《Demon in the Cultivation World》


 Chapter:1

    The cold stone floor pressed against his skin, leeching what little warmth he had left. Lu Tianran blinked, his vision swimming as he tried to make sense of his surroundings. The dim light from a single torch flickered weakly, casting long, quivering shadows across the walls of the dungeon.


    He inhaled sharply, his breath catching in his throat. His chest ached, his limbs felt heavy, and his body... His body wasn¡¯t his own. He raised his trembling hands, staring at them. They were thin, frail, and marred with scars that told a story of hardship and suffering.


    ¡°What... what is this?¡± he muttered, his voice hoarse and cracked.


    The clinking of chains answered him as he moved. His wrists and ankles were shackled, the iron biting into his skin. Panic bubbled in his chest. He struggled against the restraints, his breathing growing ragged.


    This wasn¡¯t right. He was Lu Tianran, the Devil Sovereign, the most feared being in the Dark Abyss. He had stood atop mountains of corpses, wielding power that made the heavens themselves tremble. But his body¡ªhis power¡ªwas gone.


    The last thing he remembered was... Zhou Yan.


    The thought hit him like a blow to the chest. He saw it again, clear as day¡ªthe battlefield littered with bodies, the air thick with the metallic tang of blood. And there, standing before him, was Zhou Yan, his most trusted disciple, holding a cursed blade.


    ¡°Teacher...¡± Zhou¡¯s voice had trembled, tears streaming down his face. ¡°You¡¯ve brought too much chaos. The world... can¡¯t take any more of your tyranny.¡±


    Lu Tianran had felt the blade pierce his back, the cursed energy severing his connection to his abyssal power. He remembered the betrayal, the pain, and then... nothing.


    And now, here he was. Alive, but not in his own body.


    The sound of approaching footsteps pulled him from his thoughts. He turned his head toward the source, the faint jingling of keys accompanying the heavy thud of boots. A figure emerged from the shadows¡ªa burly man with a scarred face, his expression twisted into a smirk.


    ¡°Awake already?¡± the jailer said, crossing his arms as he leaned against the bars. ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter. You won¡¯t be for long.¡±If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Lu Tianran remained silent, his sharp gaze fixed on the man.


    The jailer chuckled, the sound echoing in the small cell. ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Cat got your tongue? Or maybe you¡¯re just coming to terms with your fate.¡±


    ¡°My... fate?¡± Tianran rasped, his voice foreign to his ears.


    ¡°Dead by dawn,¡± the jailer said bluntly. ¡°You¡¯re the last one, you know. The last rat from the Fallen Moon Sect. The righteous sects have been hunting your kind for years. Burned your little hideout to the ground, rounded up the survivors, and now here you are¡ªwaiting for your turn at the gallows.¡±


    The words meant nothing to Tianran. The Fallen Moon Sect? The righteous sects? This wasn¡¯t his world. The realization sent a shiver down his spine.


    ¡°I don¡¯t suppose there¡¯s been a misunderstanding,¡± Tianran said, his tone sharp despite his weakened state.


    The jailer snorted. ¡°Nice try, heretic. You demonic cultivators are all the same¡ªalways trying to worm your way out of justice.¡± He leaned closer, his smirk widening. ¡°But don¡¯t worry. The sects will make sure you pay for every innocent life your kind took.¡±


    Tianran¡¯s lips curled into a faint, humorless smile. ¡°Innocent. How quaint.¡±


    The jailer frowned, clearly irritated. ¡°You¡¯re awful smug for a dead man. Don¡¯t worry. We¡¯ll wipe that look off your face soon enough.¡±


    With that, the man turned and walked away, his boots echoing in the silence.


    Tianran leaned back against the wall, his mind racing. The jailer¡¯s words were meaningless on the surface, but they revealed much. This world had its own power structure, its own laws and rules. And this body... this body wasn¡¯t his.


    Before he could think further, a sharp pain exploded in his head. He clutched at his temples, his breath hitching as a torrent of memories surged through him.


    He saw a boy¡ªyoung, timid, and unsure¡ªstanding in the shadow of crumbling sect halls. The elders argued, their voices filled with desperation. The Fallen Moon Sect, once a feared name in the cultivation world, was on the brink of collapse. Betrayed by their allies and hunted by the righteous sects, they were falling apart.


    The boy¡¯s name was Wei Liang. He was no one special¡ªjust a disciple of mediocre talent. When the sect fell, he was captured, stripped of his cultivation, and thrown into this dungeon. He had endured torture and humiliation, his only crime being his affiliation with the sect.


