"The Essence-Devouring Demonic Scripture! " Dean Li could not help but exclaim. His brows furrowed in disbelief as he asked, "Young friend, do you even realize what you have chosen? This is a demonic art!"
His sudden outburst carried throughout the room, and those who overheard looked at Lie Feng with shocked expressions.
Lie Feng replied calmly, "I know. It is precisely because it is a demonic art that I chose it."
Dean Li's confusion deepened. "You are only twenty-four, yet you already possess the cultivation of the early Third Realm. Among your peers, though not the most outstanding, you are still quite remarkable. I firmly believe that given time, you will catch up with them. Why then choose a demonic art?"
He pressed further. "Do you even understand the consequences of cultivating the Essence-Devouring Demonic Scripture?"
Lie Feng bowed slightly. "I do, Dean Li. This scripture is called a demonic art because it originated from the Demon Clan. Though not the complete version, the most crucial sections remain intact. Practitioners of this scripture can absorb the cultivation of others, converting part of their victim's strength into their own."
Dean Li nodded gravely. "Indeed. While it can rapidly raise one's cultivation, its method deviates entirely from mainstream cultivation. Normally, we have three primary methods to advance. First, through meditation and drawing in spiritual energy from the surroundings, or from condensed spirit stones.
Second, by relying on medicinal pills to increase one's spiritual reserves. And third—those who practice this scripture can absorb the life force of other beings. The speed is astonishing, but the flaw is immense."
He continued, "The energy taken in is impure. Along with it comes the victim's negative emotions. This dark influence grows stronger with each breakthrough. Many lose control of themselves by the Fourth Realm, their temperaments turning frenzied and violent, until they fully descend into madness. Once they fall into demonic insanity, there is only one end: being hunted down by the righteous sects, lest they wreak havoc upon the mortal world."
Qin Fen interjected, "If it's so dangerous, then why keep it here in the academy's Scripture Pavilion?"
Dean Li sighed. "You do not understand. Not all who possess spiritual roots are equal. Some are blessed with great talent, but others are mediocre, even pitifully weak. Many of them will never reach the Third Realm, no matter how diligently they train. But how many would willingly give up the chance at immortality? For those people, this scripture represents their final hope."
He pointed at the scripture in Lie Feng's hand. "Yet because their talents are so poor, most lose their sanity even before reaching the Second Realm. Strictly speaking, this art should have been destroyed. But it also has unique aspects.
If one day it could be modified properly, it might bring great benefit to the cultivation world. That is why it has been preserved. Still, no one has touched it for centuries. I hope you reconsider. Remember—'Haste makes waste.' Only through steady perseverance can one walk far."
His tone softened with genuine concern. "You are a rare talent. It would be a tragedy to ruin yourself like this."
Lie Feng understood his goodwill, but shook his head. "I know the risks. But I also know that on the orthodox path, my chances of breaking through further are slim. That is why I have chosen this way."
Dean Li tried again, but was stopped short when Lie Feng asked, "Dean Li, what exactly do you consider orthodox and what do you consider demonic?"
After a pause, Dean Li answered methodically, "The orthodox path stands for justice, morality, and order. The demonic path stands for self above all, for obsession and extremity."
Lie Feng nodded. "Not wrong. But I think it can be said even more simply. The orthodox path is restraint, the demonic path is indulgence."
He sighed. "What I don't understand is this—if restraint is the heart of the orthodox way, then why do so many so-called righteous cultivators scheme against one another, killing and plundering at every turn? They seem to compete only in how far they can discard their bottom line. At times, I cannot tell whether they are orthodox or demonic. The disgraceful things they do hardly differ."
Dean Li was left speechless. He knew full well what kind of behavior ran rampant within the academy, yet the institution turned a blind eye in the name of 'healthy competition.' To hear such criticism spoken aloud stung deeply.
Lie Feng pressed on. "In truth, isn't this merely the natural consequence of cultivation itself? Ascending to the Immortal Realm requires only strength, not morality. The heavens demand no measure of virtue, only power.
If that is the case, then does it not encourage cultivators to use any means to grow stronger? If so, what kind of 'immortals' will the heavens be filled with? They will not be gods, but demons presiding over a hell."
Dean Li frowned, slightly offended by the young man's boldness. "Yet for thousands of years, this has been the proven path to ascension. Competition breeds progress. The failures become stepping stones for the strong—that is the law of the world. Cultivation itself is defiance of the heavens. Without seizing every chance, how could anyone succeed?"
"But that does not make it right," Lie Feng countered. "If the Immortal Realm is built on such cruelty, then it will not be a paradise but a slaughterhouse. Why rush to one's death for that?"
He paused before continuing. "Humans are dual by nature, as is cultivation. Yet everyone insists on drawing a rigid line between orthodoxy and demonic. I believe the two should coexist. My reason for choosing the Essence-Devouring Demonic Scripture is to test this theory—that true ascension should not come from mutual destruction, but from transcending human nature by finding the balance between restraint and indulgence."
At last, Dean Li began to understand. "So you intend to walk a new path of cultivation? How confident are you of success?"
Lie Feng smiled faintly and shook his head. "Not very."
Dean Li was stunned. "Without confidence, you still dare? If you fail, you may lose everything. This could destroy your future!"
Lie Feng bowed again. "I thank you for your concern, but I have resolved to try."
Dean Li turned to Chang Qingzi in frustration. "He is your disciple. Why don't you stop him? Must I be more worried for his future than you?"
Chang Qingzi laughed softly. "If words could change his mind, I would have spoken long ago. I know his temperament well. It is pointless to argue further."
Dean Li could only sigh. "Very well. I will not press the matter. If you truly discover a new path, perhaps it will bring great change to the cultivation world."
He then gestured toward the corridor. "Since you have all chosen your scriptures, allow me to take you to your guest rooms. You should begin your training quickly, to prepare for the Tournament in Zhongzhou a month from now."