The Black Phoenix Tattoo

In his place, Julius continued to strive hard to obtain the mystical weapon he desired. Despite experiencing several failures in his attempts, the young man did not waver from his path in search of another weapon. He remained steadfast in his desire to master the Spear of the Universal Thunder God.

Feeling exhausted, Julius sat down for a moment in that place. He meditated, trying to find a way to participate in the struggle. Unintentionally, he had performed a soul-releasing technique, causing his soul to leave his meditating body. Clearly, Julius could see the condition of his body. He was slightly surprised to discover a tattoo of a black phoenix on his back.

The image of the black phoenix was clearly visible on his back due to his torn clothing, a result of being frequently struck by the spear of the Universal Thunder God. The young man had met his demise from repeated strikes of lightning energy from the spear. Normally, such attacks would render him unconscious shortly thereafter.

"Since when has this black phoenix tattoo been on my back?" Julius asked himself.

 Julius then tried to look at his soul's back, but there was no same image there. In other words, the tattoo of the black phoenix was only visible on his physical body. Julius approached, then touched the tattoo of the black Phoenix.

Suddenly, the tattoo emitted a black light that slowly flowed through Julius's entire coarse body. Simultaneously, his subtle soul emitted a dark-colored light. Julius didn't understand what was happening, but he felt his coarse body and soul becoming more powerful. Not wanting to risk staying outside his body for too long, Julius attempted to re-enter his physical form.

At first, the young man had some difficulty re-entering his body. But after concentrating and directing his strength, he successfully returned to his coarse body. As he re-entered, the emanation of black-colored power became even stronger. Taking advantage of this, Julius immediately dashed to try to retrieve the Spear of the Universal Thunder God.

 Julius attempted to grasp the Spear of the Universal Thunder God again. This time, something changed; the power of the Thunder Spear struck Julius differently than before. Somehow, the power of the Thunder Spear, which attempted to attack Julius, vanished as if absorbed by the black light emanating from the young man's body. Over time, the attack of the divine spear weakened until eventually, the dazzling purplish lightning ceased to emanate.

 Julius then exerted his power. Now, the spear emitted a powerful black light and lightning flashes. However, the lightning had turned black. Even the spear of the Universal Thunder God changed its color to black. Nevertheless, the power it emitted was much stronger than before.

The power of the spear of the Universal Thunder God, now black, was so strong that it caused the entire Tower of the Universal God to tremble. Not wanting anything to happen to the Tower built by the Universal God, Julius immediately stored the spear inside his body. He did so use a technique he himself had created to store a relic or spiritual creature within his body.

After completing everything, Julius returned to his place. He immediately met the head of the Tower of God Academy and Master Lin, who were still in the same place. Julius approached and bowed, paying his respects. There was a usual sight on both their faces. They both looked tense and pale for some unknown reason.

"D-did the spear turn black and emit black lightning?" Magnus Raven's voice trembled as he asked.

"Yes, master," Julius answered, not understanding the meaning behind the head of the Tower of God Academy's question.

"Then where is the spear now?" Magnus Raven asked again.

"I have stored it within my body, Grand Master," Julius replied.

Both Masters looked astonished by Julius's answer. For a moment, they glanced at each other as if searching for answers to the questions in their minds. Then they both turned their gaze back to Julius.

"Where did you learn that technique? That technique has long disappeared from this universe, ever since the disappearance of the light god, the creator of cultivation," Magnus Raven inquired, full of curiosity.

This time, Julius remained silent, unable to provide a reason for the Tower of God Academy head's question. He himself had only just realized that the technique of storing weapons or spiritual animals within one's own body had long vanished from the universe. On the other hand, it seemed that the head of the Tower of God Academy was not pressing the young man to provide an answer. He redirected the conversation, providing guidance for the young man's journey ahead.

After both Masters had finished conveying their messages to Julius, they both allowed Julius to begin his journey. Julius then bid farewell to them both, before leaving the Tower of God and heading to his residence to pack. Every step the young man took away from the Tower did not escape the watchful eyes of the head of the Tower of God Academy and Master Lin Duano.

"Does that kid have another Master, besides us?" muttered the head of the Tower of God Academy, wondering to whom the question was directed.

Meanwhile, Julius began to leave the Tower of God Academy after packing. He didn't bid farewell to anyone in the Tower of God Academy except Master Magnus Raven and Master Lin Duano. It could be said that the young man left the Academy stealthily.

***

"Fool! How could our right-wing commander lose against the Tower of God Academy people, most of whom are far below in ability? Not only did he lose, but he was already killed by those people from the Tower of God Academy. If the leader finds out, he will surely be furious!"

A man dressed in all red with a four-eyed star embroidery emitting flames shouted harshly at the two people in front of him. The two individuals brought news of Caspian Hond, the Right Wing Commander of the Demon Sect's defeat. The man, none other than the Vice Chairman of the Flame Star Demon Sect, seemed furious with the news brought by the two sect members.

"Is the news you bring true?" asked another man dressed in golden attire, standing to the right of the deputy sect leader of the Demon Sect.

This person had entirely white eyes. He was an advisor to the Demon Sect. His abilities, compared with those of the sect leader, couldn't determine who was superior. He was currently in the eighth level of the Heavenly God Realm.

"Our spy at the Tower of God Academy reported it, Your Excellency. He sent a messenger bird with the news. I'm sure the information he conveyed is not false. He also sent a small piece of the burnt bone remains of the Right-Wing Commander," replied one of the two men who brought the news, handing a small gold box to the Vice Chairman of the Demon Sect.