Chapter 118: Good Dog

"Hmm, the air of a deity..."

Noticing the impact of his single technique, Li Changsheng wore a satisfied smile.

"Ding! You have integrated all the sects of Chuling and to a certain extent dismantled Lin Hao's path to destiny. Lin Hao's Destiny Points have decreased by 200, and the Host has been awarded an additional 2000 Destiny Points."

As the voice sounded, Li Changsheng shook his head with a faint chuckle. It was within reason, and better than nothing. With that, he ceased to concern himself with the affairs of the Sword Sect and stood silently atop a mountain peak. His expression was calm, his gaze deep as he looked toward the distant horizon, his mind turning over the situation.

The main support for Lin Hao's Destiny Points should have been the inheritance of the Ancient Demon Immortal lineage. Yet, having slain the Eighth Generation Demon Immortal, he had only seen a reduction of 500 points; it seemed rather absurd. If there were no other opportunities, then Lin Hao's foundation of destiny must lie with the previous generations of Demon Immortals... or the legacies they left behind. Or perhaps, other inheritances within the Qingling Realm.

Li Changsheng clearly remembered the final entry in the system’s profile for Lin Hao: "Alternative candidate for Qingling Realm Master."

"Could it be that there are other Children of Destiny?"

Suddenly, Li Changsheng’s gaze sharpened, and he murmured inwardly, "Open the attribute panel and examine the person before me."

After a brief pause, Li Changsheng commanded silently, his gaze falling upon Zhao Wan'er.

*Cultivation not low, a member of the Jiuli clan? A witch?*

He truly hadn't realized this girl had such a significant background. His own nine hundred and ninety thousand Destiny Points were certainly not for show. To have a witch among his followers—such a configuration was far beyond what a mere Lin Hao could compare to.

However, Lin Hao must have known her background, which explained his previous actions. Calculating this, Lin Hao either possessed some strange treasure or had an expert guiding him from the shadows.

*These leeks are ripe for harvesting.*

Furthermore, in the entire Qingling Realm, and indeed the Heavens and Myriad Worlds, there must be no shortage of those with great destiny. Lin Hao was merely one of the more prominent Children of Destiny.

While contemplating this, Li Changsheng scanned the system template within his consciousness: Mall, Attributes, Rewards...

*Rewards?*

Li Changsheng’s eyes lit up, and his divine sense poured into that section.

"Congratulations to the Host for discovering the Rewards Template. The system hereby grants the Host a Newbie Gift Package. Do you wish to open it now?"

*...?*

*You wouldn't say anything if I didn't look? Were you planning on keeping it from me?*

*Hmm? What a rascal of a system!*

Li Changsheng’s face darkened, and he cursed inwardly.

"I ask the Host to mind your language and maintain the proper respect for this system; otherwise, the system will automatically detach and switch to the next host."

"..."

"Open it."

With that, Li Changsheng stopped his internal grumbling and gave the command.

"Congratulations to the Host for obtaining a Seed of the World seedling, the Annihilation Demon Blade, and the innate skill: Sacred Radiance."

*Innate skill?*

"Correct. Considering the Host's half-step Immortal Realm cultivation, it is difficult to fully unleash the power of the Styx. Therefore, I have gifted you an innate domain to facilitate your manifestation of sanctity before others."

As the system's voice faded, Li Changsheng was momentarily stunned.

*Clever...*

He murmured to himself with a knowing smile. The system really understood his temperament—if he didn't manifest his sanctity upon arrival, how would those ants know the true majesty of a god?

Without delay, Li Changsheng let his thoughts move. A divine aura surged from his body, and he suddenly unfurled a vast domain! The sky for a hundred thousand miles around instantly darkened, accompanied by howling ghostly winds and flickering blood-colored lightning!

*Splosh... Splosh...*

As the sound of flowing water—as if from the dawn of creation or the end of the world—echoed, a terrifying river suddenly appeared behind Li Changsheng! It was flickering in and out of existence, soul-shaking!

As an aura of absolute control over the destiny of all living things emerged, Zhao Wan'er’s eyes filled with intense fervor. Having served the Young Master since childhood, seeing him attain the Dao and grow stronger was exactly what she and the other servants longed for.

Following a brilliant lord versus following a loser—anyone would choose the former. At this thought, a flicker of determination crossed Zhao Wan'er's eyes.

