Demon Emperor
In a foreboding palace shrouded in shadows, the Demon Emperor reclined upon a regal throne, his demeanor an embodiment of unruffled sovereignty. His blood-red eyes, akin to smoldering embers, rose to the sight of three moons in celestial alignment, heralding an impending event of momentous import.
"They've arrived," he declared, his voice a dispassionate baritone, as he stood, relinquishing his throne, and exited the palace's ominous confines.
Outside, an assembly of ten ethereal figures confronted him, silhouetted against the palace's dark facade.
"Your time has come, Liu Jiarui," declared an elder at the center of the assemblage, his single eye glinting with aged wisdom as he stroked his lengthy, snow-white beard.
Liu Jiarui, in response, erupted in a callous laughter. "Old man, have you forgotten who relieved you of that eye? I would willingly return it to you."
A set of quick hand signals accompanied Liu Jiarui's words, leading to the emergence of a casket from the palace's floor. It unveiled the lifeless form of a young man bearing an eye upon his chest, a chilling sight that spurred the elder into a shivering fit of anger.
"You wretched demon! I shall have your life!" the elder bellowed.
Yet, Liu Jiarui remained undaunted, a malevolent smile stretching across his visage, his blood-red eyes ablaze. The elder, consumed by rage, unleashed his golden aura in response, met with Liu Jiarui's onyx-hued aura, their clashing energies igniting an intense confrontation.
The elder launched himself at Liu Jiarui, his intent to strike, but found his efforts effortlessly thwarted as Liu Jiarui caught his fist with nonchalance.
"Unite our forces! It is the only path to victory!" the elder directed the other nine figures with a voice that conveyed stern urgency. They heeded the command and attacked in unison, the ensuing combat transpiring with cataclysmic vigor, rattling the very foundations of the Divine Realm.
After a full day of brutal conflict, the battle neared its culmination, fatigue and injury afflicting both sides.
'I can't endure no longer,' Liu Jiarui thought, his body succumbing to the multitude of injuries.
However, he was not the only one on the verge of collapse. The ten opposing figures, each grievously wounded and some even dismembered, mirrored his fatigue.
"Yield, Liu Jiarui," implored a female voice, attempting to mend her severed arm, only to realize the futility of her efforts.
"Once touched by my attack, there is no healing," Liu Jiarui taunted with a laugh. "Why do you think the old man is still missing an eye?"
All nine figures turned their attention to the elderly leader, who had, until now, concealed the truth. The female figure demanded answers.
"Why did you not inform us of something this dangerous?" she rebuked him.
"Because knowledge of this would have instilled fear and deterred you from this confrontation," the elderly leader, Tao Guo, replied.
Tensions began to rise, and an eruption seemed inevitable, but another man intervened.
"Mei Li, do not jeopardize this moment. Tao Guo's discretion, though flawed, was not wrong. With Liu Jiarui cornered, it is time to employ 'that' to conclude this battle."
Mei Li clenched her teeth but ultimately acquiesced. Ten stones were shattered, and a massive golden square encapsulated Liu Jiarui, gradually diminishing in size. Liu Jiarui's abilities were sealed, his attempts to break free futile.
The square was the "Heavenly Demon God-Slaying Array," a array created by a past Demon Emperor for the purpose of annihilating their enemies. Although it had once killed the enemies of the Demon Emperors, it had now come full circle, targeting Liu Jiarui.
As the array contracted to nothingness, it carried Liu Jiarui with it, causing him to vanish into the void, leaving the ten adversaries with a profound sense of relief.
Elsewhere, on Earth, a 15-year-old boy lay lifeless upon a cold and unforgiving surface, his body battered and bruised. For a protracted interval, stillness held sway, with his heart unmoving. After an interlude, a heartbeat rekindled life within him. The boy surged upward, his hand frantically exploring his seemingly intact form.
"I still live?" the boy whispered in astonishment before wincing in pain as a surge of memories overcame him.
This boy, named Liu Zihao, was a resident of a war-torn empire's slums, his parents called away to distant battlefronts as cultivators. Felled by a group of bullies, he was mercilessly beaten for his association with a girl named Li Hua, whom he held in affection.
Liu Zihao had black hair and blue eyes and his looks would be far above average if it wasn't for the dust and dirt all over his body.
Despite his survival, Liu Jiarui was now confronted by inexplicable circumstances, having experienced reincarnation despite not having cultivation techniques related to reincarnation.
Setting aside his existential concerns, he committed himself to the cultivation of the 'Nine Heavenly Demon' technique. This cultivation method exhibited exceptional traits, its capacity to absorb qi and facilitate rapid stage breakthroughs a rarity.
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STAGES:
(10 SUB-STAGE FOR EACH STAGE)
Foundation Establishment
Qi Condensation
Core Formation
Soul Fusion
Spirit Ascension
Celestial Attainment
Void Mastery
Divine Transcendence
Immortal Apex
Cosmic Awakening
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A span of four hours witnessed Liu Zihao soaring through six Foundation Establishment stages, a feat that would astound any observer. His bewildering cultivation speed set an unprecedented precedent.
Dusting himself off, Liu Zihao, bearing the stains of his recent conflict, turned to face the world. The squalor of the slums bore witness to death daily, his plight hardly an exception.
With resolve kindled, Liu Zihao left the alley and embarked on a mission to confront the bullies who had tormented his past existence. The body he now inhabited would endure their persecution no longer.
Amidst the gloomy streets of the slums, a voice called his name, arresting his steps.
"Liu Zihao! Where have you been?"