Chapter 01
The sky was dark and overcast, as if hiding untold secrets within its depths. Raindrops, like tiny pearls, gently fell to the ground, dancing and rejoicing on the leaves of the trees. Yet, deep within the forest, where only darkness prevailed, a young man knelt on both knees. His long hair was tied back, and his black, dust-covered robes bore the marks of his journey. Hearing the deafening roar of thunder, he raised his head, a bitter smirk on his lips. His brown eyes, filled with tears, regret, sorrow, and rage, gazed at the heavens as he shouted:
"I am ready to offer my soul to you... I am ready to become a demon!"
A loud, sinister laugh echoed through the sky, shaking the leaves, scattering the animals, and sending birds into flight.
"I'm glad you've finally accepted your destiny. But for the last time, I'll let you see your past life, Líng Zhuì... Because once you become the God of Demons, you'll remember nothing of your former life. So, let's take one last look at the wretched days you've endured. It brings me joy to see you in this state again, for I have fed on your misery."
This time, the demon's laughter merged with the thunder, causing the mountains and trees to tremble. Líng Zhuì tilted his face toward the sky, closing his eyes as stubborn tears mingled with the relentless raindrops streaming down his face.
---
The sun generously spread its rays across the sky. Towering, sharp mountains with snow-covered peaks selfishly absorbed the sunlight. A powerful river gushed from the heart of the mountains, bringing vitality and life to the lush green trees surrounding it. Suspended between earth and sky was a towering cliff, adorned with several wooden houses with colorful roofs.
Líng Zhuì, with a sly smile on his lips, hid behind a mud-brick wall. He was a young and handsome man with fair skin, a slender face, and light brown eyes that seemed to hold countless secrets. Yet, this only added to his charm. The market, as always, was bustling with activity. People moved about, some haggling with shopkeepers. But as Líng Zhuì's gaze fell upon the scene before him, his smile vanished, replaced by fear, anxiety, and a hint of hidden anger. With two fingers, he quickly drew a black talisman in the air and sent it toward a shop two stalls away.
An old man rummaging through his basket for coins suddenly found his coin pouch falling into it. Furious, he turned toward the wall and shouted:
"Hey, Zhuì Zhuì, you little rascal! Bored again and picking on me, huh?"
But his voice faltered as he noticed a young man on a black horse, accompanied by his entourage. The old man stepped out from behind his stall, smiling as he approached Líng Zhuì, who was still trying to hide behind the wall.
"It's fine… If it weren't for you, I'd be bored out of my mind in this big market. I'm not upset at all. We always have these little jokes between us. I was just startled because, well, this time it wasn't all my coins… You know me." (He placed a hand on Zhuì's shoulder, patting it a few times.) "I'm getting old, really old. I thought I'd lost track of my customers and the beggars had taken them. You know how many beggars there are these days…"
The young man on the black horse smirked and dismounted. He wore a pale green silk robe, and a golden hairpin with a small emerald gem adorned his tied-up hair. His slender face, tanned skin, and dark eyes radiated malice and cruelty. Approaching the old man and Zhuì, who had lowered his head, he said:
"Hey, old fool, you'd better get lost. Don't try to justify his mistakes. Either way, he's due for his daily whipping. How about we double it today? Oh, my God…" (He closed his eyes.) "Even imagining it brings me joy. Move along, quickly. You wouldn't want your whore of a mother to take your punishment again, would you?"
Líng Zhuì raised his head in anger, hiding his trembling, clenched fists behind his back. Bowing his head, he said:
"It's not like that, Master Líng Fūyì. I'll do whatever you command. Just please, leave my mother out of this."
Fūyì let out a loud laugh and said:
"Hey, you filthy bloodline wretch, your whore of a mother wants to get involved in our disputes. Otherwise, I wouldn't bother with her. Now, stop talking out of turn, move your pathetic body, and follow me. I don't have all day to waste on disciplining you, kid. Hurry up."
The old man, trembling, grabbed Zhuì's hand, shaking his head as if pleading with his eyes for him not to return to the Líng estate. But Zhuì gave him a sad smile, squeezed his hand, leaned close to his ear, and whispered:
"Don't worry, Uncle Lián. I'll see you tonight at the usual place."
