As Atticus was about to start going towards the tavern to hand over the vial to Brokk he felt the unmistakable sensation of demonic qi, heightening his senses. He followed the eerie energy to a dimly lit alley. And then it happened.A burst of crimson light flashed before him, distorting space itself. A red portal materialized, its edges shimmering with otherworldly energy. Atticus sensed the presence of several spectral demons on the other side.He knew that when demons emerged from such portals, their first order of business was to find a suitable host body. But that didn't mean they lacked offensive capabilities. Atticus had learned that not only spectrals crossed over; fleshly demons could breach the divide as well. Although these lesser demons were weaker than the demon kings, they still possessed strength comparable to core formation realm cultivators. Now, Atticus could feel the presence of several of these formidable beings emanating from the portal.Drawing his communication
"Atticus!" Atticus turned back to see Xu Hua and the others jogging towards him, their faces flushed and clothes dusted with grime. "You guys got here pretty fast," he remarked, surprised by their swift arrival."Well, the apartment we rented wasn't far, and we bumped into several hunters on the way. Seems like they were already alerted about the breach," Xu Hua explained, catching her breath. Her explanation seemed to contradict their earlier exhaustion, and Chen Yi and Li Wei both looked pale, their robes clinging damply to their bodies. It must have been a frantic dash to reach him, for cultivators of their level to expend so much stamina."With the way the hunters arrived so coordinated, I figured they had a system in place for such emergencies," Atticus replied, wiping sweat from his brow."But why were there so few?" Chen Yi questioned, his eyes scanning the scene. He only saw a handful of Spirit Sovereign hunters managing the perimeter around the now-collapsed portal, keeping
Atticus finally found his way to the new apartment. Exhaustion gnawed at him, a physical manifestation of the emotional turmoil he'd just endured. Apparently, it was an inn, and his team had secured two rooms.He'd communicated with Xu Hua on his way, requesting her arrival to get past the entrance barrier – a room token was the only way in. When she arrived, she simply stared at him, her brow furrowed in a way that sent a jolt of unease through him."Are you injured?" she asked, her voice laced with concern."It's not my blood," he replied curtly."Do I even want to know?"Atticus offered a tight smile. "I doubt it."Xu Hua didn't press for details. As far as she was concerned, Atticus's well-being was all that mattered. They made their way up to the inn rooms, and it was there that Atticus truly registered the living arrangements Xu Hua had seemingly chosen at random."So, you're saying we're sharing a room?" Atticus raised an eyebrow, a hint of surprise in his voice."Uhh, yes?
Li Wei who had been in thought finally broke the silence that had descended. "Okay, so the Crimson Blades are our main target, but I guess we can't neglect our official duties as response team members. How do we propose to juggle both?""Good question," Atticus acknowledged, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "We need a strategy. The breaches in the neighboring town are our top priority, at least initially. But we can use those missions as a cover while we discreetly gather information on the Crimson Blades."Xu Hua chimed in, her voice laced with concern. "The problem is, how discreet can we be? Investigating a dangerous organization isn't exactly a low-key operation. We're bound to attract attention, especially if they're actively hunting you, Atticus."Atticus nodded grimly. "You're right. We need to be smart about this. Gathering intel from the shadows will be crucial. We can't afford a full-frontal confrontation yet, not until we know more about their numbers, their capabilities
The ensuing battle was a whirlwind of fur, fangs, and steel. The Razortooth Weasels were fast and relentless, their claws leaving bloody gashes wherever they landed. Atticus, with his enhanced speed and strength, weaved through the pack, his blade slicing through flesh and bone with deadly precision. Xu Hua unleashed a flurry of shimmering energy blasts, catching several beasts off guard. Li Wei, agile and precise, used her daggers to deflect attacks, creating openings for Chen Yi to unleash his earth-shattering wind blades that cut through several demons.As the fight reached its climax, a horrifying screech pierced the air. A hulking figure emerged from the pack, significantly larger than the other Razortooth Weasels, its fur a sickly shade of green, and its eyes glowing with an unnatural red light.This was a higher leveled demon that is comparable to a quasi spirit sovereign and its title..."The Alpha!" Atticus roared, recognizing the creature instantly. "Everyone, focus on
Atticus's declaration hung heavy in the air, a stark contrast to the oppressive silence of the forest. He met Xu Hua's gaze, his own filled with a steely resolve. "We need to follow the trail," he repeated, his voice firm. "But Chen Yi… he needs medical attention immediately. We can't risk bringing him deeper into the forest, not in his condition."Xu Hua's brow furrowed, concern etched on her face. "Atticus, that's too dangerous. You shouldn't go alone."Li Wei, ever the pragmatist, interjected. "She's right. We should stick together. There's no telling what dangers lie ahead."Atticus understood their concerns. He himself felt a tremor of apprehension at the thought of venturing deeper into the unknown alone. But time was of the essence. The longer the source of the demonic energy remained untapped, the greater the potential for catastrophe. "Listen," he said, his voice softer now, "Chen Yi's well-being is paramount. Xu Hua, your healing abilities are the best chance
The red spirit tree erupted in a blinding crimson light, bathing the clearing in an unnatural glow. The burst of energy sent a tremor through the ground, and Atticus felt the demonic energy around him amplify tenfold. It was a volatile whirlwind, threatening to tear at the very fabric of reality. "Step back!" he roared at Xu Hua, grabbing her hand and dragging her away from the pulsating crystals. He knew the residual energy could be lethal in its current state.As they retreated, the air crackled with a terrifying energy. With a deafening boom, the crystals shattered, showering the clearing in glittering shards. But instead of bodies, a grotesque transformation occurred. The life force from within the crystals oozed outwards, merging into a viscous red liquid that pulsed with malevolent energy. The crimson liquid surged towards the spirit tree, drawn as if by an invisible force.Atticus watched in horror as the liquid engulfed the twisted branches of the tree. The air shimmered
Atticus tumbled through the demonic portal, the world resolving into a desolate landscape bathed in an eerie red light. He had expected to be thrust into the midst of several demons immediately he came out of the portal but what he was met meet was a totally different sight.Two suns, crimson and pulsating, hung low in the blood-red sky, casting long, distorted shadows across the barren wasteland. The air crackled with a malevolent energy, a tangible presence that gnawed at Atticus's resolve. His initial anger at his situation morphed into a chilling awareness. Atticus couldn't explain why the feeling came strongly but he just knew that this wasn't just any demonic realm; this was the twisted domain of a lesser demon, a creature of raw power and primal instincts. He had expected a chaotic battlefield teeming with demonic hordes, but here, he found himself alone in a desolate expanse, a single speck of defiance in a vast canvas of desolation."Why the hell did I enter?" Atticus mutte