Pain. It started small but tore through Hunter like wildfire.
Standing at the top of the stairs, the Demon Emperor looked down at him as if he were little more than an insect. His steps were silent as he descended, his aura like a deathly halo, spilling down the steps like rivers of tar.
Pain exploded in Hunter's core, nearly bringing him to his knees. Gritting his teeth, he stood defiant.
In his eerily silent descent, the emperor’s eyes burned like coals, threatening to consume Hunter whole.
Hunter recognized the raw power of Dark plasma, but it was beyond anything he’d experienced in the Black Temple. Sweat poured from his brow, collecting in pools on his chin. His knees buckled past the point of breaking.
Survival instincts spiked within as Earth chi flooded his channels, giving strength to his limbs.
Horrific images flashed like an apocalypse in Hunter's mind. Horns resounded, loud enough to make Hunter's ears bleed. It took everything in him to resist the killing intent of the Demon Emperor. Finding the last step, tar rivers slithered outwards from the emperor, seeking Hunter out.
He took a single shaky step back.
“Hold your ground.” He Xiangu’s voice was like a safety beacon, anchoring Hunter amidst the storm. Raising her voice she spread her arms wide. “Greetings, father. We have a surprise guest, one I’d rather you not kill this time.”
“You dare bring a wretched chi cultivator into my domain,” he said, although his aura radiated death and destruction, his righteous tone turned bored. He let out a heavy sigh. “We talked about this before, during times of war the only good cultivator is a dead cultivator.”
“But mother said—”
In a deadly blur, the Demon Emperor's hand cut her off. “Tut tut, little one, you know that is something your mother and I agreed to disagree on. Her human sensibilities often clouded her better judgment. I’ve been hard on you to dampen such weaknesses. You are still young, and in a couple of centuries, you will realize everything I did was for your benefit.”
A hint of softness in his stone-cold voice vanished as his eyes narrowed on Hunter. The trumpeting horns announcing his grand arrival faded. In his hand appeared what looked like a trident, not unlike Zeus’. But it was black as night, its cruel points like jagged fangs glowing crimson. It raged with the same murderous intent as the Demon Emperor, as if it were merely an extension of the emperor’s will.
With its appearance, the Emperor arched a brow, clearly studying Hunter—still predatory, but also curious. His eyes grew wide as they took him in, a black tongue snaking out revealing vicious, sharp teeth. A crescent blade grin cut across the demon’s blackened expression.
Even so, Hunter felt his core being drawn to the trident, swirling with Dark plasma.
The air hummed like an angry hornet's nest, promising danger. He Xiangu stood firm beside him, yet her aura shrank in respect of her father’s. The chamber rumbled as he planted the butt of the trident on the ground. The Demon Emperor’s gaze drifted up in admiration at the impressive-looking weapon he held by his side.
“Tell me, brave young cultivator, are you immortal?” His knowing grin widened.
Damn bastard already knows the answer.
More images flashed in Hunter’s mind. Fire and brimstone raining down, rivers and seas boiling. The demonic, shit-eating grin forming on the emperor's face told Hunter he was playing with him, intimidation tactics with little effort, barely costing him a thought.
Right now, Hunter was as insignificant a presence as an ant. He Xiangu was powerless to help him. Fortunately, he knew exactly what he needed to do to survive.
Prove he was worth keeping around.
That was a challenge given he was deep in the belly of the Underworld, where chi-cultivators were the scum of the earth. Hunter checked his dirtied, stolen clothes, patting himself down as if he were searching for something. He paused and looked at the Demon Emperor dead in the eye.
“Immortal? Yeah, I’m working on it…” He rubbed the back of his neck, a tight grin forming as his tension spread through his body like a weed.
“Then you’ll die, no second chances."
Mental note: if someone asks if you're immortal… lie.
If he didn’t do something fast, that Demon Emperor could…
Hunter didn’t get a chance to finish that thought; the trident of death exploded with Dark plasma, stealing all of Hunter’s attention. He had to know what he was dealing with, so he activated "identify." What he saw took him by surprise.
Ha. It’s all smoke and mirrors.
“Stop smiling, why is he smiling?” The Demon Emperor looked at his daughter who shrugged. That made the emperor’s frown deepen. “Cower before me, little worm, and I won’t cripple your cultivation and kill your clan before ripping you apart limb by limb.”
Hunter steadied his shaking hand, pointing at the crimson fangs up the trident. “I’m impressed that you can use such a weak relic to channel your mighty Dark flame plasma.”
The Demon Emperor scoffed. His dark form expanded, black tar rivers pooling larger, threatening to swamp Hunter. “This is the ancient relic of Beezlebub.”
