Tales Of Demons, Gods, And Libraries

After a full day of travel, I set up camp for the night. Able to finally use defensive arrays again, I quickly fortify my campsite. Once I have a large slab of Abyss Bear steak roasting over the fire, I enter the Library of Heaven's Path.

Before I return to Glory City, there are several books I need to create. Now that I've finally acquired the Temporal Demon Spirit Book, I can close many of the gaps in my knowledge.

Tired of having to constantly hide in Void-Form while in Glory City, I call for a technique to disguise myself. Being able to mirror the looks of another will allow me to freely move around and has amazing infiltration possibilities.

Without reading the newly formed disguise technique, I call for a complete unarmed fighting style. The forms I have already created may be flawless, but there are only nine of them. That leaves many situations I'm left without a flawless technique to use. With this book, I'll be able to create my own complete martial art.

I decide not to form a book on any weapons yet. My decision is based on what happened with Gu Bei in the Draconic Ruins Realm. Gu Bei was able to use Sword Intent to instantly achieve several ranks in power, and that was from only a few calligraphy words Nie Li showed him. If I wait until I enter Legend rank before pursuing a weapon intent, I may be able to skip to the peak of Legend rank in a single day.

Putting that aside, I then create a Heaven's Path Book of Blacksmithing. Followed by completing my book on Alchemy.

As I think of Alchemy, I recall the need for soul force control. That reminds me of Soul Techniques. Of the few Soul Techniques I know, they're extremely helpful. Pulling every bit of knowledge in the library on souls, I compile Heaven's Path of the Soul.

With these five new books and the book I already created on Inscriptions, I set in to read.

Hours have passed in the Library of Heaven's Path before I finally finish reading all six books. I read each book multiple times. They are all so profound, and enlightening, bringing a deeper understanding with each read-through.

The disguise technique will allow me to temporarily alter every part of my face and hair. I can slightly alter my size, but not a great deal. I'll be able to assume a similar appearance of anyone near my size, but I won't be able to mimic their voice. If not for that, I would be able to assume the identity of someone else.

My new martial art is a unique mixture of simple and profound. Every breath and muscle twitch is designed to expend the least amount of energy while generating optimal force. The best part, the forms seem to be extremely compatible with my Gentle Fist. I'll have the choice of mixing the two without compromising anything.

The Alchemy and Blacksmithing books are both inspiring and aggravating. While I was able to learn extremely advance methods and techniques, I won't be able to maximize their true potential in Tiny World. Tiny World doesn't have the materials to make divine level artifacts. I will be able to create the ultimate pills and powerful artifacts once I develop a recipe.

Heaven's Path of Inscriptions is the most versatile and exciting book of all. I won't be able to utilize most of the advanced arrays due to the lack of proper materials, but there are tons I can use. It's even possible to create inscriptions without carving them into a tree or the ground. The possibilities are only limited by my own imagination. My own understanding of inscriptions is leaps and bounds beyond what it was previously. Soon, I'll begin studying the pages of the Temporal Demon Spirit Book in earnest.

While the book on inscriptions left me feeling excited, Heaven's Path of the Soul frightened me. Adding dozens of soul techniques isn't what scared me, it was the improvements to my prior techniques. More specifically Soul Refining.

The new Soul Refining technique is now able to withdraw more of the victims' knowledge and absorb even more of their cultivation. Little has changed about how it would empower my own soul, but it confirms I won't have to worry about becoming some demented psycho. I think that's the most worrying part. I don't like the idea of destroying someone's soul, but it's the best way to strengthen my own soul.

I don't want to be vulnerable to manipulation, so increasing the strength of my soul is something I'm going to have to do. I know I'll have to take a human life, but that is something I will put a lot of thought into. I won't take the soul of every human I'm forced to kill, I hate the idea of truly ending someone. But the members of the Dark Guild are beyond redemption.

Putting those thoughts aside, for now, I depart the Library of Heaven's Path. It's a surreal moment looking at my raw steak roasting over the fire. Hours spent in the library and I still have to wait for my food to finish cooking.

Standing up, I kill time by practicing my martial art. I'm just going to call it Gentle Fist from now on. As I flow through the forms, my mind is put at ease. My worries melt from me as I become more involved in my practice.

I end my practice once I pick up the strong scent of roasted meat. Sitting down to enjoy my steak, I'm impressed with how relaxed I am now. With my new knowledge and strength, I finally have a sense of safety in this new world.

After a full night's sleep, I rise early to start traveling. It takes me only a few moments to clear the defensive inscriptions and clear my campsite.

Slightly after midday, Glory City is finally in sight. I take a few moments to remove my armor and change into my largest set of cloths. The tight-fitting outfit reminds me of my new larger frame. I'll have to buy new clothes soon.

With the use of Void-Form, sneaking back into Glory City was rather simple. Unfortunately, I still don't have a place to stay. I have a plan to change that once Zhang Xuan reaches Gold rank, but I'm forced to camp in the woods till then.

