C229 Demonic Crystal

The Gold Horn King, a formidable figure, stood as one of the three titans of the Underworld Life Restricted Area. This ancient zone, while not quite rivaling Silverdeer, was nonetheless among the world's top five most perilous Life Restricted Areas. Within its bounds roamed no fewer than twenty beings of Demon King Level stature.

To be recognized as one of the triad of giants was a testament to the Gold Horn King's immense power, a fact that was undeniably evident. Chu Yi's previous assault was a spectacle of terror, transforming the heavens' stars into a supreme arrow with power beyond comprehension. The attack radiated an apocalyptic might from every conceivable angle, promising obliteration to any War God who dared to stand within its reach.

Sol War God was well aware of his own formidable strength. Yet, even clad in the gear that had cost him a lifetime's savings, he knew he would be reduced to nothingness at any point within that crater. Amidst such catastrophic ruin, the Gold Horn King miraculously emerged alive!

Sol War God sensed that despite the Gold Horn King's wretched appearance, the wounds he bore were trivial for a being of such fearsome Demon King caliber. A Demon King's power was extraordinarily fearsome, their physical form surpassing the limits of imagination, capable of instantaneous recovery from such damage.

As Sol War God had anticipated, the enraged Gold Horn King, amidst the void, churned with boundless power, swiftly mending himself completely. Though he still appeared battered, his strength had returned to its zenith. Regrettably, the iconic golden horns atop the Gold Horn King's head, the very emblem and namesake of his identity, were beyond repair. Those horns were more than mere symbols; they encapsulated the very essence of the Gold Horn King's life force.

Now, even with the horns shattered, the Gold Horn King's might remained unaffected. Yet, the damage signified a deeper wound to his very core. Unrelated to his current power, this injury bore significant implications for his future prospects. In essence, unless the Gold Horn King could heal his foundational essence, advancing further would be nearly impossible. Chu Yi's strike might not have slain the Gold Horn King, but it had severed the trajectory of his destiny.

A palpable rage swelled through the fabric of space and time. In an instant, the Gold Horn King vanished, reappearing at the side of Sol War God on the ground.

"Eat this!"

He nonchalantly produced a crystal-like item and handed it to Sol War God.

Sol War God paused, his gaze shifting between the Gold Horn King and the crystal-like object in his hand with evident confusion.

"Eat this, and your strength will temporarily soar to that of a human Sky Level War God," the Gold Horn King explained.

A flicker of madness sparked in Sol War God's eyes. But then, something seemed to dawn on him, and his expression shifted subtly. "Is this a Demonic Crystal?!"

Indeed, upon the demise of Demon Kings, what emerged was a Demonic Crystal. Not all Demon Kings could cultivate a Demonic Crystal within their bodies; most would form a Demonic Core instead.

Only those Demon Kings with extraordinary bloodlines could produce Demonic Crystals, making them far more valuable than Demonic Cores.

Sol War God was well aware of the Demonic Crystal's value.

With its power, he could shatter the bounds of his Earth War God status and ascend to the Sky Level War God, just as the Gold Horn King had suggested.

But there was a catch...

Sol War War God was also acutely aware of the Demonic Crystal's side effects.

Demonic Transformation!

Without the might to suppress it, using the Demonic Crystal meant an inevitable transformation into a half-demon.

Clearly, Sol War God was reluctant to forsake his human heritage.

Noticing Sol War God's indecision, a sneer curled the Gold Horn King's lips.

"Fool, what are you waiting for at a time like this? Are you still preoccupied with such trivial concerns?!"

"Which do you think matters more – your identity as a human or your very life?"

The Gold Horn King's words struck Sol War God, leaving him momentarily frozen.

Indeed!

If he kept hesitating...

Meanwhile, Chu Yi observed the exchange between Sol War God and the Gold Horn King from the void, his expression icy and detached. He remained still, not intervening.

Sol War God realized that Chu Yi, intent on keeping his secrets, would certainly not spare either him or the Gold Horn King this time.

Therefore, if the Gold Horn King and Sol War God didn't want to meet their demise, they had no choice but to defeat Chu Yi!

It was a grim reality that only one side could survive in their struggle.

Failure meant certain death.

And so...

Without the slightest hesitation, Sol War God consumed the Demonic Crystal.

The very next moment, a fearsome and formidable power surged within Sol War God's being.

Almost instantly, it was as if a terrifying disturbance was brewing, culminating in an explosive release of Sol War God's aura!

This aura was immeasurably more intense than at the peak of his previous power.

The mighty force enveloped the entire world in an instant.

A fleeting, sinister scarlet hue flashed in Sol War God's eyes as dark green hair sprouted on his body, his fingers elongating and his nails growing at an alarming rate.

Feeling his strength transform, Sol War God's aura was in flux.

"Is this what it feels like to wield the power of a Sky Level War God?"

The Sky Level War God!

That represented the second echelon of the War Gods, the ultimate boundary he aspired to reach.

Sol War God was aware of his limited talent; becoming a War God had been a stroke of fortune.

But to ascend further was an incredibly daunting task.

Yet now, with the power of the Demonic Crystal, he was directly experiencing the realm and might of a Sky Level War God!

