The Demon with Holy Radiance

’I’m out of options. It looks like I’ll have to sacrifice some of my lifespan and pay a steep price to force my way out.’

Originally, Yang An hadn’t wanted to use the Forbidden Artifact Fragments he possessed. They came from the Real World, and he didn’t know what consequences using them here might bring. Moreover, without being fused, they couldn’t unleash their full power.

His only other option was the Nine Forces Shocking Dragon. While it had already accumulated a significant amount of power, it was his most critical trump card.

If he played all his cards here, he might not be able to safely reach the depths of the Forbidden Land. He might not even be able to accomplish his goal for this journey.

He couldn’t gamble the Nine Forces Shocking Dragon here. His only choice was to use the Power of Rules from the Forbidden Artifact Fragment; there was no other way.

His gaze suddenly snapped to the One-Eyed in the sky, locking onto it.

After a quick flurry of punches drove back the approaching demonic creatures, a broken Forbidden Artifact Fragment appeared in his hand. It was part of a shattered bracelet.

’Life Rejuvenation Spell!’

HUM!

A ripple instantly spread out from Yang An. In all directions, several illusory Golden Buddha Statues materialized at the far edges of the space, instantly sealing off the area.

The One-Eyed, which had been sneering down at Yang An from mid-air, suddenly sensed that something was wrong. But by the time it realized, the sky had darkened in an instant.

HISSSSS—

The next moment, countless bizarre, black Buddhist Mantras materialized from all directions, forming several chain-like tendrils that all connected to Yang An’s body.

In that same instant, all the Buddhist Mantras in the air surged along the chains and into Yang An’s body.

The black Buddhist Mantras continuously piled up, blanketing the surface of his body. In the blink of an eye, the form that had been suffused with Golden Radiance was covered in black, as if coated in a layer of fine, dense fuzz. Yet, countless glimmers of Golden Radiance still shone through the cracks.

"Forbidden Artifact Fragment?!"

One-Eyed froze in mid-air, watching the scene unfold in a flash. It hadn’t expected Yang An to have a trick like this up his sleeve.

It didn’t perceive any significant change. It was merely a little surprised by Yang An’s move and felt no sense of threat.

First of all, it was just an unfused Forbidden Artifact Fragment. Without being fused, it couldn’t unleash the full Power of Rules contained within.

Secondly, this was the Forbidden Land, the birthplace of innumerable Powers of Rules.

The Power of Rules already in effect here had been amplified by the Forbidden Land, becoming even stronger and more terrifying.

In comparison, how could an unfused Forbidden Artifact Fragment possibly contend with the Power of Rules generated by a true Forbidden Artifact?

’A useless struggle. Ultimately, he can’t escape death!’

Still, this was good news for the eye. It just had to wait for Yang An to be devoured, and the fragment he held would become its property—a delightful, unexpected bonus.

At this thought, One-Eyed felt no panic at all. Instead, it grew even more ecstatic.

If it weren’t currently unable to influence the Power of Rules below, it would have gladly interfered to add fuel to the fire and hasten Yang An’s demise.

Although the sudden sealing of the space had encompassed the entire sprawling abyss, it had no effect on the demonic creatures.

They were a mindless horde, lacking Spiritual Wisdom and controlled by the Power of Rules, knowing only how to kill.

For Yang An, however, the situation was now completely different.

He made no move. Instead, as if surrendering, he braced for the demonic creatures’ assault.

’The Life Rejuvenation Spell can seal off an area and absorb the energy of the creatures within for my own use. Even though I’m not using it in its fused state and can only wield a fifth of its power at most, it’s enough for me.’

’One-fifth is not to be underestimated. As long as it grants me enough strength to blast through these demonic creatures and carve a bloody path, I’ll have broken the Power of Rules in this place.’

The demonic creatures, already close by, swarmed him from all sides. Each one possessed strength equal to his own normal Physical Power, and these lifeless things would not hold back.

But when their attacks landed on Yang An, the black Buddhist Mantras covering him trembled slightly. He was sent flying backward, crashing into a pile of demonic creatures and smashing them to a pulp.

More power continuously flowed from the chains connected to the sealed-off space, concentrating within the black Buddhist Mantras that covered him. Yet, Yang An was completely unharmed.

He could feel the power rapidly accumulating inside him—all of it coming from the demonic creatures that had just attacked.

’It’s not enough!’

’Again!’

Instead, Yang An shot forward, charging at the demonic creatures once more. He completely abandoned all resistance and, as expected, was sent flying again—even farther this time.

’Again!’

He quickly righted himself, faced the endless horde of demonic creatures, and charged out again...

’Something’s wrong!’

’Something’s very wrong!’

In mid-air, One-Eyed observed Yang An’s behavior. At first, it hadn’t thought much of it, but the longer it watched, the more it felt that something was off.

Yang An was giving up all resistance again and again, meeting the creatures’ attacks in a suicidal fashion. Not only was he completely uninjured, but he also kept repeating the same action.

’Such strange behavior can only mean one thing—deception!’

One-Eyed instantly realized the danger. ’This guy must have another trick up his sleeve. I need to get away from here.’

With that thought, One-Eyed immediately flew toward the edge of the sealed space, trying to get as far away as possible.

Better safe than sorry. If Yang An died, so be it. If it missed this opportunity, it could simply wait for the next person to come along. Sooner or later, someone always did.