“No, it’s not.”
“You dare correct me, you insignificant whelp? I was told by a respected warlock that it was ancient and powerful, fit for a demon emperor such as I.”
Hunter crossed his arms.
“Yes, I do. It’s clearly a rare tier pitchfork. Can’t you identify it yourself? Did it ever cross your brilliant mind that the warlock who sold it to you was lying?”
Hunter’s pulse raced. He expected a furious backlash.
It never came.
“Hunter makes a good point.” Her brows snapped together. “The warlock sits on a throne of lies. Remember when he said he’d killed a thousand cultivators and leveled a mountain? Really, it was just more of a landslide with a couple of deaths and maimings.”
The Demon Emperor’s eyes narrowed. “How do I know this one isn’t a scheming liar too? I’m hardly going to take him at his word when I barely know anything about him.”
Hunter cleared his throat. “That trident was made by Grogmar of Woodbone. Ogre grade, if you take a closer look, you should see some stress fractures from all the Dark plasma you forced through it. And there should also be his insignia, trademarking his work. It looks like a twisted tree made of bones. Check out the lower shaft, and you'll see it right there.”
The Demon Emperor shifted back, taking a casual glance as if it was no big deal and he would easily prove Hunter wrong. His face froze, eyebrows shooting up. “Grogmar,” he spat out those words with disgust. “I know him. He was banished to a dungeon to work off a blood debt. Ogres are generally known for good weapons crafting, but he is the exception.”
“I’ve seen Hunter identify weapons, a skill I do not possess. It seems rather useful, don’t you think?” Her eyes brightened, losing their dark crimson hue.
“Useful, perhaps.” The Demon Emperor tugged on his dark goatee. “I am surprised at that
He Xiangu lowered her voice. “Well done. I think you convinced my father not to kill you…yet. Got any other tricks up your sleeve?” A wry grin spread across her face.
Hunter gave a slight nod.
“So, I have an artifact I need you to find, dear daughter. You are the only one I trust to seek it out.” He stared daggers at Hunter. “I believe this is something we should discuss in private.”
“I could help with that,” Hunter’s eager voice cut through the silence that followed. “Especially, if you want it correctly identified to ensure it’s not some false relic.”
“Why are you here, and where did you come from?” The Demon Emperor pointed the trident at Hunter. “I can sense the chi and meager ark plasma coming off your aura, but you look much different from those orthodox sect cretins.”
“It’s a long story. I come from—”
He Xiangu bumped his shoulder. “Ugh! It’s a boring, long-drawn-out story, father. Let’s not bore you with it. You’re right Hunter is not from those awful orthodox sects. He’s traveled great distances to climb the Immortal Mountain, a wandering cultivator of sorts, much more trustworthy. Like the wandering cultivator, Nightwind Zhen. You tolerated him once upon a time.”
This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
“True. But you know I have a very tight circle of trust.”
He Xiangu nodded. “He’s a talented beastmaster, his skills stretch far beyond milking cats. I could do worse than have him accompany me on this quest. What exactly is it that you wish me to find?”
The Demon Emperor released a long drawn-out breath, a smoky haze drifting from his nostrils and mouth, like he was a burning torch that could belch flames and scorch victims in an instant.
One thing was for sure, Hunter had boundless respect for such a powerful being. He would tread carefully.
“Before we discuss the artifact, let’s talk about what happened on the battlefield.” He shook his head slow, a look of disappointment washing over him. “You vanquished our enemies, but we both know that while their blood fertilizes the soil, their numbers are so vast that they will return. Your mercy will bring about our downfall. You galvanize our enemies by allowing survivors who will return to the fold bragging about the righteous acts of the fallen warriors, turning them into martyrs.”
He Xiangu’s eyes darkened.
Her father had more to say on the matter. “An army gains strength from the valor of its martyrs, who pave the way for future triumphs.”
A chill crept over Hunter, those words spoken were similar to those of his ruthless uncle.
He Xiangu bowed her head. “But that is our way. We have our code of honor. Those righteous bastards think they are above us. We honor our dead and allow our enemies to do the same. My mother always spoke of upholding the righteous orthodox traditions of reclaiming their fallen warriors on the battlefield. I thought…”
“In battle, I am the general. You fight; Leave all the thinking to me. No mercy for our enemies, through their actions they have lost the right to an honorable death. Our message must be clear, written in the blood of the fallen.Your soft nature is hard to stamp out, no matter how many battles I’ve sent you on. You are not rising up to the challenge. It disappoints me greatly, but I have a way you can regain your true valor.”
The emperor’s eyes blazed with glory as if he savored every word he’d spoken.
