300 - Elasia Saga

On the spirit ship, shortly after Fu Yan left, Bai Yue Li was already dressed and slowly got out of bed. Knowing that Lu Xiao Wen and his group were about to return, Bai Yue Li actually planned to return to the Demon Realm by herself. Of course, she wouldn't just leave without a word; she intended to wait for Fu Yan to come back and inform her of her plan. But just as her once rapid heartbeat began to calm, another familiar, intense presence abruptly filled the small room. This was a presence Bai Yue Li knew all too well—it was the Demon Lord who had perished right before her eyes in the Demon Realm while attempting his tribulation. Realizing this, Bai Yue Li had no time for further thought. She instinctively turned around swiftly, and as expected, a figure immediately came into view—it was the Demon Lord, who should have been dead. In the reflection of her clear eyes was a shadow completely clad in black, identical to the Demon Lord she had seen perish. Despite having mentally prepared herself, seeing him appear alive in front of her seemed utterly unreal to Bai Yue Li. For a moment, her pupils shrank in shock. She stared at the suddenly reappeared Demon Lord, her mind momentarily stalled. Meanwhile, the space rift behind the Demon Lord continued to flow and didn’t quickly seal up. Not that Bai Yue Li had the mind to pay attention to such details—her focus was entirely on the Demon Lord. Almost instinctively, she started to speak, "Demon Lord—" But before she could finish, the Demon Lord casually waved his hand, and with ease, he took Bai Yue Li into the space rift. By the time she regained her senses, she was already amidst the bluster of space blades, having been taken deep into the rift. However, the space torn open by the Demon Lord was stable, and the surrounding space blades couldn’t harm them at all. Back inside the room on the spirit ship, after a slight rustling sound, the space rift behind the table suddenly closed up quickly, leaving no trace in just the span of a breath. Moreover, the aura that had just belonged to the Demon Lord dissipated instantly, leaving no evidence that anyone had been there. Hence, when Fu Yan returned, she couldn't detect the presence of anyone else. The space flashed before Bai Yue Li, and in a blink, she found herself transported to a serene valley by the Demon Lord. It was so quiet and picturesque, akin to an untouched paradise. Although still reeling from the shock of the Demon Lord’s return, Bai Yue Li quickly thought of Fu Yan. Her sudden disappearance would surely leave Fu Yan worried. As she contemplated a way to send a message to Fu Yan, the Demon Lord once more raised his hand, pulling her into another space forcibly. This time, she realized it was shielded, and her messages couldn’t get through. Fortunately, she and Fu Yan, through frequent soul cultivation, had left traces of their souls in each other's consciousness, allowing them to sense if the other was in danger. Bai Yue Li didn’t know the Demon Lord’s reasons for returning, but sparing Fu Yan from being involved might actually be a blessing. Realizing she couldn’t escape under the Demon Lord's watch, Bai Yue Li calmed herself, shifting her entire focus onto the resurrected Demon Lord. "Demon Lord," she called out calmly, having suppressed her initial shock as she gazed at him. The Demon Lord didn't respond verbally, only turning and walking toward a modest-sized wooden house on the plain ahead. Bai Yue Li, having noticed it only then, paused briefly before following. Seeing the Demon Lord's back as they walked, Bai Yue Li silently remained on guard. After all, nobody knew the true intentions of a resurrected Demon Lord who used the Demon’s Son’s heart. Yet, Bai Yue Li didn’t believe the Demon Lord harbored ill intentions against her. With his power and talent, he didn’t need an elixir furnace like others. In this world, only those lacking in talent or struggling to advance in cultivation would resort to sinister plans like seeking an elixir furnace for aid. Evidently, the Demon Lord needed no such assistance. Furthermore, if he had such intentions, why would he transfer half his power to her and elevate her to the position of the Demon Realm’s sovereign when there were surely better candidates within the Demon Realm itself? As she contemplated this, they arrived at the wooden house's courtyard, where the Demon Lord finally turned to look at her and calmly said, “Very good.” His voice was ethereally cold and harsh to the ear. Bai Yue Li hesitated, unsure of what he meant by "very good." Could he be referring to how well she managed the Demon Realm? She quickly dismissed that thought. "Demon Lord?" Bai Yue Li questioned without dwelling too much on confusion. "When you first met her, she should have already told you," the Demon Lord said quietly, withdrawing his gaze and continuing, "A Pure Yin Body is indeed the perfect receptacle for my legacy." Though his words were initially perplexing, Bai Yue Li immediately recalled something—the "she" he mentioned must refer to the Demon Lord's avatar, which had been bound within a black box. This avatar had originally brought her back to the Demon Realm. Bai Yue Li remembered the avatar's excitement upon first sighting her, a Pure Yin. She could perfectly inherit the Demon Lord’s legacy? When these words flashed through her mind again, Bai Yue Li suddenly realized the literal meaning. “I tread a path unmatched in this land,” the Demon Lord confirmed, meeting Bai Yue Li’s mildly surprised gaze, emphasizing the uniqueness of her role. The Demon Lord’s cultivation