Chapter 126

Chapter 126

Tang Jiu, upon seeing the result, was stunned and unresponsive for a long time.

Gu Manting, noticing his stillness, came over to check and then fell silent as well.

Despite their strong dislike for Shen Wang, Tang Jiu and Gu Manting had to grudgingly acknowledge his undeniable strength.

After several rounds, the top ten contestants were determined, and now it was time to decide their final rankings. In this context, Tang Jiu found himself facing Shen Wang right at the start of the match.

Gu Manting dryly advised, “Do your best and leave the rest to fate. It’s good enough if you've tried your hardest.”

As for the final result… it's best not to have too high expectations.

Tang Jiu clenched his fists tightly, glaring fiercely at Gu Manting.

Gu Manting paused, her pampered upbringing evident as she refused to indulge Tang Jiu's mood, retorting, “What’s wrong? Did I say something incorrect?”

“You can’t match Shen Wang in strength, and you can't beat him in a fight. What else can you do but do your best and leave the rest to fate?”

After speaking, Gu Manting turned and walked away.

Tang Jiu was left standing alone, seething with unresolved resentment.

Learning that Tang Jiu was his next opponent, Shen Wang was in high spirits, even taking the time to watch the other matches.

Currently on stage were Bo Yu and Lin Le Liu, exchanging blows back and forth, creating quite a spectacle. However, the difference in their abilities soon became apparent, and Lin Le Liu began to lose ground.

Finally, Lin Le Liu gracefully conceded, leaping off the stage with a polite bow: “I admit defeat, Senior Brother Bo, your skills are superior.”

Bo Yu responded with a smile and a courteous bow: “Thank you for the match, Junior Brother Lin.”

Watching their refined and courteous style of fighting, Shen Wang couldn't help but feel a bit cynical, and even Black Jiao looked away, unable to bear watching: “Do all of your human fights have to follow this sort of protocol?”

"Such a hassle."

"Shen Wang averted his gaze, speaking slowly, 'Well, not exactly. Mainly because they haven’t been under my influence yet.'"

"The new contestants stepping up were Dao Chunyan from the Daoist faction and Wushu from the Metaphysical Association. Their strength was closely matched; the victory would depend on whose combat awareness and luck were superior."

"As Dao Chunyan and Wushu took the stage, Wushu was about to greet her as per the rules, but Dao Chunyan, defying convention, swung her sword at him immediately."

"Wushu, startled, retreated several steps, finally stabilizing himself at the edge of the platform, narrowly avoiding falling off."

"The crowd let out a chorus of 'tsks': 'Wushu, what’s going on? Don’t get knocked off after just three moves.'"

"'That would be so embarrassing...'"

"'Brother Wushu, please don’t break our record for the fastest defeat in the top ten!'"

"Flushed with embarrassment from the jeers, Wushu wasted no more words and drew his sword to counterattack."

"'He’s already lost,' Shen Wang remarked, predicting the outcome from Wushu’s attacking stance."

"Dao Chunyan’s swordplay was fierce, each move targeting Wushu’s weaknesses, even unscrupulously aiming at his lower body. Her flurry of moves left Wushu flustered and out of rhythm."

"He was managing to hold on for now, but it wouldn’t be long before he was ousted from the platform."

"True to Shen Wang’s prediction, within minutes, Wushu was indeed defeated and embarrassingly ousted from the platform."

"Dao Chunyan sheathed her broadsword and spoke her first words with an expressionless face: 'Brother Wushu, thank you for the match.'"

Wushu: "..."

Wushu even doubted that Dao Chunyan's remark was a veiled mockery.

Finally, it was time for Shen Wang and Tang Jiu to take the stage.

Before Shen Wang went up, Hei Jiao mischievously egged him on, “Isn’t he your nemesis? Remember to hit hard. I’m tired of watching you guys fight so tamely.”

Shen Wang gave Hei Jiao, who loved stirring the pot, a glance but ignored him, his gaze shifting to the judges' seat, locking eyes with Gu Dongting, who had been watching him intently.

Both exchanged a subtle smile amidst the noisy crowd, unnoticed in their little gesture.

Unperturbed by Shen Wang’s indifference, Hei Jiao applied reverse psychology, “You’re not afraid of losing to your archenemy, are you?”

