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Chapter 399: Growth of the Primordial Spirit, Taking the Offensive
🕑 Added 2024-12-02 07:20:28 +0000 UTC"This flavor…"
The middle-aged warrior took a bite, his movements brisk. As soon as the meat touched his tongue, his eyes widened in astonishment.
The rich aroma of the roasted meat carried a unique, subtle energy. As the morsel slid down his throat, a wave of energy coursed through his body, leaving him feeling revitalized and clear-headed. Even his Primordial Spirit seemed to be nourished.
"This Ancient Demon flesh carries soul power—it's a delicacy!"
Li Hao, too, was relishing the meal. Beyond the simple culinary enjoyment, the soul power infused within the meat was skillfully prepared, making it easily digestible. Without his cooking expertise, such power would be nearly impossible to absorb; raw consumption would lead to rejection and potentially harmful effects. But with Li Hao's Dao-tier cooking techniques, even the latent soul energy within the flesh became harmoniously integrated into the dish. The result was as effective as a high-grade medicinal pill—if not better—and completely free of side effects.
"Delicious! Incredible!"
The middle-aged warrior's eating pace quickened, and soon he was devouring the food with unabashed enthusiasm, too absorbed to spare further comments.
He could feel that cooking Ancient Demon flesh into such a peerless delicacy required skills far beyond ordinary culinary techniques—comparable to the refinement of advanced alchemy by immortal-level cultivators.
"No need to rush; there's plenty more."
Li Hao chuckled as he watched the warrior wolf down the food.
To a chef, nothing was more gratifying than watching a guest enjoy their meal with such fervor. It filled him with a deep sense of accomplishment.
The two ate in silence, their focus entirely on savoring the meal.
As each piece of Ancient Demon flesh was consumed, Li Hao felt an unusual heat begin to rise within his Primordial Spirit. The energy coursing through him built up until it felt ready to burst, eventually coalescing into something new—like a chick breaking free from its shell.
Within his Primordial Spirit, a second golden thread began to form.
Li Hao's perception sharpened, and he realized his Primordial Spirit had grown stronger. His thoughts became clearer, and the range of his spiritual senses extended significantly.
"If I keep refining myself this way, I might truly reach the pinnacle of the Primordial Spirit realm someday."
This realization excited Li Hao. Though his Primordial Spirit had been sufficient for combat against the Supreme Saints, it hadn't provided a clear advantage against those with similar cultivation. However, he knew that once his Primordial Spirit fully matured, it would grant him absolute dominance over those who hadn't reached the same level.
Within a short span, the two had devoured every piece of the roasted Ancient Demon flesh. Their faces were smeared with oil, yet they radiated satisfaction, as though they could hardly bear to stop.
"I didn't think you could turn Ancient Demon flesh into such a rare delicacy."
The middle-aged warrior patted his belly, his tone filled with genuine amazement as he looked at Li Hao.
Beyond the incredible taste, he could feel that his long-neglected Primordial Spirit had been significantly nourished. Years of accumulated damage and hidden injuries had begun to heal. He even speculated that, with more meals like this, he could recover to his peak condition—or perhaps even surpass it.
Had he been left to his own devices, he would've consumed the Ancient Demon flesh raw or simply roasted it. The results would have been far inferior, likely yielding indigestion rather than energy.
"The Ancient Demons' flesh is peculiar, but it's still a type of ingredient—just more challenging to handle."
Li Hao smiled modestly.
Had he not reached Dao-tier cooking, such exquisite preparation would have been impossible. These materials, more complex than dragon meat or phoenix blood, would have been lethal if improperly processed, turning into poison rather than nourishment.
The middle-aged warrior gazed at Li Hao with a mix of admiration and reluctance. While he initially hoped Li Hao would return to the Pseudo-Realm to avoid the dangers of the ancient road, he now selfishly wished for him to stay. After tasting such unparalleled cooking, how could he easily part with it?