    His final memory was one of despair. As he sat in the darkness of his cell, awaiting his execution, he had thought: If I had another chance... I would kill them all.


    The memories faded, leaving Tianran gasping for air. His head throbbed, and his heart pounded against his ribcage.


    ¡°So,¡± he muttered, his voice laced with bitter amusement, ¡°this is the life I¡¯ve inherited.¡±


    He closed his eyes, sifting through the fragments of Wei Liang¡¯s memories. The boy had been weak, a victim of circumstance. But Tianran was not Wei Liang. He was Lu Tianran, the Devil Sovereign, and he refused to meet the same fate.


    Forcing himself to focus, he searched for the faint traces of energy within this body. Wei Liang¡¯s cultivation had been crippled, his meridians damaged, but faint remnants of power still lingered. It was weak and unstable, but it was enough.


    Energy is energy, Tianran thought. And I know how to wield it.


    Drawing on his knowledge of forbidden techniques, he began channeling his life force into the dormant meridians. Pain flared in his chest, sharp and searing, as he forced the energy to flow.


    ¡°Rise,¡± he hissed through gritted teeth. ¡°You will not die here.¡±


    The faint spark of energy grew, spreading through his veins like wildfire. His breathing grew ragged, and sweat dripped down his brow, but he pushed through the pain. After what felt like an eternity, the energy stabilized.


    Tianran opened his eyes, his gaze cold and determined.


    ¡°This world will regret letting me live,¡± he whispered, his voice barely audible but filled with conviction.


    And for the first time since awakening, he smiled.


    End of Chapter 1

 Chapter:2

    The oppressive silence of the dungeon was broken by the sound of approaching footsteps. Lu Tianran''s gaze shifted toward the dim light at the end of the corridor, his senses sharpening. The faint jingling of keys accompanied the heavy thud of boots, drawing closer with every passing second.


    The jailer emerged from the shadows, his scarred face twisted into a smirk as he stopped in front of the cell. His gaze lingered on Tianran, who sat cross-legged on the cold stone floor, his hands resting calmly on his knees.


    "Well, heretic," the jailer said, his tone dripping with mockery. "It''s almost time. The gallows are ready, and the righteous sects are eager to see you swing. Any last words before we drag you to your execution?"


    Tianran tilted his head, his piercing gaze locking onto the man. "Last words?" he murmured, his tone calm and deliberate.


    The jailer chuckled. "What, nothing clever to say? You seemed so smug earlier."


    Tianran slowly stood, the faint energy he had awakened earlier flickering to life within him. The air around him grew heavy, charged with an unseen tension that made the jailer pause.


    "You think me helpless," Tianran said softly, his voice carrying a dangerous edge. "You think these chains, this cell, can contain me. You have no idea what you''re dealing with."


    The jailer''s smirk faltered, replaced by a frown. "What''s with that look? You''re just a crippled heretic¡ª"Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    Before he could finish, Tianran moved. His hand shot forward, gripping the chains around his wrist. With a surge of energy, he pulled, the rusted iron snapping with a deafening crack.


    The jailer staggered back, his eyes wide. "What the¡ªhow¡ª"


    Tianran didn''t give him time to react. He lunged forward, his movements a blur despite the weakness of his body. His hand shot through the bars, seizing the jailer by the collar.


    "You talk too much," Tianran said coldly, pulling the man forward until his face was pressed against the iron bars.


    The jailer struggled, his hands clawing at Tianran''s grip, but it was futile. Tianran''s strength, though limited, was still far beyond what the jailer could match.


    "Do you know what I despise most?" Tianran asked, his voice calm despite the storm of rage brewing within him. "Men who think themselves powerful when they are nothing but insects."


    With a flick of his wrist, Tianran slammed the jailer''s head against the bars. The man cried out in pain, blood streaming from a gash on his forehead.


    "You enjoyed watching me in chains, didn''t you?" Tianran continued, his tone dark and venomous. "You mocked me, laughed at me, thinking I was weak. Let me show you what weakness truly feels like."


    The jailer''s eyes filled with terror as Tianran reached through the bars, his fingers tightening around the man''s throat. He gasped and clawed at Tianran''s arm, his struggles growing more desperate as the air was forced from his lungs.


    But Tianran didn''t stop. He channeled his energy into his grip, sending a searing pain coursing through the jailer''s body. The man screamed, his voice raw and hoarse, as his veins bulged and his skin blistered.


    "This is mercy compared to what I could do," Tianran said, his voice low and menacing. "But mercy isn''t something I give freely."