Shen Wang didn’t even glance at him as he stepped onto the stage.

Hei Jiao, slightly frustrated, muttered, “If he can’t beat someone up, watching him get beaten up will be just as satisfying…”

The rivalry between Shen Wang and Tang Jiu seemed fated, a life-or-death grudge where one must triumph over the other.

Thinking of his destined end in the original story and Tang Jiu’s unkillable lucky protagonist trait, Shen Wang assessed Tang Jiu with a rare seriousness.

Tang Jiu, long suppressed by Shen Wang, seethed with rage, waiting for a chance to crush Shen Wang beneath his feet.

Tang Jiu was about to feign cordiality, but before he could open his mouth, Shen Wang launched a fire talisman, “There’s no need for words between us.”

Everyone in the Xuanxue world knew of the irreconcilable enmity between the two supposed heirs of the Tang family; any pretense of amity was laughable.

Caught off guard, Tang Jiu’s face singed by the scorching talisman, he dodged Shen Wang’s attack and instinctively touched his head, finding his hair turned to ash.

His face darkened, abandoning any need for pretense before the audience, he hissed venomously, “Shen Wang!”

Dropping all restraint, Tang Jiu revealed his true strength, unleashing a flurry of talismans.

Shen Wang: "???"

Not only was Shen Wang rendered speechless, but the onlooking audience also burst into laughter.

A chubby spectator laughed the loudest, mocking with someone beside him, "Has he gone mad? Using talismans in front of our Brother Shen... Isn't this like performing a sword dance in front of Guan Yu or showing off axe skills to Lu Ban?"

"Exactly, when it comes to talismans, who can match Brother Shen?"

"Tang Jiu really spent a fortune this time, buying so many talismans..."

While others discussed where Tang Jiu could have acquired so many talismans, Shen Wang noticed something amiss.

"These talismans, though not as powerful as the ones I draw, are still stronger than the usual ones in the metaphysical world. How much must Tang Jiu have spent to buy these?"

"The Tang family is bankrupt, where did he get the money?"

Sensing something off, Shen Wang slowed his offensive and watched Tang Jiu warily, quickly recalling the plot of the original story to see if he had missed any details.

As he pondered, he toyed with Tang Jiu like teasing a dog, deftly cutting off the spiritual energy around an explosive talisman thrown at him, and examined its runes closely.

"These are the strokes of a beginner, shaky hands..." As he observed, Shen Wang's pupils suddenly dilated, and he confronted Tang Jiu, "Did you kill Tang Zhaoming?!"

"In the original story, Tang Jiu could draw talismans because he swapped blood with Shen Wang, inheriting the Tang family's unique techniques and talisman art... But now, I'm still alive and well, yet Tang Jiu has already learned talisman art."

Tang Jiu was also startled, his eyes shifting briefly before feigning calm, "I don’t know what you’re talking about."

"My father died of a sudden heart attack after drinking. How dare you baselessly slander me!"

Shen Wang tossed aside the explosive talisman and wiped his hands, his eyes turning icy cold: "Tang Zhaoming raised you for over twenty years. Before knowing the truth, he owed you nothing, and even after discovering it, he firmly chose you…"

"Tang's father was indifferent towards his own son but poured his heart out for Tang Jiu. Ironically, it was this adopted son he doted on who ended up taking his life."

"I wonder what expression Tang’s father had before his death? The irony is striking," Shen Wang mused.

Tang Jiu’s eyes darkened, and he couldn't help but angrily retort, "He was good to me? It was all for the Tang family. I was nothing but a tool to him!"

After speaking, Tang Jiu clamped his mouth shut and resumed his attack on Shen Wang with talismans, thinking bitterly: Tang Zhaoming and Shen Wang are just obstacles on my path to success!

"Shen Wang never expected Tang Jiu to be so ungrateful, only remembering Tang's father's shortcomings, forgetting all his kindness, and even insanely draining his father's blood."

"If demonic cultivators are unscrupulous in their quest for power, sacrificing others' lives, then Tang Jiu has become no different."

A glint flashed in Shen Wang’s eyes as he coldly said, "For such an unfaithful and unfilial person, I shall be the one to execute heavenly justice!"