"Yes, this is the power of the Sky Level War God as your people describe it!"

"In our eyes, it's the power of a Tycoon Level Demon King!"

A Tycoon Level Demon King equates to a human's Sky Level War God!

"If you can quickly find a safe haven, I can assist you in suppressing the demonic energy within the Demonic Crystal."

"Then, you'll truly ascend to Sky Level War God status while preserving your human lineage!"

Upon hearing this, a glimmer of clarity shone in Sol War God's now eerily transformed eyes.

His human heritage was paramount.

Sol War God was aware that embracing his Half-Demon nature would greatly enhance his strength and potential.

Yet, he remained human at heart, still valuing his human identity.

If one could forsake all else in the pursuit of power, Sol War God might have achieved greatness long ago.

In the vast cosmos, there are innumerable ways to transcend one's innate limitations and become a formidable entity.

However, the cost was beyond imagination.

Sol War God had never renounced his human identity, preferring to enhance his abilities gradually.

Hearing there was still an opportunity, Sol War God was understandably thrilled.

"Why would you help me?"

Sol War God was perplexed.

The Gold Horn King could have remained hidden; Chu Yi certainly hadn't detected his presence.

It wasn't until Chu Yi was about to deliver a fatal blow that the Gold Horn King intervened.

This act revealed his presence.

To Sol War God, it seemed as though the Gold Horn King, one of the triad of leaders in the Life Restricted Area, was protecting him.

The Gold Horn King's presence here was irrational, and his intervention on Sol War God's behalf was highly suspect. Sol War God was certain there was more to the story.

Casting a disdainful glance at Sol War God, the Gold Horn King's eyes conveyed contempt.

"If it weren't for the human trade routes, do you really think I'd bother saving someone as worthless as you?"

The human trade routes...

It dawned on Sol War God!

Of course, the human trade routes!

The trade that mattered enough for the Gold Horn King to intervene must be significant.

While Sol War God covertly controlled numerous conglomerates on Earth, only one deal could be of such importance to the Gold Horn King.

"You're Mr. Gold..."

The scornful smirk on the Gold Horn King's face grew clearer.

"What else did you expect?"

In that moment, everything clicked for Sol War God.

Indeed, if not for these reasons, why would the Gold Horn King bother to rescue him, especially at such a critical moment?

He realized that he had been betraying his own kind for quite some time...

A bitter taste settled in Sol War God's mouth.

Though he had allied with the only truth, it was merely to amass resources for himself.

He shared many beliefs with the only truth, which is why he had aligned with this heretical organization.

By eliminating several of the human race's so-called prodigies, he had secured the resources needed for his breakthrough. With greater power, he could better safeguard his people!

This philosophy was shared by both the only truth and Sol War God.

Sol War God had his limits.

He would never ally with the Demon Race. Before Sol War God ascended to his title, he fought in countless battles against the demons.

During those times, many of his brothers-in-arms fell to the Demon Race's claws.

Thus, Sol War God harbored a deep-seated hatred for the demons. No matter how scarce his resources were, he would never consider an alliance with them.

Yet, unbeknownst to him, he had been inadvertently funding the Demon Race for quite some time.

Even if he was unaware, the deed had been done.

...

"Are you done talking?" came Chu Yi's icy voice.

"I'm aware you're pressed for time, eager to slay me before the powerhouses of Redmarsh City descend."

"My thoughts exactly."

"So let's not drag this out any longer..."

Neither Chu Yi nor Sol War God and Gold Horn King wanted to delay further.

Gold Horn King looked up at the youthful figure in the sky, a shadow of concern flickering in his eyes.

Chu Yi's talent and might had surpassed his expectations.

Had he not resorted to his last resort, Gold Horn King knew he would have been doomed.

He lost not just his trump card but also suffered a grave blow to his very essence.

This time, the loss was substantial.

Had he known the extent of Chu Yi's power, Gold Horn King would never have risked his life for a mere trade route.

In the Demon Race's eyes, the route might be paramount, but to Gold Horn King, his own life was the priority.

Sacrifice for the whole Demon Race?

Gold Horn King wasn't that selfless.

Unfortunately, these were all just what-ifs.

He had miscalculated Chu Yi's strength, just like Adams and Sol War God before him.

But he couldn't be blamed; a prodigy like Chu Yi was unprecedented.

Of course, if such a steep price could ensure Chu Yi's defeat, then perhaps it wouldn't be such a loss...

"I'm curious to see how you plan to stand against two Sky Level titans!"

Alone, Gold Horn King felt a twinge of fear.

Chu Yi's recent strike, though enraging, had left a lasting impression of awe and terror.

If it weren't for his temperament, the Gold Horn King would have already torn Chu Yi to pieces. The Demonic Crystal was of utmost importance to him, yet now he was out of options. Once Chu Yi had him in his sights, the Gold Horn King knew his end was near. His choices were clear: either slay Chu Yi and escape or be doomed to remain there eternally. Desperate to live, the Gold Horn King reluctantly produced the Demonic Crystal. With the power of two Sky Level War Gods, he refused to believe that Chu Yi could not be defeated! As his declaration echoed, the Gold Horn King's presence surged once more.

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