Sacrifice of girl

The sun had barely set when Zheng Yun, now accustomed to the shadows that clung to the world, wandered through the vast, ancient halls of the school's library. He'd been searching for a long time, yet today, there was a sense of urgency in his every step.

Zheng Yun's sharp red eyes scanned the shelves, his mind focused on a singular goal. Power. He had come to understand that in this world, everything had a price. But there were darker paths—paths that led to a power beyond cultivation, beyond brute force. And today, he would find it.

His fingers brushed along a shelf in the restricted section of the library, brushing away years of dust and cobwebs. His eyes finally locked onto a tome that seemed different from the others. The cover, bound in dark, worn leather, seemed to call to him. There was no title—just a strange, pulsating energy emanating from within.

He reached for it, and as soon as his fingers made contact, a strange shiver ran up his spine. The book was warm, as if it had been waiting for him. With a quick motion, he opened the first page.

The ancient text spoke of soul extraction—a forbidden art that allowed a cultivator to consume the souls of others, absorbing their essence and strength into their own being. The price was high, the risks immense, but the rewards... immortality, absolute power.

"Devour the souls, absorb their power, and live beyond your mortal limits. But beware, for each soul taken comes with a piece of their memories, their suffering, their pain."

Zheng Yun smiled coldly. Pain? He had lived a lifetime of it. What more could a few souls' torment add to his existence? It would be nothing but fuel for his ascent.

The technique was clear, and it didn't take long for Zheng Yun to commit it to memory. But now, there was something he had to do—something that required the right circumstances, the right opportunity.

It wasn't long before Zheng Yun ventured out into the wilderness. The path led him into the dark, thick forest bordering the academy grounds. After a few hours of walking, he reached a small clearing where an old, humble house sat quietly, surrounded by trees.

There was a faint glow from within the house—a lantern, perhaps. Zheng Yun approached with cautious steps, his expression unreadable. He had already heard rumors from the academy—the house was said to belong to an old woman and her granddaughter. They lived a simple life, but they were isolated, far away from the hustle of the village.

Zheng Yun knew that there would be no witnesses here.

The door creaked as he knocked, and after a moment, the old woman appeared. Her features were weathered by time, yet her eyes remained sharp.

"Who's there?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.

Zheng Yun smiled, his expression friendly, disarming.

"I am a traveler, lost in the woods. I heard this house was nearby. May I stay for the night?"

The old woman hesitated, eyeing him suspiciously. But then, her granddaughter appeared behind her—a young, beautiful girl with bright eyes, curious and kind.

"Please, grandmother, let him in," she urged.

The old woman, after a long pause, sighed and stepped aside. "Very well. Come in, traveler."

As Zheng Yun entered, he found himself in a modest living room. The fire crackled in the hearth, and the scent of freshly cooked food filled the air. The girl, Naia, smiled softly.

"Would you like to eat?" she asked.

Zheng Yun nodded, maintaining the charming, disarming smile. He had already started his game—now, it was time to make them believe his story.

He spoke of his troubled past, of how he had wandered the lands in search of peace and purpose. The girl seemed moved by his words, offering him more food. The old woman watched quietly, unsure of what to make of him.

Eventually, Zheng Yun finished his meal and stood.

"Your hospitality is much appreciated," he said, his voice smooth and calm. "I noticed you have a pig in the yard. May I assist you in butchering it? I have some experience in the matter."

The old woman, still a bit suspicious, but thankful for the help, nodded. "It would be good to have an extra pair of hands."

Zheng Yun followed them outside, the night air cool and crisp. Naia held the lantern high, casting eerie shadows across the trees. The pig was tethered behind the house, unaware of the fate awaiting it.

Zheng Yun's eyes gleamed coldly as he approached the animal.

"I'll need to take it quickly," he said, his voice lowering to a more serious tone. "It will be better for the pig, and for you, as well."

Naia nodded, stepping closer.

Zheng Yun reached into his robes, his fingers brushing against the hidden knife. But as he held it in his hand, he let his gaze fall on Naia.

She was too close, too trusting.

With a swift motion, he struck. The blade flashed, slicing across her throat before she could even react.

Naia's eyes widened in shock, her mouth opened as if to scream, but the sound never came. She collapsed into his arms, her warm blood staining his clothes.

He held her close, her dying breaths filling his ears. It was the perfect moment. The perfect sacrifice.

Zheng Yun whispered the incantation from the book, his hands glowing with dark energy. The soul of the girl began to rise from her body, shimmering like a faint mist.

It was beautiful.

Zheng Yun opened his mouth and, with a deep, greedy breath, he pulled her soul into himself. The energy surged through his body, invigorating him, pushing him further beyond his mortal limits.

Her memories—her pain, her sorrow—flooded into his mind, but he welcomed it. He was already too far gone to care. This was power, the ultimate form of cultivation.

He stood over her lifeless body, his eyes glowing with the power he had just consumed.

"Thank you, Naia," he whispered.

As he turned to leave, the old woman appeared at the door, her face pale with horror.

But Zheng Yun didn't bother to look back.

He had what he needed. And in this world, that was all that mattered.