The Soul-Seizing Ancient Art was classified as a forbidden technique not only because it could control minds but also because the method of condensing the Soul Brand was extremely subtle.
Even an Emperor Realm expert would find it nearly impossible to detect while the host was alive.
Of course, exceptions existed to everything.
That was why Ling Xiao hadn't used the Soul Brand on Bai Zhixi initially, opting instead for a Soul Imprint.
After all, the souls of demon beasts were fundamentally different from those of humans. If it were discovered, it would mean disaster for Ling Xiao.
This demonic body of mine couldn't handle the scrutiny.
"From now on, you are my servant. Naturally, I will not interfere with your cultivation. If you perform well enough, I might even grant you your freedom someday." Ling Xiao glanced coldly at Xiao Tu, who immediately bowed deeply and remained prostrate for a long time.
"Yes, Master. Xiao Tu seeks nothing else but to avenge my father and brother."
"Here are some Third Grade Spirit Gathering Pills. You can try to break through again before the Ten Thousand Sects Tournament. You may leave." Ling Xiao casually tossed a pouch of spirit pills to Xiao Tu, who thanked him and withdrew.
Throughout this, Fu Yunyao stood quietly to the side, watching Ling Xiao's actions without uttering a word. Yet, her pretty face was inevitably pale.
Having a Soul Brand planted, becoming a slave for life...
The very thought was terrifying.
"Do you think my methods are too cruel?" Ling Xiao picked up the teacup from the table and took a small sip.
"Yunyao wouldn't dare think that." Fu Yunyao was so frightened she knelt instantly, shaking her head hurriedly.
"There's no need to be so nervous. I don't trust Xiao Tu, but you are different." Ling Xiao reached out and helped Fu Yunyao up from the ground, but the earlier impulse was gone.
The fact that he possessed a demonic body would inevitably be exposed sooner or later, leading to a situation where heaven and earth would reject him.
Even within the Ling Clan and the Elixir Origin Sacred Land, it wasn't certain that everyone would stand behind him.
Laying down more preparations now could only be beneficial.
Moreover, Ling Xiao had a strong feeling that the engagement banquet in three days would not be simple; unexpected variables were likely to occur.
His cultivation hadn't broken through for a long time. He should use this opportunity to prepare properly.
The Saintess of the Ethereal Dao Palace.
The number one beauty and top talent in the Holy State.
Legends said that when Nian Qingyun was born, a True Phoenix from the Ninth Heaven descended, willingly becoming her guardian.
With such a Daughter of Destiny delivered to his doorstep, Ling Xiao naturally had no intention of letting her escape.
Of course, following the usual storyline, such a peerless heavenly maiden would never fall for a Demon Sect Young Master or the scion of an ancient clan.
They often had their hearts captured by some... unremarkable fellow.
He just wondered how much Fortuna Value this particular unremarkable fellow would have for him to plunder.
Ling Xiao couldn't help but wonder if he should prepare some... special medicine... to have his way with the Saintess on the day itself.
Once the rice is cooked, no matter where she runs, she would be his.
As a villain, he was naturally duty-bound to commit such heinous acts.
"You may leave as well. I will return to my clan tomorrow. These next few days, focus on your cultivation within the sect and prepare for the Ten Thousand Sects Tournament. Oh, and one more thing: our relationship must remain secret for now. If anyone asks, say I forced you before." Ling Xiao spoke calmly, but Fu Yunyao was slightly taken aback, feeling a pang of disappointment in her heart.
Could it be... the Young Master is tired of me?
Before, whenever he was in the sect, he always demanded my company at night...
Why, after returning this time, does he want to draw a clear line?
Although the Young Master was much gentler, he didn't seem to need her as much anymore.
But despite the confusion in her heart, she didn't dare show a trace of dissatisfaction and obediently withdrew.
A chess piece, after all, is more useful when kept hidden.
"System."
Once Fu Yunyao left the cave dwelling, Ling Xiao immediately summoned the system.
