From the moment Ling Xiao was born, his Heavenly Demon True Body had already been exposed. While this forbidden physique was powerful and mysterious, it was regrettable that Ling Xiao had no Dan Hai (Dantian Sea, the energy core in cultivation) within his body. In other words, he was essentially a useless person—unable to absorb spiritual energy and cultivate like ordinary people. As a result, the demonic thoughts of his Heavenly Demon True Body could not be suppressed by his own spiritual power, and it was only a matter of time before they were exposed.
At this critical moment, another child was born into the Ling family—a concubine's son. This was Ling Tian, Ling Xiao's half-brother (sharing the same father but different mothers). Ling Tian's mother was a young lady from a declining ancient clan in the Holy State. It was said that this ancient clan had once produced a Sword Dao Venerable who shook the entire Holy State, but for some unknown reason, it had fallen into decline later. Ling Xiao's father had accidentally encountered this young lady from the ancient clan on the street; taking pity on her unfortunate background, he brought her back home and took her as a concubine. Because of this, Ling Xiao's father had also been constantly targeted by Ling Xiao's mother.
The two boys were born on the same day. Ling Xiao was born with a forbidden physique and no Dan Hai, while Ling Tian was exceptionally gifted—blessed with a rare Yin-Yang Dan Hai (a Dantian Sea that balances Yin and Yang energies, an extremely rare trait) that was unparalleled in the world. His cultivation speed was far beyond what ordinary people could achieve. Regrettably, however, Ling Tian's mother died due to difficult labor on the day he was born—condemning him to grow up in the Ling family without any protection.
As the master of the Holy State's top Alchemy Sect, Ling Xiao's mother, Xuan Yuanyue, had spared no effort in studying alchemy, hoping to suppress the demonic thoughts in Ling Xiao. But her efforts were in vain. Without the suppression of spiritual energy, Ling Xiao's mind was gradually eroded by demonic thoughts. Against this backdrop, Xuan Yuanyue turned her gaze to Ling Tian.
When the two boys turned ten, Xuan Yuanyue personally took action: she extracted Ling Tian's Dan Hai and transplanted it into Ling Xiao's body. Perhaps due to their blood connection, the Yin-Yang Dan Hai regained vitality in Ling Xiao's body. It quickly helped him suppress his demonic thoughts and earned him the reputation of a "heavenly prodigy." Ling Tian, however, fell into despair after losing his Dan Hai. He became a well-known "good-for-nothing" and never recovered.
Few people in the Ling family knew about this dark secret—even Ling Tian himself only had a vague memory that he had been harmed by Ling Xiao and his mother. But in Xuan Yuanyue's eyes, it was only natural for a concubine's son to sacrifice himself for the legitimate young master. Once, Ling Xiao had shared this view. Now, however, he realized that compared to Ling Tian, his own body would eventually meet a tragic end—and that Ling Tian was the true Chosen One of the Ling family.
Ling Xiao's parents had a fierce quarrel over this incident and began living separately. Since Ling Xiao was the legitimate heir of the Ling family, his father chose to forget the matter after two years. Nevertheless, he doted on Ling Tian immensely and ensured he suffered no more harm.
Ling Xiao had learned of this secret ever since he transmigrated into this world. What made him hesitate slightly was how to face his half-brother after returning to the Holy State. Following the usual trope, after losing his Dan Hai, Ling Tian would definitely awaken other talents. Moreover, the hatred he felt toward Ling Xiao could never be resolved with a few words. On the surface, Ling Tian appeared extremely obedient—but this obedience was even more terrifying.
Ling Tian might not know about Ling Xiao's forbidden demonic body, but his seven years of patience must have allowed him to accumulate terrifying trump cards. The former Ling Xiao might have unknowingly become a stepping stone for Ling Tian, and his mother Xuan Yuanyue would have met an even more tragic end. But now that Ling Xiao knew the direction of the plot, he was determined to prevent this tragedy.
"Even after losing his Dan Hai, he endured for seven years… Tsk, my dear brother, you really are incredibly scheming."
Ling Xiao knew well that Ling Tian's current obedience was only to preserve his life. After all, the Ling family was nothing like the Ye family—and Ling Xiao's mother was a figure who held immense power in the Holy State. If Ling Tian had shown even the slightest sign of discontent or awakened other talents, he would have been doomed.
"Sigh, truly living up to the villain role—even not sparing my own brother."
Ling Xiao gave a bitter laugh. In the end, he still couldn't decide how to deal with Ling Tian, so he temporarily turned his attention to cultivation. After all, whether one was a Chosen One or a villain, strength was the ultimate foundation for standing firm in this world. This was especially true for Ling Xiao: his past arrogance had already made him a group of enemies. If he dared to slack off now, his future path would only grow more difficult.
"Heavenly Demon True Body—strengthen!"
Ling Xiao took a deep breath, barely calming his mind. Without hesitation, he used all his remaining Villain Value to enhance his Heavenly Demon True Body.
"Hum."
This time, the space did not collapse, and no dark clouds gathered above his head. Only strands of dark, eerie demonic light spread outward. Even with the talismans Ling Xiao had placed to conceal his aura, wisps of demonic energy still seeped out. In just a moment, the entire barren mountain fell completely silent. Even the grass and trees turned to ash the instant the demonic light swept over them…
Endless darkness enveloped the land. Within a hundred li radius, all light was completely extinguished—even the sunlight above vanished without a trace the moment it descended. A cold, murderous aura spread slowly.
Meanwhile, in Qingfeng City:
All cultivators looked up at the gloomy sky above, their faces filled with fear. What terrifying monster aura! What overwhelming pressure!
In the mid-air, a graceful figure clad in white fur stood with hands behind her back. Though her appearance looked somewhat youthful, and her composed movements carried a hint of cuteness, this did not diminish the awe she inspired. For the pressure emanating from her had clearly reached the Xuanqing Realm—a level that had long been forbidden to appear in the Four Wastelands!
Behind her, ferocious monsters with terrifying auras roared menacingly, and a tangible stench of blood wafted through the air.
"Monsters are attacking the city! Monsters are attacking the city!"
At this moment, all clans in Qingfeng City fell into panic. Even the Northern Wasteland prodigies and their protectors fell completely silent, huddling in the shadows and daring not to move an inch.
"It's a rule in the Four Wastelands that no Xuanqing Realm powerhouses shall appear"—yet now, a Xuanqing Realm great monster had suddenly descended upon Qingfeng City. Moreover, from her demeanor, it was clear she had not come to pay homage to Young Master Ling Xiao. That overwhelming, heaven-like ferocity seemed… to be for killing!
"Where is that so-called Holy State young noble? My mistress has come in person—why isn't he rolling out to pay his respects?"
In mid-air, a monster with a dog's head roared. Demonic aura surged around it—it was clearly a great demon at the Late Soul Sea Realm.
"Roll out to pay respects?"
Hearing this, many Northern Wasteland prodigies who had met Ling Xiao gasped in astonishment. From the monster's tone, it seemed to have no respect for Young Master Ling Xiao at all! Knowing that Ling Xiao was from the Holy State, it still dared to provoke him so openly. Then… what terrifying identity did the white-furred girl behind it possess?!