At that moment, Shen Wang felt an unusual urge to kill.

"With such a temperament, Tang Jiu is a menace. If left unchecked, who knows what chaos he may cause, harming countless innocents!"

Shen Wang threw several talismans, forming a Maze Formation in the air. He and Tang Jiu disappeared within it, leaving only faint sounds of their battle.

The audience below was baffled, not understanding what had happened.

"Why can’t we see them anymore?"

"Who's winning, who's losing…?"

"Shen Wang must be winning, but why can't we see it…?"

Among the crowd, only the black dragon could see through the simple Maze Formation. Sensing Shen Wang's murderous intent, he perked up, "Finally, the real fight begins!"

Inside the Maze Formation, Tang Jiu was being relentlessly beaten back by Shen Wang, unable to defend himself, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth.

"Shen Wang, unusually not relying on talismans, wielded a golden sword in his hand, shining brilliantly. More ornamental than a lethal weapon, it looked like it was made of gold."

"You! How are you so strong! Aren’t you only skilled in talismans?" Tang Jiu, knocked to the ground with a devastating kick, spat out a mouthful of blood, his voice filled with shock.

"Everyone knew Shen Wang's talisman skills were unmatched, but no one said his swordsmanship was equally extraordinary!"

Shen Wang raised his sword, his expression cold as ice: "Today, I will put an end to that absurd fate."

Regardless of his fate, destined to be drained of blood and perish.

Or Gu Dongting's future of family ruin and madness from excessive cultivation.

Shen Wang's sword thrust mercilessly towards Tang Jiu's heart, sparing no effort, intent on making him pay today.

Tang Jiu's face turned ashen, his eyes shut in panic: Am I truly going to die today? No, my fate shouldn't end like this, I refuse to accept this!

A loud clanging of metal halted Shen Wang's glistening golden sword from piercing Tang Jiu. It was blocked by something in its original form.

Even Shen Wang's personally forged lifebound sword left no mark on that object.

Shen Wang's pupils narrowed as an attack came from behind, about to strike his back. Another sword intervened, blocking the ambush.

Though the attack was thwarted, the residual spiritual energy caught Shen Wang off-guard, causing turmoil in his Qi and blood, making him spew a mouthful of blood.

The mystifying formation broke, revealing both figures to the onlookers.

Shen Wang turned to see Gu Dongting's black sword poised behind him.

Gu Dongting, unnoticed, had descended from the judges' panel, now coldly confronting someone.

An old man with long white hair and beard, dressed in a flowing white practice robe, presented an image of an immortal from beyond the mundane world.

“Impressive strength, young man,” the elder twirled his beard, laughing heartily with a deep, powerful voice, “Which sect's disciple are you?”

“And who are you, resorting to such despicable, cowardly sneak attacks?” Gu Dongting was furiously incensed, cursing outright.

Shen Wang tried to speak, but as he opened his mouth, another surge of Qi and blood caused him to cough up more blood.

The elder snorted, looking at Shen Wang with malevolence: “Had he not cowardly poisoned someone else in secret, why would I have struck?”

“Do you think just anyone is worthy of my intervention, if not to save a life?”

Shen Wang quietly gripped Gu Dongting's hand, writing a few words in his palm.

Gu Dongting’s expression subtly changed, becoming more vigilant: “This is our Xuanxue world’s grand competition. Who are you to interfere in our affairs?”

"Young man, you know the person you're protecting has committed underhanded deeds, a person with a cruel heart, yet you still defend him. Truly obstinate," the elder snorted disdainfully, "I am from the distant isle of Yingzhou."

Yingzhou! Gu Dongting and Shen Wang already had their suspicions, but hearing the old man's revelation didn't surprise them. The other judges, however, were visibly shaken.

Apart from the higher-ups in the metaphysical world, ordinary disciples didn't grasp the significance of Yingzhou. They spoke up for fairness: "No matter where you're from, you can't just launch a sneak attack."

"Who is this old man, coming out of nowhere, acting so arrogantly?"

"He looks respectable, but can't differentiate right from wrong. How shameless to harm our Brother Shen for the likes of Tang Jiu."

The murmurs and curses of the crowd weren't concealed, and the old man heard them clearly. Struggling to maintain his enigmatic smile, he retorted angrily, "What do you commoners know?"