    With one final surge of energy, Tianran twisted his hand, snapping the jailer''s neck with a sickening crack. The man''s body went limp, his lifeless eyes staring blankly ahead.


    Tianran released him, letting the corpse slump to the ground. The keys jingled as they fell from the jailer''s belt, and Tianran reached through the bars to retrieve them.


    He unlocked the cell door, stepping out into the corridor. The faint light of dawn seeped through the cracks in the stone walls, casting long shadows across the bloodstained floor.


    Tianran paused, glancing down at the jailer''s body. "You should have been more careful," he muttered, his voice cold and devoid of pity.


    With that, he turned and walked away, his footsteps echoing through the dungeon. The faint pulse of energy within him flickered like a dying ember, but it was enough.


    Freedom was his once more, and the world would soon remember why the Devil Sovereign had been feared.


    End of Chapter

 Chapter:3

    The fires of chaos burned brightly within the dungeon, smoke curling through the narrow corridors. Screams of guards and prisoners alike echoed around Lu Tianran as he moved with calculated precision. Every step he took was deliberate, every decision focused on ensuring his survival. The chaos he had orchestrated was the perfect cover, but he needed more than distraction¡ªhe needed a flawless escape.


    The bloodied body of the jailer, Wu Lian, lay crumpled in the corridor where Tianran had killed him. It was there that inspiration struck. His disguise had to be perfect, one that would withstand scrutiny even under the closest observation. He crouched beside the corpse, his lips curling into a cold smile.


    "This body will do nicely," he murmured.


    Placing his hand on Wu Lian''s lifeless chest, Tianran muttered a low incantation. His words resonated with a dark energy that made the air around him shudder. This was a forbidden art from his past life, one designed to extract the lingering memories of a soul before it fully dissipated.


    The remnants of Wu Lian''s spirit flared weakly, his memories unraveling like the threads of an old tapestry. Images, thoughts, and emotions flooded Tianran''s mind.


    Wu Lian had lived a life of resentment. He was the illegitimate son of Elder Wu Ren, a powerful figure in the Iron Sword Sect. Born from an affair, Wu Lian had been denied the resources and opportunities given to his legitimate siblings. Instead, his father had relegated him to a lowly position as a jailer, ensuring his disgrace remained hidden from the sect''s higher ranks.


    Tianran smirked as he pieced together the man''s pathetic existence. Wu Lian''s knowledge of the dungeon, the Iron Sword Sect''s routines, and even the region''s geography was extensive. Most importantly, the memories provided him with the perfect alibi¡ªone that would allow him to walk out of the dungeon unnoticed.


    "This is almost too easy," Tianran said, releasing the dying fragments of Wu Lian''s soul.


    Tianran turned his attention to the body. He removed Wu Lian''s uniform, slipping into it with practiced efficiency. The rough fabric smelled of sweat and blood, but it fit well enough to complete his disguise.


    Still, it wasn''t enough. Wu Lian''s face was a liability; it was too recognizable. Tianran knelt beside the corpse, pulling a dagger from the man''s belt.


    "This is going to get messy," he muttered.This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Using the blade, Tianran carefully peeled the skin from Wu Lian''s face, his movements precise despite the grotesque task. The smell of blood and flesh filled the air as he worked, but he paid it no mind. When the task was complete, he pressed the mask of flesh over his own face, adjusting it until it clung seamlessly to his features.


    To ensure there were no loose ends, Tianran ignited a flame in his palm. Though his energy reserves were nearly depleted, he focused his will, feeding the fire with his remaining strength. The flame burned brightly as he pressed it to Wu Lian''s body, watching as the corpse was reduced to ash and bone.


    "There can be no evidence," he said, his voice cold and resolute.


    As Tianran adjusted his disguise, the sounds of battle drew closer. The freed demonic cultivators were tearing through the guards, but a few had broken away, seeking their own path to freedom.


    Tianran spotted a small group of them¡ªthree figures sprinting toward a side corridor. Their ragged appearances marked them as fellow prisoners, but their desperation made them vulnerable.


    "Perfect," Tianran murmured, moving after them with predatory grace.


    The corridor ended in a dead end, and the prisoners skidded to a halt. They turned, their eyes widening as they saw what appeared to be a jailer approaching.


    "You thought you could escape?" Tianran said, his tone dripping with mockery.


    One of the prisoners, a burly man with a scarred face, stepped forward. "We won''t go back," he growled, brandishing a makeshift weapon.


    Tianran smiled faintly. "You don''t have a choice."