But he didn't voice his thoughts. If Li Hao decided to leave, he wouldn't stop him. After all, this ancient road was filled with despair.
"Do you play chess, Senior?"
After finishing the meal, Li Hao stretched and casually asked.
The middle-aged warrior was momentarily startled. Chess? Such leisurely pursuits belonged to a time long past—memories from an era untouched by war. Now, his mind and body were conditioned solely for combat.
"It's been too long. I've forgotten."
He shook his head.
Li Hao sighed in mild disappointment and returned to setting up his fishing lines. The previous wave of Ancient Demons had triggered the lines as they approached, granting him a substantial amount of Fishing Dao experience.
Once the lines were in place, Li Hao resumed painting, finding solace in the activity. It was one of the few forms of entertainment he could indulge in amidst the desolation.
"You're not planning to leave?"
The warrior observed Li Hao's relaxed demeanor and couldn't help but ask.
Li Hao shook his head, smiling. "If I leave, where will I find such rare ingredients again?"
The warrior blinked, then burst into laughter. "You're a strange one."
He wasn't sure if Li Hao was serious, but the answer warmed him nonetheless. The countless years of solitude had left him yearning for companionship, even if only subconsciously.
"I'll conserve my blood energy and rest for now."
The warrior's voice softened as his flesh receded, leaving behind a skeletal figure once more.
Li Hao nodded and continued painting. The remaining Ancient Demon corpses provided ample material for his work. Each completed painting not only improved his Art Dao experience but also enriched his understanding of these creatures.
As time passed, Li Hao developed a steady routine: when tired, he rested; when hungry, he cooked. After finishing the Twofold Realm Ancient Demon, he moved on to the remaining Threefold Realm corpses.
Whenever Li Hao prepared the Ancient Demon flesh, the warrior would awaken, joining him for the meal. Each bite nourished their Primordial Spirits, and for Li Hao, every meal brought the appearance of another golden thread within his Primordial Spirit.
The middle-aged warrior's condition improved markedly as well. His long-neglected injuries fully healed, and his Primordial Spirit began to show signs of breaking through its limits, faint traces of golden threads forming within it.
"Legends say that when the Primordial Spirit reaches its zenith, it can reconstruct the flesh even if the body is entirely destroyed."
The warrior's restored vitality was evident. His once-shadowed eyes now gleamed with newfound hope, the despair etched in his features replaced by determination.
As they shared more time together, the bond between the two deepened. Their camaraderie grew over meals and conversations, and the warrior's initial view of Li Hao as a passing traveler shifted.
"The Ancient Demon meat is almost gone."
Li Hao glanced at the remaining fragments, which were barely enough for one more meal.
Over the past ten days, no Ancient Demons had launched another assault. This frequency, as explained by the middle-aged warrior, was typical.
Had attacks occurred regularly, the warrior wouldn't have lasted so long in this desolate place. Normally, the Ancient Demons appeared only once every few decades. The recent surge in activity was likely due to Li Hao's arrival and his unique aura drawing their attention.
The middle-aged warrior, chewing on the last bit of roasted meat, met Li Hao's gaze. The two exchanged looks, and then both burst out laughing.
"So, you're really planning to stay here with me, fighting these Ancient Demons?"
The warrior chuckled. Li Hao's audacity and carefree demeanor earned his respect.
"If you can hold off the First and Second-Tier Ancient Demons, I can handle the rest."
Li Hao replied calmly. He had no intention of leaving—not when the Ancient Demon flesh could nourish his Primordial Spirit. Such an opportunity was unparalleled. Even the consumption of the ancient fiend beast, Hun Tian's body, had only enhanced his physical strength. His Primordial Spirit had remained untouched.
Refining the Primordial Spirit was exponentially harder than cultivating the body. While absorbing solar and lunar essences could preserve and maintain its state, breaking past its limits was almost impossible. Only during his Tribulation of the Dao, when the heavens bestowed their feedback, had he succeeded in condensing a single golden thread within his Primordial Spirit.