It took Shen Wang quite a while to recover. He casually wiped the blood from his mouth and finally glanced at Tang Jiu.

"Ah, the son of destiny, truly blessed by fortune. Seems even death can't claim him." Shen Wang inwardly cursed, a foreboding sense of unease lingering in his mind.

Several judges, including the sect leaders, the heads of the Metaphysical Association, and high-ranking officials of special departments, approached the elder, bowing respectfully: "May we ask why the elder has suddenly emerged from seclusion?"

Their respect improved the old man's mood. He took out a compass-like object and slowly said, "Our three distant isles, Yingzhou, Penglai, and Fangzhang, have united to decipher a heavenly secret."

"What?" The crowd gasped in unison.

"The era of declining magic, with the dissipation of spiritual energy, is an inevitable trend, unavoidable. But the Dao evolves in countless ways, always leaving a glimmer of hope," the elder spoke slowly, a flicker of emotion in his eyes, "The three distant isles exerted all our strength to divine this heavenly secret, and finally, we seized that sliver of hope."

Listening to the elder’s words, the crowd first fell silent, then erupted into a cacophony of discussions.

"In this age of technology, could the spiritual energy really be saved?"

"The era of declining magic has lasted for centuries, with the spiritual energy dwindling. How could it be... If there's really a way, why didn’t our ancestors, who were more powerful than us, find a solution?"

“Who is this old man anyway, and why should we believe whatever he says?”

“With so many influential figures treating him with respect, perhaps his words do carry some credibility?”

The influential figures fell silent for a while, exchanging glances, before one stepped forward.

Wiping sweat from his forehead, he asked, “Elder, about the glimmer of hope you predicted, what exactly is it?”

The elder smiled faintly, finally cutting to the chase: "A person's name, that person, is the savior, the turning point of the end times."

Numerous thoughts flickered through everyone's minds as their gazes shifted between Gu Dongting and Shen Wang, eventually, they cautiously asked the elder, "What name?"

"Tang Jiu."

The name uttered by the elder wasn't what anyone had anticipated, leaving everyone stunned once again.

This time, the plump boy could no longer hold back, cursing outright: "Are you a shill hired by Tang Jiu? Playing such a nasty joke. If Tang Jiu is the savior, then I’m the savior's father..."

Before he could finish, the elder's eyes turned cold, and his dust whisk moved swiftly, striking the plump boy harshly.

Gu Dongting reacted quickly, blocking the elder's attack: "Elder, it's not right to strike the younger generation."

The elder sneered, retracting his dust whisk and resting it on his wrist, continuing, "We have calculated that the savior's name is Tang Jiu."

"But in contrast, there's also a name of a natural-born demon, born not to save the world like Tang Jiutian, but to destroy it."

"So, I came here for two things: first, to take the savior away for proper nurturing, to save the world. Second, to kill the natural-born demon, to prevent any calamity."

Shen Wang's ominous premonition grew stronger. He signaled to Hei Jiao, who was hiding in the crowd, and soon Hei Jiao pushed through the grumbling crowd to Shen Wang's side, asking, "What do you need me for?"

Shen Wang took a deep breath and whispered, while everyone's attention was elsewhere, "Protect your master well."

Hei Jiao frowned in displeasure, "He's not my master..."

Soon, someone in the crowd asked, "Who is this natural-born demon? Could the elder enlighten us?"

The old man stroked his beard, his eyes shining brightly, "We've calculated that this person is named Gu Dongting."

Everyone remained silent, intently watching the old man.

A pang of dread struck Shen Wang's heart, turning his bad premonition into reality.

"Elder, may I ask... could your divination be mistaken?" A person from a special department glanced at Gu Dongting and asked nervously.

"Hmph!" The old man suddenly opened his eyes, his aura stirring without any wind, "Do you think we, people of the Immortal Mountain, are like you folks, struggling in this corrupt world?"

"Impossible! Absolutely impossible! Elder, could you have confused the savior and the demon? Gu Dongting is the savior, and Tang Jiutian is the natural-born demon!"

"If the natural-born demon is like Brother Gu, I'd rather there be more natural-born demons..."

"I refuse to believe Brother Gu is a demon!"