    In a blur of motion, he closed the distance between them. The first man swung his weapon, but Tianran sidestepped effortlessly, driving a precise strike into the man''s throat. The burly prisoner collapsed, gasping for air as he bled out.


    The remaining two froze, their courage evaporating.


    "Submit," Tianran ordered, his voice cold and commanding. "Or die."


    They dropped to their knees, their fear overpowering any thoughts of resistance.


    Tianran bound them with chains scavenged from the dungeon walls, ensuring they couldn''t cause trouble. "You''ll serve as my proof," he said, his gaze sharp.


    With his disguise complete and his captives in tow, Tianran made his way toward the dungeon''s main gate. The chaos he had unleashed provided the perfect cover, and the guards were too preoccupied with the riot to notice him slipping past.


    As he approached the exit, a patrol of guards spotted him.


    "Wu Lian!" one of them called. "What''s happening inside?"


    Tianran straightened his posture, mimicking the nervous demeanor of the man he had killed. "It''s a complete disaster," he said, his voice steady despite the tension. "The prisoners have rioted, and most of them have escaped. I managed to capture these two, but the others are still loose."


    The guards exchanged worried glances. "Where are the reinforcements?"


    "Busy dealing with the fires in the central block," Tianran replied. "You should join them. I''ll take these two back to the sect for questioning."


    The mention of the sect seemed to satisfy them. The guards nodded and rushed off, leaving Tianran to slip through the gates and into the wilderness beyond.


    The night air was cool and crisp, a stark contrast to the stifling heat of the dungeon. Tianran moved quickly, his captives were killed by him the moment he stepped out of the surveillance of the sect.


    His destination was clear. From Wu Lian''s memories, he had learned of Death Mountain, a place feared even by Nascent soul realm cultivators. Its treacherous terrain and deadly beasts made it a natural sanctuary for someone seeking to disappear¡ªand to grow stronger.


    As the jagged peaks of Death Mountain came into view, Tianran paused. The faint glow of dawn painted the sky, casting long shadows over the landscape.


    "This world may think me dead," he murmured, his voice filled with quiet resolve. "But they will learn soon enough that the Devil Sovereign cannot be killed."


    With that, he turned toward the mountain, his path set and his vengeance burning brightly within him.


    End of Chapter

 Chapter:4

    The jagged terrain of Death Mountain stretched endlessly ahead of Lu Tianran, its oppressive mists curling through the ancient trees like the breath of some slumbering beast. Every step he took felt heavier than the last, his body battered and bruised, but his determination burned bright.


    The earlier encounter with the demonic beasts had left him weary, his energy depleted, but the fight was far from over. Death Mountain wasn''t merely a place¡ªit was a crucible, testing every fiber of his being.


    Suddenly, the forest around him fell silent. The ever-present rustling of leaves and faint cries of distant creatures stopped, replaced by a suffocating stillness.


    Tianran stopped in his tracks, his senses sharp despite his exhaustion. His fingers instinctively tightened around the crude dagger he carried.


    A low growl rumbled through the air, vibrating the ground beneath his feet. From the shadows, a hulking demonic bear emerged, its massive frame dwarfing the twisted trees around it. Its fur shimmered with dark Qi, and its eyes glowed a sickly green, burning with malice and hunger.


    "Of course," Tianran muttered, his lips curling into a bitter smile. "The mountain wouldn''t make this easy."


    The bear roared, the sound echoing through the forest like thunder. Without hesitation, it charged, its massive paws tearing through the earth as it barreled toward Tianran.


    Tianran dodged to the side, his weakened body protesting the sudden movement. The bear''s claws missed him by a hair''s breadth, carving deep gouges into the ground where he had been standing.


    Too slow, he thought, gritting his teeth. This body is still too weak.


    He moved with calculated precision, keeping just out of the beast''s reach. The demonic bear swiped at him repeatedly, each blow carrying enough force to shatter stone. Tianran used the terrain to his advantage, weaving between the trees and forcing the bear to overextend its attacks.


    But his endurance was failing. Every movement drained the last reserves of his strength, and his breaths came in ragged gasps.


    If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    The bear lunged, its jaws snapping dangerously close to his arm. Tianran pivoted, driving his dagger into its side. The blade barely penetrated its thick hide, but it was enough to draw blood¡ªa dark, viscous liquid that hissed as it hit the ground.


    The bear roared in pain, its movements growing more erratic. Tianran pressed his advantage, dodging another swipe and delivering a sharp kick to its hind leg. The beast stumbled, giving him the opening he needed.


