Chen Feng transformed into a Balrog, the blessing of the legendary Balor Demon enveloping him, bestowing him with an aura of demonic power.
The surroundings fell into a deathly silence.
"What the hell are you...?" Wei Xun's forehead and the tip of his nose began to sweat, his body trembling as he stared at the transformed Chen Feng.
Too terrifying.
Chen Feng's body was covered in intricate runes, like flickering flames, wrapping him tightly. No matter how you looked at it, he no longer appeared human.
Wei Xun was already in his transformed state, his appearance vastly different from a human, yet when facing Chen Feng, his heart was filled with overwhelming fear.
Helpless.
It was a suffocating sense of oppression. Under Chen Feng's cold gaze, Wei Xun's heart felt as though it would stop beating at any moment.
"You still haven't answered my question: will you swear allegiance, or will you die?" Chen Feng's voice was cold and unyielding as he advanced, each step sinking deeply into the soft ground, leaving noticeable imprints.
For someone like Wei Xun, to truly subdue him, you had to leave an indelible mark of dominance in his heart. Only then would he forever fear and respect you.
"I don't understand what you're saying. If I've disturbed you, I'll leave now..." Wei Xun's scalp tingled with fear. Each of Chen Feng's steps felt like it was stomping directly on his heart, causing his thoughts to scatter.
"Don't understand?" Chen Feng clenched his fists, power radiating from his body like an invisible, burning flame.
Crrk!
As soon as the words left his mouth, Chen Feng took a step forward. His speed was so fast that Wei Xun didn't even see his afterimage; all he saw was a crimson fist suddenly appearing before him.
Too fast!
Wei Xun could only stare in shock, unable to react.
Boom!
Wei Xun was hit directly, his chest feeling as if it had been struck by a sledgehammer. He was sent flying back three meters before crashing to the ground, spitting out a mouthful of thick blood.
"How is this possible?"
Wei Xun's pupils dilated in disbelief. Since awakening his powers, he had used his body to fend off countless monsters. Even the claws of zombies had never left a mark on him. But now, with just one punch, the opponent had effortlessly sent him flying.
This power...
Is it even humanly possible?
Since being promoted to the Silver Realm, Chen Feng's strength had vastly increased. Combined with the Balrog runes, the short surge of power he could unleash was nothing short of astounding.
Due to the nature of this power, such a surge couldn't last long, but it was more than enough for now. Wei Xun's eyes were vacant, his expression dazed, and his body trembling. Gone was the ferocious and violent demeanor from before—now he was as fearful as a frightened kitten, terror etched into his very bones.
Smack!
Chen Feng stomped on Wei Xun's head. This man, who had been like a ferocious crocodile, was now completely subdued, devoid of the courage to resist.
"I appreciate your ruthlessness, so I've decided to give you a chance. Pledge your loyalty to me, and you will receive my protection. In this dangerous world, you will live longer than others."
This wasn't a negotiation; it was a command. Wei Xun could feel it—if he uttered a single word of refusal, his head would be crushed underfoot. This wasn't a fair question. Wei Xun didn't even have the right to choose.
Wei Xun was paralyzed with fear, feeling like an insect that could be squashed at any moment. He didn't dare move a muscle as sweat slowly trickled down his face.
"I accept... I will be loyal to you..."
He didn't have the courage to refuse.
"A smart choice."
The gap in power was too vast. Chen Feng's speed in such a short distance was almost impossible to avoid. Under the Silver Realm, unless one had a Hero Template, whoever Chen Feng targeted would undoubtedly die.
The difference in power was so great that Wei Xun couldn't even use many of his abilities. As a Lizard Warrior, his claws were filled with venom, and his strength was formidable. Yet, facing Chen Feng, he felt as helpless as a unhatched egg, completely powerless.
Simple and brutal.
Compared to schemes and tricks, Chen Feng preferred to solve problems with his fists. So far, it had proven effective, hadn't it?
Wei Xun reverted to his original form. Thin, wiry, and with a hooked nose, he used to exude a fierce temperament. However, when facing Chen Feng, he appeared extremely humble, not daring to show the slightest dissatisfaction.
Too terrifying.
Even though some time had passed, Chen Feng's earlier display still left Wei Xun in utter terror. Yet, as he thought about it more, he began to feel a sense of relief.
Wei Xun wasn't an idiot.
Before the battle with Chen Feng, he might have dismissed the man's tone. But after the fight, he fully understood the terror of the person standing before him.
One punch.
With just one punch, he had been rendered completely helpless, collapsing to the ground. If the other party had wanted, he could have killed him.
Why did Wei Xun kill the spectacled man? It was to avoid unnecessary danger and live a safer life. And now, with Chen Feng's intervention, he had found a powerful backer.
This gave him something to rely on in this chaotic world.
Thinking this, Wei Xun's attitude towards Chen Feng improved significantly. He even seemed somewhat respectful: "As long as you can protect me, I will be loyal to you..."
This wasn't a lie.
People like Wei Xun understand how to weigh the pros and cons. For them, compared to life, so-called dignity has no real value.
A smart man.
Chen Feng gave him an approving look.
He preferred working with smart people because it saved a lot of trouble.
"You don't have to worry. Time will prove that pledging your loyalty to me is the best decision you could ever make. I can give you many things—women, status, and even power."
Chen Feng looked down at Wei Xun, his eyes gleaming with a hint of red, his tone like that of a heretic seducing a non-believer, filled with an enchanting allure.
Wei Xun looked up, his eyes fixed on Chen Feng. Seeing the runes that adorned Chen Feng's body, he couldn't help but swallow hard.
"Power, like yours?"
"Of course, but only if you can satisfy me. I won't cultivate a useless person. If you want this power, you need to prove your worth to me."
Chen Feng slowly reverted to his human form, a smile playing on his lips.
He wasn't lying to Wei Xun.
A Summoner can harness the power of sacrifices to summon and imbue the strength of monsters onto themselves or others, transforming them. As a seasoned Summoner, Chen Feng was well-versed in this forbidden art.
However...
If you want this power, you must be prepared to become a monster. This isn't a simple Abyssal Blood Sacrifice—once the process begins, parts of your body will undergo permanent changes.
The tail of a Bone Demon, the horns of a Balrog, the flesh of a Dretch, or the fangs of a Werewolf...
To become stronger.
You must pay the price...
Chen Feng didn't continue on that topic. Instead, he looked at Wei Xun with interest and asked, "Now, tell me about your situation. And what's this about an air-raid shelter?"