Releasing Lián's hand, Zhuì stood beside Fūyì's black horse. Fūyì gave a sly smile and said:
"Remember, if I reach the Líng estate before you, your lashes will double. Don't say I didn't warn you. And you know what happens if you use your magical skills… Let's see what you'll do, my dear filthy bloodline."
He raised his right foot in the stirrup as if to kick the horse's side but suddenly withdrew it and delivered a powerful kick to Zhuì's left cheek, sending him sprawling to the ground. Laughing loudly, Fūyì spurred his horse and rode off with his soldiers. Zhuì brushed off the dust and quickly got up, running like the wind down the alley where he had been hiding.
The old man shook his head, glancing at the shopkeepers and people around, who seemed to treat the scene as just another mundane event. With a sigh, he muttered under his breath as he returned to his stall:
"Poor boy… I hope Master Fēng returns from the cave soon. Otherwise, from what I saw today, he won't survive!"
Panting heavily, Líng Zhuì sprinted down the alley toward the Líng estate. With the last of his strength, he pushed open the estate's wooden doors with both hands, stumbled down three white stone steps, and collapsed to his knees, gasping for air. The estate was ancient, with sloping gray roofs nestled within a lush garden of vibrant flowers, towering bamboo trees, and cherry and peach blossoms. Numerous rooms surrounded the estate, each with large wooden doors adorned with traditional designs.
Placing his hand on his right knee, Líng Zhuì struggled to his feet and made his way to a small waterfall on the estate's right side. The waterfall, cascading from a floating rock, poured into a large pond surrounded by glossy black stones. He splashed water onto his face, droplets trickling from the short strands of hair at the front of his head onto his clothes. At the sound of the estate's door opening, he turned his head, water dripping from his hair. He walked toward the entrance, knelt on his right knee, and bowed to Fūyì, who entered with his guard.
"Master Fūyì, I arrived before you. I hope you'll keep your word and—"
Before he could finish, a sharp slap across his face sent him sprawling to the ground. Fūyì crouched before him with a smirk and said:
"You bastard. You know even beating me here comes at a price, so why open your big mouth and challenge me? Hey, Zhào Róu, go fetch that spiked whip from my room."
Zhào Róu, a seasoned man with a cold, expressionless face, bowed and headed toward the estate's farthest rooms. Fūyì grabbed Líng Zhuì by the collar, wiping the blood from his lip with his thumb, and lifted him to his feet. Mockingly, he said:
"I'm so glad Father is away at the cultivators' monthly meeting, and Brother Fēng is, as always, in seclusion. Who knows how many months it'll take for him to emerge from the cave this time? That leaves your whore of a mother, busy scrubbing my clothes in the back courtyard. Oh, and let's not forget my dear cousin, who's out shopping and preparing for her cursed birthday celebration she insists on throwing every year." (He leaned in, gritting his teeth in anger.) "I swear this will be your last day alive. No need to celebrate your birthday anymore."
With that, he kicked Líng Zhuì in the stomach, sending him sprawling into the courtyard. Líng Zhuì winced in pain, clutching his stomach as he struggled to stand. Zhào Róu returned from the back of the estate, carrying a black leather whip embedded with a golden spike within its braided design. Fūyì's sinister smile widened as he wrapped the whip around his hand, circling Líng Zhuì.
"I'm so glad Father entrusted me with the task of disciplining you. You know why? He despises you and your whore of a mother. Because of you, the other clans look down on us and mock Father for having an illegitimate son with a prostitute. That's why he had no choice but to bring you and your mother into this estate. But I'm not obligated to tolerate you, am I, Zhào Róu?"
Zhào Róu nodded silently as Líng Zhuì kept his head bowed, fists clenched tightly. Fūyì handed his sword to Zhào Róu and quickly drew a talisman in the air. A wooden pole materialized, with two ropes wrapping around Líng Zhuì's wrists, pulling him back and binding his hands to the pole. Fūyì approached with a smirk, delivering the first lash to Líng Zhuì's back. The whip's spikes tore through his clothes, leaving deep gashes that bled profusely. Líng Zhuì's face contorted in pain, sweat dripping down his brow, but he remained silent.