"Even if he is a natural-born demon, so what? A person's character is shaped by their experiences. Brother Gu is upright and kind-hearted, a beacon of integrity. Even if he is a demon, he would never turn evil!"

The old man was surprised that just mentioning the name of the natural-born demon could stir such excitement among the crowd. He asked in confusion, "You all know this demon? Who is this person?"

As he spoke, his hand rested on his dust whisk, as if ready to exterminate the demon with just a word, to eliminate this threat to the people.

The crowd suddenly fell silent. Then, a voice, almost hoarse with emotion, shouted, "Elder, the young man who fought with you, that's Gu Dongting! He's the natural-born demon!"

Everyone's heart skipped a beat as they turned towards the source of the voice, only to see Tang Jiutian, who had somehow gotten up from the ground, his expression filled with agitation.

After his shout, the old man looked at Gu Dongting, his gaze no longer admiring but filled with cold murderous intent: "So you are that demon!"

"To cultivate to such a level in the mundane world, truly worthy of being a demon. If you continue to grow, I fear no one in the cultivation world will be your match."

The consequences of that would be unthinkable.

Almost simultaneously with his words, the old man attacked Gu Dongting. His dust whisk fiercely wrapped around Gu Dongting's sword. After several forceful twists failing to break the strange black sword, he showed a hint of surprise, "Such a fine sword wasted on you."

Feeling the other's covetous gaze on his sword, a chill flashed in Gu Dongting's eyes. He twisted the sword, and the pure black blade cleanly sliced the dust whisk, scattering broken threads everywhere.

The old man was utterly enraged, "You demon, how dare you destroy my magical instrument!"

The two fought back and forth, energy overflowing. Those of lesser strength, even just getting close, were injured by the rampant energy, forcing them to retreat step by step.

Until they created a vast safe zone.

The disciples initially thought Gu Dongting would win without question, but as the fight dragged on without a clear winner, they sensed something and asked Shen Wang, "Brother Shen, who is this old man? How is he able to fight equally with Brother Gu?"

Shen Wang, rubbing his chest, gazed deeply at the battle involving Gu Dongting and said slowly, "Do you know that there are many levels above foundation building?"

The other quickly replied, "I know... but isn't this the era of decline? Reaching foundation building is already a great feat, and the current spiritual energy isn't enough for cultivating higher levels."

"After foundation building, there is Grain Avoidance, and after Grain Avoidance, there is Golden Core..." Shen Wang's expression turned grim.

The person asking the question urged impatiently, "So what exactly is his strength level?"

Shen Wang took a deep breath, as Gu Dongting was already showing signs of defeat, and said, "This man is a half-step Golden Core."

That's the highest level attainable in this world today.

For cultivators, only reaching the Foundation Building stage is considered officially entering the path of cultivation. After Foundation Building comes Grain Avoidance, and only upon forming a Golden Core can one be said to truly grasp the great path.

In this world, due to incomplete Taoist luck, insufficient spiritual energy, and various other reasons, it is impossible to form a Golden Core. The highest achievable is late-stage Grain Avoidance, half-step Golden Core.

And currently, both he and Gu Dongting are only at the Foundation Building stage, not even at the late-stage completion.

Facing this half-step Golden Core, they don't stand a chance.

Gu Dongting barely managed to block his enemy's attack with his sword, his lips already stained with blood, but apart from that, he showed no other signs of distress. Instead, his gaze was resolute, filled with an unyielding will to fight.

As long as the sword in his hand remained, he would never admit defeat!

Just then, Shen Wang threw out a dozen or so talismans haphazardly, shouting, "Take this!"

Countless thunder, fire, wind, and heavenly thunder talismans exploded in chaos. The old man was caught off guard and distracted for a moment. By the time he regained his focus, the natural-born demon had already disappeared.

The old man, who had thought the natural-born demon was within his grasp, was furious, "Who is it! Who dares to take him away right in front of me!"

The old man lost control of his aura, unleashing it fully, causing everyone around him to violently cough up blood. Shen Wang, who had distracted him with the talismans, was especially severely injured.

Having been attacked repeatedly today, Shen Wang had coughed up blood time and again, and even had the presence of mind to think: Thankfully, Hei Jiao managed to rescue Dongting.