    Summoning the last of his strength, Tianran climbed onto the bear''s back, gripping its fur tightly. He raised his dagger high and drove it into the base of the creature''s skull with all the force he could muster.


    The bear let out a final, guttural roar before collapsing to the ground, its massive body twitching once before going still.


    Tianran rolled off the bear''s corpse, his chest heaving as he lay on the cold ground. His entire body ached, his muscles trembling with exhaustion. Blood dripped from the shallow cuts on his arms and legs, and his vision blurred from the strain.


    But the fight wasn''t truly over.


    His gaze shifted to the bear''s lifeless form, its blood pooling beneath it. The dark Qi that infused the creature''s body still lingered, radiating a twisted, chaotic energy.


    For most cultivators, consuming that blood would mean certain death. The corruption would invade their meridians, driving them to madness or destroying their bodies from the inside out.


    But Lu Tianran was no ordinary cultivator.


    "This is my chance," he murmured, forcing himself to sit upright. "If this mountain wants to test me, I''ll take everything it has to offer."


    He pressed his trembling hands to the bear''s chest, his fingers slick with its blood. Closing his eyes, he began chanting the incantation for a forbidden technique¡ªthe Blood Purification Art.


    The air around him grew heavy as the blood within the bear''s body began to stir. Streams of crimson light rose from the corpse, swirling into a dense sphere above his palms. The energy within the blood was volatile, thrumming with a chaotic power that threatened to lash out at any moment.


    Tianran''s voice grew louder, his incantation resonating with the dark Qi. Slowly, the corruption within the blood began to dissipate, leaving behind pure life force and energy.


    When the purification was complete, Tianran opened his eyes, his gaze cold and resolute. Without hesitation, he brought the sphere of blood to his lips and swallowed it in one fluid motion.


    The effect was immediate.


    The blood coursed through his veins like liquid fire, burning its way through his body and flooding his dantian with raw power. Pain erupted in every corner of his being, his meridians straining under the sudden influx of energy.


    Tianran gritted his teeth, his body convulsing as he fought to maintain control. For anyone else, the energy would have been too much to handle, but he was the Demon Sovereign. His mind was an unbreakable fortress, and his will bent the chaotic energy to his command.


    "Submit," he growled through clenched teeth. "You are mine now."


    The energy stabilized, flowing through his meridians and strengthening them. His wounds began to close, the life force from the blood knitting his torn muscles and fractured bones back together. His dantian pulsed with newfound vitality, the faint spark of energy within it growing into a steady flame.


    When the process was complete, Tianran collapsed onto the ground, his chest heaving. His body was still weak, but the improvement was undeniable. His energy reserves had been replenished, and his meridians felt stronger, more resilient.


    He pushed himself to his feet, his movements slow but steady. The bear''s corpse was now little more than a husk, its essence completely drained.


    "Even in death, you served your purpose," Tianran muttered, his voice low.


    Reaching down, he retrieved the demonic core from the bear''s chest. The orb pulsed faintly with residual energy, a valuable resource for future cultivation. He tucked it into his robes, his sharp gaze turning back to the mountain''s towering peaks.


    End of Chapter

 Chapter:5

    The sun hung low in the sky over the Iron Sword Sect, casting long shadows across the sprawling compound. The air buzzed with tension, a palpable unease spreading among the disciples and elders alike. The dungeon riot that had erupted the previous night had shaken the sect to its core, leaving more questions than answers in its wake.


    Elder Wu Ren, a stern and imposing figure with streaks of gray in his otherwise jet-black hair, stood at the center of the sect''s grand hall. His sharp eyes scanned the assembled elders and sect leaders, each of them wearing expressions ranging from confusion to thinly veiled panic.


    "This is an embarrassment," Wu Ren growled, slamming his palm on the table before him. The sound echoed through the hall, silencing the murmurs of the gathered cultivators. "A riot in our dungeon. Prisoners escaped. Guards killed. And the body of my son... missing."


    Wu Ren turned to the head jailer, a burly man who had barely survived the riot. His face was pale, and a bandage wrapped around his arm hinted at a narrow escape. "Report," Wu Ren demanded, his tone cold.


    The jailer swallowed hard, bowing deeply. "Elder Wu, the riot began when one of the prisoners¡ªa known demonic cultivator¡ªbroke free of his cell. He released others, and chaos erupted. By the time reinforcements arrived, most of the prisoners were dead, and the dungeon was burning."


    Wu Ren''s eyes narrowed. "And my son? Wu Lian?"


    The jailer hesitated, beads of sweat forming on his brow. "We... we found no trace of him, Elder. His body wasn''t among the dead."


