Kent walked out of the thick forest, his boots crunching against the littered forest floor.
Behind him trailed his loyal companions, Kavi, the fiery Kirin; Jabil, the serpentine beast; and Ruby, the elegant phoenix. The baby dragon was resting in Kent’s hands.
Dragged along the ground like a rag doll was Simon, weak and lifeless, his face pale and his body shriveled from the loss of his cultivation.
Inside Kent’s mind, the sultry voice of the Goddess of Lust echoed with authority. “Follow the path north, Kent. It leads to the Storm God’s domain. Only by reaching him, we can ascend into godhood and enter the ranks of the demigods. This is our destiny waiting.”
Kent clenched his jaw. “Storm God, Fine. But first, we need to leave this maze like place.”
The forest was dense, with thick trees reaching skyward like ancient towers. In the shadows, the faint forms of Yogic Sages could be seen, sitting in lotus positions. Their bodies were skeletal, wrapped in simple robes, their eyes closed as they chanted in hauntingly melodic tones. A faint gray mist surrounded them—the manifestation of their inner Qi, gathered from years of stagnant meditation.
Kavi wrinkled his nose in disgust. “These sages look like corpses. Do they even move?”
Ruby fluttered her fiery wings, casting a warm glow around the group. “Their choice, Kavi. Some believe enlightenment comes from stillness. Clearly, they’ve taken it to the extreme.”
Simon, half-conscious, muttered weakly, “Why criticise those yogic sages? Leave me. At least throw me in a spirit ring. Stop dragging me like trash can.”
Jabil turned, his dark eyes sharp. “Quiet. They’ve chosen their path, just as you chose yours. Don’t ask for what you are not going to get.”
As the group moved forward, the sages remained motionless, their chants echoing eerily through the trees. Some opened their hollow eyes briefly to watch Kent pass, but none spoke or moved. Kent felt their gaze, a mix of curiosity and judgment, but he pressed on, undeterred.
—
Just as they exited the thick forest, a chilling wind swept through the air. Kent’s sharp instincts kicked in, and he stopped abruptly.
“Demons are here,” Ruby growled, flames licking its tongue.
From the shadows emerged a group of pale-skinned creatures, their faces twisted with fangs and glowing red eyes. Their bodies were muscular, adorned with black tattoos that pulsed like veins. The Demon Race had arrived.
The leader of the group stepped forward, a leaning white figure with a jagged blade slung across his back. His grin was wide and menacing.
“Well, well. As expected the fresh humans wandering into our trap. How convenient. The Goddess of the Demon Race will be pleased with your sacrifices.”
Jabil smirked. “Sacrifice? You think my master will kneel before your so-called goddess?” Your next read awaits at My Virtual Library Empire
The demon leader laughed, his voice a deep rumble. “Oh, you will. Whether alive or in pieces doesn’t matter to us.”
The other demons hissed and roared in agreement, their claws and weapons gleaming in the faint light.
Kent moved his hands summoning the dragon lion bow. “You should’ve brought more men.”
But just as Kent said that word, thousands of demon race members appeared around him. Kent was already surrounded well in advance.
Without waiting for a response, he drew his bowstring. The weapon appeared in a burst of golden energy, intricate and otherworldly, glowing with divine power. Drawing the bowstring to full, Kent spelled an arrow of pure mana, its tip crackling with destructive force.
“Let’s see how long you last.”
The first arrow flew, a streak of golden light that pierced through three demons at once, disintegrating them into ash. Before the others could react, Kent loosed another arrow, which exploded upon impact, sending fragments of demon flesh flying.
“Attack from all sides!” the demon leader roared.
The demons charged while releasing several powerful spells, their weapons raised and their cries filling the air. But Kent was faster. He leapt into the air, his golden aura blazing as he unleashed a flurry of arrows, each one hitting its mark with deadly precision.
Kavi charged forward, flames erupting from her body. She slammed into the demon ranks, incinerating several with a single burst of fire. Jabil slithered through the chaos, wrapping around one demons and crushing them with bone-snapping force. Ruby soared above, raining down fiery bolts that exploded upon impact, scattering the demons in disarray.
Simon, still weak and helpless, watched in terror as the battlefield became a scene of carnage. “W-what kind of monster are you people? At least protect me from their spells.” he stammered.
The demon leader, enraged, roared and swung his massive blade at Kent. The weapon glowed with dark energy, aiming to cleave Kent in two. But Kent sidestepped effortlessly, drawing another arrow.
“Too slow,” Kent taunted, releasing the arrow. It struck the demon leader in the chest, sending him flying back and embedding him into a tree.
The remaining demons hesitated, their confidence shattered. But there was no mercy in Kent’s golden eyes. He unleashed his final spell—a barrage of arrows that rained down like meteors, obliterating the last of the demon race in a fiery spectacle.
As the dust settled, a soft clapping sound broke the silence. Kent turned to see one of the Yogic Sages standing at the edge of the clearing. This sage was different from the others—his body was more robust, his eyes sharp and intelligent beneath a crown of matted gray hair. His robes were simple yet regal, and his presence exuded a quiet power.
The sage bowed deeply. “You are as formidable as the rumors say, Kent. It is an honor to witness your strength.”
Kent narrowed his eyes. “What do you want and how do you know my name?”
The sage stepped closer, his hands clasped in a gesture of respect. “I saw you during the war god legacy receiving time. My name is Kotha and I’m a disciple member of 7 divine sages. Currently, I am in need of your help, warrior.”
Kent’s expression hardened. “I don’t have time. I’m heading to the Storm God’s domain.”
The sage’s face fell, but he pressed on. “Please, hear me out. If you assist me, I can reward you with immense inner Qi. Perhaps even grant you the chance to obtain Yaga—a divine soul blessing that few mortals ever achieve.”
Kent hesitated, glancing at his companions. Kavi snorted. “Inner Qi? Yaga? Sounds like nonsense to me.”
Ruby tilted her head thoughtfully. “It might be worth considering. Yaga is said to enhance one’s spiritual power significantly.”
But Kent shook his head.
Just as he turned to leave, the voice of the Goddess of Lust echoed in his mind again. “Kent, don’t be so quick to dismiss him.”
Kent frowned. “Why not?”
“It is inappropriate to reject a request from a Yogic Sage. Their blessings are rare and often lead to greater opportunities. Besides, this task may serve you more than you think.”
Kent sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Fine. What is it you need, Sage Kotha?”
The sage’s eyes lit up with gratitude as he began to explain his request