Now, this Ancient Demon flesh was showing effects comparable to that heavenly boon. It provided a rare chance to condense even more golden threads and strengthen his Primordial Spirit.
However, the opportunity came with immense danger. Encounters with Ancient Demons weren't guaranteed victories. If it were so easy, countless immortals and gods wouldn't have fallen here, their bones buried in this battlefield.
Li Hao's entire journey had been fraught with challenges far exceeding his cultivation level. The only reason he survived and prevailed was his overwhelming power, which allowed him to overcome difficulties that would have obliterated anyone else of his rank.
"That won't be a problem. I've reached a point where even taking on a First-Tier Ancient Demon doesn't require excessive caution anymore."
The middle-aged warrior's gaze flickered with determination. For reasons he couldn't quite articulate, he felt as though a glimmer of hope had appeared before him—perhaps a chance to finally carve a path through this cursed ancient road.
The arrival of this young man seemed like a gift from the heavens, a sign that his long vigil might finally bear fruit. If they could continue to slay the Ancient Demons and absorb their flesh to grow stronger, perhaps the ancient road wasn't as impenetrable as he'd once believed.
"Let's give it a shot, then."
Li Hao agreed.
Though he wasn't driven by a burning desire to break through the ancient road, if the opportunity arose to clear the way, it would undoubtedly be a monumental achievement. Humanity's fate wouldn't remain so dire, and one day, he might even witness the vast truths of the True Realm.
Moreover, the Xuan Pin Gate had already been breached. If he returned to the Land of Saints, even if he could reign supreme and live in peace, the ever-present threat of another Ancient Demon invasion meant the peace wouldn't last forever. Without the might of the gods and immortals, humanity would be defenseless.
"Alright!"
The middle-aged warrior nodded, then began sharing his reconnaissance of the Ancient Demons he had been observing.
Over the years, while guarding the ancient road, he had occasionally ventured out to survey the terrain ahead. These scouting missions revealed a harrowing reality: countless First-Tier Ancient Demons roamed further down the path, making any attempt to leave seem impossible.
"Wait here while I scout the road again."
The warrior turned to leave, intending to verify the current state of the ancient road.
Li Hao hesitated, concern flickering in his eyes.
"Don't worry. I've survived this long for a reason. My stealth and evasion techniques are exceptional. If not for a stretch of the road teeming with clustered First-Tier Ancient Demons near the end, I might've already snuck out."
The warrior smiled reassuringly.
Hearing this, Li Hao relaxed slightly. After countless years of combat, the warrior undoubtedly possessed formidable skills honed to perfection.
With a brief farewell, the warrior's figure dissolved into the wind, vanishing into the horizon.
Li Hao watched in amazement, unable to detect any trace of his departure. Even the dimensional seams of Gui Xu didn't seem to open; it was as though he had melted into the fabric of the world itself.
"That's… an incredibly advanced movement technique."
Li Hao marveled. Left alone, he grew more vigilant, retreating into the bronze war chariot to wait.
Two days later, the warrior returned, suddenly reappearing near the war chariot.
Li Hao, who had been restless and unable to focus on painting during the warrior's absence, immediately emerged to greet him.
"What's the situation?"
Li Hao asked, noticing the warrior's solemn expression.
"Not good."
The warrior began, his tone heavy. He then recounted the intelligence he had gathered.
The ancient road stretched far beyond their current location, leading to a chaotic rift left behind by the celestial battle between the Immortal Emperor and the Ancient Demons. This rift was a horrifying scar of destruction, capable of annihilating even True Immortals upon contact. The only viable path was through the ancient road.
Ahead, clusters of First-Tier Ancient Demons patrolled the road. Among them was the Ancient Demon known as Zheng, a leader commanding hundreds of Third-Tier Ancient Demons and seven Second-Tier ones.