"Ding! The Jiuli Saintess's devotion has deepened. Rewarding the Host with Destiny Points."

*Hmm? Her devotion deepened? She was wavering before?*

As the system's voice sounded, a flash of surprise crossed Li Changsheng’s eyes. After a moment of reflection, he began to understand. The previous owner of this body had been too indifferent to all things in the world; even the death of a follower would not have caused a ripple in his heart. It was likely the influence of the Styx. Naturally, those around him felt nothing but awe.

But after he had merged with the soul, he had perfectly filled the void in Li Changsheng’s spirit, adding a touch of humanity. In this way, his personal charm had become more compelling.

*Of course,* he thought, *this isn't narcissism.* This body was inherently a noble existence. Even with its indifference, many strove to follow it, and with the addition of that trace of humanity, it had enhanced his charisma.

*The only true god walking the world?*

Thinking of this, his smile grew wider.

"Wan'er, do you have a suitable weapon?"

After a brief pause, Li Changsheng looked at the beautiful, cold woman beside him and spoke indifferently. As a big shot with heaven-defying destiny, doing things himself felt a bit beneath his status. This girl happened to be the Saintess of the Jiuli clan, and she would be a perfect match for the Annihilation Demon Blade in his hand. As for whether she was truly loyal or could control such an object... a test would tell.

"Reporting to the Young Master, when I was exploring a secret realm years ago, I obtained a bone blade, which I find quite handy."

Zhao Wan'er nodded slightly, bowing respectfully. As her crisp voice rang out, a hideous bone blade radiating a fierce and violent aura manifested in her hands. She did not delay, kneeling on one knee and presenting it to Li Changsheng.

"An Immortal Realm artifact?"

Feeling the fierce aura radiating from the bone blade, Li Changsheng shook his head slightly. With a flick of spiritual energy, he sent the blade flying into the air! At the same time, a black shadow flew from his other hand, hurtling toward the blade!

*Boom!*

With an explosive sound, the bone blade shattered into dust! The black shadow that had destroyed the immortal blade then revealed itself to them!

It was three feet long, slender, and deep purple-black! It looked as delicate as a willow branch, yet the blade was sharp and the aura profound, as if it contained endless dead silence! Gazing at it, one felt a sense of their soul being drawn in and utterly lost!

"This..."

Feeling the terrifying aura within the demon blade, Zhao Wan'er’s pupils contracted violently! A sense of intense longing surged in her heart, as if this blade were the one thing she had always been missing! With this blade, she would surely be reborn!

She didn't know why, but in just a few breaths, her longing had reached an unprecedented level. It wasn't so much her own desire, but the subconscious influence of the demon blade on someone with a demonic nature.

*If I could have this blade...*

As soon as the thought arose, Zhao Wan'er shuddered and hurriedly closed her eyes! A chill ran down her back, and her clothes were drenched in cold sweat! This blade was too sinister! Everything she had belonged to the Young Master, and this blade was no exception. The Young Master hadn't spoken, yet she had harbored such presumptuous thoughts! She deserved to die! Furthermore, such a sinister blade was not something she could easily wield...

"Not entirely foolish..."

Noticing Zhao Wan'er’s expression, a cold smile flickered in Li Changsheng’s eyes. If this girl had developed greed for the blade, he would never have spared her. Many fantasy big shots had fallen to the schemes of their followers; betrayal was common. He was certainly not such an arrogant and brainless fool.

"Do you like it?"

Looking at the tense Zhao Wan'er, Li Changsheng spoke calmly.

"Everything belonging to Wan'er is the Young Master's. Whether I like it or not is unimportant."

Given the Young Master's noble status, she was but a mere maid; how could she speak her mind? Although she was hesitant, she displayed the appropriate respect in her reply.

"Since you have no suitable weapon, this blade is yours."

Sensing the change in her expression, Li Changsheng shook his head slowly and spoke calmly.

"This blade is no ordinary item. Wan'er is but a lowly maid; if it were gifted to Sword Elder..." Zhao Wan'er’s eyes showed a struggle, and she hesitated.

"Take it."

Li Changsheng responded lightly, then said no more. His divine sense expanded, enveloping the entire Sword Palace, his eyes veiled in depth. Zhao Wan'er put away the Annihilation Demon Blade and stood silently behind him, respectful and mute.

