Second Degree Demonic Transformation

Second Degree Demonic Transformation...

In the blink of an eye, a full week had zipped by.

Beyond the Vermilion Bird Formation, the spectators remained glued to the unfolding spectacle. For them, the cycle of day and night had lost its significance, and the word 'fatigue' had become a foreign concept.

Seven days had passed since Chen Wang's showdown with Qin Wentian. During this time, the true capabilities of the contenders had begun to emerge. Some Heavenly Fate Rankings experts held their ground, while several dark horses gained recognition.

Naturally, many contenders found themselves slipping down the ranks. The law of natural selection dictated that stagnation led to regression, even for those on the Heavenly Fate Rankings. This explained why the top positions were consistently occupied by younger cultivators.

The most prominent contenders at the moment were Chen Wang, Shi Potian, Si Qiong, and Zhan Chen. Si Qiong, known for his violet-gold robe, remained shrouded in mystery, leaving others unsure of his full potential. Zhan Chen, on the other hand, grew increasingly enigmatic, almost as if he was transcending humanity itself. He seemed to gain strength when confronted by formidable adversaries, cementing his status as a top-tier contender.

These four individuals were the primary contenders for the top three spots.

Beyond them, several others had gained recognition, including Qin Zheng, Emperor Azure, Yao Jun, Hua Shaoqing, Yan Cheng, Leng Hong, Wang Jue, and Yun Mengyi.

Additionally, there were a few enigmatic contenders who operated under the radar: the black-robed figure, Mu Feng, Qin Wentian, and Mo Qingcheng.

The black-robed figure and Mu Feng preferred to maintain a low profile, avoiding unnecessary confrontations unless provoked. Those who left them be were met with indifference, but anyone foolish enough to challenge them met a brutal end. Mu Feng, in particular, had transformed into an emotionless, ruthless figure, striking fear into those who encountered him. His martial heart had evolved to suit the path of a poisoner.

Qin Wentian had also fallen into this category due to his mysterious strength. The events of the past week, especially his survival against Chen Wang, had left everyone astounded. Chen Wang, despite his grievous injuries, had provided proof of Qin Wentian's extraordinary power.

As for Mo Qingcheng, she showed no interest in seizing others' ancient luck. Curiously, no one seemed inclined to contest her fortune either. Her charisma was irresistible, and despite her icy demeanor, no one dared to cross her. Consequently, her true strength remained a mystery to all.

Meanwhile, those contenders who hadn't started at the pinnacle began to band together, forming alliances to navigate the treacherous formation world. This strategy allowed them to evade the clutches of formidable experts and presented opportunities to target groups weaker than themselves for their ancient luck.

As a result, a peculiar trend emerged. The luck accumulated by the top-tier experts continued to grow, primarily at the expense of those who had been eliminated.

"The number of contenders is steadily decreasing; there are only about 500 left now," several spectators noted as they observed the ongoing developments within the formation world.

"Chen Wang is on the hunt for Qin Wentian's friends while pursuing ancient luck. Meanwhile, Yang Fan, Situ Po, and Hua Feng are guarding the entrance to the cave where Qin Wentian is hiding."

Many spectators found themselves perplexed by the actions of Yang Fan, Situ Po, and Hua Feng. These three were undoubtedly top-tier experts within the formation world, so what was their grievance with Qin Wentian? Strangely, they appeared hesitant to enter the cave where he was hiding.

"Qin Wentian is truly incredible. Look at how many experts are waiting outside his cave," Xuan Xin, a young and beautiful spectator, remarked with surprise. Fan Le's friends were truly remarkable, particularly Qin Wentian, who stood out among them.

"By offending Chen Wang, his only fate is death. Even if he hides in there, he'll eventually meet his end when the test concludes," Li Shiyu commented. She had been expelled from the formation world after her ancient luck was seized. As an observer, she had noticed Qin Wentian earlier when he had forced the middle-aged man out. Reflecting on his current cultivation level and past achievements, she couldn't help but feel that Qin Wentian was wasting his potential by staying hidden.

"Senior sister, you're mistaken. Consider his cultivation level and remember his past accomplishments. When he first entered the Unmatched Realm, you should recall his incredible prowess. In just a few short months, he has made remarkable progress, even injuring Chen Wang. Even if he remains hidden in the cave, the fact that Chen Wang doesn't dare to enter speaks volumes. There's nothing shameful about Qin Wentian's actions," another spectator countered.

In the echoing darkness of the cave, Qin Wentian remained undisturbed by the taunts and insults hurled at him from outside. The voices of his adversaries were like distant echoes in a vast canyon, fading into insignificance.

Inside the cave, time seemed to lose its meaning as Qin Wentian's mind and body melded into a harmonious state. Every breath he took was infused with ancient wisdom, and his senses became one with the energy of the formation world.

But even amidst his deep cultivation, Qin Wentian couldn't help but be aware of the outside world. He knew that Chen Wang was relentless in his pursuit of his friends. The thought of Fan Le, Ouyang Kuangsheng, Chu Mang, and the others being in danger gnawed at him like a persistent itch.

