Word of the crimson-eyed demon spread like wildfire. Minor sects whispered about the prodigy who had returned from the dead. Some said he wielded forbidden power.
Others claimed he devoured the life force of his enemies. Lin Yuan did not care for rumors. He only cared for the quiet hum of the Blood Demon Scripture within his chest, urging him forward,
hungrier than ever.
He walked along the outskirts of the forest, his reflection flickering in a still pond.
Crimson eyes stared back at him, cold and calculating. His aura had grown heavier, darker. It pressed against the trees, bending the wind, warning any who dared approach.
A rustle made him pause.
From the shadows emerged a group of cultivators from a neighboring sect. Faces pale, hands gripping weapons that trembled with uncertainty.
"You've gone too far, Lin Yuan. Surrender… or die!"
Lin Yuan smiled faintly. Farther than you could imagine.
The fight erupted in an instant. The cultivators struck together, but their attacks were sluggish, predictable.
Lin Yuan moved like a shadow, faster than their eyes could follow. Crimson energy erupted from his palms,
wrapping around them like living serpents. Every failed strike, every moment of hesitation, fed his Blood Core, sharpened his instincts,
strengthened the demon within.
In moments, they were on their knees, drained, humiliated, terrified. Their pride shattered, their energy stolen.
The forest grew silent. Whispers began to rise among the scattered survivors: The demon has risen.
Fear him.
Lin Yuan's gaze lifted to the stars. Alone, yet sharper, stronger, hungrier. Fear, chaos, power they were his to wield.
A faint smile curved his lips.
"Let them run. Let them tremble. Every weak soul will feed me.
Every fear will sharpen me. This world… belongs to me."
Crimson mist swirled around him. The demon within had awakened fully, and the rise of Lin Yuan had truly begun.