Chapter 30: The Mark of Corruption

Dark energy crackled around Luo Qingfeng like an unholy storm. His eyes glowed with a sinister light, and the black veins running across his skin pulsed with an eerie rhythm. Gasps spread through the spectators as elders from various sects stood abruptly.

"Demonic cultivation!" an elder from the Azure Cloud Sect exclaimed, his face twisted in shock.

"He's using forbidden arts!" another elder spat in disgust.

Jiang Cheng, however, remained calm, his sharp gaze analyzing the changes in Luo Qingfeng's aura. This power… It's not just demonic cultivation. It carries a deeper taint—something ancient and far more dangerous.

Luo Qingfeng grinned, his voice carrying an unsettling distortion. "What's the matter, Jiang Cheng? You looked so composed before. Afraid now?"

Jiang Cheng's expression didn't waver. Instead, he lowered his stance, his muscles tensing like a coiled dragon. "No. I was just confirming how much I need to hold back."

Luo Qingfeng roared, dashing forward with unnatural speed. His movements were erratic, no longer bound by the limitations of human cultivation. His fists, wreathed in black fire, struck like meteors.

Jiang Cheng activated Speed of the Wind God, shifting to the side at the last possible moment. But as he countered with Dragon Subduing Fist, Luo Qingfeng's body twisted unnaturally, dodging the strike in an inhuman manner.

Boom!

The shockwave from their clash sent debris flying, forcing weaker disciples to retreat.

Jiang Cheng's eyes narrowed. This is worse than I thought. He's no longer fighting with human instincts—this corruption is controlling him!

Luo Qingfeng smirked, sensing Jiang Cheng's hesitation. "You can't fight me at full power, can you? If you kill me, they'll call you a murderer. If you don't, I'll tear you apart!"

Jiang Cheng remained unfazed. "You overestimate your advantage."

He took a step forward, activating Heaven Blitzing Step, appearing behind Luo Qingfeng before he could react. Then, with his entire body reinforced by Vajra Diamond Body, he unleashed a devastating Mountain Collapsing Palm.

Crack!

Luo Qingfeng's body twisted as he was sent flying, crashing into the stone arena. A crater formed where he landed, dust and debris obscuring him from view.

The audience held their breath.

Then—

A deep, guttural laughter echoed.

From the crater, Luo Qingfeng rose. His injuries should have been severe, but his body healed unnaturally fast. The corruption spread further, his aura growing even more unstable.

Jiang Cheng's expression darkened. He's beyond saving. This is no longer just a battle—it's an execution.

A few elders stood, their faces grim. "This has gone too far. We must intervene!"

But before they could, an ominous presence swept over the arena.

A chilling voice, neither human nor beast, whispered through the air.

"Let him fight…"

The temperature dropped as a dark sigil formed in the sky, and for the first time, Jiang Cheng understood—this was not just an opponent. This was a message from something far more dangerous.

And he was now marked by its attention.