    A tense silence filled the hall. The absence of Wu Lian''s body raised troubling questions, ones that Wu Ren was unwilling to voice aloud.


    "You''re telling me my son disappeared in the chaos?" Wu Ren asked, his voice low and dangerous.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    The jailer nodded quickly. "Y-yes, Elder. But... there''s more."


    Wu Ren''s gaze hardened. "Speak."


    The jailer lowered his voice, his words hesitant. "We found traces of corrupted Qi near the cells and signs of a demonic fire"


    The hall erupted into murmurs, the elders exchanging alarmed glances. Such techniques were rare and highly dangerous, their use often leading to madness or death of the user.


    Wu Ren raised a hand, silencing the room. "And what of the prisoner records? The one responsible for this riot¡ªwhat do we know about him?"


    The head jailer hesitated again, his voice faltering. "The prisoner... was one of the last remnants of the Fallen Moon Sect. His name was Wei Liang."


    "Just a lowly disciple," another elder scoffed, crossing his arms. "How could someone like that cause such destruction?"


    Wu Ren''s lips thinned, his mind racing. A lowly disciple shouldn''t have been capable of such feats. And yet, the evidence suggested otherwise. The traces of forbidden techniques, the missing body of his son, and the unaccounted-for prisoners all pointed to something far more sinister.


    "Someone with skill... and cunning," Wu Ren muttered to himself.


    Wu Ren stood abruptly, his gaze sweeping over the gathered elders. "Send patrols to Death Mountain," he commanded, his voice cold and resolute. "If this Wei Liang¡ªor whoever he truly is¡ªescaped, that''s where he would go to hide."


    The elders exchanged uneasy glances. Death Mountain was a place few dared to tread, its dangers claiming the lives of even the most skilled cultivators.


    "Elder Wu," one of them began cautiously, "if he is truly in Death Mountain, sending disciples will only add to the casualties. Shouldn''t we¡ª"


    "I don''t care about casualties," Wu Ren snapped. "I care about finding my son''s body and bringing whoever is responsible to justice."


    His voice dropped, the cold fury in his tone sending chills through the room. "No one defies the Iron Sword Sect and lives."


    As the meeting adjourned, Wu Ren lingered in the grand hall, his thoughts heavy. His son, while illegitimate, was still his blood. The idea that someone had used Wu Lian''s body for a forbidden technique filled him with a rage he could barely contain.


    But something else gnawed at him¡ªa sense that there was more to this than what the jailer had reported. A lowly prisoner shouldn''t have been capable of orchestrating such a calculated escape.


    "I underestimated you, Wei Liang," he murmured, his eyes narrowing. "But I will find you. And when I do, you will beg for death."


    Meanwhile, in the outer sect, the disciples buzzed with rumors. The riot in the dungeon had become the topic of every whispered conversation, with each retelling growing more dramatic.


    "I heard the prisoner wasn''t even human," one whispered. "They say he was a demon in disguise."


    "Or maybe he made a deal with the mountain," another suggested, shivering. "Death Mountain only spares those it deems worthy."


    "Either way, the sect won''t let this go," a third disciple said. "Whoever escaped is as good as dead."


    End of the Chapter.

 Chapter:6

    The mist clung thickly to the jagged terrain of Death Mountain, its oppressive chill seeping into every crack and crevice. The faint sounds of boots crunching against rocks broke the eerie silence, accompanied by the low hum of quiet voices. A small patrol of Iron Sword Sect disciples moved cautiously through the forest, their formation tight, their eyes scanning every shadow.


    At the center of the group, a young man with sharp features and an anxious expression whispered to his companion, "Do you really think he''s still alive? No one survives the depths of this place for long."


    His companion, a more seasoned disciple with a scar running down his cheek, snorted. "Don''t be stupid, Fang. If he''s dead, we''ll find his body. But if he''s alive..." He grinned, a cruel edge to his tone. "Elder Wu Ren''s reward for capturing him will be worth the risk. Besides, he''s just a crippled rat who got lucky."


    Fang frowned, glancing nervously at the shadows around them. "Lucky or not, the rumors about that riot... I heard he used some kind of forbidden technique to escape. What if he''s more dangerous than we think?"


    The scarred disciple rolled his eyes. "Don''t let those stories scare you. He''s probably half-dead by now, limping through the forest like a wounded dog. This will be easy."


    High above them, perched on a rocky outcrop hidden by the mists, Lu Tianran crouched silently, his sharp gaze fixed on the patrol below. Their voices, though hushed, carried clearly to his ears.