"This is for being born—a disgrace to the Líng clan and the cause of our shame."
The second lash came harder, tearing more of his clothes.
"This one's for worming your way into Brother Fēng's heart. Despite being illegitimate, he loves you more than me, his own blood brother."
The third lash followed.
"And this is for my love—the cousin I grew up with, Líng Chén. Ever since your cursed feet stepped into this house, she's been infatuated with you, ignoring me, even though I'd give my life for her."
By the fourth lash, Líng Zhuì's back was completely torn, his pale skin marred by deep, bleeding wounds.
In the back of the estate, a maid watched in terror, biting her nails nervously. With each lash, she closed her eyes, her eyelids trembling as she muttered under her breath:
"I should tell Madam… But what can she do? Young Master Zhuì already ordered me not to inform his mother when this happens and to keep her away from the estate."
She hesitated, her voice trembling.
"But tonight is Young Master's birthday… This is beyond unfair. Master Fēng and Lady Chén aren't home, and the Lord's presence makes no difference. What should I do?"
At the sound of another lash, she shook her head frantically, whispering to herself:
"No, no, I must do something. Master Fūyì is furious tonight, and he's beating Young Master Zhuì too severely. I'm afraid something terrible will happen. I have no choice but to tell Madam. Forgive me, Young Master…"
Gathering her skirt, she tiptoed away, but Zhào Róu noticed her and quickly headed toward the back courtyard.
The sun was setting, casting its orange glow across the sky as it disappeared behind the towering mountains. A relatively young woman with fair skin and strikingly beautiful, large brown eyes—eyes that could captivate anyone for a few seconds—looked up at the sky. She wiped the sweat from her forehead with a sad smile and hung the last white sheet on the clothesline. Speaking softly to herself, she said:
"This is the last sheet. I've cleaned the estate since morning, so there's nothing left to do." (A smile spread across her face, and a bright gleam appeared in her eyes.) "I can go to Mount Bó Héng now. Chén Chén must have arrived by now and prepared everything for Zhuì's birthday."
At the sound of hurried footsteps, she turned around to see a maid, breathless and struggling to speak. Drying her hands on her apron, she approached the maid, placed her hands on her shoulders, and smiled.
"Tell me, Líshā, what's got you running like this again? Don't tell me Zhuì Zhuì hasn't come home yet?"
Líshā wiped the sweat from her forehead and opened her mouth to speak, but the sharp edge of a sword pressed against her throat, silencing her. Both women turned in fear to see Zhào Róu, his sword resting against Líshā's neck. Calmly, he bowed his head and said:
"Lady Mùyáng, Master Fūyì has ordered you to return to your room. If you interfere this time, your son will surely lose his life."
Lady Mùyáng's eyes filled with tears as she fell to her knees before Zhào Róu. Líshā, her face streaked with tears, tried to help her up. Zhào Róu sheathed his sword with cold indifference and attempted to free his leg from Lady Mùyáng's grasp. She pleaded with him through her sobs:
"Please, stop Master Fūyì… Tonight is my son's birthday. At least show him mercy. Doesn't Master Fūyì hate me for tarnishing his family's name? Then I beg you, punish me instead… Please, leave my son alone."
Zhào Róu forcefully pulled his leg free, causing Lady Mùyáng to lose her balance and fall backward. Líshā quickly caught her under the arms and helped her up. Zhào Róu drew a talisman in the air with his sword and sent it toward Lady Mùyáng, rendering her unconscious. Líshā stared at her in horror as Zhào Róu approached, kneeling before her.
"You'd better not test your luck again. Take your lady to her room and make sure she doesn't leave. Otherwise, two lives will be lost tonight."
Terrified, Líshā nodded rapidly in agreement.
---
The market was as bustling and vibrant as ever. Lián, his eyes filled with worry, scanned his surroundings. A little girl and her mother stopped in front of his stall. The woman picked up a wicker basket, examined it, and asked:
"Excuse me, uncle, how much is this basket?"
But Lián continued to glance around anxiously, as if he hadn't heard her. The woman repeated her question, but when she received no response, she shrugged, took her daughter's hand, and set the basket down before leaving. Lián, his tear-filled eyes now fixed on the cloudy sky—ominous and foreboding, as if a great storm was approaching—muttered:
"I hope my stubborn boy is alright… I pray Lady Chén or Master Fēng arrives soon to save him from his devilish brother."