In the great battle of old, First-Tier Ancient Demons like Zheng held the rank of centurions within the Ancient Demon army. Beyond Zheng's territory, over a dozen equally formidable First-Tier Ancient Demons roamed the road, each commanding similar forces. Near the road's exit, their numbers only grew denser.
This grim discovery unsettled the warrior. Despite the passage of countless years, the Ancient Demons still lingered here, and their numbers seemed to have increased.
Had the True Realm fallen? Were the Ancient Demons breeding unchecked?
The warrior explained that Ancient Demons were known for their rapid reproduction and accelerated cultivation. It was this very trait that allowed them to swarm the True Realm like locusts, leaving a trail of devastation.
However, there was another possibility: the remnants of the celestial armies might still be engaged in battle outside the ancient road. If so, they might be attempting to clear this battlefield, forcing the Ancient Demons to guard the road's exit.
If that were true, breaking through the road might bring them into contact with the celestial reinforcements.
"You understand the Ancient Demon language, Senior?"
Li Hao asked, surprised by the warrior's detailed knowledge of the demons' hierarchies and tactics.
"I once captured one alive and forced it to teach me."
The warrior replied. Then, he turned to Li Hao with a serious expression.
"Now that you know the situation, are you still willing to walk this path with me?"
"Let's go. If it becomes impassable, we can always reconsider."
Li Hao grinned.
The warrior studied Li Hao's casual demeanor and knew—despite the lighthearted response—Li Hao was utterly serious.
The middle-aged warrior took a deep breath and said, "Let's give it a shot."
Without hesitation, he sketched out the terrain of the ancient road and the positions of the Ancient Demons based on his reconnaissance. While his drawings lacked the artistic flair and spirit imbued in Li Hao's work, they effectively depicted the layout of the ancient road and the distribution of the demons.
Using the map, the two of them devised a plan of attack. A frontal assault was too risky—disturbing too many Ancient Demons at once would spell disaster. Instead, they needed a strategy of gradual attrition through stealth and ambush.
"We'll weaken Zheng's forces bit by bit. Once it realizes something is wrong and calls for reinforcements, we'll execute a swift kill. But before that, we must eliminate all the surrounding Ancient Demons. Even a single one escaping could alert the others."
The middle-aged warrior explained.
With their plan finalized, Li Hao cooked and finished the remaining half of the Ancient Demon meat. After replenishing their strength and allowing the warrior to rest for the night, the two silently set off.
This time, the warrior brought along the bronze war chariot, using it to traverse the ancient road at high speed. After traveling several hundred miles, they arrived at the edge of Zheng's territory.
The ancient road was barren, strewn with scattered remnants of battles past. The skeletal remains of fallen warriors had been collected by the warrior and stored within the war chariot, leaving behind only dulled and broken weapons. Li Hao refrained from picking up any of these relics for now, focusing on their mission.
When the war chariot stopped, the two exchanged a glance. The middle-aged warrior took the lead, stepping into Zheng's territory. He masked his aura to remain inconspicuous but intentionally leaked just enough to draw attention. Meanwhile, Li Hao followed a different path, splitting up to enact their plan.
Inside Zheng's Domain
Deep within a massive cavern, Zheng was coiled within the shadows. Its enormous body exuded an oppressive aura, and its pitch-black eyes seemed to swallow light itself.
Opposite Zheng stood another Ancient Demon of equal size, named Man.
"Zheng, after all this time, you still haven't dealt with that True Immortal. Why don't we handle it together? Afterward, we can split its soul—fifty-fifty."
Man smirked, its tone both mocking and tempting.
The Ancient Demons were not only terrifying in power but also possessed remarkable intelligence, a trait that made them the scourge of the True Realm's myriad races.
"We agreed on terms when we drew lots. The prey is mine."
Zheng's voice was cold, dripping with disdain.
"But it's been years, hasn't it? You must realize by now that you can't kill that True Immortal on your own. It's stronger than the others, perhaps even capable of becoming a True Lord if not trapped here."
