Chapter 51: These Beasts Have Gone Mad!

The blood bats filling the sky looked like a rolling ocean of blood, accompanied by an overpowering, nauseating stench. Their sharp shrieks pierced the eardrums, unsettling and agitating the mind.

Han Yang and his companions were surrounded at the center. The blood bats lunged at them with reckless abandon, their sharp fangs and claws tearing at the protective spiritual shields guarding the group.

"Young Master, be careful!"

Bai Suzhen cried out softly, her long sword weaving a sheet of silver light that cleaved several blood bats attempting to ambush Han Yang in half.

Yet, countless more blood bats surged forward wave after wave, appearing endlessly.

Zhu Ganglie brandished his rake like a spinning top, smashing the closing blood bats into pulp. However, his massive form also made a conspicuous target, and several bloody gashes had already marred his body.

"Damn it, these beasts have gone mad!" he roared, spitting out a mouthful of blood-stained saliva.

The dragon's massive body rolled through the air, spewing dragon breath that incinerated vast swarms of blood bats. But the creatures seemed utterly devoid of fear; even when scorched to a crisp by the flames, they continued to hurl themselves forward without a hint of hesitation.

Han Yang’s expression was grim. The number of blood bats was simply overwhelming, and both their speed and strength had multiplied severalfold compared to before. He tried to break through the encirclement multiple times, only to be forced back by the dense swarm.

"Dammit, what on earth is this demonic core?" he muttered in a low curse, a heavy premonition rising in his heart.

He noticed that the attacks of the blood bats were unusually orderly—not chaotic like wild beasts, but rather directed by some guiding force. He surmised that this power was likely connected to the original owner of the demonic core.

"No choice but to stake it all!"

A look of resolute determination flashed in Han Yang's eyes as he produced the demonic core. The moment it appeared, a dense, heavy reek of blood instantly permeated the air. The blood bats grew even more frenzied, letting out ear-piercing shrieks. Yet precisely because of this aura, the formation of the blood bats fell into chaos as they seemingly began fighting among themselves for the treasure.

Seizing this fleeting opportunity, Han Yang channeled the power of the demonic core directly into his Golden-Winged Roc wings. The golden feathers erupted with dazzling radiance, and his speed instantly multiplied several times over, cutting through the blood-tinted night sky like a bolt of golden lightning.

"Hold on tightly to me!"

Han Yang shouted, wrapping an arm around Bai Suzhen's slender waist and soaring straight up into the air with her in tow.

Zhu Ganglie and the dragon followed closely behind. The four transformed into four streaks of flowing light, tearing a gap through the swarm of blood bats and breaking out of the encirclement.

Upon escaping the perimeter, Han Yang and the others landed atop a mountain peak, panting heavily.

Bai Suzhen's face was deathly pale, and her delicate frame trembled slightly, clearly still shaken by the ordeal. Zhu Ganglie and the dragon fared no better, covered from head to toe in ragged wounds.

"Young Master, this demonic core..." Bai Suzhen looked worriedly at the object in Han Yang's hand, hesitating as words died on her lips.

Han Yang stowed the core away and gave a bitter smile. "This thing is a hot potato; we need to find a way to deal with it."

He looked out into the distance, solemn gravity filling his eyes. He knew this safety was only temporary. The energy within the demonic core was far too heterodox and sinister; if a solution wasn't found quickly, the future troubles would be boundless.

Suddenly, Han Yang's brow furrowed. He sensed a formidable presence rapidly approaching. This aura felt both familiar and alien, as if he had encountered it somewhere before.

"Not good, someone is coming!" Han Yang's expression shifted drastically, a dark foreboding gripping his heart.

A mysterious figure clad in black robes and wearing a bamboo hat appeared before them, moving with the silent, soundless stealth of a ghost. The broad brim of the hat concealed his features, making it impossible to read his expression. Yet, the immense pressure radiating from him made it clear that this individual was far from benevolent.

"Hand over the demonic core, and I shall spare your lives!" the man in black rasped, his voice cold and hoarse.

