Chapter 617: A Successful Strategy

"You dare to harm my eye! Aren't you afraid I'll open the Gate of Six Paths right now?"

Xu Yang sneered, "Without your master's command, you wouldn't dare do this, even if it meant death! If I'm not mistaken, once the Gate of Six Paths opens, your life will also come to an end. What's more, even in his current state, Zi Kuang probably wouldn't be able to close these gates."

"You... how do you know this?"

Zui Ye's voice was filled with disbelief and terror as he retorted.

"Haha, not all secrets in this world remain hidden just because they aren't spoken. Once I realized that angelic power is the bane of your demonic lineage, all other mysteries could naturally be deduced. Zi Kuang's elaborate efforts to obtain angelic power were simply to acquire a key that could freely open and close your Gate of Six Paths. Once successful, with your assistance, he would be able to control the power of the demonic Six Paths at will, effectively wielding the most terrifying demons in the world. At that point, even if you wished to dominate the entire continent, it would no longer be impossible."

Zui Ye had already grasped the gravity of the situation; if Xu Yang were to reveal such a secret, the consequences would be unthinkable.

"Enough. I've already sensed a dangerous aura from you. Regardless of what happens, Xu Yang, you must die!"

"Hahahaha!"

Xu Yang finally let out a hearty laugh. "Do you think I wouldn't have other backup plans before revealing everything to you? You've greatly underestimated the wisdom of our human race, big guy. No matter how powerful you are, this human continent will never be yours to command."

Xu Yang's words were thunderous, truly elevating the stature of the continent's human race to its pinnacle.

In this vast continent, who else would dare utter such arrogant words in the presence of a demonic realm spirit?

As soon as he finished speaking, Xu Yang no longer hesitated. He thrust the ice crystal scepter forward, towards the large demon. An incredibly terrifying surge of spiritual light erupted completely, all the mental energy previously replicated into the scepter bursting forth at once, targeting Zui Ye's blood-streaked face.

Having learned its lesson, Zui Ye dared not be sluggish in the slightest. It instinctively reared back and retreated frantically. However, Xu Yang's spiritual power had locked on with such intensity that no matter how resilient Zui Ye was, it would be impossible for it to remain unscathed under such overwhelming force.

*Crrrack!* A sound of cracking echoed. In the silver moonlight wheel behind Xu Yang, which reflected the Six Paths of Demonic Gates, three of them now bore distinct crack patterns at their centers. This was the clearest indication that Zui Ye's soul had suffered a devastating blow!

"We succeeded!" Long Kun and the other two, witnessing this scene from behind, were utterly ecstatic. Xu Yang's strategy had worked perfectly, truly using the angelic power within the ice crystal scepter to execute a desperate counterattack against the massive demon, Zui Ye.

*Boom!* Zui Ye's massive body crashed to the ground, causing the entire canyon ruins to undulate violently.

This resounding impact was what awakened Zi Kuang, who had been in a secluded cultivation state somewhere unknown.

As the ruler of this place, this man could disregard the lives of hundreds of thousands of his kin and ignore the safety of everything in the canyon. However, he could not ignore this sacrificial beast, which was intimately tied to his own future.

"Juniors, you are too presumptuous." Just then, an incredibly deep voice suddenly echoed, filled with the overwhelmingly domineering aura of a king.

"That voice... is it Zi Kuang's?"

Ling Yao and the others were greatly startled. The powerful sound waves shook the very essence of their souls, a sensation akin to being struck on the head with a club. It took them a long while to gradually regain their composure.

"Zi Kuang, if you don't reveal yourself soon, I will forever banish this realm spirit into an alternate spatial dimension. At that point, if you wish to open the Demonic Six Paths, you will have to seek my permission, Xu Yang."

Zi Kuang had not originally intended to appear, as his cultivation technique had not yet reached mastery, and he couldn't fully utilize the power of the Angelic Soul Pillar. However, if he continued cultivating, and Xu Yang, in a fit of rage, truly killed Zui Ye, the consequences would be unimaginable!

"Very well, my divine skill is nearly complete anyway. A little sooner or later makes no difference. It's inconsequential to deal with you few ants first."

His tone sounded almost as if he were discussing matters with a friend. Yet, in the next instant, as his unique and astonishing light descended with a roar, the entire dark night sky shone brilliantly, illuminated by the arrival of that majestic purple light.

What shocked everyone even more was that this individual named Zi Kuang had the left half of his body demonic and the right half angelic, with the distinct pattern of a soaring dragon etched across his chest!

Such a unique combination destined Zi Kuang for an extraordinary fate. With him, it seemed the Great Epoch truly faced the possibility of being overthrown.

Upon seeing his outline, the most immediate impression for observers could be summed up in two words: sheer wildness.

True to his name, every inch of his skin and flesh exuded an irresistible sense of wild conquest.

This charisma was not merely built upon strength; it was an inherent temperament. One would either be utterly captivated and fall for him, or hate him to the core, locked in an unending struggle.

There was no third option!

With Zi Kuang's appearance, the enormous demon Zui Ye instantly became docile, gently bowing its head like a small puppy, allowing Zi Kuang to caress its injured eye.

"How could you be so careless, to be injured by a few mere ants?"

Zui Ye sighed helplessly. "Master, you must be careful of this man named Xu Yang. He is not only powerful but also full of cunning tricks—a truly unfathomable and ruthless individual. Be careful not to fall into his trap."

From Zui Ye's demeanor, Zi Kuang could sense Xu Yang's extraordinary nature. He slowly turned his head, a faint smile playing on his lips.

"I am aware of your recent display; it was quite astonishing. For humanity to produce an individual like you is enough to shed the derogatory title of 'lower realm.' In fact, I have never considered humans a lesser race. Your creativity is boundless, even surpassing that of the high and mighty gods. Regrettably, you are not favored by the heavens, lacking sufficiently powerful talent and strength. No matter how grand your dreams, you lack the ability to achieve them. It must be said, this is truly tragic."

Zi Kuang advanced step by step toward Xu Yang, all the while expounding his definition of humanity. He stopped only when they were mere inches apart, and they calmly gazed at each other.

It was as if a being representing the combined powers of demons, angels, and dragons was scrutinizing the pinnacle of the human race.

"I believe that in your current state, you are capable of representing the pinnacle of humanity on this continent. Let us engage in a battle to determine the future fate of the continent. What do you say?"

It had to be admitted that Zi Kuang's words undoubtedly offered Xu Yang the highest praise.

However, to Xu Yang, this entire proposition felt more like a joke.

"If you truly stood above the continent, then of course you would be qualified to judge its fate. But in your current state, I'm afraid you don't yet possess that authority. Nevertheless, I am willing to accept this challenge, and the entire continent will be my stake. So, what is yours?"

Zi Kuang smiled and snapped his fingers. Behind him, an illusory totem mark also materialized, and in its center, everyone clearly saw the complete outline of an angel!

"She is what you have gone to great lengths to find—the power of the Angelic Soul Pillar! I wonder if such a stake is enough to make you fight me in a battle of supreme strength?"

"It's enough!"

Xu Yang shed all semblance of calmness, unleashing an unrestrained and boundless murderous aura. It was as if, from this moment on, he truly was the demon who dominated the world!