Man's tone turned calculating, pointing out the stalemate.
"With the Demon God's lingering power in this place, it cannot cultivate. Sooner or later, it will perish."
Zheng sneered. Clearly, it was unwilling to share the prize it had guarded for so long. Such "food" was becoming increasingly rare. If it lost this meal, it might not find another in the current environment.
Moreover, there was another tempting prospect—an infant immortal had appeared recently. This new arrival hinted at a critical detail: the Xuan Pin Gate might have been unsealed.
That gate led to the Heavenly Emperor Tianyang's Pseudo-Realm, a vast repository of treasures, rich with untold numbers of delectable souls. Zheng alone was privy to this information and had no intention of sharing it. To claim the gate, however, the lingering True Immortal had to be eliminated first.
"Don't be foolish, Zheng. Fine, sixty-forty—sixty for you, forty for me. Surely you understand the risks we face outside. When the leader calls us to battle, survival will be uncertain."
Man's tone grew sharper.
Zheng frowned, its annoyance evident. Man's words carried weight; the constant threat of being summoned to the chaotic frontlines gnawed at it. Still, it wasn't about to yield.
"Anything in my mouth has never been taken away. If you're not going to help, leave."
Zheng's dismissal was frosty, its intention to send Man away clear.
"Ignorant fool."
Man glared at Zheng but ultimately rose to leave.
As it approached the cavern's exit, both it and Zheng suddenly paused, their expressions shifting. Man's gaze turned inquisitive, while Zheng's grew stormy with rage.
In Zheng's domain, the middle-aged warrior had stealthily approached a Third-Tier Ancient Demon. With a single strike of his sword, he silently ended its life. Though his movements were precise and soundless, the sudden disappearance of a Third-Tier Ancient Demon's aura couldn't go unnoticed for long. The remaining demons, their senses sharp, quickly detected the anomaly.
"It's that True Immortal!"
"It dared to invade! Kill it!"
"Alert the leader immediately!"
The Ancient Demons rapidly gathered, wary of facing the intruder alone. They knew from past experience that fighting the True Immortal individually was akin to suicide.
From within the cavern, Man smirked at the disturbance. "It seems your prey intends to deal with you first."
Zheng's expression turned grim. Though furious at the intrusion, its greater concern was Man's involvement.
"Need some help?"
Man's tone was mocking, its presence a constant reminder of potential interference.
"I'll handle it. You can leave now."
Zheng's reply was curt and filled with veiled hostility.
Man chuckled softly, its eyes glinting with intrigue as it suppressed its aura. "Fine. I'll watch from the sidelines."
With that, it vanished into the shadows, leaving Zheng seething. It knew Man wouldn't stray far and that eliminating the True Immortal was the only way to remove Man's leverage.
"Assemble!"
Zheng roared, its command echoing through the cavern. Instantly, seven Second-Tier Ancient Demons gathered, followed by hundreds of Third-Tier ones, all rushing toward Zheng's position.
The middle-aged warrior, aware of the Ancient Demon's capabilities, understood the urgency of his actions. Should Zheng's forces successfully form a demon array, retreat would be the only option.
He moved swiftly, targeting the Second-Tier Ancient Demons. A dazzling sword strike, like a river of stars, cleaved through the air. One of the Second-Tier Ancient Demons failed to react in time and was split in half.
Zheng bellowed in rage and lunged at the warrior, determined to crush him. Yet, the warrior ignored it entirely, focusing his attacks on the Second-Tier demons.
The six remaining Second-Tier Ancient Demons hesitated, unsettled by the warrior's unexpected strategy. Why was he targeting them with such fervor while ignoring Zheng?
In mere moments, two more Second-Tier Ancient Demons fell to his blade.
As Zheng's fury reached its peak, it unleashed its innate ability—a surge of Soul-Devouring Black Mist spread across the battlefield, intent on delivering a crippling blow.
The middle-aged warrior, unfazed, darted into action.
Whoosh!
