Redemption of a Born Demon

Chapter 167 - 162: Kindred Spirits, My Heart and Actions Clear as a Mirror

Figures radiating their own brilliance rapidly approached the battlefield, sealing off the surrounding area.

These veteran Saint Experts had all entered their Secret Technique states, prepared for a life-or-death struggle. They were ready to fight to the death at the slightest provocation.

They arrived on the scene and breathed a collective sigh of relief upon seeing Yi Beidou safe and sound. But their brows furrowed when they noticed the untended trace of blood at the corner of his mouth.

Then, the scene before them drew their attention.

Three bodies lay on the ground, and standing nearby, completely unharmed, was Devi.

It was a scene that could easily be misinterpreted.

After all, the two sides were enemies.

Without knowing the full story, they couldn’t possibly let Devi just walk away.

"What happened here?"

Wei Cheng manifested the Thirty-two Buddha Forms. A halo shimmered behind his head as golden light bloomed around his body. His voice was a low rumble, like distant thunder.

"These three came to attack me. I suspect they were some sort of avatar, a Secret Technique deployed by some hidden power. They have all been eliminated," Yi Beidou said.

"And him? Why is he here?"

Zhong Ang’s voice was grim, his eyes fixed on Devi.

He was completely transformed from his usual self. He stood taller now, powerful and majestic, radiating golden light. A faint layer of golden armor seemed to cover his body, making him look like an ancient Divine General descending upon the mortal world, exuding an archaic aura.

This was the "Ancestral Master’s Soldiers" technique from the Lushan Military Skill—stronger than Lifebound Soldiers and something not to be used lightly.

Even as they asked questions, they were steadily advancing, tightening their encirclement. If Devi made the slightest move, they would swarm and subdue him.

Devi’s expression was serene. He didn’t move or speak.

At a time like this, all it would take was a single false accusation from Yi Beidou, and Devi would likely not be leaving this place tonight.

"He has no ill intentions. He helped me hold one of them off. Otherwise, it would have taken me a lot more effort."

But Yi Beidou did no such thing, instead explaining the situation truthfully.

’This guy actually came to help?’

Wei Cheng and the others were stunned. This was not what they had expected.

But after a moment’s thought, they began to vaguely understand.

"Regardless of his motives, he’s here now. We should capture him first and sort things out later."

The Withered Elder’s body flickered with an eerie blue light. Five phantom-like beings resembling Evil Ghosts coiled around him—one on his back, one under each arm, and two at his waist—all emitting a powerful, malevolent aura.

One after another, the veteran Saint Experts unleashed their Secret Techniques, their bodies glowing with innate brilliance. The scene was no different from a host of divine beings descending upon the world.

Wei Cheng remained silent, but the others continued to close in.

This was the most dangerous moment.

The importance of tomorrow’s battle was self-evident. With Devi now deep in the enemy’s den, it was perfectly logical for the Donghua Experts to want to capture him and eliminate a future threat.

Their target was right before them. One move could solve the problem for good and eliminate all risk. Who wouldn’t be tempted?

Devi, however, had been prepared for this possibility. He wasn’t surprised in the least, and his expression remained perfectly calm.

"If that’s how it is, then let’s see if you veteran Saints of Donghua have what it takes to stop me," Devi said coolly.

’Since I’ve made my move, I’ll accept the consequences.’

HUMMM!!

The next moment, they heard a roaring sound from within his body, as if he were entering some powerful state.

But just then, another aura erupted, preempting him.

WHOOSH!!

In the sky, the light of Beidou blazed intensely. A Blue-White Demon Flame surged toward the heavens as a powerful aura swept out.

"He came to my aid only to ensure a fair fight tomorrow. How can I stand by and let him fall into danger? If you wish to fight, then you’ll have to go through me first and let me experience your Taoist Skills."

Yi Beidou’s voice rang out. Shrouded in starlight, his aura both fierce and cold, he walked step by step to stand beside Devi. He scanned the surrounding Saint Experts and spoke.

They belonged to opposing factions and would be rivals fighting for victory tomorrow, yet here they stood, shoulder to shoulder.

"Kid, do you have any idea how important tomorrow’s duel is? There is no room for error. Are you absolutely certain you can defeat him?" one of the Saint Experts asked grimly.

"How can a victory won by treachery be worthy of a glorious future?"

Yi Beidou said no more. They had never fought; who could claim to have absolute certainty of victory?

But regardless of the outcome, it was no reason for him to betray his principles and stand idly by.

"History is written by the victors. You’re still too young. You don’t understand that this world isn’t black and white. Sometimes, you have to use certain means to achieve your goals," the elder who seemed entangled by Evil Ghosts said in a hoarse, sharp voice.

They had lived through much and had a deeper understanding of the world and its people. They knew all too well that the world’s brilliance was merely a deliberate veneer, and that beneath every song of praise lay a mire of darkness.

"That is your way. I will only do what I believe is right."

Yi Beidou’s expression was calm, his resolve unshaken.

’Though stained by the ink of the mortal world, my robes remain clean.’

’Though I walk through a field of countless flowers, no fragrance clings to me.’

’Let the world be as it may, my heart and my actions will remain as clear as a flawless mirror.’

From the moment he comprehended the Heaven-Devouring Demon Flame and forced his understanding of the mysteries of Harmonized True Qi, he was fated to never compromise his own will for that of others.

