Chapter Fifty: Perish Together

Seeing the oncoming attack from Akamoku, Demon Night repeated his old trick, “Blood Sea Tides”—a pool of blood began to form slowly beneath his feet.

Demon Night turned around and glanced at his senior brothers and sisters, then looked at Peng Lei, who stood motionless. “Senior brothers, senior sisters, I am deeply indebted to all of you for your kindness. Such a favor, I can only hope to repay in another life!”

Hearing his words, Zhao Mu and Liu Xin were struck by a terrible premonition. “Demon Night! Don’t!” Liu Xin struggled through tears, trying to crawl to her feet, but failed with every attempt.

Zhao Mu slowly gathered his strength, gently set Xiaoxiao down, and picked up his sword, rushing toward Demon Night. “Little junior brother! Let me lend you a hand!”

Seeing Zhao Mu charging forward, Demon Night hastily tried to stop him. “Don’t come any closer! Senior brother, take care of Liu Xin and Senior Sister Xiaoxiao. Even if I must die, I will buy enough time for Senior Brother. If you get hurt, then all will truly be lost!”

“Little junior brother, stop trying to persuade me! If you die, do you think they’ll let us go?”

Demon Night looked at Zhao Mu and nodded softly. “Very well. Today, let us brothers fight side by side!”

Akamoku watched them with mocking amusement. “Hahaha! What a touching scene! If we weren’t on opposing sides, I might truly wish to be friends with you. But now, I’m sorry! Kill them!” With a flick of his ghostly claw, Akamoku lunged at the two.

“Kill!” With the enemy charging, Demon Night and Zhao Mu led the counterattack. Though Zhao Mu focused on defense, the enemies were simply too many and too strong. In no time, Zhao Mu was covered in wounds, and when the two stood side by side again, their robes were soaked in blood. They exchanged a smile, then pressed their attack toward Akamoku and his followers.

“Die!” Bear Minister, fearing delay would bring disaster, launched a sneak attack on Zhao Mu. Caught off guard, Zhao Mu was struck in the chest by Bear Minister’s fist, blood pouring from his mouth as he was sent flying over ten meters away. He tried to struggle to his feet, but as soon as he exerted himself, he coughed up another mouthful of blood and lost consciousness.

“Third Senior Brother, wait for me!” Demon Night looked at the fallen Zhao Mu, smiled once more at his senior brothers and sisters, and then, with a resounding boom, his body burst into a dazzling light.

This time, Demon Night released all his power without reservation—a primordial, ancient aura swept across the field. Akamoku and his followers were forced to the ground by this presence, seized by an overwhelming urge to worship Demon Night.

With a sky-shaking roar, Demon Night activated the innate skill of the Celestial Demon Wolf. His eyes turned crimson, wings sprouted from his back, and with Heaven’s Scar in one hand and Bloodcry in the other, he now seemed more demonic than the demons themselves. With a powerful leap, he charged the enemy once more.

The change in his presence and form left the enemies stunned, momentarily forgetting to resist. Demon Night smashed Heaven’s Scar down onto Fu Di, who was nearest, crushing him into pulp in an instant. Bloodcry flew high, severing the head of one of Bear Minister’s men.

Regaining his senses, Akamoku shouted, “Defend! Retreat, retreat!” Demon Night, having struck true, lunged at Bear Minister. Bear Minister, newly recovered, raised his sword in panic to block the attack.

A tremendous force shattered Bear Minister’s weapon into two. Bloodcry sheared off half his shoulder, and a powerful kick sent him sprawling.

Lying on the ground clutching his shoulder, Bear Minister howled in agony. Demon Night showed no mercy, advancing to finish him off. In a rage, Akamoku attacked Demon Night’s back with his ghostly claw, trying to save Bear Minister.

Sensing the attack behind him, Demon Night dodged the fatal blow and pressed on toward Bear Minister. Bear Minister struggled to his feet, desperate to escape the killing strike. But Akamoku failed to grasp the depth of Demon Night’s hatred for the Bear Clan and the resolve to kill Bear Minister. Swift as wind, Demon Night closed in, and with a swing of Bloodcry, Bear Minister’s head toppled to the ground.

At the same moment, Akamoku’s claw pierced into Demon Night’s body. With a furious wrench, a large chunk of flesh was torn from Demon Night’s back. Demon Night turned, his scarlet eyes fixed on Akamoku. All those who witnessed this were so terrified by his aura that they instinctively retreated.

Akamoku quickly widened the distance, and the oppressive field he had conjured dissipated. He realized that his domain would have no effect on Demon Night now. Waving his hand, he commanded his followers, “Everyone fall back! I don’t believe he can keep this up. When his strength wanes, we’ll finish him!”

Leaning on his greatsword for support, Demon Night stood, the wound on his back deep enough to expose bone. Liu Xin, tears streaming down her face, pressed her hands to the ground and cried out, “Demon Night! Run! Run now!”

Hearing her voice, Demon Night glanced at Liu Xin, smiled wistfully, then turned and glared at Akamoku’s forces. The light around him gradually faded, and he stood motionless, supported by Heaven’s Scar.