Judging by this old man's aura, he was still hiding his strength, not having used his full power yet.

As the old man raged, suddenly someone was thrown before him, "Elder, aren't you looking for the savior? Here is the savior you seek."

The old man paused, his aura easing up. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief and gave Chou Yin, who had boldly stepped forward in the crisis, an approving look.

The elder crouched down, glanced at the severely injured Tang Jiu, and produced a vial of medicine from his robe, applying it to him: "Tang Jiu, is it? Would you like to follow me to the mystical mountains and become a disciple of our master?"

As soon as the elixir touched his lips, Tang Jiu’s complexion visibly improved: "I am willing! Thank you, senior. I am willing!"

The elder nodded, then assessed Tang Jiu’s innate potential, his eyes revealing a hint of disappointment: "This savior's aptitude is even inferior to that born demon seed."

"Well, since we have calculated him to be the savior, there must be something exceptional about him. Let's bring him back for the master to train," the elder thought, not showing his thoughts on his face.

Taking Tang Jiu, he started to leave, but after a few steps, he suddenly turned back: "That born demon seed has escaped using some method. You must do your best to capture him, and ensure he is eliminated before he grows stronger."

As he spoke, his gaze swept over everyone, lingering significantly on Shen Wang: "Do not harbor or hide him. Anyone who obstructs my mission to eliminate the demon seed will be equally guilty and shall be put to death without mercy!"

The incident unfolded so suddenly that after the elder left, everyone was still in shock, standing in a daze.

"Brother Gu, how could it be the born demon seed..."

The plump boy, along with a few acquaintances, quickly ran to Shen Wang's side, eyes brimming with tears: "Brother Shen, are you alright? You've coughed up so much blood."

Shen Wang forced a smile: "I'm fine, I'm just a bit worried about Dongting."

Mentioning this, the plump boy's tears fell immediately: "Who exactly is this old man? Why did he suddenly appear and now wants to kill Brother Gu?"

"Brother Gu is such a good person, how could he possibly be a born demon seed... Could they be mistaken?"

Shen Wang calmly wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth: "Mistaken or not, they now want Dongting's life... We can't just sit and wait for death."

Chou Yin, unknown when, had come over, followed by Bo Yu, Wu Shu, and Dao Chunyan among others. They looked at Shen Wang, earnestly saying, "Brother Shen, we believe in Brother Gu's character. If you need anything, please speak up."

Their attitude injected a warm current into Shen Wang's cold heart.

Bai Fuchun, following Chou Yin, sneakily glanced towards his elders, then handed Shen Wang a small box: "This is a medicinal pill I stole from home... Brother Shen, please take it, don't be polite."

Shen Wang opened it and found it to be a high-quality rejuvenation pill. He thanked Bai Fuchun, didn't refuse, and directly consumed it.

His immediate priority was to quickly recover his strength and make a breakthrough as soon as possible to have the power to protect Gu Dongting.

Meanwhile, Gu Dongting, being whisked away by Hei Jiao, was worried about Shen Wang and struggled, but Hei Jiao hastily said, "It was Shen Wang who told me to take you away."

Hearing this, Gu Dongting stopped struggling.

Hiding in the clouds, not knowing how long they had flown, when Gu Dongting opened his eyes again, he found himself back in the cave where he had discovered Hei Jiao, and he was taken aback.

Seeing him awake, Hei Jiao disdainfully said, "Your strength is really too weak. Just a little old man beat you half to death. Making a contract with you has truly disgraced me."

Gu Dongting, stunned, didn't move, and upon hearing Hei Jiao’s words, he asked, "Can you defeat that man?"

Hei Jiao paused, his pride wounded, "After forming a contract with you, my strength has also significantly diminished. At most, I can only fight him to a draw."

Gu Dongting withdrew his gaze.

Mistaking his reaction for disdain, Hei Jiao felt even more aggrieved, "Do you think I want this? It's because you are too weak. When you become stronger, I will be able to defeat him. So, you need to cultivate well now..."

Gu Dongting wasn't listening to Hei Jiao's rambling. He was staring at the ground, lost in thought.

One moment he worried if Shen Wang would be implicated and face trouble, the next he feared his family being dragged down... Sometimes he envisioned Shen Wang lying pale and lifeless in the morgue, then his family members in tragic death.