Yet he also understood the precariousness of their situation. If he left the safety of the cave, he would be exposed to the relentless hunters outside. His friends' lives depended on his strength and strategy, not impulsive actions.

Unbeknownst to Qin Wentian, his friends weren't idle either. Fan Le, hidden beneath a massive coral reef, was focused on refining his cultivation. His corpulent body was a testament to his dedication, and he chanted incantations while absorbing the spiritual energy of the formation world.

Ouyang Kuangsheng, not far away, was practicing his martial techniques. With every movement, his powerful physique exuded an aura of indomitable strength.

Chu Mang, true to his nature, was sleeping peacefully, his snores oddly soothing amidst the chaos of the formation world.

As for the fiery-tempered Mo Qingcheng, she sat in quiet contemplation. Her aura was like a gentle breeze, carrying an air of tranquility that defied the turbulence around her.

Qin Wentian's friends were determined to grow stronger, to become pillars of support rather than liabilities. They believed in him and his ability to navigate the treacherous currents of the formation world.

Back outside the cave, Situ Po's incessant taunts were met with silence. Yang Fan, Hua Feng, and their companions waited with a mix of anticipation and frustration. Chen Wang's pursuit of Qin Wentian's friends was now a waiting game, a test of wills between the relentless hunters and those who sought refuge in the cave.

Meanwhile, the ever-watchful spectators of the Heavenly Fate Rankings continued to monitor the unfolding drama within the formation world. As the number of contenders dwindled, the tension grew palpable, and the alliances and rivalries among the remaining participants added layers of complexity to an already intricate plot.

In this unpredictable realm, where the boundaries between friend and foe blurred with each passing moment, one truth remained: survival depended not only on strength but also on wits, strategy, and the unwavering bonds of friendship.

The atmosphere at the entrance of the cave dwelling grew tense as Hua Feng's words hung in the air. His subtle insinuations about Mo Qingcheng and her beauty struck a chord deep within Qin Wentian. His face contorted with anger as he clenched his fists, his eyes blazing with fury.

Situ Po observed the exchange with keen interest, his curiosity piqued by Hua Feng's cryptic remarks. He couldn't help but wonder about the hidden connection between Qin Wentian and Mo Qingcheng. What secrets were they hiding?

Inside the cave, Qin Wentian's emotions surged like a tempest. The thought of anyone causing harm to Mo Qingcheng, the woman he cared for deeply, sent his heart into a frenzy. He had faced countless challenges and threats, but the safety and honor of Mo Qingcheng were non-negotiable.

The demonic aura emanating from the cave intensified, shrouding Qin Wentian in an ominous cloak of darkness. His killing intent, like a tangible force, radiated from him, causing the cave's surroundings to quiver.

Hua Feng, sensing the impending danger, swiftly retreated, a triumphant grin on his face. He had successfully goaded Qin Wentian into a response. Now, he believed it was only a matter of time before Qin Wentian emerged from the cave, his rage driving him to confront his tormentors.

As Qin Wentian's fury reached its zenith, his thoughts raced. He couldn't let Mo Qingcheng's honor be tarnished by baseless threats. He had to protect her reputation and ensure her safety. With each passing moment, his resolve solidified.

Qin Wentian knew he was walking a perilous path. Leaving the cave would expose him to the relentless pursuit of Chen Wang and others. But he also understood that some principles were worth risking everything for.

In the formation world, where alliances could crumble and enmities ran deep, loyalty to one's friends and the preservation of their dignity were values he held dear.

Gritting his teeth, Qin Wentian made a decision. He would confront Hua Feng and Situ Po, even if it meant venturing out into the lion's den. His friends had stood by him through thick and thin, and now it was his turn to protect their honor.

Inside the cave, Qin Wentian's silhouette emerged, his eyes ablaze with determination. His resolve was unwavering as he prepared to face the challenges that awaited him.

Deep within the cave's embrace, a startling transformation overtook Qin Wentian's form. It was as if he had unleashed the primal forces of darkness itself.

Demonic energy surged around him, an irresistible vortex of malevolence that left no room for negotiation. He had embraced the first level of the Mandate of Demons, a path that defied the boundaries between humanity and the infernal realm. This unholy communion had twisted his essence, reshaping him into a formidable entity.

But Qin Wentian's journey into the abyss didn't stop there. The second level of the Mandate of Demons beckoned, beckoning him deeper into the abyss. His once-imposing physique expanded further, his bones and muscles undergoing a gruesome metamorphosis. Unearthly grinding sounds echoed from within him, like the birth pangs of a new breed of darkness.

As his transformation advanced, his eyes took on a more sinister aspect, each one a portal into a world of fiendish malevolence. A third eye, an unholy sentinel, flickered open, its gaze filled with a profound and ancient malevolence. It stared down upon the world with disdain, like a primordial demon surveying the pitiful mortals beneath.

The aura radiating from Qin Wentian surged to the eighth level of Yuanfu, a testament to his newfound might. His once-closed eyes snapped open, and from within their depths blazed three fierce and blinding lights, casting a ghastly illumination in the cavern's shadowy depths. Those who bore witness to this unholy transformation could feel their very souls tremble in the presence of such unearthly power.