Taking the Path of Hell

The blue eyes of Han Feng scrutinized every inch of Jian Hong's face. Then, he let out a mocking laugh. Without warning, the young man pointed his sword at Jian Hong's neck. "Do you think you can threaten me? Jian Hong, remember this: no matter what happens, I will always despise you."

"Han Feng," Wu Hao interjected, stepping between them to block the sword. "If anything happens to Jian Hong, your father won't forgive you. Besides, what's the harm in hearing his suggestion? Listen to me. I know you've never liked Jian Hong, but for the sake of the sect, you must set aside your pride this time."

"No!" Han Feng shouted, quickly withdrawing his sword from Jian Hong's neck. He turned to Wu Hao with a frown. "The Elder expects me to follow his lead? You want me to help him?"

Jian Hong clutched his neck, where a thin line of blood marked the blade's earlier path. Despite the pain, he stepped closer to Han Feng. "Senior Han—"

"Don't come any closer!" Han Feng snapped, cutting off Jian Hong's words. He raised his sword again, forcing Jian Hong to lift his hands in surrender.

With a pleading look, Jian Hong tried to convey his sincerity through his gaze. "Senior Han, I know you hate me. But let that remain a conflict between the two of us. I've been observing these demons since the beginning of the battle, and I've deduced a few things."

Han Feng's silence gave Jian Hong a glimmer of hope that he was intrigued. Taking this chance, Jian Hong continued, "Their weakness lies in their hearts. When I managed to pierce their chests, they turned into black smoke and vanished. But that demon..." Jian Hong gestured toward the skull-headed demon. Both Han Feng and Wu Hao followed his gaze. "It's a fire demon, but its body is made of stone."

Before Jian Hong could finish, Han Feng scoffed. "What kind of explanation is that? You're describing a demon's appearance to someone already at Stage 2 of Qi Gathering?" He pressed the blade against Jian Hong's neck again, causing fresh blood to trickle. "Say something useful, or I'll behead you along with the demons."

Wu Hao, though exhausted, raised his hand to stop the students from harming each other. "Han Feng, you may be the crown prince of Sheng Shi, but here you are merely a disciple of Tian Ba. And as a disciple, you cannot act recklessly toward your peers."

Wu Hao's sharp gaze bore into Han Feng, who finally withdrew his sword and looked away. His chest tightened as he glanced at the sect members sacrificing themselves in the battle. "They are my people. They live under my father's rule. As the crown prince, I cannot allow this to happen to them. Their lives are Sheng Shi's most precious treasure."

"I understand your concern, Senior Han. That's why you need to hear me out. Based on my analysis, I defeated the previous demon because of the opposing heat forces clashing with my sword. Even though they are demons, they have a life source: their hearts. But the skull-headed demon is different. The stone shields its essence, a fiery core embedded within. No matter how hard I try to pierce its heart, it's futile." Jian Hong pointed at a bull-headed demon throwing a sect member. "And I believe it's their leader. Senior Han, the skull-headed demon is the heart of all demons at the Body Refining Stage and below. If we kill it, the others will perish."

"How can you be certain it's their leader?"

"Because the other demons follow its orders. You can see for yourself how they respond to its commands."

Demons had a cultivation system distinct from humans, fueled by forcibly extracted dark energy. Each demon cultivation stage equaled three levels of human cultivation, giving them a consistent advantage.

The trio observed the ongoing battle until Han Feng finally spoke, "Fine. I'll cooperate this time. Tell me, what do you need me to do?"

Jian Hong allowed a faint smile to cross his lips. "Good. Senior Han, I need you to create a gust of wind near the water source. I'll lure the skull-headed demon there."

"A gust of wind?" Wu Hao frowned at Jian Hong's plan.

Understanding his concern, Jian Hong closed his eyes and gripped his sword. A glowing flower with shades of blue and purple appeared, shimmering brilliantly. Han Feng's jaw dropped in disbelief. "That's the Sky Lightning Flower! How did you get it?"

"It doesn't matter how I got it. Right now, I'll attack the skull-headed demon again and find an opportunity to implant this flower into its body. With a little wind stimulation, it will destroy the demon entirely." Jian Hong explained, "Senior Han, I wanted to handle this alone, but you know I can't use internal energy."

Jian Hong's earnest expression made Han Feng nod decisively. "If it saves the sect and makes me look like a hero, I'll do it."

"Thank you, Senior. I promise you'll get your credit," Jian Hong replied.

Wu Hao, hearing their exchange, also felt encouraged. "Good. I'll hold off the other demons to buy you both some time."

"Elder, remember to protect yourself. No matter what, preserving your own life is paramount," Jian Hong warned.

Wu Hao nodded before rushing into the fray, rallying the sect members. "Everyone! Don't give up! Whatever happens, don't let the demons win!"

With mutual understanding, Jian Hong and Han Feng nodded to each other before leaping in opposite directions to fulfill their roles.

When Wu Hao heard the explosion, he looked up with pride. "They did it. Finally, these demons will be eradicated," he murmured, a clear smile spreading across his weary face.

Meanwhile, Han Feng stood confidently, hands on his hips, watching the fiery mass floating in the air. "Didn't I tell you? You're no match for me. Now, taste your demise!"

Han Feng skillfully manipulated a bluish light to bind the skull demon, plunging it into the river below. "Die along with your minions!"

"AAAA!!!"

A loud crash echoed as the demon sank into the water. Thick smoke rose, signaling its destruction. Jian Hong approached the demon's rocky remains and swung his sword mercilessly, decapitating the bull's head. "I knew your power was hidden there."

The sect members began to notice the demons turning into black smoke, vanishing into the sky.

"They're gone? Did we win?"

Wu Hao smiled at the sky. "We've won! Everyone, we've won!"

Cheers erupted as swords clattered to the ground and senior disciples jumped with joy. Their celebration, however, was cut short when Liu Yang noticed the black smoke gathering ominously in the sky. "Elder, what's happening with that smoke? I thought we defeated the demon?"

Huang Bo joined Wu Hao, both staring at the sky's eerie transformation. "Wu Hao, I feel this isn't over yet."

Wu Hao's heart sank, his thoughts racing to Jian Hong and Han Feng. "Damn it! Jian Hong and Han Feng are still at the water source!"

Elsewhere, Han Feng's triumph turned to confusion as the sky darkened with swirling clouds. "Hey, is it raining season already?"

Jian Hong, standing over the skull-headed demon's remains, looked up sharply. "Senior Han, I don't think this is a good sign."

Laughter echoed through the air, sending chills down their spines. "HAHAHAHA! DID YOU THINK YOU COULD KILL ME SO EASILY?"

"That voice..." Jian Hong muttered, exchanging a tense glance with Han Feng. "The skull-headed demon is still alive!"