Ever since those images appeared due to the Demonic Gu, Gu Dongting had avoided thinking about what they meant. He didn't want to, and he was afraid to.

But now, those very things he feared to think about were surfacing on their own.

"Am I really a natural-born demon? Born to fall into evil and destroy the world?" Gu Dongting touched the red mole under his eye, but he didn't feel he had any grand ambitions of destruction.

His only two wishes were to see his family live well and safely, and for Shen Wang to live well, safely, and happily.

Now, facing the identity others forced upon him, Gu Dongting felt it was absurd and laughably ridiculous.

For years, he had never made a wrong step, always cautious and prudent. Yet, because of some far-fetched 'prophecy', he became a monstrous villain everyone sought to kill.

Even though he had done nothing wrong.

And Tang Jiutian, with his history of misdeeds and low character, ended up being the savior.

How ludicrous.

In the days following Gu Dongting's departure, Hei Jiao was living quite comfortably, almost getting whatever he wanted, as Gu Dongting never skimped on money for him.

Now that he had brought Gu Dongting to his old home to escape, he felt it wouldn't be right to neglect him. He took the initiative to go out and find some food and necessities for him.

When he returned with fruits picked from an unknown location, he found Gu Dongting standing in the middle of the mountains, tall and elegant, his face shrouded in darkness, his expression unreadable.

Hei Jiao paused, feeling something was off, "Gu Dongting, are you alright?"

Hearing the sound, the other person turned around, the red mole under his eyes glowing brightly, his eyes deep and unfathomable. He curved his lips into a mischievous smile, "Who are you? How do you know my name?"

Hei Jiao: "...Rein in your murderous intent."

"Oh?" Gu Dongting's smile widened, his features picturesque and devilishly charming, "I don’t believe I've shown any murderous aura."

He was certain his ability to control his killing intent was at its peak, not easily detectable by anyone.

Hei Jiao: "...Gu Dongting, are you out of your mind? Do you remember who I am? Do you remember who Shen Wang is?"

Hei Jiao could feel that upon hearing the name 'Shen Wang', the continuous surge of murderous intent in the other's heart suddenly ceased.

"You know Shen Wang..." Gu Dongting murmured to himself. He stopped smiling and looked Hei Jiao up and down with disdain, "Dressed in such an eyesore of black, who exactly are you?"

Hei Jiao: Something's wrong, this person has been so traumatized, his mind really is affected.

With no choice, Hei Jiao recounted how they had met, inevitably embellishing the story somewhat.

For instance, he changed the part about being threatened into a contract into Shen Wang crying and begging to form a contract with him; and the part where he was trapped in a formation for ten thousand years became him sleeping here for ten thousand years and being accidentally awakened.

Gu Dongting listened expressionlessly and then rubbed his temples with his slender, fair fingers, "So, he entrusted you, a rare and unique dragon, to himself?"

Hei Jiao: "???"

Hei Jiao thought in panic, How did this person completely change in the blink of an eye! If I bring him back now, will Shen Wang even recognize him? Won't Shen Wang think I possessed him!

As Hei Jiao was wailing internally, Gu Dongting suddenly looked up sharply, "If what you're saying is true, and this is where we first met, why did you bring me back here all of a sudden?"

Speaking of this, Hei Jiao felt speechless again. This time, he didn't edit the story and told Gu Dongting about the old man as it was.

After listening, Gu Dongting remained still for a long time. Just when Hei Jiao thought he hadn't heard, Gu Dongting suddenly burst into laughter, "Interesting, very interesting!"

"I am a natural-born demon, intent on destroying the world, so what?"

"Since the heavens dared to make Tang Jiutian the savior, why should I care about destroying the entire metaphysical world? This heavenly path is no longer what it was ten thousand years ago; it should have perished along with the world of that time!"

As Gu Dongting's words ended, a thunderclap resounded outside the cave, deafeningly loud.

Gu Dongting, unafraid, laughed, "Unless you can strike me dead directly, I will never submit! Heavenly path, I want to see whose will is stronger!"

Hei Jiao watched, dumbfounded, "Who is this madman, and where is his easy-going master!"

Black Gu makes his appearance.