Chapter 196: The Emperor's Dao Seed Mutation, Verification:

Chapter 196: The Emperor's Dao Seed Mutation, Verification:

That is...

Emperor Xueqing, revered for his mastery of the Emperor Scripture Secret Art, displayed his formidable cultivation level.

The demons marveled, while the human cultivators cast envious glances.

Ming Yaozi's strength was undeniable, as he moved through the statue square with an unstoppable force. With just a casual wave of his sleeves, he shattered any obstructing statues to dust.

"Remarkably strong..."

"In just a short time, he's about to pass the first level..."

"Hehe, even Chu Xiu of the human race isn't progressing as quickly as Ming Yaozi!"

Jiang Qi, known for his fiery temper, sneered upon hearing the demons' discussions.

"Show some dignity."

"Chu Xiu led over a hundred people through the level, whereas Ming Yaozi is alone. Speed isn't everything."

"Old ghost Jiang Qi, let the results speak for themselves. Don't be so quick to judge."

A great saint of the demon clan retorted.

"I just hope your prized demon isn't defeated by Chu Xiu," Jiang Qi shot back.

"Great Saint Jiang Qi, since when is Chu Xiu under your protection? He's not even a Jiang," mocked Qianmian Zhenjun.

"You seem to care more for him than for your own kin."

Jiang Qi coldly replied, "He may not be a Jiang, but he is a pride of our human race."

Meanwhile, in a giant tree rooted in the void near the entrance to the second trial's secret area...

Chu Xiu sat cross-legged on a smooth, black rock, his eyes closed in deep meditation. His consciousness roamed the transformed Daoist Palace, now bathed in eerie fairy light. The once serene blue star had turned a vivid blood red, now resembling a stained glass filled with blood—three parts magnificent, seven parts bizarre.

"Why has my imperial Daoist seed mutated this way? Could it be linked to my understanding that 'all things converge into one'?" Chu Xiu pondered, his red robes fluttering as if caught in an unseen breeze.

"The Dao Seed acts like a voracious beast, eager to devour all but our own kind," he murmured.

"I feel as if I could unleash it now to consume others directly..."

"Awesome, what do you think, Tongzi?"

[Hehehe... This Tongzi prefers not to dwell on such matters.]

"Leave me be."

"Don't act as if you don't understand what's happening..."

[Hehehe... It may be tied to the fate of our race. You must uncover the truth yourself, hahahaha...]

"Always so cryptic..." Chu Xiu muttered, rubbing his temples.

For days, he and Feng Yao had remained within the boundaries of the second trial space, seeking to understand the nature of these changes. While still uncertain of the specifics, Chu Xiu was confident there were no adverse effects.

Just then, footsteps echoed from the cave's entrance. A slender figure appeared, clad in a simple skirt and a white veil, her serene eyes reflecting the colorful glow of the illuminated cave.

Holding a struggling chicken demon with vibrant feathers, she approached Chu Xiu.

The chicken demon's eyes widened in terror.

"Chu...Chu Xiu...weren't you supposed to ascend to a higher challenge?!"

"What are your intentions with me?"

"Don't be frightened," Chu Xiu reassured as he stood and walked toward it.

"You are a demon..."

"Look at my smile; I mean no harm."

His attempt at a reassuring smile only caused the chicken demon to shiver more violently.

"Mother, I want to go home..."

The Saint of Yao Chi casually tossed the chicken demon to Chu Xiu, its powers already sealed by her.

With their combined strength, escape was impossible for the creature.

Chu Xiu caught it gently.

The chicken demon's cries for help were stifled as it realized the futility of resistance.

Chu Xiu, his lips parting in a sinister grin, felt a hunger awaken within him. The image of a blood-red star materialized behind him, its eerie glow reflecting in his now blood-colored eyes.

As the star's shadow enveloped the chicken demon, its desperate struggles ceased, replaced by an eerie calm.

A smaller, blood-colored star appeared nearby, tendrils of energy wrapping around the chicken demon, forming a cocoon of blood.

Chu Xiu sensed no change in his own power but felt a profound shift within the cocoon.

Suddenly, he was flooded with the chicken demon's memories—this was more than he had bargained for.

"Is this... soul reading?"

Chu Xiu was taken aback by the simplicity yet profound nature of this new ability.

The implications were vast, and his excitement was palpable.

"This new power... it's something else."