path was unparalleled, his strength unique. It dawned on Bai Yue Li that besides herself, no one else could endure the half of his power bestowed upon her. In essence, only a Pure Yin Body could withstand the Demon Lord’s might. If, during his failed tribulation, another person had been present, that person would effortlessly have been destroyed by the portion of power the Demon Lord might have left behind. Ordinary cultivators could not withstand his strength, making this a task only Bai Yue Li could bear. Now fully grasping what had transpired, Bai Yue Li understood the immense effort and planning the Demon Lord had invested for this very day. It seemed the Demon Lord had long anticipated his tribulation’s failure, realizing his level couldn’t allow for reincarnation to start anew or a resignation to just death. Instead, he split into numerous avatars to covertly find a suitable Pure Yin Body to carry on his power. Considering this, it was obvious why his avatar had relentlessly pursued her even after she’d initially rejected and discarded it—the Pure Yin Body was pivotal to his plan. The Demon’s Son Heart, too, was part of the Demon Lord's scheme all along. Understanding this, Bai Yue Li now knew why she'd always felt an instinctive bond with the Demon’s Son Heart. In truth, it was the Demon Lord's deliberate division of power prior to his demise. Half within a Pure Yin Body, half within the Demon’s Son Heart, thereby ensuring a swift return to his peak strength upon his resurrection. With clarity over these facts, Bai Yue Li looked back at the Demon Lord, her eyes filled with a mix of shock and understanding. She hadn’t anticipated the meticulous planning behind these events. Yet, the Demon Lord’s return for his power within her made clear sense. Despite losing such power, Bai Yue Li didn’t feel regret—it was originally his after all, and she had merely safeguarded it. Even without it, she was confident she could achieve ascension, only now with more effort and time. Even knowing she was but a piece in the Demon Lord's strategic play, Bai Yue Li felt no malice towards him. Indeed, the Demon Lord had shown her a path. Otherwise, she couldn't fathom how terrifying it would be, being coveted for her Pure Yin Body by others, nor how challenging it might remain for her to reach the ascendant stage and stay alongside Fu Yan. If only through cultivating in the demonic arts could she walk alongside Fu Yan, Bai Yue Li would willingly embrace it. Everything had been worth it. There was nothing perplexing about it; this had been a fair exchange where both she and the Demon Lord obtained what they desired. Gazing at the Demon Lord again in the courtyard, Bai Yue Li's eyes were clear and her voice steady: "Congratulations on reclaiming your former glory, Demon Lord." As soon as she spoke, the Demon Lord's expression shifted. Without hesitation, he raised his hand, reaching out toward Bai Yue Li. With a low hum, Bai Yue Li felt the tumultuous surge of power within her being drawn out as the Demon Lord’s hand swept back, extracting the immense demonic power from her. The overwhelming magic, as if unleashed in an instant, surged swiftly into the Demon Lord's grasp. Perhaps because this half of the Demon Lord’s power had never truly merged with her, Bai Yue Li felt no discomfort as it was taken, much like someone casually retrieving something from her pocket. Within two heartbeats, the Demon Lord effortlessly severed their connection with a reverse motion of his hand. The potent energy, like waves dispersing into the ocean, vanished without a trace within him. Yet, Bai Yue Li suddenly realized that only half of the power had been taken; the other half remained coursing within her. For a moment, she was genuinely baffled. Why had the Demon Lord stopped before reclaiming all of it? Understanding this, Bai Yue Li instinctively looked at him, but before she could voice her confusion, he again reached out his hand. This time, though, it was different. His fingertips lightly touched Bai Yue Li's forehead, and she instantly felt a stream of energy rushing into her. She had no time to resist. "Ugh..." Her mind swiftly returned, realizing the torrent entwined with the remaining power within her. Previously, when the Demon Lord had retrieved half, Bai Yue Li had felt like a bystander. But now, she was acutely aware of the clash occurring within her. It seemed as though two forces were battling inside her. Within moments, droplets of cold sweat dotted Bai Yue Li's smooth forehead, indicating the acute struggle and pain within. "The remaining energy will harmonize with you," the Demon Lord stated, devoid of emotion. Upon hearing this, Bai Yue Li paused, swiftly understanding the situation. The power stored within her wasn't entirely reclaimed by the Demon Lord. Instead, the remaining portion was meant to integrate fully, becoming her own. Even if she didn't comprehend why the Demon Lord would bestow part of his power upon her, her current focus on subduing the turbulent force meant she couldn't ponder it too deeply. Successfully assimilating the Demon Lord's power would be no small feat. But if successful, it would become her true strength—an undeniably advantageous development. “Thank you, Demon Lord,” Bai Yue Li said, holding back her agitation, before slipping into the wooden house. There, she quickly sat and focused on refining the energy into her own strength. Outside, the Demon Lord glanced at the sky. Then, the Demon Lord dissipated into a shadowy mist, vanishing from the courtyard. Inside, Bai Yue Li continued her meditation, her internal