The middle-aged warrior swung his sword with immense force, scattering the black mist as he engaged in fierce combat with Zheng.
The four remaining Second-Tier Ancient Demons exhaled slightly in relief. With their leader holding off the True Immortal, they could now assist without fearing immediate death.
"Form the array!"
One of the Ancient Demons growled.
The hundreds of Third-Tier Ancient Demons quickly gathered, their bodies emitting a dark, ominous glow as they began to channel the black mist.
At that moment, a dazzling blade light shot through the air from a distant location.
Boom!
A single Third-Tier Ancient Demon was struck down, its body annihilated on the spot.
This shocking scene caused the other demons to freeze momentarily.
Another person?
It didn't take long for them to piece together the information—the "infant immortal" mentioned earlier had also joined the battle. Enraged roars echoed as one of the Second-Tier Ancient Demons led ten others, charging directly toward Li Hao's position.
Li Hao's expression was resolute. He and the middle-aged warrior had planned only to skirmish, aiming to eliminate as many as possible without committing to a full-scale confrontation. After all, their opponents' numbers were overwhelming.
Whoosh!
Li Hao commanded the residual blade, sending it out with all his strength. Its speed was now nearly three times faster than before.
In an instant, three Third-Tier Ancient Demons were slain, their bodies severed into pieces.
Simultaneously, Li Hao's Primordial Spirit manifested as a sword, releasing a radiant sword light. The speed of the spirit sword matched the residual blade, leaving the three demons' spirits no time to react before being utterly destroyed.
Within Li Hao's Primordial Spirit, five golden threads glimmered brightly. These golden threads signified an immense evolution of his spirit, granting him greater control and speed when wielding weapons.
Coupled with the enhancement from his mastery of Yu Dao, Li Hao could now face ten Third-Tier Ancient Demons without needing the protection of the bronze war chariot. He could effortlessly kill them before they could close in on him.
"Roar!"
The Second-Tier Ancient Demon let out a furious roar, its eyes blazing with rage and shock. It could sense that Li Hao's overall power was not overwhelming, yet his control over his weapons was terrifyingly fast. Even the golden glow of Li Hao's Primordial Spirit exuded an oppressive aura that unnerved it—a sensation it found difficult to believe.
Whoosh!
Li Hao ignored its rage, driving the residual blade forward in another sweeping arc.
In one motion, four more Third-Tier Ancient Demons were reduced to fragments, their bodies destroyed instantly.
The follow-up attack came almost instantaneously. The Primordial Spirit's sword energy surged forward, annihilating the spirits of those four demons in a flash.
The remaining three Third-Tier Ancient Demons recoiled, terror evident in their eyes. It was as if they were facing a True Immortal rather than someone of their own level.
The Second-Tier Ancient Demon hesitated. Despite its higher rank, it couldn't ignore the fear clawing at its instincts. Yet, with its strength hovering between True Immortal and Saint levels, it couldn't believe that a mere human could surpass its abilities.
Since the dawn of the Ancient Demons, their race had ravaged the True Realm, rarely encountering individuals who could cross boundaries to slay them.
With incredible speed, the Second-Tier Ancient Demon closed the distance between itself and Li Hao, spewing a dense black mist to engulf him. At the same time, it unleashed crimson beams of destructive light, each imbued with devastating power.
Li Hao's body entered an Extreme State, his silver hair flowing wildly as his golden eyes radiated brilliance. He stood like a battle god, exuding a ferocious aura.
Gripping Gongming, he swung the blade forcefully, clashing with the crimson beams. Though the strike managed to block the attack, it pushed him to his limits.
Immediately after, the residual blade struck again, slashing through the Second-Tier Ancient Demon's massive body.
However, the demon's physical composition differed from its Third-Tier counterparts. Despite Li Hao's rapid strikes, he couldn't deliver a fatal blow. Each cut caused grievous damage, yet its body regenerated almost instantaneously. The repeated injuries left marks, but as soon as the blade withdrew, its flesh healed completely.
