—fear that they might perish before they even had a chance to touch the inheritance below.
Li Yang, watching the fearful crowd, shook his head in quiet disdain.
People like this… always thinking about how to save their skins instead of moving forward with courage… they're destined to remain at the bottom of the cultivation world.
These people would scramble for the leftovers discarded by the major sects. Always second-best. Always surviving off scraps.
His gaze shifted again to Gu Hai.
The boy from the Evil God Sect sat alone, his presence like a festering wound in the valley. Li Yang narrowed his eyes.
This one should be killed. But even if I let him live, it wouldn't matter to my plans.
He weighed the consequences—slaying an evil sect genius could provoke attention from the major sects. But after a moment, he simply smirked.
Acceptable.
Gu Hai, seated under the withered tree, suddenly felt it—a gaze. Cold, piercing. He slowly turned his head.
Across the crowd, a handsome young man leaned lazily against a tree, staring straight at him. His expression was calm, almost indifferent.
Gu Hai narrowed his eyes. He didn't recognize the boy. But his body trembled.
Deep within, the "Evil God Mantra"—the very core of his cultivation—shuddered in terror.
What… is this feeling?
For the first time in years, Gu Hai felt fear.
He clenched his fists, suppressing the trembling in his body. A cruel smile slowly curled across his lips.
So what if you make me feel fear? I've never bowed to any of those so-called geniuses from the upright sects. And you… a nameless brat with low cultivation…
He unleashed his aura.
Dark and sinister energy surged outward like a black tide, targeting Li Yang directly. A malicious force, soaked in blood and resentment, laced with ghostly wails. He smiled with satisfaction.
Let's see how you like a taste of madness. My spiritual poison will drive your soul insane. You'll beg for death before long.
Li Yang felt the wicked aura approaching, sensed the cruelty behind that smile. His eyes narrowed, but he remained unmoved.
This kind of filth… dares to provoke me?
He didn't want to act in front of the upright sects—not yet. But just because he looked like a salted fish didn't mean others could step on him.
As the vile energy drew closer, Li Yang's spiritual energy stirred in response.
Suddenly, in the world of his spiritual consciousness, the air shifted. A terrifying vision unfolded: a sea of twisted souls closed in from all sides. Crying children with hollow eyes, headless women dripping blood, elderly men with severed limbs—all clawing at him, howling in torment.
Li Yang's expression darkened.
So this is his power...
He scanned the monstrous spirits surrounding him. These weren't simple soul remnants. They were the twisted, refined remains of those Gu Hai had killed—sacrificed to fuel his cultivation.
A taboo.
A true cultivator forged their path through their own effort. But Gu Hai… he relied on the blood and souls of innocents.
Disgusting.
His spiritual form stepped forward, eyes colder than ever. The sword of blue energy coalesced in his hand—a translucent blade glowing with a sapphire gem embedded in the hilt.
He raised it slowly.
Then, with a calm breath, he slashed.
The blade cleaved the space around him.
Time seemed to freeze.
The spirits wailed in unison. Screams of agony and hatred filled the void. They surged forward, desperate to tear him apart.
But the sword's brilliance flared.
And in the next instant—they turned to ash.
Outside, Gu Hai watched the boy leaning on the tree, his eyes now shut.
A smile curled on Gu Hai's lips. Good. He's gone mad. His spiritual attack had worked. The spirits must have shredded his soul to pieces by now.
He turned his attention back to the sword above, pleased with himself.
But then—his body spasmed.
Suddenly, pain exploded within him.
The Evil God Mantra in his body spun out of control. His cultivation deviated, Qi running rampant through his meridians.
What… what's happening?!
His body shook violently. Blood spurted from his lips. His face twisted in shock and agony.
He looked to the side—slowly, reluctantly.
Li Yang stood exactly where he had been… eyes open now… and smiling.
That calm, knowing smile.
Gu Hai's pupils shrank. His lips curled in hatred as the truth struck him like lightning.
This brat… destroyed my spiritual energy…?!
He tried to rise, but pain lanced through his body. He collapsed again, vomiting more blood. His meridians were fractured. His spiritual foundation cracked.
The surrounding cultivators noticed.
Whispers rippled through the valley.
Moments ago, Gu Hai was a fearsome presence, his aura suffocating. But now, he knelt on the ground, sword trembling in his hand, blood drenching his robes.
The opportunity was too good to ignore.
From the crowd, two figures stepped forward.
Yang Han and Yang Yu.
Their eyes lit up. This was unexpected fortune. They'd come to this valley seeking inheritance, but now… now they had the chance to kill a top-tier genius from the Evil God Sect.
Yang Yu smiled. What luck. And it's even sanctioned by the heavens. Let's see what the sect thinks of us after this.
Gu Hai sensed their approach.
With a ferocious growl, he forced himself upright, gripping his sword with trembling hands. His eyes burned with malice. Blood dripped from his mouth, but his killing intent had not faded.
Yang Han and Yang Yu slowed.
They hesitated.
Even crippled, Gu Hai was dangerous.
Li Yang watched the scene and sighed.
Unbelievable. These two fools came from noble families and still don't have the guts to kill a crippled enemy. I even did the hard part for them.
He cleared his throat and raised his voice so all could hear.
"Ah… what a pity. Looks like the Evil God Sect genius has suffered a Qi deviation. Seems he won't be able to compete in the trial anymore."
The effect was immediate.
Gasps. Shouts. The air shifted as emotions boiled.
Yang Han's hesitation vanished. His eyes gleamed. This is my moment.
He rushed forward with his sword drawn.
More cultivators followed, blades flashing. Gu Hai's eyes widened as the killing intent locked onto him from all directions.
He tried to resist.
But it was over.
Under a storm of blades and Qi techniques, the infamous evil genius who had once slaughtered thousands… died like a dog.
Li Yang leaned against the tree, watching calmly.
He shrugged.
"You dared to sneak attack this young master... now look at you. Dead like a pig."
A faint smirk tugged at the corners of his lips.