Who

Youkai's expression changed.

All of the qi in the surrounding area had been swarming toward him, but in an instant, the roles had completely reversed. It should have taken him just three more seconds before his breakthrough was complete, but suddenly, his estimated time left began to steadily creep upward.

'He… He can't be breaking into the Soul Birth Realm as well?'

Suddenly Youkai began to laugh. Though it still ached his heart to have ruined his future, if Ryu destroyed his in exchange, it was worth it, so very worth it.

No matter how talented he was, how could he compare to a Throne? Yet he had caused such a genius to fall into ruin? How could he not be ecstatic?

However, he soon realized that something was wrong. Though qi was surging toward Ryu, it wasn't undergoing any qualitative changes.