For a moment, the atmosphere froze. Intense fields of energy converged and clashed, creating swirling bands of light in the air.

"Alright, everyone. Let him leave."

Just then, the silent Wei Cheng finally spoke, having apparently made a decision.

"Killing Heart Buddha, we won’t get another chance like this," a Saint Expert said with a frown.

"The path we walk is not the same as that of the Western World. How could we lower ourselves to use their methods?"

"We greet our enemies with guns and our friends with fine wine. We have always been clear about repaying debts of gratitude and hatred. How could we repay kindness with enmity? If word of this got out, how would it be any different than admitting our own inferiority and surrendering without a fight?" Wei Cheng said softly.

The assembled Saint Experts fell silent.

"Please," Wei Cheng said, taking a step aside to clear a path. "Thank you for your assistance. However, we are still opponents, so forgive us for not escorting you out. We will defeat you fair and square in the dueling arena."

"In that case, I’ll see you tomorrow."

Devi glanced at Yi Beidou, then turned and strode out of the encirclement without another moment’s delay, an unrestrained smile playing on his lips.

’This man didn’t disappoint me.’

Under the watchful eyes of the Donghua Experts, Devi walked out of the encirclement formed by nine Saint Realm masters and strode out of the hotel.

After he was about two or three hundred meters away, the streetlights and other electronic lights around him flickered violently for a moment. Then, right under the noses of the Saint Experts, Devi’s figure vanished into thin air.

"His power and the intensity of his True Qi have reached an unimaginable level," one of the Saint Experts said, his expression grim. "Letting him go was like releasing a tiger back to the mountains. I fear this will bring endless trouble."

None of them could guarantee that Yi Beidou would be able to defeat him.

"Alright, that’s enough. Let’s go examine those bodies."

Wei Cheng waved a hand. It was in his nature; once a decision was made, he never looked back with regret.

The others nodded and walked over to the three bodies. They couldn’t help but frown at the gruesome sight.

After a brief inspection, a Saint Expert skilled in physical examinations noticed an anomaly with the chips implanted in their brains.

Combined with Yi Beidou’s description, they began to form a theory.

"Using Super Warriors as hosts for avatars? Is this Pioneer Group’s technology? If so, those hidden Corpse Dissolving Immortals and Reincarnators will have even more covert ways to interfere in the mortal world," the Withered Elder said in a low voice.

"This has always been their field of research. The Pioneer Group is backed by a Secret Organization that brings together numerous Ancient Ones. It’s said that the real reason they’re pushing the Super Warrior project and the plan to cultivate a ’Leakless True Immortal Body’ is for their own benefit."

"They’re using modern technology to bypass the flaws of reincarnation—never needing to switch bodies again and achieving true immortality. It seems they’ve had a breakthrough. These avatars didn’t seem perfectly compatible with their original consciousness, which limited their power. But they must have other, specially cultivated bodies to use as weapons. Without needing to worry about the physical toll, they could use certain Forbidden Secret Techniques. Their power could likely match the peak strength of their original selves."

Wei Cheng voiced a startling theory.

Hearing this, the others’ expressions grew heavy as they considered the many implications.

Originally, those from the Hidden World, especially the terrifyingly powerful Ancient Ones, were unable to interfere in worldly affairs at will due to concerns for their original bodies. But if this technology were to advance, that could all change.

Certain Ancient Ones would be able to interfere in the mortal world with impunity, using avatars without any risk of exposing their true selves.

Furthermore, if they used specially cultivated bodies with a higher degree of compatibility, the power they could wield would be even more terrifying.

For instance, if technologies like "human body printing" were to advance further.

This was something that had to be taken seriously. It had the potential to change the global power dynamic.

The times were changing faster and faster.

Wei Cheng called in personnel from the Special Security Bureau to collect the bodies for research, after which the Saint Experts dispersed once more.

The news of the ambush at the hotel was suppressed by the Special Security Bureau. It wasn’t leaked to the public, and only those directly involved were aware of what had happened.

「Starry Sky Country, Special Intelligence Bureau.」

「Office of the Director.」

"DEVI PUNK!!"

Upon receiving the news, Kathy’s hair practically stood on end. A low growl echoed through the office, and the wine glass on her desk trembled violently before suddenly shattering with a loud POP from the sonic vibrations.

"You had better win this fight!!" Kathy snarled.

Meanwhile, a bombshell piece of news began to circulate through the Martial Arts Dao circles of Modu.

Yi Beidou and Devi Punk would face off in Modu Central Park tomorrow!

Everyone knew exactly what this duel signified.

Devi Punk was the strongest expert from the Western World to enter the Donghua Saint Realm, the undisputed number one among the Starry Sky Country’s three Saints of Sea, Land, and Air.

Yi Beidou had burst onto the scene six months ago, snatching Devi Punk’s title as the youngest person in the world to reach the Saint Realm. He was also the strongest combatant among Donghua’s new generation of Saints, having defeated five other Saints in two days without a single loss. His true strength was unfathomable.

The outcome of their battle would determine the victor between the new generations of the Eastern and Western Worlds. It was a clash between two different civilizations, a symbol of these turbulent times, and it concerned the very future of humanity’s path of Cultivation.

Tomorrow’s battle would be the focus of the entire world. All the Saints would gather to witness a spectacle rarely seen in the whole of human history!