Batian Martial Soul

Above the realm of inner demons is what is called the 'dream demon'.

The texts are written in ancient magical runes, the characters powerful and vigorous, exuding a domineering magical aura.

"The dream demon must not only have a clear mind and a pure heart, but also 'enter the dream and become a demon,' 'understand the principles of the dream demon,' and 'master the order of the demonic path of heaven and earth.'"

"That is, to thoroughly understand the origin of one's own demonic path, to comprehend the 'demonic' laws contained in the operation of all things, and ultimately to align one's own demonic path with the order of the Great Dao in the dark. When the heart's dream arrives, the demon arrives, without hindrance or obstruction, traversing heaven and earth!"

The mysteries of this "dream realm" are far more vast and subtle than he had previously comprehended!
It requires demonic cultivators to not only be possessed by demonic forces in their hearts, but also by demonic forces in their dreams.

Enlightenment by day, dreams by night, using dreams as a furnace to temper the demonic heart, constantly sensing the true meaning of the demon; moreover, one must have a thorough understanding and mastery of the demonic path one cultivates, as well as all the laws in the universe that can be used as references for "demonic principles", to reach the supreme realm of "the unity of demon and self, the common origin of dreams and the path".

Whether day or night, whether awake or asleep, the devil is always with you.

Ling Xiao's eyes grew brighter and brighter, and a tidal wave of emotions surged within him.

So this is what the path of the demonic path is all about!
His previous understanding of realms was merely a glimpse through a tube!
"Those who work behind closed doors will never be able to grasp the full picture of the great way."

Ling Xiao murmured to himself, his fingertips caressing the warm pages of the "Grimoire of Annihilation," a flash of understanding appearing in his eyes.

His previous cultivation relied heavily on his practical experience in life-and-death battles, his innate extraordinary bloodline, and the powerful boost from treasures like the Kangguo Divine Liquid.

Although his cultivation progressed rapidly, reaching the peak of the Star River Realm and the perfection of the Heart Demon Realm in a short period of time, it was like a tower built on quicksand. The foundation was inevitably messy and flawed, lacking systematic theoretical support and clear guidance for the future.

This "Grimoire of Annihilation" precisely fills his most fatal weakness.

It brings together the wisdom of thirty-seven giants of the demonic path, paving a clear and systematic path for him.

"If one can borrow the wisdom of the ancients to sort out one's own complex understanding of the demonic path, verify the compatibility between bloodline and demonic arts, and truly step into the 'Dream Realm'..."

Ling Xiao's eyes flashed with a sharp light, and a strong sense of anticipation welled up in his heart:

"Even if my cultivation level is temporarily inferior to Chi Ling's, with my superior mastery of demonic arts, and with trump cards such as the Annihilation Emperor Banner and the Nine Kill Demonic Sword, the outcome of a direct confrontation with her is still uncertain!"

In the days that followed, Ling Xiao completely secluded himself, locking himself in the deepest secret chamber, setting up nine layers of isolation formations, and devoting himself entirely to studying the "Demon Codex of Annihilation".

He absorbed the demonic wisdom that spanned countless ages with great thirst, sometimes frowning in deep thought, sometimes suddenly enlightened, and sometimes using his own demonic intent to deduce and verify. The demonic patterns flowed in the secret chamber, sometimes as silent as an abyss, and sometimes as violent as a raging torrent.

……

Meanwhile, in the desolate starfields on the edge of the Silent Realm.

The Dark Soul King continued to wander seemingly aimlessly, his black robes sweeping across the broken meteorites, stirring up wisps of dust.

He stroked the Demon Lord Black Heaven Sword in his sleeve with his palm, his brows furrowing deeper and deeper, his cloudy eyes filled with solemnity.

The longer you own it, the clearer that unease and excitement from the depths of your soul become.

This sword appears as still and lifeless as a dead object, but within it lies a ferocious beast awakened from antiquity, faintly emanating an aura of "destruction" that even this half-step World Lord level demon cultivator felt a chill in his heart. It is cold, domineering, and carries an uncontrollable arrogance.

