The collapsing flesh of the massive evil demon didn't dissipate. Instead, it transformed into a swirling mass of lightning-wreathed energy and shot toward Chu Feng.
That energy was what the demon had become, while the lightning was actually the bloodline power Chu Feng had released. For reasons unknown, the two had fused — and fused perfectly.
At the same time, similar masses of lightning energy rose from the other pools as well, all converging toward Chu Feng.
It was a special kind of power. It couldn't be used in battle, but it would surely prove invaluable elsewhere.
Chu Feng suspected it was likely related to the completed formation the Totem Dragon Clan's Clan Master had mentioned earlier.
Rumble—
Suddenly, all the statues lining both sides and the deepest reaches of the stone cavern began to move. They dropped to their knees in unison.
"We welcome the arrival of the Demon King."
That single sentence alone was proof enough of just how significant Chu Feng's bloodline power was in their eyes.
It was merely a formation, but the spectacle was undeniably grand.
…
However, hearing such praise, the Thunder Beast let out a contemptuous laugh.
"Demon King? Even if the one they call the Demon King appeared before me, he would have no choice but to kneel just like them."
"Senior, you are far too powerful. Those rats are no match for you at all."
"I imagine Senior's techniques must be equally extraordinary. It's just a shame that this junior's strength is still too weak to wield Senior's methods."
"I'm truly curious — what kind of divine abilities does Senior possess?" Chu Feng chuckled.
"Kid, trying to get me to spill my secrets?" The Thunder Beast smiled faintly, seeing right through Chu Feng's act.
"No, no — how could this junior dare try to trick Senior? I genuinely just want to know what kind of abilities they are."
Chu Feng was being honest. He really did want to know what kind of techniques the red Thunder Beast had granted him.
"Don't get your hopes up. Just treat it as an ordinary martial technique."
"But remember — you only get one chance. Do not attempt to fuse and comprehend it unless you are absolutely certain you're ready," the Thunder Beast said.
"This junior has heeded Senior's warning, which is exactly why I haven't tried yet."
"But Senior's techniques surely can't be compared to some ordinary martial art."
Chu Feng was still smiling as he spoke, but suddenly his expression changed drastically. A moment later, he dropped to one knee with a heavy thud.
All the power the demons here had been transformed into had now fully merged into Chu Feng's body.
That power, while useless for combat, was still remarkably formidable. Perhaps because it had fused with the bloodline power Chu Feng had released, it produced a certain resonance…
So as the power integrated into his body, Chu Feng felt an extraordinarily comfortable sensation.
But once the fusion was complete and that comfort faded — once his state returned to normal — the pain came crashing in.
This agonizing pain was exactly what the Thunder Beast had warned him about.
Chu Feng didn't dare delay. He quickly produced pain-relieving medicinal pills, even bringing out some of his most precious ones — the very ones the Totem Dragon Clan's Clan Master had given him. He never imagined they would come in handy so soon.
The moment the pills entered his mouth, they dissolved into powerful healing energy that swept through his entire body.
But rather than improving, Chu Feng felt the pain intensify.
It wasn't that the healing pills were ineffective — it was that the backlash was simply too powerful.
"So, kid? Now you know I wasn't lying, right?"
"I know your tolerance for pain is extraordinary, but this kind of agony isn't something endurance alone can overcome. Your body has genuinely been damaged."
"There's no helping it. Your cultivation is simply too weak. Even though I only lent you an extremely small fraction of my power, it's still more than you can bear," the Thunder Beast said.
"It's quite the sensation, but getting to witness Senior's abilities makes it completely worth it," Chu Feng replied.
"Save the flattery. I'm leaving now. Anything you want to say?" the Thunder Beast asked.
"This junior has nothing more to add, but I am truly grateful for Senior's help. Without it, I never would have made it through this trial," Chu Feng said.
"Don't thank me. I simply couldn't stand this formation looking down on your bloodline — I wanted to prove its worth. The rest of the path is up to you."
"One word of warning: this place… is not as simple as it seems. What you see before you may not be what it truly is."
With those final words from the Thunder Beast, the gate to the pool where Chu Feng stood slowly swung open. On the other side lay birdsong and fragrant flowers — an entire world unto itself.