The madness cultivation

The azure sky radiated warmth in every direction, with clouds large and small drifting as if brimming with joy. Brightness filled the air, and the gentle wind swayed the tree branches, making them appear alive.

Mount Hua Xi stood tall and majestic, a natural wonder surrounded by lush forests and a thriving city under the governance of the righteous Li Clan.

This mountain served as the Li Clan's stronghold for centuries. Today marked a significant day for the current head of the Li Clan.

At the heart of Mount Hua Xi was a walled city ruled by the Li Clan. Guards in iron armor, holding spears, stood at the gates as carriages moved in and out.

Deeper within the city, a grand mansion stood at the center. Its stone walls and surfaces were topped with red wooden structures, bordered by wide railings.

Inside the mistress's chamber, several women clad in simple yet neat attire gathered. Among them was a distinguished woman on a bed covered with pristine white linens—Wang Jiao, the Lady of the Li Clan. They awaited the birth of the clan's next heir.

"Congratulations, my lady, it's a boy!" exclaimed a servant joyously.

Wang Jiao, pale and exhausted, clutched a soft white cloth to wrap her newborn son. She slowly rose from the bed, leaving the servants to clean up, cradling her child with utmost care, as if holding the rarest treasure in the world.

With a radiant smile of pure joy, Wang Jiao made her way to the door.

Outside, a young man with white hair paced anxiously, hands clasped behind his back. He wore a green robe trimmed with brown patterns, his movements betraying his unease.

Wang Jiao gently pushed the door open, revealing her husband, waiting nervously. Seeing his wife emerge with their child, Li Ziyou's anxious expression transformed into joy.

He rushed to her side, inquiring about her well-being before gently asking to hold their son. Taking the infant with great care, he gazed at the child's features—ruby-red eyes, skin as pale as snow, and tiny hands that filled his heart with warmth.

Yet, his joy was short-lived. On the baby's forehead was a striking black lotus mark with three petals. Li Ziyou's eyes narrowed in shock, his expression turning from happiness to disappointment.

As he stared at the ominous mark, the skies suddenly darkened. The once bright day grew gloomy, and a torrential rainstorm began, casting an oppressive atmosphere.

"Th-this can't be… A disaster… Why? Why must my son be born with the Sacred Demonic Body of the Three Heavens?" Li Ziyou's anguished scream echoed through the storm as tears streamed down his face.

"Is this a cruel joke of the heavens? Why must you torment me so?" he roared at the sky, thunder crashing around him in fury.

Wang Jiao, stunned by her husband's reaction, approached him, standing by his side on the red-wooden balcony. Her expression mirrored his sorrow.

The infant, sensing the somber mood, began crying, adding to the scene's heartbreak.

Li Ziyou gazed at his son and, despite his despair, held him high in the air. His sorrowful face shifted to one of fierce resolve.

"The Sacred Demonic Body of the Three Heavens… Ha! My son, I have dedicated my life to righteousness, yet the heavens mock me like this. If this is the will of the heavens…"

"I will give him my love, no matter what he becomes. If he seeks immortality, I will aid him. If he stands for righteousness, I will stand with him. And if he walks the path of demons, I will slaughter all in his way."

"Whether he ascends to the heavens or descends to hell, I will follow him. For my son, I will defy even the heavens!"

Li Ziyou's declaration resounded with fury as the heavens trembled. A deafening crack filled the air.

BOOM!

A violet bolt of lightning struck before the mansion, leaving only charred marks on the ground.

Calming himself, Li Ziyou returned the child to his wife, who watched him with tearful eyes. With a gentle touch, he stroked the infant's head, then summoned a white sword into his hand.

Pointing the blade toward the darkened skies, he vowed, "Remember this, heavens! From this moment forth, I, Li Ziyou, will no longer dedicate myself to righteousness. I will devote myself solely to my son!"

The heavens growled in reply but could do nothing.

Turning to his wife, Li Ziyou's fierce demeanor softened as he whispered, "Do you understand me, Wang Jiao? No one must know about this body that opposes the heavens."

Tears streaming, Wang Jiao nodded. "Please… don't let them suffer, my husband," she pleaded, her voice trembling with sorrow.

Li Ziyou nodded solemnly. Without another word, he walked to the door, gripping his sword tightly.

Pushing it open, he saw his loyal servants cleaning the hall, unaware of what was to come.

Hearing the door, they turned to greet him warmly.

Li Ziyou raised his blade without hesitation, striking the nearest servant with a radiant blue slash.

SPLAT!

The servant fell, her body cleaved in two, blood spraying like a fountain. The remaining servants froze in shock, unable to comprehend what had just happened.

"M-my lord… Why? What has she done wrong?" one stammered.

Li Ziyou gave no reply, continuing his grim work.

Cries of terror filled the air as the servants scrambled to escape, only to be cut down mercilessly.

When he opened his eyes again, the room was painted red with blood, but not a drop had stained him. He sheathed his sword and muttered, "This was not your fault… nor mine. It was no one's fault."

"Common folk like you… without cultivation, you would one day return to the earth anyway. I merely hastened it. May you be reborn into better lives."

"…Don't hate me," he whispered, biting his lip as he turned to leave the room filled with lifeless bodies.

"Shadow, clean this up. Make sure no one knows," he ordered, pushing the door open and vanishing into the storm.