Arriving at the marketplace in Void-Form, I quickly duck into an alley. I exit Void-Form and stare into a water barrel. With a bit of concentration, I change my black hair into light brown and darken my pale eyes. My nose sharpens, and my lips become more full. I look to be around seventeen or eighteen years old.

Satisfied with my new disguise, I step out of the alley and into the crowd. Moving about the market, I restock on my food and purchase a dozen new outfits. I made sure all my outfits were slightly on the larger size and a few that were several sizes larger.

While shopping, I learned the Holy Orchid Institute would be holding it's yearly examination test for the Fighter Apprentice classes in a few days. That gives me ten days until the auction for the Nightmare Demon Pot.

Once my shopping is complete, I make my way towards Zhang Xuan's house. Upon arrival, I'm able to sense his presence in the back yard. Judging by the amount of his soul force, he is nearing 3-Star Silver rank. That's not as advance as I was hoping, but still acceptable.

Using my soul force, I send him a telepathic message, "Zhang Xuan. I've returned to Glory City. Meet me at our previous training area in one hour. We have much to work on."

Quickly making my way to our training area, I released my disguise. As expected, Zhang Xuan arrived early. "Zhang Xuan. We have much to cover."

*****************

The past nine days have been rather fruitful. I was able to reach 3-Star Black-Gold and Zhang Xuan is well into 3-Star Silver rank. It was easy to tell Zhang Xuan worked hard in my absence. He was able to perform all nine of the unarmed forms I taught him.

Those nine forms helped build the foundation that I was able to build from. Zhang Xuan was now able to perform fourteen forms of my Gentle Fist and reached the adept level in soul control. Unfortunately, he was still at the apprentice level in inscriptions.

That is still a noteworthy achievement for only nine days, but my perspective is a bit skewed. I decided not to update his cultivation technique. He would have to re-cultivate from the beginning, and that would add more time until he reached Gold rank.

My plans are on hold until he reaches Gold rank, and I'm tired of waiting. Besides, with my help, he can still reach demigod.

I'm not meeting Zhang Xuan this morning, so I can attend the auction. The past nine days, I've put a lot of thought into how I'm going to acquire the Nightmare Demon Pot.

I debated using my share from the Alchemy Association to legally purchase it, but I don't want to risk being followed after leaving the Alchemy Association. Then there is the idea of stealing it. But do I steal it from the auction house, or from the buyer? What if I know the buyer? What if it's the 'mysterious buyer' from canon? When do I actually steal it?

After several days of planning, I'm convinced the 'mysterious buyer' will be the one to win the Nightmare Demon Pot. It was believed the mysterious buyer was a member of the Dark Guild. The fact that the Alchemy Association members were attacked by a large group of Fighters shortly after leaving the auction gives credit to that belief.

Regardless of him being a member of the Dark Guild, the mysterious buyer was able to bid over one-hundred million demon spirit coins. That is a huge amount of money to be carrying around. I doubt Yang Xin will be willing to out-bid that amount if the bid even gets that high.

I could plant a tracking array on him and follow him until he is alone. Or I could try taking him out before the auction and assume his identity. Both ideas have their drawbacks.

Using my disguise technique, I enter Void-Form. The auction is being held in the North District several hours to the north from me. I'll wait until after I get a read on the situation before making any more plans.

Arriving at the Hong Yue Auction House before they open the doors, I rapidly make my way into the building. Extending my senses out, I pick up dense energy radiating deeper into the building. Making my way towards the likely Nightmare Demon Pot, I enter a long hallway. Before I can step farther into the hall, I quickly retreat.

The four Gold rank guards were not enough to dissuade me from attempting to steal the Nightmare Demon Pot. The hidden 3-Star Black-Gold rank individual I sensed behind the guards did dissuade me.

The Hong Yue Family is only a noble family. Meaning they only possess one or two Black-Gold rank demon spiritualists. With a Black-Gold rank near, I would be detected the moment I exit Void-Form. I should have expected they wouldn't take any chances with such a large amount of goods.

Making my way out of the Hong Yue Auction House, I take a position on the roof of a building across the street. Unable to steal the pot from the auction house, I need to steal it from the buyer. Hopefully, I'm able to recognize the mysterious man before he reaches the building. If I can catch him alone, I

The more time that passes, the more jammed the streets become. As they're finally opening the doors, I spot the mystery man walking towards the auction house. Wearing a high collared grey robe and an over-sized bamboo hat, I'm unable to get a view of his face. There are too many people near him to get a positive read on his power, but no one in that area is above the 2-Star Gold rank.

Unable to intercept him without being noticed, I drop down from the roof. Ensuring I have Soul Suppression operating at the highest level, I follow behind my target. As I step into the auction house I do a quick survey of the layout, exits, and strength of the guards.

Sadly, security is pretty tight. I only sense a few individuals in the Black-Gold strength, but there are numerous Gold rank demon spiritualists strategically placed around the building. Bidding my time, I hang back to wait for my opportunity to strike.

