Wandering Swordsman |

The first rays of morning sunlight fell upon the entrance to the Demon Refining Mountain, where crowds surged and the atmosphere was both lively and tense.

The geniuses under the age of thirty, gathered under the command of the three Demon Lords, have become a lively sight in this usually quiet place. Some of the geniuses chatted in small groups, while others stood alone in deep thought, their eyes reflecting both anticipation for the future and unease about the Demon Refining Mountain.

Standing in the crowd, Shen Mo felt a surge of excitement as he sensed the tense atmosphere around him. Xie Xin beside him was equally focused; the two occasionally exchanged glances, understanding each other's thoughts without a word. Not far away, Yue Linglong, dressed in a simple robe and wearing a bamboo hat that concealed her true identity, stood quietly among the crowd under the Moon Demon Lord's command, seemingly deep in thought.

The Flame Demon Lord, the Moon Demon Lord, and the Blood Demon Lord stood at the front of the crowd. The Flame Demon Lord exuded a scorching aura, as if the surrounding air was ignited by his presence; the Moon Demon Lord was like the bright moon in the night sky, calm and mysterious, giving people a sense of reassurance; the Blood Demon Lord, though thin, had piercing eyes that revealed unfathomable strength.

As the sun rose higher, the three demon lords gestured for silence. The Moon Demon Lord's clear, cold voice pierced through the clamor, echoing throughout the plaza: "Everyone, we have gathered here today to restart the Demon Refining Mountain to witness the birth of a new generation of Heavenly Demon Gods. May the Heavenly Demon Qi guide you forward and help you break through your limitations." Her words, though calm, were filled with power and blessings, each one deeply imprinted in everyone's heart.

As soon as she finished speaking, the crowd fell silent, all eyes fixed on the Moon Demon Lord. Her words were like an invisible force, binding everyone together and bringing immense comfort and courage to these young people about to embark on an unknown journey.

Immediately afterward, the Flame Demon Lord stepped forward. His figure appeared exceptionally tall and imposing in the sunlight, and his voice was deep and magnetic: "This reopening of the Demon Refining Mountain will last for five years. Five years from now, we will reopen the entrance, hoping that you will all return alive. Remember, on this mysterious land, only the strongest souls can withstand the trials."

Blood Demon Lord stood up last, his calm expression concealing a profound gaze, and said softly, "By the way, in the Demon Refining Mountain, besides using the dense demonic energy of the Demon Refining Mountain to cultivate quickly, there is another way to become stronger quickly, which is to use the Heaven-Defying Divine Art to absorb the power of others and permanently convert it into one's own."

Upon hearing this, everyone was stunned. This was the first time they had ever heard of a heaven-defying divine skill that could absorb another's power and permanently convert it into one's own. A murmur rippled through the crowd, and everyone's face was filled with shock and confusion.

As if seeing through everyone's questions, Blood Demon Lord immediately added, "Perhaps everyone knows that the Heaven-Defying Divine Skill can only temporarily absorb the power of those who have practiced low-level Heaven-Defying Divine Skills; it is not permanently effective."

After a brief pause, the Blood Demon Lord changed the subject and continued, "However, within the special area of ​​Demon Refining Mountain, due to its unique environment, the power absorbed using the Heaven-Defying Divine Art can be permanently converted into one's own strength. This is one of the reasons why Demon Refining Mountain is listed as a forbidden area. Of course, whether you live or die this time you open Demon Refining Mountain, whether you choose to cultivate diligently or absorb the power of others, is entirely up to you. Furthermore, you can rest assured that your actions within Demon Refining Mountain can disregard all sect rules."

Hearing this, the Flame Demon Lord seemed to have expected it, as if he already knew the Blood Demon Lord would say such a thing; while the Moon Demon Lord frowned slightly, secretly worried, feeling that the Blood Demon Lord's move was undoubtedly a deliberate attempt to provoke trouble, causing those who entered the Demon Refining Mountain to kill each other in pursuit of greater power. But with the Demon Refining Mountain about to open, there was nothing more she could do, and she could only hope that her subordinates would suffer fewer losses.

As the three demon lords finished speaking, they simultaneously extended their hands, their fingertips shimmering with light. Their combined power formed a dazzling beam of light that shot towards the massive stone gate. With the combined strength of the three demon lords, the gate leading to Demon Refining Mountain slowly opened, emitting a heavy rumble. As soon as the gate opened, a chilling demonic aura surged forth from within, spreading outwards as if alive, seemingly dyeing the air gray wherever it went.

Most of the geniuses about to enter the Demon Refining Mountain shivered involuntarily, their inner fear stirred by the demonic energy. Some showed hesitation and unease in their eyes, but more so, determination and resolve.

While the others hesitated, frightened by the sudden surge of demonic energy, Shen Mo led the Moon Demon Pavilion into the Demon Refining Mountain with unwavering resolve. His steps were steady and powerful, his eyes showing no fear, as if what lay before him was not a perilous unknown land, but a new world waiting to be conquered.

However, Shen Mo's courage and initiative immediately attracted the attention of the Flame Demon Lord and the Blood Demon Lord.

The Flame Demon Lord looked at the Blood Demon Lord, a hint of wariness in his eyes.

The moment the Blood Demon Lord and the Flame Demon Lord's eyes met, they nodded slightly, a barely perceptible sneer appearing on their lips.

Immediately, the two demon lords sent telepathic messages to Tu Yuliang and Lü Yan, reminding them to pay special attention to Shen Mo and implying that if they had the opportunity, they should get rid of him as soon as possible.

......

Upon entering the Demon Refining Mountain, a vast and boundless world unfolds before your eyes. Dozens of majestic mountains rise and fall in succession, and the valleys deep within are permeated with thick demonic energy. The distant mountain peaks appear and disappear in the mist, giving one a sense of mystery and danger. Every inch of this land seems to whisper, telling ancient and unknown stories.

Shen Mo quickly issued his first order as team leader: "The Blood Demon Pavilion and Flame Demon Pavilion members will be entering soon. Everyone, immediately disperse and find a secluded place to cultivate. If you encounter someone from the Blood Demon Pavilion, if you can defeat them, use your Heaven-Defying Divine Art to absorb their power; if the difference in strength is too great, run away immediately. Preserving your strength is the most important thing."

However, just as Shen Mo finished speaking, a disciple stepped forward, his eyes burning with anger and determination. "Captain, we're not leaving! We're staying to avenge Senior Sister Yue Linglong!" As soon as he said this, the atmosphere around them became heavy. Many people nodded in agreement, their eyes flashing with the flames of revenge.

Just as Shen Mo was about to calm the crowd, a slight commotion suddenly arose. Yue Linglong, disguised as an ordinary disciple, slowly removed her disguise. Her figure appeared exceptionally thin, and her aura extremely weak, making it almost impossible to sense her former strength. "Right now, everyone's most important task is to improve your strength. Listen to Captain Shen, disperse quickly, and I will avenge myself." Her voice was gentle, but it was filled with resolute power.