He closed his eyes, and a single tear rolled down his wrinkled cheek.
Mount Bó Héng
The wild wind howled through the trees, shaking their leaves violently until they fell to the ground. By the blue lake nestled amidst the forest and surrounded by mountains, a young woman as radiant as the dawn stood. Her moonlit face, innocent smile, and long, black silk-like hair flowing over her shoulders complemented her richly adorned aristocratic garments. She was attempting to construct a wooden table with magic when a sound from behind startled her. Turning around, she saw her maid—a young woman with brown hair and a cheerful face—approaching, her arms full with two wicker baskets containing fruits and satin fabrics. The maid set the items down on the grass, gestured toward a circular wooden table nearby, and said:
"Lady Chén, this table will suffice. You shouldn't waste your time on trivial things. Master Zhuì doesn't care about material possessions anyway…" (Leaning closer, she whispered into Lady Chén's ear.) "So, have you practiced what you're going to say to him?"
Lady Chén shook her head anxiously.
"No, no, Míng Yù… I've waited so long for this day, but you know how I freeze when I see him. Still, tonight, no matter what, I must confess my love to Zhuì Zhuì. I can't bear being apart from him any longer."
A smile as radiant as a blossoming flower spread across her face. With a spell, she summoned countless fireflies to dance over the lake, their light illuminating the water and creating an otherworldly beauty. Míng Yù clapped her hands in delight, jumping up and down with joy. Lady Chén, smiling, took a red satin cloth from the basket, and with Míng Yù's help, spread it over the table. With a snap of her fingers, dishes of fruits and food appeared on the table, and a fire was kindled to the left. Turning to her maid, she said:
"Everything is ready. Now, I just need Zhuì Gēgē to arrive so I can finally confess my love to him."
Míng Yù nodded in agreement, a smile on her face, as the two gazed at the lake where the fireflies danced.
---
Mount Qí Lín – The Monthly Cultivators' Gathering
All the great clans' cultivators were gathered, whispering among themselves, when a man with long white hair and a cream-colored robe appeared in the sky, flying on his sword. As he descended, all the clans bowed in respect. Lǐ Huáng, the Grandmaster, raised his hand and swiftly drew a talisman in the air. A magical barrier dissolved, revealing a grand estate with broad, sweeping stairs. Lǐ Huáng ascended the steps, followed by the leaders of the three great cultivator clans: Líng Róng in green and gold robes with his disciples dressed similarly; Yù Zhōng in golden robes accompanied by his disciples; and finally, Mò Qīng, a young man with piercing black eyes, a mischievous smile, and a medium build, clad in glossy black robes, with his entourage behind him. They entered the estate and sat around a large rectangular table. The Grandmaster gestured to the clan leaders, seating Master Líng and Master Yù on his right and the young Master Mò on his left. The disciples dispersed around the hall, their eyes fixed on the Grandmaster as he rose and performed a golden formation spell at the center of the table. All eyes turned to the small circular formation he had conjured.
Lǐ Huáng began:
"As you know, for years we cultivators and demon hunters have joined forces to eradicate demons and dark beings across the world. However, according to prophecy, tonight—a night of great darkness—many demons will appear. And only tonight can the Last God of Darkness and Chaos form his dark core and demonic bone with dark energy and emerge. I've spent months crafting this formation with my spiritual energy to help us identify whose body harbors the dark core. We must eliminate them before they transform into the God of Darkness and Chaos. However, the formation requires testing on all cultivators and demon hunters present to detect the demonic bone and dark core.
I ask you now—are all disciples and members of the clans present?"
The young Master Mò eagerly stood, clapping his hands and gesturing to his disciples.
"Grandmaster, all my clan's members are here. You can start with the Mò clan! I'm excited to see who harbors the dark core!"
The Grandmaster shook his head regretfully.