For the first time since they met, cracks appeared in He Xiangu’s ‘protective armor,’ making her appear meek in her father’s oppressive aura. Her silence filled Hunter with unease.
He wanted to say something, but his mouth went dry. Clearing his throat, he kept his voice measured. “He Xiangu struck fear in the hearts of all who crossed her. Those few warriors granted permission to reclaim their fallen brothers will spread their fear throughout the empire.”
The Demon Emperor snorted. “Do not speak of which you know nothing. You are but a mere child and a foreigner ignorant of our enemy's greatest deception. So I shall speak plainly of the orthodox sects, those so-called pillars of righteousness that dare to claim dominion over MY realm!”
He paused, allowing the weight of his words to settle like a shroud over the chamber. "The orthodox sects, with their façade of virtue and purity, are naught but vipers coiled in the garden of the empire. They speak of justice and honor, yet their actions reek of deceit and betrayal."
He Xiangu let out a frustrated sigh.”You’ve told me this countless times before.”
A low growl rumbled through the chamber as the emperor clenched a clawed hand. “You grow too complacent, child. You may have vanquished our enemies for now…” His words echoing off the obsidian walls. "But if we wish to maintain our strength in their region, there is only one way to ensure our security."
He Xiangu's response was swift, her frustration evident in her tone. "If you want a permanent solution you need to do better than sending me into battle with low-level demons. They make lemmings seem smart."
Her father’s temper flared. "You dare speak to me in such a manner?" His voice thundered, reverberating through the chamber.
Rolling her eyes, He Xiangu crossed her arms in defiance. "Here we go again," she muttered under her breath. "Are you done?"
The rage in her eyes seemed to lessen, but his frustration was obvious as he continued to speak. "I am growing tired of these resurgences," he growled, his voice heavy with resentment. "Dark sects causing havoc and blaming it on us. I have a way to eliminate them for good, and gain respect from demonic sects and restore our ogre allies once more."
Hunter observed the exchange with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. He knew all too well the complexities of their situation, the delicate balance of power that seemed to exist within the Underworld. But as the emperor continued to speak of his plans, Hunter couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in the pit of his stomach.
He Xiangu looked at him with concern, her eyes reflecting the complexity of the world she was about to unveil. "I know all this talk must be confusing for you," she began, her voice steady despite the weight of her words. "But you must understand, there are significant differences between dark sects and demonic sects."
She paused for a moment, ensuring her next words would firmly imprint upon his mind. "Demonic sects, for all their daunting name, strike fear in mortals because they defy the natural order. They delve into realms and powers that many would consider forbidden, but not all who follow these paths are evil. The exceptions are those demonic sects who serve entities demanding human sacrifices, such as those that hunger for mortal souls."
Her gaze intensified, signaling the gravity of her next distinction. "Dark sects, however, are an entirely different menace. They prey on the ambitions and weaknesses of cultivators, promising them power and immortality. Yet, what they offer is nothing but corruption, a mirage that leads only to the stunting of one's true cultivation potential."
Hunter’s expression shifted to one of understanding as she continued, "It's always the same—lured by the prospect of growing stronger and more powerful." She ground her jaw, a gesture that spoke volumes of her contempt for such shortsighted desires.
The Demon Emperor, who had been following the conversation with a keen interest, leaned in, his voice low but filled with intrigue. "If I had the Weidon Dominion mask..." he mused, letting the thought hang in the air like a tantalizing promise of untold power.
Hunter’s breath stalled as he was caught up in the intrigue. "What's so special about that mask?"
He Xiangu's response was tinged with nostalgia. "As a child, I was regaled with stories from one of the palace's concubines..." Her voice trailed off, lost in memories.
She didn’t answer Hunter’s question, but he wasn’t going to ask while she was reminiscing with her father.
"Not the concubine," the Demon Emperor interjected sharply, his tone dismissive. "She was only good for one thing and it wasn’t reading.” He stared off with a lust filled look as if recalling a memory.
He Xiangu’s clucking tongue soon snapped him out of it.
His pitch gaze swam back into focus. “Yes, yes I remember now, that concubine was illiterate. It was your mother who indulged in such tales."
At this, He Xiangu maintained her composure, though her expression tightened just enough to hint at the strained relationship beneath her stoic surface. Or was it something else?
Hunter wondered if her strained ties with her father could push her towards a path of defiance.
“I had to resort to filling our ranks with lower demons thanks to those scum villains in those orthodox and dark sects who spread lies that shattered my alliance with the ogres.”
He Xiangu raised her chin. “They see us as weak.”