Owner: Ling Xiao
Identity: Young Master of the Ten Thousand Daos Demon Sect
Divine Body: Heavenly Demon True Body, Second Transformation (Forbidden Constitution)
Cultivation: Peak Profound Clear Realm
Treasures: Primordial Demon Blade (Grade Unknown), Myriad Worlds Glazed Demon-Suppressing Pagoda (Heaven-Connecting Treasure)
Techniques: Ten Thousand Daos Demon Art, Heavenly Demon Scripture, Heavenly Demon True Body (Innate), Annihilation Eyes (Innate), Soul-Seizing Ancient Art (Forbidden Technique)
Fortuna Value: 1600
Villain Value: 12000
"1600 Fortuna Value, 12,000 Villain Value. Let's see what I can exchange for." Ling Xiao opened the system mall and carefully browsed the items.
However, with his current Fortuna Value, the treasures and martial arts he could exchange for were quite limited, many even less valuable than what he already possessed.
Finally, his gaze fell on the Spirit Beast section.
An immortal path without a companion beast is an incomplete one.
Primordial Dragon Sacred Egg: 100,000,000,000 Villain Value
True Phoenix Sacred Egg: 100,000,000,000 Villain Value
...
"Even Primordial Dragons and True Phoenixes can be exchanged? This system is really amazing, but the Villain Value required is a bit... excessive." Ling Xiao smiled wryly.
He knew that the strongest being in the current Ten Thousand Demons Sacred Land was merely a Blue Dragon possessing a trace of Primordial Dragon bloodline.
If he could have a young Primordial Dragon following him, the entire Holy State would probably tremble.
Spirit Beast Interface Lottery Event! Consume 10,000 Villain Value for one random Spirit Beast Egg (Limit once).
On the last page of the Spirit Beast section, a peculiar system prompt appeared before Ling Xiao's eyes.
"A lottery event?"
As everyone knew, lotteries were practically designed for the Sons of Fortune.
For a villain like Ling Xiao, he could probably gamble until his family was ruined and still not draw anything good.
But humans have an inexplicable attraction to the unknown.
After placing a bet, you always feel this time will be the win.
As if guided by ghosts and gods, Ling Xiao pressed the lottery button.
The wheel began to spin, various spirit beast eggs jumping before his eyes. Ling Xiao's mood grew tense.
10,000 Villain Value! He had saved for so long to accumulate that.
If used for cultivation, it could at least push him to the threshold of the Paragon Breakthrough Realm.
Time passed slowly. Finally, the wheel's pointer stopped on an ancient totem.
"What is this?!" Ling Xiao was stunned. The totem depicted strange, cloud-like shapes.
"Did I draw... air?!"
10,000 Villain Value!
Ling Xiao's heart bled.
"You could have given me a dog! What does giving me air mean?!"
But the moment his voice fell, a pitch-black beast egg suddenly materialized before him. Faint, cloud-like demonic patterns shimmered on its surface, seeming to contain endless ferocious flames.
This aura... feels pretty impressive.
Ling Xiao's eyes narrowed slightly. He gently touched the egg, and a wave of joyful emotion immediately transmitted from within.
"It seems it will need some time to hatch. Don't worry, we'll meet soon enough."
The disappointment in Ling Xiao's heart vanished.
Although he couldn't tell what was inside the egg, its aura seemed quite compatible with his villainous setting.
Inside the Myriad Worlds Demon-Suppressing Pagoda.
Ling Xiao's figure flashed into existence.
He remembered his agreement with the mysterious little girl.
Although he instinctively felt some fear towards the girl's identity, having such a strange creature by his side always made him uneasy.
Moreover, the pagoda was rich in demonic energy, making it the perfect place to incubate the beast egg.
"Buzz!"
The space hummed, and Mi Yong's figure instantly appeared beside Ling Xiao.
"Master."
"Mn." Ling Xiao nodded. With a wave of his hand, the beast egg appeared within the ancient pagoda.
"Huh? What's this?"
At that moment, a sound of surprise came from the darkness in the distance.
The expressions on Ling Xiao and Mi Yong's faces instantly froze.
She's here!
She's here!
She's walking over silently!