"Mò Qīng, I understand that, at your young age, you've taken on the burden of leading the Mò clan after your family was massacred by the Dark God of the last era. It's a heavy responsibility, but you must understand this is no laughing matter, my boy. If we fail to prevent the emergence of the next God of Darkness and Chaos, it won't just be the cultivator clans that suffer. All living beings and the human world will be annihilated, creating an unprecedented catastrophe. I've poured all my spiritual energy and core power into crafting this formation to save the world. Please, take tonight seriously and don't make light of this situation."
Mò Qīng lowered his head, clenching his right hand into a fist and striking it against his left palm. Bowing, he said:
"My apologies, Grandmaster. I saw how tense and fearful everyone was and thought I could lighten the mood with some humor. I didn't realize the gravity of the situation. The Mò clan has a long-standing enmity with the Dark God. Please allow my clan to be tested first."
The Grandmaster placed a reassuring hand on Mò Qīng's shoulder and, with his left hand, sent the formation into the courtyard, where it expanded into a large golden circle. The Mò clan members lined up and entered the formation one by one. After each entry, the formation turned green.
The Grandmaster returned to his seat, placing his hands on either side of his head. Master Yù stood, bowing deeply.
"Grandmaster, have no worries. The Yù clan has always been renowned for its loyalty. For centuries, we've sacrificed everything—even our lives—to fight demons and dark gods. Tonight, too, we are prepared to shed our last drop of blood to prevent the rise of the Dark God and save the world."
The Grandmaster looked up with a sad smile.
"Thank you, Yù Zhōng. Your clan's loyalty is well-known, and your contributions to defeating demons over the years are worthy of praise. I hope, together, we can stop this emergence and save the world from destruction."
He cast his gaze toward the sky, now blood-red, with black clouds rapidly converging, forewarning a stormy, dark night.
Líng Estate
Líng Zhuì knelt on the ground, his head bowed. His back was completely wounded, and he had lost a significant amount of blood. His face was pale and lifeless, with large beads of sweat streaming down his face. Fūyì tossed the whip aside, knelt before Zhuì, and lifted his chin with his hand. Zhuì winced in pain, his left cheek swollen and bruised. Fūyì, with a sinister smile, said:
"Don't worry, I won't beat you anymore. You've suffered enough. Now, I'll put an end to it. Admit it—your very existence was a mistake from the start. You've brought shame to your father and caused your mother endless suffering and humiliation. So, wouldn't it be better if your birthday and your death day were the same? With your death, you'll bring peace to the world and do your family and the Líng clan a great favor."
Fūyì stepped back, drawing his sword from its sheath. Suddenly, Lady Mùyáng burst out of one of the rooms, throwing herself in front of Zhuì. The sword struck her, leaving a deep gash across her back.
Líng Zhuì's eyes widened in shock, his mouth agape as tears streamed down his face. He saw his mother holding him tightly, her arms wrapped around his neck, tears flowing from her eyes as she tried to smile. Líshā screamed and rushed to embrace Lady Mùyáng. Fūyì, terrified, dropped his sword and muttered:
"I… I didn't mean for this to happen… I didn't…"
Zhào Róu grabbed Fūyì's arm and said:
"Master, you must leave now. Quickly!"
They disappeared in an instant. Zhuì, tears streaming down his face, muttered a spell under his breath, releasing the ropes from his wrists. He rushed to his mother, cradling her in his arms, and cried:
"No, no… You'll be fine, Mother. I won't let anything happen to you. I'll call for a healer right now…" (He shouted.) "Why did you jump in front of me? You know I can endure Fūyì's torment. I've been used to the beatings and the scorn since childhood. I endured it all for you, Mother… No, I won't let you leave me. Remember you said you'd grant me anything I wanted for my twentieth birthday? Well, tonight's the night. I'm twenty now, Mother. I want us to leave this place together, just the two of us, to live a happy life far away from everyone. We don't need anyone else, just you and me…"
Lady Mùyáng, with great difficulty, raised her hand and placed it over Zhuì's mouth.
"My son, listen to me… I don't have much time left. I'm sorry I wasn't a worthy mother to you." (Zhuì shook his head frantically, tears streaming down his face, trying to speak.) "Please, let me finish. Because of me, you've endured years of humiliation and torment. Your father never cared for you; he only gave you his name to protect the family's reputation. Because of my past mistakes, I couldn't give you the life you deserved…"
---
Present – The Forest
As tears streamed down his face, Zhuì screamed:
"Enough! I don't want to see these memories anymore… Stop it, damn you!"
