In a certain part of the underground space, there were 8 raised platforms where many battles were taking place. On two of those, there were familiar figures taking part in the festivities.
Damien and Ruyue had spent the last day browsing the convention and understanding the proceedings so far, and they were generally underwhelmed by what they found.
The stalls lining the streets were like market vendors, selling everything from artifacts and herbs to cultivation techniques.
Yet, at least one out of every ten stalls was full of scam treasures.
However, the thing that stood out most was probably the cultivation manuals. They were the main reason why wicked powers were considered wicked in the first place, and they were the main cause of the deteriorating humanity of those who join these sects.
There were many different methods within these techniques, some even made to turn victims into cultivation cauldrons.
It was an interesting experience seeing all these wicked techniques, as it opened Damien’s mind to many methods he didn’t think were possible.
With the way the system functioned, killing was the most effective way to gain levels. With this kind of system, he didn’t think that stealing cultivation was such a big deal.
After all, experience gained through killing was essentially stolen from those that died. However, it was different with these manuals. Rather than a part of their experience, they would maximize the amount of experience gained from the victim.
But there was a penalty for doing so. The system was an entity that prioritized balance, leaving every action with a reaction. In return for gaining such immense benefits from killing, the user of these techniques would lose their sanity.
Not only that, but some of these techniques also deteriorated the appearance of bodily function of the user. Damien passed many people who already looked like soulless husks as they perused the convention grounds.
And after they made their way past these stalls, the duo found the dueling stage they were currently on. It was a place for the younger generation to show their fangs and compete.
Yet, from their observation before joining, it was evident how little they cared about magnanimity in the wicked powers. The winner of the duels was never the last one standing, rather it was the last one alive.
It made him wonder what the wicked sects were doing since they were effectively killing off seedlings that could become important to their powers in the future, but Ruyue explained it to him well.
It was a similar concept to what went on with the economy on earth. The rich get richer while the poor get poorer. Those who won would be fed all the resources that would have been distributed among many if it was a righteous power.
Even if the righteous sects also poured more resources into the strongest and most talented, they never forsook those with less talent or strength.
The wicked sects were clearly more prone to building elite forces with smaller numbers than the righteous sects.
Boom!
Black lightning coursed through the dueling stage as Damien unleashed his power.
However, his opponent didn’t do the same. A deep purple mist spread from her as her body began to move rhythmically.
Her lithe and graceful movements entranced the audience watching her, making it so they couldn’t take their eyes off of her.
Even if they were watching from afar, the effects of her technique still affected them. A slight purple aura began to radiate from their eyes as their expressions began to dull.
The woman smirked at the sight. This was the power she was proud of, the power to seduce any and every man to become her loyal slave.
The Lustful Fairy Sect. It was a power diametrically opposed to the Supreme Fairy Paradise in principle, and the members of the sect fully embraced their traits, evident in the name of their power.
The power of lust was something that could be incredibly dangerous when exploited. It was the foundation of their power and the reason they were highly regarded and despised by other powers.
Yet, it had a fatal weakness. And the man that was her opponent at the moment happened to be one of those weaknesses.
Before the woman could even understand what was going on, Damien was in front of her with her neck clutched in his iron grip.
The power of lust? Damien knew it well. It had tried to control him before when his bestial instincts went out of control, but such experiences had led him to learn to control such feelings.
But that wasn’t the reason he stood on the stage unaffected at the moment. The power this woman was using wasn’t necessarily lust itself, it was closer to charm.
And this kind of fake charm was nothing more than an illusion. An illusion that he had absolute immunity towards.
His cold eyes looked into her’s and without remorse, he tightened his grip. He could clearly feel the disgusting feeling of bones cracking within his hand, but he didn’t care.
This was a gathering of scum. Even if he knew well that not everyone here was scum, he had to be scum to fit in. Not to mention, he felt that this woman very much deserved death for daring to attempt what she was doing.
There were 3 things Damien hated most in the world, if spiders weren’t counted. And being manipulated was absolutely on that list.
He wouldn’t stand by as someone attempted to pull such a trick on him.
The second the woman died, the purple mist that surrounded her dispersed and the audience slowly regained their senses. Naturally, many cheers followed this.
Damien wasn’t the only one who hated being manipulated, after all.
Seeing that the result was finalized, the one in charge of the match raised his voice.
“Winner! Zhen Fang from the Twilight Blood Sect!”
Damien smiled lightly before looking over at the adjacent stage, where Ruyue had also finished her match.
Naturally, the two hadn’t come to such a large event without backing.
The Twilight Blood Sect.
It was a reclusive power that had a powerful name within the wicked sect community. The power had a rich history of conflict with the righteous sects, making it an example that mana sects follow.
The sect even accumulated a blood debt with the Jade Heavenly Palace, launching a campaign 100 years ago and successfully assassinating the Young Palace Lord of the sect.
Ever since that event, the two sects had been engaged in a silent war in the shadows. Many people on both sides had died in this conflict, but the power of the Twilight Blood Sect never seemed to diminish.
However, the entire conflict was a facade. The Twilight Blood Sect was actually a power sponsored by the righteous sects, being their key into the wicked society.
It was a fact that remained unknown to most, but due to the nature of this mission, Damien and Ruyue became privy to such information.
And although it was a cover for the righteous sects, it didn’t discredit the power at all. The Twilight Blood Sect was truly as vicious as it portrayed itself.