The Demon Emperor’s expression grew grim, ashen tendrils snaking around his form. “My daughter, the ogre generals of old were not mere allies; they were the backbone of many conquests, their strength unparalleled, their loyalty unyielding.” He spoke with a voice that seemed to echo the depth of centuries. “In the days when the realms were young and the paths to power less trodden, our alliance with them was the envy of our adversaries."
He leaned closer, the light casting shadows that danced across his ageless face. "The mask holds power beyond mere physical might; it is a key to realms untold."
His eyes, reflecting the fires of ambition and wisdom, fixed upon He Xiangu with an intensity that conveyed the importance of her mission. "Finding the true mask among the countless false ones will not be a mere test of strength—it will be a trial of insight, cunning, and discernment.”
He Xiangu’s look grew doubtful. “If you send me on this quest with more lemmings, then I can't guarantee I won't strangle them myself for the stupidity that will follow their footsteps.”
Hunter stepped forward, the Demon Emperor's gaze darting toward him as he cleared his throat. “Then there is more need than ever to keep this chi cultivator alive.”
“Dare you even suggest a need for your life when you stand among demons?”
“My ability to identify weapons extends beyond, to all items of importance. Any false masks would not escape my detection.” Hunter chuckled. “Not even Grogmar could fool me.”
A fiery blaze lit the tips of the trident. Hunter's heart raced, but he held his ground, swallowing the thick lump forming in his throat.
The Demon Emperor cackled, lowering the flames. “You're fortunate I didn’t incinerate you when I smelled your fear. He Xiangu’s job will be much easier with you there to help her identify the true mask among all the false ones.” He glanced at He Xiangu. “Now go and take this boy with you on your duty. All you need to know resides in this scroll.”
An aged parchment appeared, outstretched from his claw-like fingernails. He Xiangu bowed, grasping the scroll firm. “You will not be disappointed, father.”
Hunter followed suit with a deep bow and exited alongside He Xiangu. The back of his neck prickled as though the Demon Emperor were watching his every move, but Hunter didn’t bother looking back. If standing his ground against He Xiangu’s father wasn’t enough, he’d have to find another way to convince He Xiangu to return with him to the tower.
Entering the moonlit courtyard of the Demon Emperor’s palace, an otherworldly serenity captured Hunter as He Xiangu approached a majestic Komodo Dragon. The beast’s aura remained calm, even in Hunter’s presence. Tame, quite unlike Alice.
He Xiangu crouched, retrieving a small handful of bloodied ears. With a gentle flick of her wrist, she tossed the ‘delectable treat’ and the dragon’s tongue lashed out snatching her offering.
“Chewy lugs for one beast, golden blush apples for another. I suppose it is all the same.” Hunter crossed his arms.
The dragon chewed with content, while He Xiangu’s gaze returned toward Hunter. “It took a century to keep Slaidei from biting off the lugs from father’s demon guardians. Only those that remained unafraid of the beast weren’t incinerated.” She stood, the moonlight gleaming off her raven hair. “In my father’s realm, a leader must prove their strength and withhold that power against succumbing to any challenge.”
Hunter nodded, the parallel ever presence in his own time. “My uncle and a few others in my city are driven by power and control. Much like your father, they use any means necessary to dominate others...” He sighed as memories of Delphare returned. “My sister, Jo. Her strength is through compassion, much like you’d expect from a healer.”
He Xiangu’s eyes flicked with curiosity. “Ah, you have a sister?”
His expression softened as he glanced at the Komodo dragon retreat to a rug. “Yes, back in Delphare. She’s smart enough to keep herself safe…” His thoughts trailed back to her choosing to return to the clutches of Xuthos. As much as he wanted to get her out, he knew she needed more information to take down their uncle and Vassilus.
He Xiangu unrolled the scroll in her hands, glancing over its script.
Clearing his throat, Hunter paced the edge of the courtyard, looking for a distraction from the heart ache. “So, how long ago did that ogre Grogmar get banished to some dungeon?”
He Xiangu cocked an eyebrow. “Quick change of subject?”
“The ogres are a sensitive subject for Tower…” Hunter shrugged. “I’ll let you know more about that later before you arrive.”
The scroll snapped to a close and He Xiangu’s eyes narrowed. “I’m not going anywhere until I collect the mask for my father. My world depends on this. Are you coming, or will you stay and let my father cut you limb to limb and feed you to Slaidei while I’m gone.”
Hunter crossed his arms. A notification appeared in his vision.
[New Quest!]
[Go to the Forbidden Shadow Caverns and identify the Weidon Dominion mask. ]
[Reward: You will not lose a lug.]
[Accept? Yes/No]
He rubbed his ear, happy they were still attached, and he intended to keep them that way.