The demon's laughter shook the heavens.
"Ah, but this is the best part. The more agonizing your memories, the faster your spiritual core transforms into a core of darkness and hatred. So, go ahead—relive the death of the one you loved most. You're so close to becoming the God of Darkness."
Zhuì's screams mingled with the demon's laughter as the rain poured down harder. A young man, trembling with fear, watched from behind a tree, tears streaming down his face.
---
A Few Hours Earlier – Líng Estate
"Please forgive me, my son… Promise me you'll leave this place, seek no revenge for my death, forget everything, and start a new life far away…" (Lady Mùyáng gasped for breath.) "Promise me… Zhuì… Happy birthday, my son… Promise me you'll live a happy life… P-promise…"
Suddenly, Lady Mùyáng's hand fell from Zhuì's mouth, and her eyes closed. Zhuì's eyes widened in horror as he screamed:
"No, no, Mother! You can't leave me alone. I can't live without you. I endured all this suffering for you… Please, don't leave me… Motherrrrr!"
Líng Zhuì cried out, tears streaming down his face. Líshā sobbed loudly, saying:
"It's my fault… Young Master, please forgive me. I couldn't stop Lady Mùyáng. When the effects of the sleeping spell wore off, she heard Master Fūyì's voice and realized he intended to kill you. She rushed out of the room, and I couldn't stop her… My lady… Please wake up… How can I stay in this estate without you? Please…"
She broke down in tears.
Mount Qí Lín
Lǐ Huáng and the other clans gathered around the golden formation. Turning to the crowd, Lǐ Huáng said:
"Everyone present has entered the formation, yet we still haven't identified the dark core." (He glanced at the cloudy, ominous sky.) "Midnight is approaching. If we don't find the dark core soon, the God of Darkness and Chaos will emerge, undoing all our years of effort and plunging the world into hatred and darkness."
The cultivators began murmuring among themselves. Suddenly, Master Yù stepped forward, bowed, and said:
"Grandmaster, I mean no disrespect, but all my clan's disciples and members have participated in the test. Saving innocent lives and the world is more important than our clan's pride. However, the three sons of Master Líng have not been present… and I—"
Master Líng angrily interrupted, stepping forward:
"What are you implying? That my sons harbor the dark core and are the God of Darkness? This is an insult to the Líng clan, and I won't tolerate it. All my clan's disciples participated, proving our integrity."
The Líng clan disciples stepped forward, drawing their swords, while the Yù clan disciples moved to defend their master. The Grandmaster, visibly frustrated, intervened:
"Enough, both of you! Líng Róng, Yù Zhōng is correct. The dark core isn't something easily revealed, not even to the most skilled cultivators. I've spent months sacrificing all my spiritual energy and my golden core to create this formation, designed to identify and destroy the God of Darkness. That's why I gathered all the clans and demon hunters here tonight—to test even the most trusted individuals. The dark core's host is often unaware of it, and it only manifests when the individual experiences deep hatred and resentment. Tonight, with its immense dark energy, is the perfect time for the dark core to emerge within its host."
He continued, "We must act quickly and test the remaining individuals, including my senior disciple Líng Fēng, your son, and the rest of your family members with magical and cultivation abilities."
A deafening thunderclap drew everyone's attention to the sky. A cherry blossom-shaped talisman (the Líng clan's symbol) appeared before Master Líng and began to speak:
"Lady Mùyáng has been killed, and Masters Fūyì and Zhuì have disappeared."
The crowd erupted in shock:
"What? Master Líng's wife has been murdered?"
"Who could have killed her?"
"What happened at the Líng estate while Master Líng was away?"
"Why have Masters Zhuì and Fūyì vanished?"
The Grandmaster approached Master Líng, placing a hand on his shoulder as he stood in stunned silence.
"We must go to the Líng estate immediately. It seems unexpected events have occurred there. Líng Róng, now is not the time for shock." (Turning to the others.) "Quickly, everyone, let's fly to the Líng estate with our swords."