Han Yang's heart sank. It seemed the trouble stemming from the demonic core was even greater than he had imagined. He clenched his fists tight, bracing himself for a fierce battle.

However, right at that moment, the black-clad figure suddenly let out a startled gasp. His body began to convulse violently, as though he were enduring excruciating agony.

"What is going on?" Han Yang and the others exchanged bewildered glances, utterly baffled.

Abruptly, the figure tore off his bamboo hat, revealing a ferocious and horrifying visage. His face was covered in intricate black markings that writhed like twisted centipedes, presenting a deeply repulsive sight. His eyes were burning scarlet, filled with a mad glint.

"Hehehehe... Finally, I have finally found you!"

The figure emitted a gloomy, eerie laugh—sharp, grating, and hair-raising. He stared fixedly at Han Yang, his eyes burning with undisguised greed.

"That body of yours, I will take it!" The terrifying face etched with black veins twisted into an even more grotesque expression.

A chill ran down Han Yang's spine. This bizarre aura, this greedy gaze... Could it be...?

"You are... the Demonic Lord?" he asked tentatively, his voice raspy with tension.

"Hahahaha, you little beast, you still remember me! You actually dared to devour this lord's demonic fetus!" The man in black—or rather, the remnant soul of the Demonic Lord—was consumed with rage. "No matter! Soon, this body, along with the demonic fetus, shall belong to me once again!"

Understanding dawned on Han Yang. This black-clad figure was precisely the remnant soul of the Demonic Lord, whose partial demonic fetus he had previously devoured! No wonder the aura felt so familiar yet alien—it originated from the very demonic fetus he had absorbed!

"In your dreams!"

Han Yang let out a low roar as his Golden-Winged Roc wings snapped open. Golden light flared brilliantly, transforming him into a streak of golden light in an attempt to flee.

"Overestimating your own capabilities!" The Demonic Lord's remnant soul sneered, his speed astonishingly swift as he instantly blocked Han Yang's path of retreat. "Did you truly think you could escape the palm of my hand?"

Before the echo of his voice faded, an overwhelming surge of demonic energy rolled toward Han Yang, attempting to breach his body and seize control of his consciousness.

"System! Boost my cultivation!"

Han Yang chanted silently in his mind while simultaneously activating the Demonic Lord Physique and the Soul of the Taotie, throwing everything he had into resisting the encroaching demonic Qi.

[Ding! Cultivation increased to 15,000 years!]

The system's cold prompt echoed in Han Yang's mind.

[18,000 years!]

[21,000 years!]

...

As his cultivation soared rapidly, Han Yang felt his body flooded with boundless power, gradually gaining the upper hand in his contest against the Demonic Lord's remnant soul.

"Court death!"

Seeing that Han Yang was actually resisting his demonic arts, the Demonic Lord's remnant soul flew into a rage. Thrusting out both palms, he unleashed an even more ferocious tempest of demonic energy.

The mountain peak trembled violently, sand and stones flew through the air, and the surrounding trees were uprooted and pulverized into dust.

"Young Master!" Bai Suzhen cried out in alarm. Drawing her sword, she threw herself in front of Han Yang, engaging the Demonic Lord's remnant soul in fierce combat.

"Boss, old pig is coming to help you!" Zhu Ganglie roared, swinging his rake as he plunged into the fray.

The dragon let out a mighty roar, reverting to its true form. Its massive body coiled through the air, tangling directly with the remnant soul.

Yet, even in a state of a mere remnant soul, the Demonic Lord's strength far surpassed the combined might of the four of them. Bai Suzhen was severely wounded almost instantly, fresh blood spilling from the corner of her lips as her delicate body swayed precariously. Zhu Ganglie and the dragon were similarly battered, hanging on by a thread.

"Suzhen!"

Seeing this, anxiety burned through Han Yang like wildfire. He knew he could not drag this out any longer.

"I'll stake it all!"

A look of unyielding resolve flashed in Han Yang's eyes as he drew forth the crimson demonic core, preparing to make his final, desperate gamble.