He once tried to probe the sword with his own fierce and unparalleled demonic intent, attempting to communicate with the sword spirit or forcibly suppress it.

However, the moment the immense demonic intent entered the sword, it vanished like a mud ox entering the sea, completely swallowed up by an invisible force without even a ripple. Instead, his soul was slightly stinged by the backlash.

"This thing... truly possesses intelligence, and at an extremely high level, far exceeding my expectations."

The Black Soul King pondered to himself, and his steps unconsciously stopped.

He whispered to the black sword hidden in his sleeve, his voice hoarse but carrying a hint of sincerity:
"I have spent my whole life seeking the pinnacle of the demonic path, but I have long been stuck at the half-step realm master level."

"If you can help me break through the shackles and reach the true realm of the Lord of the Realm, and one day find the method to break through the realm, I will give you your freedom, which is not impossible."

The sword remained silent, offering no response, only the chilling killing intent still lingering in the shadows.

Just then, ripples suddenly appeared in the space ahead, and Chi Ling, dressed in fiery red, silently appeared, a half-smile on her face, her voice charming yet concealing a calculating intent:

"The Dark Soul King has roamed the starry sky for millennia, when did he become so attached to such external things?"

"On the contrary, this demonic sword has blinded my demonic heart, which is a loss for me."

The Dark Soul King's eyes turned cold, his tone indifferent:

"You're meddling too much."

Chi Ling didn't take it to heart, chuckled lightly, and changed the subject, seemingly unintentionally reminding him:

"Has the Dark Soul King forgotten?"

"Ling Xiao once briefly wielded this sword, unleashing power no weaker than that of the late-stage Breaking Realm."

"Perhaps... he knows some methods of control?"

"After all, this sword had been in his hands for a long time."

The Black Soul King's cloudy eyes suddenly lit up, and a thought flickered in his mind.

Not bad!

I've searched hard but to no avail. Maybe that kid really has connections!

Only those who handle this sword can truly understand its strangeness and danger.

He ignored Chi Ling and suddenly turned his gaze toward the Batian Empire. His steps were still slow, but they were filled with an unstoppable determination. With each step he took, he tore through the void and instantly crossed billions of stars.

Behind her, Chi Ling's smile suddenly froze.

Her pupils suddenly contracted, and a flash of inspiration struck her, as if she had instantly grasped a crucial point.

Ling Xiao never intended to truly give up the Demon Sword from the very beginning!
He used the auction to escape, luring the Black Soul King into the game. Now that the Black Soul King has come knocking, isn't he just falling into his trap?
This kid wants to use the power of the Black Soul King to completely control the Demon Sword, or perhaps to achieve something even more sinister!

"Oh no! That old guy has probably fallen into a trap!"

Chi Ling's expression changed drastically, losing all composure. Her figure transformed into a sharp blade of light, tearing through the void as she chased after the Black Soul King.

The Holy Temple must not allow Ling Xiao to control the Demon Sword as he wishes!

……

Above the sky of the Overlord Empire, spatial ripples spread. Before the Black Soul King's figure had fully solidified, a wisp of azure cloud appeared leisurely. With a light wave of her hand, Qingluan sealed off the entire airspace, blocking him in front of her.

"Why has the Black Soul King returned?"

Qingluan's voice was gentle, yet carried an unassailable calmness. Her body shimmered with azure light, exuding an ancient god-like aura that made even the Black Soul King dare not act rashly.

The Black Soul King's murky eyes lingered on Qingluan for a moment, a deep sense of apprehension flashing across them.

This woman's aura was too mysterious and unfathomable; he could not easily contend with her.

He nodded slightly and spoke frankly:

"I wish to ask Ling Xiao for advice on how to control this sword in my hand."

Qingluan raised an eyebrow, about to speak, when a flash of sword light appeared beside her, and Ling Xiao appeared with a smile, his demonic aura subdued, his presence as solid as a mountain. (End of Chapter)