"Roar!"
The Second-Tier Ancient Demon was enraged. The sharpness of the residual blade exceeded its expectations, and its defenses struggled to keep up.
Was this a celestial artifact?
Fortunately for the demon, the residual blade carried no additional power beyond its sharpness. Despite the excruciating pain of being repeatedly torn apart, it realized Li Hao's attacks posed no immediate lethal threat.
The black mist surrounding the battlefield thickened as the demon activated its innate abilities. The oppressive mist disrupted Li Hao's connection to the spatial rift of Gui Xu, cutting off his ability to teleport. Forcing his way through would be akin to diving into a sea of flames, leaving him grievously wounded.
Li Hao's expression turned grim as he felt his soul tremble. The black mist was like corrosive acid, deadly to the touch. If he wasn't careful, his soul could be devoured and shattered.
"Break!"
Li Hao's eyes flashed as he manipulated a nearby Third-Tier Ancient Demon's corpse, hurling it toward the mist.
Whoosh!
The corpse swung through the black mist, scattering it like a gust of wind.
This sight left the Second-Tier Ancient Demon utterly stunned.
He can do that?!
As the demon reeled in shock, Li Hao's residual blade continued its relentless assault, slicing through its body with rapid precision.
Li Hao's focus deepened, immersing himself in the cutting process. With every strike, he grew more attuned to the demon's anatomy, identifying its structural weaknesses.
Faster!
Li Hao pushed himself, the blade's speed increasing. He carved through the demon's skull, wings, and other critical areas, studying not only its physical form but also the pathways of its inner Dao.
Meanwhile, the surrounding black mist surged, but Li Hao's diverted attention allowed him to use the demon corpse to dissipate it repeatedly. His own body couldn't touch the mist, but the corpse—already devoid of spirit—was unaffected.
Watching its own kind being used as a tool by Li Hao, the Second-Tier Ancient Demon seethed with rage. It lunged at him, its claws slashing downward, leaving streaks of blood-red energy that tore through the space around them.
Li Hao activated his Eternal Dao Domain, unleashing a flurry of strikes within. Using the technique Immortal's Guidance, he gathered countless sword energies from the domain and launched them in a counterattack.
Boom!
The collision caused a tremendous shockwave. Though the red streaks were blocked, Li Hao was thrown back, his bones rattling from the impact. His blood surged, leaving him momentarily shaken.
Drawing on the power of All-Heaven Stellar Veins, he quickly replenished his strength.
As the Second-Tier Ancient Demon prepared to strike again, its instincts screamed in alarm. A deep-seated fear gripped its being—a sensation it hadn't experienced in eons.
It smelled death.
Its massive frame began to falter, as though tethered to an abyss that threatened to drag it down.
Impossible!
The demon's pupils contracted in horror as it locked eyes with Li Hao. Panic surged through it, urging it to flee, but an unseen force—a presence as unyielding as the heavens—bound it in place.
Boom!
The demon's colossal body trembled violently, collapsing as an aura of death and decay consumed it. Desperate, it abandoned its flesh, sending its spirit surging outward in an attempt to escape the impending doom.
In its last-ditch effort, it activated Fate Reversal, summoning a trace of celestial energy to break free of the lethal force.
The demon's massive body fell with a thunderous crash, but its spirit narrowly escaped destruction.
Li Hao stood stunned, realizing that his Fatal Attribute had activated. Even the powerful Second-Tier Ancient Demon couldn't fully withstand the ability. However, its spirit had managed to survive, using a rare technique to escape.
Wasting no time, Li Hao's Primordial Spirit transformed into a sword, channeling all its strength into a single attack.
Boom!
The radiant sword light cleaved through the air, slashing directly into the demon's spirit.
Its spirit, encased in chains of black smoke filled with wailing souls, shattered under the force of Li Hao's strike. The chains broke apart, and the spirit dissolved into nothingness.
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