Infinite_Peace

Cheng Ming and Liu Wei are known to be rivals. Cheng Ming is known to be rude and abuses his disciples often, while Liu Wei is known to be cold, indifferent, and talented. As the world knows Cheng Ming as a merciless person, he secretly adores his younger brother, Cheng Ming. One day, Cheng Ning's condition worsened and began to deteriorate. Cheng Ming began to worry and made a deal with the Demon Lord. Give up his soul for the cure. Cheng Ning begged his brother to not make the deal when he found out but it was too late, his brother was gone. With the world thinking that Cheng Ning is his brother, he will need to act like his cold brother and not get caught.

Substitute Rival

Meng Qingshan leaned back against the tree, letting the cool night breeze brush over his face as he reflected on the day's events. His thoughts drifted to the spiritual demon summoning ritual, a topic that Jiang Tian had brought up during their casual conversation over noodles. It was supposed to be an exciting prospect—a sign of growth and power in the path of demonic cultivation. Yet, Meng felt a strange unease settle within him.

The night was quiet, almost too quiet. The moon hung high in the sky, casting a silvery glow over the landscape. The forest around the demonic sect's grounds was usually filled with the sounds of nocturnal creatures, but tonight, everything was still.

As Meng closed his eyes, trying to shake off the lingering discomfort, a sudden movement in the shadows caught his attention. He sat up, his senses on high alert. Someone—or something—was there.

Before Meng could fully react, a figure stepped into the moonlight. The sight of the red-haired demon froze Meng in place. This was the same demon who had intervened during his duel with Liu all those months ago, back when he was still Chen Ning.

The demon's fiery red hair shimmered in the moonlight, and his piercing eyes locked onto Meng's. A smirk tugged at the demon's lips as he slowly approached.

"So, we meet again," the demon's voice was smooth, almost mocking, as he stopped just a few feet away from Meng. "I see you've chosen the path of demonic cultivation."

Meng didn't respond immediately. His heart raced, but he kept his expression calm. "What do you want?" he finally asked, his voice steady.

The demon chuckled, the sound low and unsettling. "What do I want? That depends on you, Meng Qingshan. Or should I say... Chen Ning?" The demon's eyes gleamed with amusement as Meng stiffened at the name.

"Chen Ning is dead," Meng replied firmly, his gaze unwavering. "I am Meng Qingshan now."

"Ah, yes. The rebirth of a fallen soul," the demon mused. "But names are merely labels, aren't they? What matters is the power you seek. The strength to carve your own path."

Meng narrowed his eyes. "You speak in riddles."

The demon took a step closer, his expression turning serious. "You've already proven yourself capable, but there is much more you can achieve. The spiritual demon summoning ritual is a key step in your journey. And when the time comes, I will be there to answer your call."

Meng's heart skipped a beat. This was it—the connection he had unknowingly forged months ago was coming full circle. The demon was offering his allegiance, but the terms were still unclear.

"Why would you help me?" Meng asked cautiously.

The demon's smirk returned, his eyes burning with an intensity that sent a shiver down Meng's spine. "Because, Meng Qingshan, you are different. You are not like the others who blindly follow their path. You have the potential to reshape this world, and I want to be part of that journey."

Meng studied the demon's face, searching for any sign of deceit. But all he saw was a raw, unfiltered desire—a desire that resonated with something deep within himself.

"And what do you want in return?" Meng's voice was barely above a whisper.

The demon leaned in closer, his breath warm against Meng's ear as he whispered, "Only what you are willing to give."

For a moment, time seemed to stand still. Meng felt a strange sense of inevitability, as if this encounter had been written in the stars long before he had even set foot on this path.

The demon stepped back, his expression unreadable. "When you are ready, summon me. I will be waiting." With that, he disappeared into the shadows, leaving Meng alone under the moonlit sky.

Meng exhaled slowly, the tension in his body finally releasing. The encounter had left him with more questions than answers, but one thing was certain—his journey was far from over.

A Familiar Face