    "Wounded dog?" he murmured to himself, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "They have no idea what they''re dealing with."


    His hand brushed against the demonic core tucked into his robes, its faint pulse a reminder of the power he had claimed from the bear. Yet as he focused inward, guiding his Qi through his meridians, he couldn''t help but frown.


    The energy within him was... different.


    In his past life, the Abyssal Cultivation Art had made him a master of dark and chaotic Qi. He had drawn power from death, destruction, and despair, weaving those energies into a weapon that had made even the heavens tremble.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    But the energy he had absorbed from the demonic bear carried a strange vitality. It was chaotic, yes, but beneath the corruption lay a raw life force that felt foreign to him¡ªalmost like a seed of renewal buried in the ash of destruction.


    "This isn''t abyssal energy," he muttered, his brow furrowing. "It''s something else... something closer to the mountain itself."


    The realization left him uneasy. Death Mountain wasn''t just a graveyard of beasts and cultivators¡ªit was alive in its own way, its Qi flowing through the land like blood through veins. If he could harness that energy, it could become a powerful tool. But if he lost control, it could consume him just as easily.


    Down below, the patrol came to a halt near a small clearing. The scarred disciple gestured for the group to stop, his voice low but firm. "We''ll rest here for a moment. Keep your guard up. This mountain doesn''t take kindly to the weak."


    The disciples settled into a loose circle, their hands never straying far from their weapons. Fang, still jittery, glanced toward the shadows. "Do you think he knows we''re coming?"


    "He''s probably too busy hiding to notice us," the scarred man said dismissively. "If he''s even alive, that is."


    Another disciple, a woman with sharp eyes and a calm demeanor, spoke up. "Don''t underestimate him. If the reports are true, he managed to escape the dungeon and kill several guards in the process. Desperation makes people dangerous."


    The scarred man waved her off. "And arrogance makes people cautious. He''s running scared¡ªwe''re the hunters here."


    The woman shook her head but said nothing more, her focus shifting back to the misty forest.


    Tianran watched the exchange with mild amusement. The arrogance of the scarred man reminded him of so many others he had crushed underfoot in his previous life. It was always the loudest and most confident who fell first.


    But even as he observed them, his thoughts drifted back to his cultivation.


    The demonic bear''s energy had been potent, but it had also brought complications. His meridians, though stronger than before, still bore the scars of his weakened state. The energy coursing through him was unstable, a volatile mix of his abyssal foundation and the foreign vitality he had absorbed.


    "It''s like trying to tame fire and water," he murmured. "If I can find balance, this energy could take me beyond what I ever imagined. But if I fail..."


    The thought trailed off, leaving him with a grim sense of urgency. He needed time¡ªtime to refine this new power, to stabilize his cultivation, and to adapt his techniques to this unfamiliar energy.


    But time was a luxury Death Mountain refused to grant.


    Tianran shifted his focus back to the patrol below. Their voices were quieter now, their movements more subdued as they prepared to continue their search. He knew he couldn''t avoid them forever. Sooner or later, the sect would send stronger cultivators, and his current strength wouldn''t be enough to face them head-on.


    "If I wait too long, they''ll corner me," he thought, his eyes narrowing. "But if I act now..."


    A plan began to form in his mind, one that would turn their arrogance against them. The forest was his ally, its twisting paths and dense mist perfect for laying traps. And the patrol''s overconfidence would make them easy targets.


    "This isn''t just about survival," Tianran said softly, his voice cold and steady. "This is about sending a message."


    He rose to his feet, his movements slow and deliberate. The demonic core in his robes pulsed faintly, as if sensing his resolve.


    "Let''s see who the real hunters are," he muttered, disappearing into the shadows of the mountain.


    End of the Chapter.

 Chapter:7

    The forest was alive with sound¡ªrustling leaves, distant animal calls, and the faint hum of spiritual energy that clung to the mist like an ever-present specter. The Iron Sword Sect patrol moved cautiously, their formation tight as they navigated the treacherous terrain of Death Mountain. They were disciplined, alert, but not nearly enough for what lurked in the shadows.


    High above them, Lu Tianran watched from his perch on a gnarled tree branch. His gaze was sharp, predatory, as he studied their movements. The group was small, five members in total, each armed and on edge. Their leader, the scarred man from earlier, walked at the front, his posture confident despite the oppressive atmosphere.


    "They think they''re the hunters," Tianran muttered under his breath, his lips curling into a faint smile. "Let''s remind them what it means to be prey."