The cultivators chanted spells, and the dark, stormy sky filled with cultivators flying on their swords toward the Líng estate.
---
Líng Estate
Líng Zhuì, his face cold and his eyes filled with hatred and resentment, stared at the wooden coffin burning in the estate's courtyard. Líshā stood beside him, weeping for Lady Mùyáng. Suddenly, a massive dark core appeared in the sky, its voice seductive and magical:
"Do you want revenge for your mother's death and all the years of torment and humiliation you've endured? Líng Zhuì, congratulations. The hatred and resentment you've carried for twenty years have strengthened me. You are the chosen Lord of Darkness. Follow me and accept your destiny."
Zhuì averted his gaze from the sky, glancing at Líshā, realizing that only he could see the vision. Clenching his fists, he followed the dark aura leading toward the estate's gate. Líshā, puzzled by his actions, called out:
"My lord… Where are you going? You must gather your mother's ashes and complete the ceremony… Master…"
But Zhuì left the estate, and Líshā, disheartened, turned her gaze back to the burning coffin.
---
The rain intensified as Líng Zhuì reached the forest. A sound from behind a tree made him turn, revealing a young man with long hair, tattered clothes, and a fearful expression. The boy stepped forward and asked:
"So, you're the chosen Lord of Darkness, my lord?"
Zhuì glared at him and replied:
"Who are you? What are you doing here? Did you see the dark aura too?"
A sinister laugh echoed through the sky, causing Zhuì to look up. The boy quickly hid behind a tree. The voice spoke:
"Congratulations, Líng Zhuì. You've caused the dark core to form on this auspicious night, filled with dark energy and hatred. You will become the last God of Darkness and Chaos. What you need now is the demonic bone, which my last child possesses. However, he's too weak and foolish to wield its power. Years ago, I created the dark core from my essence, which grows with deep hatred and resentment. I set one condition: the dark core would choose its master. On the night you were born, I created the core, and it chose you as its master. But the core couldn't grow because your mother raised you away from hatred and darkness. So, I had to ensure hatred and resentment grew within you toward your father and half-brother. I possessed Fūyì to torment you, made his lover—your cousin—fall madly in love with you, deepening his hatred. I filled your father's ears with talk of his tarnished reputation and family name. That's why your father despised you and your mother, allowing Fūyì to torment you. Tonight, with the darkest energy of the century, I orchestrated your mother's death to strengthen the dark core within you, revealing itself."
Tears streaming down his face, Zhuì screamed at the sky:
"So, it was all your doing? But why? What did I ever do to you? Why did you take my mother from me? Why?"
The demon laughed and replied:
"I told you, I had no choice. This was your destiny. You were born on the night I created the dark core, and it chose you as its master. My goal is to destroy the world, and I had no choice but to use you. Now, you have no choice but to accept your destiny and become the Lord of Darkness. The dark core has revealed itself within you, and I will help you destroy the family that cast you aside and caused your mother's death. So, tell me—are you ready to wield the power to destroy the world and become the last God of Darkness and Chaos?"
A deafening thunderclap echoed through the sky as Líng Zhuì, his clothes torn and his body covered in wounds, raised his tear-filled eyes—overflowing with grief and hatred—toward the heavens and declared:
"I am ready to offer my soul to you… I am ready to become a demon."
---
Present
All of Líng Zhuì's memories played before his eyes as the demon's voice shook the heavens:
"Now, your being is filled with hatred, darkness, and resentment. I will erase all your memories. From now on, you will take orders from me and do whatever I command. In return, I will exact your revenge on the Líng clan and the people of this world who wronged you."
Líng Zhuì hovered between earth and sky as all his memories were absorbed into the dark core. The core quickly entered his body, causing him to scream in pain as the demon laughed. The boy hiding behind the tree was pulled into the air before Zhuì, and the demon extracted the crimson demonic bone from his body. The boy screamed as the bone was painfully removed from his heart and fused into Zhuì's. The boy fell unconscious to the ground as Zhuì's screams shook the heavens and forest. The sky filled with red and black light.
The cultivators arriving at the Líng estate and the townspeople, peering out their windows at the deafening noise and strange light, trembled in fear, whispering:
"The God of Darkness has risen… The world's end is near…"