The auction hall quickly fills with people. Void-Form is an overpowered ability, but I'm becoming disoriented as multiple people seem to step through me. Luckily, the auction will be starting soon.

As if hearing my thought, an attractive dark-haired woman in a red dress stepped up on the stage. The auction started off much like it did in canon. All the original items were auctioned off, but without Nie Li, there was a considerable number of winners. With so many people winning items, the general feeling in the air seemed more excited and upbeat.

There was a lull in the bidding when a small group of four was escorted out of a side room. Based on Yang Xin being among them, this must be the three major family representatives and the Alchemy Association. It's time.

Once the major families are accommodated, they bring out the final item for auction. Before it's even uncovered, I can feel extraordinary energy rolling off the stage. When the red-dressed assistance removes the cover, the energy intensifies as the room gets its first look at the Nightmare Demon Pot.

The auctioneer gives a generic description of the artifact and then starts the bidding at eight million demon spirit coins. Bids immediately come rolling in. As the price climbs higher, more and more people drop out of the bid.

At a bid of sixty million demon spirit coins, the winner of the Nightmare Demon Pot goes to the mysterious man.

As a cute attendant is escorting the mysterious man towards a side door, I quickly follow close behind. Walking down a lavish hallway, the attendant stops before a sturdy looking door. As she is holding the door open for the mysterious man, I follow in behind him as the attendant closes the door.

The room is modestly sized, containing a robust table and four chairs in the center and a tea set in a corner. A second woman stood beside the table wearing a dark green dress. She appeared to be in her late twenties and possessed the power of a 4-Star Silver rank. Slowly waving a delicate hand towards the table. "Please, make yourself comfortable. Would you care for tea?" A simple shake of his head is all the answer the representative receives.

Outside the room, I feel multiple Gold rank auras approaching. As I expected, they stop exactly on the other side of the door. I doubt they detected me, so they must be here for something else.

The auction representative in the room draws my attention again. "Your item will be delivered to you here, once your winning bid of sixty million demon spirit coins has been verified." Her tone was professional, but there was no mistaking that hint.

Walking to the table, the mysterious man waves his hand over it. A huge stack of demon spirit coins suddenly covers half the tabletop.

The woman's only reaction is the widening of her eyes. Promptly resuming her professional demeanor, she mimics the casual wave of her arm and the demon spirit coins disappear. "Please allow us a few moments to arrange your purchase. Your item will be delivered shortly."

After a nod of his head, the representative steps out of the room. I can feel her aura being surrounded by the Gold rank auras. They must have come to escort her after receiving payment.

Looking at the back of the mysterious man as he stares at the door, I feel a trace of nervousness wash over me. I'm more than appreciative of the Shadow Devil's ability to dull my emotions for what I'm about to do next.

Positioning my hand less than an inch from the center of the mysterious man's back, I exit Void-Form. Before he can react, I press my hand to his back and whisper, "Soul Refine."

The body of the mysterious man crumbles at my feet. Attached to my hand is the blurry soul of a long-haired muscular man.

I can feel a warm sensation as the soul is being absorbed into my body. It takes only a moment before I have completely absorbed the soul. A strange power seems to be running through me. An odd feeling of strength begins to pulse throughout my entire being. With each pulse, I flash of memories shot through my mind.

The memories are disorganized and random, but several names keep popping up with each pulse. Dark Guild. Sacred Family. Yun Hua.

Deciding to sort all this out later, I kneel beside the body. Removing the large straw hat reveals the lifeless face of Deacon Yun Hua. The Shadow Devil is muting my emotions, otherwise, I'm not sure I would be able to focus.

Hastily removing his interspatial ring and storing it in my pocket, I then remove his grey robe. With those three items in my possession, I then store the lifeless body of Yun Hua in my interspatial ring.

As I'm putting the grey robe on, I sense multiple auras approaching. It seems like the representative is being escorted back. One of the escorts being the 3-Star Black-Gold rank I sensed earlier.

I finish buttoning the robe and putting the over-sided straw hat on. I take a seat at the table to prevent the representative from noticing the height difference.

There is a soft knock on the door before it smoothly swings open. The green dressed woman enters the room and steps to the side. A second woman carrying a modestly sized c.h.e.s.t enters the room and approaches the table. The petite woman carefully sets the c.h.e.s.t on the table in front of me before stepping back and making her way out of the room.

Standing in front of the door, the green dressed woman respectfully bows and states, "The Hong Yue Auction House appreciates your patronage. Please take as much time as you need. An attendant will be waiting outside your door if you require anything."

After a nod of my head, she steps out of the room and closes the door. Alone in the room once more, I reach out to the c.h.e.s.t on the table. The petite woman carefully sets the c.h.e.s.t on the table in front of me before stepping back and making her way out of the room.

A smile spreads across my face as I stare down at the Nightmare Demon Pot.