energy gradually stabilizing and integrating until it became part of her own strength. As time slipped away piece by piece, Bai Yue Li began to understand the Demon Lord's intentions. Fully restoring his peak power might once again invoke a formidable tribulation. To avoid such an immediate confrontation, he chose not to reclaim his full strength. Bestowing a quarter of his power upon Bai Yue Li was both sincere and strategic, as he could have sealed it from detection altogether. Reflecting upon this, Bai Yue Li realized another point. Her own true strength had surpassed the second tribulation of the grand ascension phase. With this power, she would face her ascension tribulation soon. With a sigh of relief, she understood that to truly possess the might of an immortal, she needed to weather this ascension. Suddenly, Bai Yue Li opened her eyes and hastily consumed a few demonic elixirs, preparing herself for the impending tribulation. Time flew by. Within half a day, Bai Yue Li felt nearly complete in absorbing all the power. The Demon Lord returned, glancing at Bai Yue Li to confirm her progress before averting his gaze. However, a strong disturbance suddenly spread from the external barrier. Someone had broken through. Simultaneously, Bai Yue Li, sensing something, opened her eyes abruptly. She immediately recognized Fu Yan’s aura, leaving her momentarily stunned. In merely half a day, Fu Yan had found her way here. Realizing this, Bai Yue Li’s heart pounded as if something was about to burst from her chest. She almost instinctively rose to meet her. Yet, the Demon Lord's voice echoed in her ear: "If you wish to undo all your progress, go ahead and leave." Hearing this, Bai Yue Li froze, her legs still. The urgency of the tribulation prepared her for what mattered more—to walk beside Fu Yan as an equal, not be sheltered under someone else’s wings. She couldn’t miss her chance to grow stronger. Taking a deep breath, Bai Yue Li closed her eyes once more. Her energy began to settle, completely integrating the power, signaling that the ascension tribulation was near. Silence returned to the hut. Then, the Demon Lord turned, opened the wooden door, and casually stepped outside, descending the wooden steps to see Fu Yan approaching swiftly. Though aware of Fu Yan, the Demon Lord had never confronted her directly. With a slight pause, the Demon Lord lifted a hand, and the enclosing formations dissipated, shadows filling the sky. This space crafted by the Demon Lord allowed him to suppress the spiritual energy fluctuations temporarily, rendering Fu Yan, a spiritual cultivator, unable to access her true essence. Naturally, both he and Bai Yue Li, as demonic cultivators, remained unaffected. ... Upon entering the courtyard, Fu Yan felt burdened by an immense weight. Each step left a deep imprint in the ground. Despite this, she continued, slowly but surely, toward the Demon Lord. Their gazes met. In that moment, thunder rumbled across the once silent sky. Fu Yan, caught off guard, was drawn to the disturbance. A tribulation had arrived... Realizing this as an ascended immortal, she instantly recognized it as the ascension tribulation for merging with the grand ascension phase. Clearly, this was not meant for the Demon Lord. The answer was now painfully obvious: it was Bai Yue Li’s ascension tribulation. Understanding this, Fu Yan sighed in relief. However, she recalled how Bai Yue Li had advanced the second tribulation of the grand ascension phase barely half a year ago. Such rapid succession might present complications. Reflecting on her own struggles with the karmic fire tribulation due to frequent breakthroughs, Fu Yan grew worried. If Bai Yue Li encountered such tribulations while ascending, the consequences could be dire. Diverting her focus from the Demon Lord, Fu Yan fixed her gaze on the skies, intensely aware of Bai Yue Li's challenge. Amidst the rolling thunder, it only took a moment for the thunderclouds to gather above the wooden house. With a resounding "crack," the first bolt of the Nine Heavens Lightning struck down directly. Neither Fu Yan nor the Demon Lord moved from the courtyard, seemingly unconcerned about the prospect of being caught in its aftermath. Boom— The Nine Heavens Lightning crashed down, reducing the wooden structure almost instantly to rubble. Pieces of wood scattered everywhere, with much of it charred to cinders. Amongst the ruins, Fu Yan caught sight of Bai Yue Li. There, in the midst of the collapsed house, Bai Yue Li continued meditating, sitting upright without a single motion as the lightning struck her. Throughout the onslaught, she merely furrowed her brow slightly. Witnessing her composure, Fu Yan breathed a sigh of relief. Clearly, Bai Yue Li hadn’t suffered the dreadful karmic fire tribulation due to frequent breakthroughs. As for the Nine Heavens Lightning of the ascension tribulation, Fu Yan had faith that she would navigate it safely. Taking a deep breath, Fu Yan shifted her gaze to the Demon Lord standing before her. “Demon Lord?” Fu Yan addressed her calmly. At her words, the figure before her chuckled lightly. With a wave of her hand, Fu Yan suddenly found herself in a void space upon regaining her senses. The wooden house and Bai Yue Li, who was undergoing her tribulation, had vanished. In the vast emptiness of this void, Fu Yan and the Demon Lord faced each other, suspended in mid-air amidst the silence, devoid of any other sound. Yet, Fu Yan remained unfazed, lifting her gaze to meet the Demon Lord's eyes with a slight, knowing smile. "What is it that the Demon Lord truly intends?"