The chapter begins under a sky so breathtakingly beautiful it felt surreal. The scene shifts to a village that was anything but ordinary; this was a sanctuary for demonic cultivators. This hidden hub served as a base of operations where cultivators planned their illicit activities before infiltrating great cities and rival countries. Think of it as the headquarters for the underworld's elite.
Standing firmly at the village gates was Sai.
Deep within the village, the atmosphere was buzzing. A high-stakes function was underway, attended by none other than Ming Chai, a VIP guest and the formidable leader of a renowned demonic sect. Despite the festivities, Ming Chai found herself walking toward the outskirts, headed for the main gate on personal business.
At that moment, Sai was attempting to enter the village. However, four guards blocked his path, their expressions stern. "Hold it right there," one barked. "The village is closed to outsiders today. You can't enter without an Entry Card, which you clearly lack." They eyed him with suspicion. "Wait... are you a member of a righteous sect trying to sneak in?"
Ming Chai, standing nearby, observed the exchange in silence. She couldn't help but feel a flicker of irony; these guards had no idea they were provoking a literal monster—a man who could wipe out their entire clan in the blink of an eye.
Sai's patience finally snapped. He didn't say a word, but as he turned his head to glare at the four guards, a suffocating killing intent exploded from him. Though the guards were at Cultivation Level 6, they froze in pure terror, their bodies turning to stone under his gaze.
Seeing the commotion, Ming Chai stepped forward. "Stop," she commanded, looking at Sai. "Who are you to try and force your way in?"
Sai looked her up and down. "And who might you be?"
The guards, finding their voices now that their leader was present, yelled, "How dare you speak to her with such disrespect! No matter how strong you think you are, you're nothing compared to a Sect Leader! Get on your knees and beg for mercy!"
Sai smirked. "A leader, huh? Which sect? You certainly have the look of a demonic cultivator. Tell me... are you actually strong?"
The guards were outraged, but Ming Chai raised a hand to silence them. She squinted at Sai. "You're a demonic cultivator as well, yet your energy only registers at Level 5. Why is that?"
In reality, Sai was using a concealment technique to mask his true power. Furthermore, unlike many in this world, Sai didn't possess a 'System'—in fact, he didn't even know what a System was.
Sai let out a dry chuckle. "You're hiding your power too, aren't you? But I can see right through you. You're at the Mid-Stage of Level 7, aren't you?"
Ming Chai's heart skipped a beat. Her composure shattered. "How... how could you possibly know my exact level?"
"Don't be so surprised," Sai said calmly. "You should know by now—if someone can see through your hidden power, it means they are vastly stronger than you. It means you have no hope of winning."
The realization hit Ming Chai like a physical blow. This man was on an entirely different level. The guards tried to rationalize it, whispering that he must be using a high-level artifact to cheat, but Ming Chai silenced them with a sharp scream.
"May I ask for your name?" Ming Chai asked, her tone now respectful.
"I am Sai," he replied. "Disciple of the Ruthless Demon of Heaven."
The name hit the group like a thunderclap. News of Sai's recent exploits had spread through both the demonic and righteous sects like wildfire. In fact, Ming Chai had come to this village specifically to find information on him.
"Master Sai," Ming Chai said, bowing slightly. "What brings you to a place like this?"
"I heard your people know everything," Sai replied.
"We know much, though perhaps not everything," she countered.
"Then tell me," Sai's eyes grew serious. "Where is the Heavenly Land?"
Ming Chai turned pale. "The Heavenly Land? Why would you seek such a place? Do you have any idea how dangerous it is?"
"I don't care about the danger," Sai said, his voice cold and determined. "I will do whatever it takes to get there. Now, do you know the way or not?"
Ming Chai took a deep breath, her eyes meeting his. "I know the way. But... I have one condition."