"The Twelve Guards will watch Lin Hao. Sword Elder, Wan'er, follow me to the Immortal Severing Lake."

After a long silence, a flash of light passed through Li Changsheng’s eyes as he spoke. With those words, he took a step forward, and his figure vanished!

"Yes..."

Zhao Wan'er, along with the elusive Twelve Guards and Sword Elder, bowed in acknowledgement and followed suit.

If it were anyone else, even if they wanted something, they wouldn't go personally. But this visit to Chuling was for a grand purpose! Or rather, for a supreme treasure!

The family's divination had pointed to the Immortal Severing Lake, not far from the Chuling Sword Sect. Hence, the earlier invitation to observe the ceremony.

Back to the matter at hand. The three of them had high cultivation, and their speed was naturally swift. About half an hour later, they appeared above a vast, bottomless lake shrouded in white mist!

Without delay, Li Changsheng expanded his divine sense and plunged into the mist! Zhao Wan'er and Sword Elder did not hesitate to follow.

*ROAR!!!*

Just as they entered the mist, a fierce roar exploded! Looking closely, a massive, ugly creature covered in black scales, resembling both a dragon and a snake, shot out from the water! It thrashed about in the mist before them, letting out threatening low growls!

*Boom... Splosh...*

The sound of it slapping the lake surface and sending waves flying echoed! It looked magnificent and terrifying! However, Li Changsheng looked at this dragon-like creature with a strange expression.

*Initial Void God stage?*

"This beast is an eyesore. Young Master, shall I slay it?"

At this moment, Zhao Wan'er appeared, cold light flickering in her eyes. As for Sword Elder, he flickered beside Li Changsheng like a phantom, saying nothing. Having practiced the sword for years, he had slain countless such stubborn beasts and held them in contempt.

"Just drive it away. Our goal is what lies beneath the lake."

After speaking, Li Changsheng ignored the creature and stepped toward the depths of the lake. Sword Elder, in his phantom form, followed closely. Such ants were not worth their concern.

*ROAR!!!*

The ugly beast, seeing this, froze for a moment, then fury surged within it! With a burst of ferocity, it let out a furious roar and lunged at Li Changsheng, intending to swallow him whole!

*Clang!!*

An excited hum rang out. Zhao Wan'er’s eyes flashed with cold light as the Annihilation Demon Blade manifested in her hands! Almost as soon as it took shape, she performed a graceful movement, and a blade of light slashed out! A deep black glow passed, and the strike was finished.

"Next time, watch where you're going."

As her icy voice echoed, she ignored the beast, put away her blade, and followed Li Changsheng. Behind them, only the dragon-snake remained, covered in black mist, its eyes filled with terror. Feeling its scales falling off under the erosion of the black energy and its life force rapidly fading, the creature’s panic was beyond measure!

*ROAR!!!*

After a long while, a piercing howl echoed across the sky as the creature shrank rapidly! With extreme horror in its eyes, it fled madly into the distance! Once the beast had gone, the mist dissipated...

"Ding! You have slapped the face of a Child of Destiny to a certain extent. Destiny Points increased by 500."

*Lin Hao ran away?*

When the system's voice sounded, Li Changsheng was stunned. So far, Lin Hao was the only one with strong Destiny Points he had encountered. Could this creature be related to Lin Hao? Or had the "Child of Destiny" become a dime-a-dozen?

"Young Master, be careful!"

As Li Changsheng contemplated this, Sword Elder’s voice suddenly rang out! A figure in plain robes with a grim expression manifested! It was Sword Elder himself!

"There is a great evil here!"

After manifesting, Sword Elder’s expression was dark. His voice was grave, and a terrifying aura surged faintly around him!

"Styx."

Seeing Sword Elder on high alert, Li Changsheng did not dare to be careless and whispered inwardly.

*Splosh... Splosh...*

As an illusory river appeared and vanished in the depths of the lake behind him, Li Changsheng pondered. In the original owner's memories, this place had some dangers, but he had never heard of anything that would make someone of Sword Elder’s caliber cautious. Could it be that because the fate of the Child of Destiny had changed, the opportunities and dangerous lands of the entire Qingling Realm had shifted?

"Young Master, this servant..."