    Tianran moved silently, his steps as light as a whisper on the wind. The mist shrouded him, masking his presence as he circled around the group. His first target was the rear guard¡ªa young man with wide eyes and a nervous grip on his blade. The boy''s inexperience was evident in the way he constantly glanced over his shoulder, his fear practically radiating off him.


    A shadow passed behind him, quick and silent. Before the boy could react, a hand clamped over his mouth, muffling his scream. Tianran''s dagger slid into his throat with surgical precision, cutting off his life in an instant. He lowered the body to the ground gently, ensuring it made no sound.


    The patrol continued forward, oblivious to their comrade''s absence.


    Tianran struck again moments later, this time targeting the disciple at the back left of the group. She was more experienced, her eyes scanning the forest with keen awareness. But even the sharpest senses couldn''t pierce the mist, nor could they detect the faint ripple of Qi energy Tianran used to mask his presence.


    He struck like lightning, his dagger slicing across her throat before she could scream. Her eyes widened in shock as she crumpled to the ground, her lifeblood pooling beneath her. Tianran faded back into the shadows, his movements fluid and precise.


    The remaining three patrol members began to notice something was wrong. They paused, their leader turning to count his group. His expression darkened when he realized two of his subordinates were missing.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    "Stay together," the scarred man growled, his hand tightening on the hilt of his sword. "This bastard is picking us off."


    The woman with sharp eyes nodded, her own weapon drawn. "We need to find higher ground. He''s using the mist to his advantage."


    But it was already too late.


    As the patrol began to move again, Tianran struck with calculated ferocity. A tree branch creaked above them, drawing their attention upward just as a faint glimmer of Qi cut through the mist. The scarred man turned, his sword raised, but the attack wasn''t aimed at him.


    Tianran dropped down from the trees, his dagger plunging into the neck of the third disciple. The woman screamed, her blade flashing toward Tianran, but he twisted the dying body in front of him, using it as a shield. The sword bit into her comrade instead, and she recoiled in horror.


    "You... demon!" she spat, backing away.


    Tianran didn''t respond. His movements were precise, relentless, as he threw the corpse aside and lunged at her. She parried his first strike, sparks flying as their blades clashed, but she was no match for his speed. A faint pulse of abyssal energy disrupted her footing, and in that moment of hesitation, Tianran drove his dagger into her chest.


    Her eyes widened in shock before the light faded from them.


    Only the scarred man remained now, his face a mask of fury and fear. He stood his ground, his sword trembling slightly in his hands as he stared at Tianran.


    "You think you''ve won?" he snarled. "The sect will hunt you to the ends of the earth for this."


    Tianran tilted his head, his gaze cold. "Let them try."


    The man roared, charging forward with all the strength he could muster. But Tianran sidestepped the attack effortlessly, his movements a blend of precision and fluidity. He struck low, slashing at the man''s leg and sending him to one knee.


    Before the man could recover, Tianran grabbed him by the collar, his dagger pressing against his throat. He leaned in close, his voice low and calm. "Tell your sect this: the Demon Sovereign has returned."


    With that, he slit the man''s throat, the blood spraying across the ground as his body crumpled.


    Tianran stood amidst the carnage, his breathing steady as he wiped the blood from his blade. The mist around him seemed to part, revealing a faint glow in the distance. His gaze narrowed as he approached, drawn by the unnatural light.


    At the heart of the mountain, nestled between jagged rocks and overgrown vines, was a portal. It shimmered with an otherworldly energy, its surface rippling like water despite its solid appearance. The air around it was thick with power, making Tianran''s skin tingle.


    "What is this?" he murmured, stepping closer.


    The portal pulsed, its energy reaching out like invisible tendrils. Tianran hesitated for only a moment before placing his hand on its surface. The moment he did, the portal flared, and he was sucked inside.


    Tianran landed in a cavern bathed in dim, flickering light. The air here was heavy, ancient, as if time itself had stilled. His eyes adjusted slowly, and what he saw took his breath away.


    At the center of the cavern lay the massive bones of a dragon, its skeletal frame stretching across the chamber. Its size was incomprehensible, its wings folded in eternal stillness. At its heart, nestled within its ribcage, was a faint black wisp of light, pulsing like a heartbeat.


    Tianran stepped forward, his movements cautious but deliberate. The closer he got, the more he felt the immense power radiating from the wisp. It was dark, ancient, and alive in a way that sent a shiver down his spine.


    He reached out, his fingers trembling slightly as they brushed against the black light.


    The moment he touched it, the world around him seemed to collapse, a blinding flash of darkness swallowing him whole.


    End of the Chapter.