Demon Core

In a room within the Taiping Mansion sits a young woman, dressed in layered shades of purple and adorned with delicate ornaments. She is seated in a meditative posture, as still as a statue, her breath so controlled that one might think her dead. Yet with each inhale and exhale, a cyclic flux of spiritual energy fills the space, causing life and death to dance through the room—plants subtly blooming and wilting, insects stirring and falling still.

Her breath is faint, almost imperceptible, yet it carries a profound weight. Her body is suffused with a mysterious radiance, a soft halo forming around her form. Upon her forehead rests a subtle, glowing purple mark, pulsing gently in time with her breath.

For several minutes, there was nothing but breathing. Then a vast wave of energy descended from the sky, crashing into the room and sending tremors through the surrounding area. The air became saturated with rich spiritual energy. Every other cultivator within the mansion felt an overwhelming pressure—an instinctive urge to flee—though this was far from the first time such a phenomenon had occurred.

Among the newest disciples, reactions varied wildly. Some wet themselves. Some froze in place. Others ran blindly, while a few simply fainted. Those accustomed to such events, however, calmly took their seats, bathing in the dense spiritual energy to bolster their cultivation. Others took the opportunity to refine their control, deepen their understanding, and sharpen their comprehension of their techniques, guided by the resonance of the laws.

The estate was lively and chaotic, yet the turmoil did not spread beyond its grounds. Layers of barriers contained the disturbance, preventing it from escaping into the outside world.

Slowly, the brilliant purple light dissolved as Sheng Si Ce Zun became Zhao Chengyue once more. The sensation of holding a law was as exhilarating as ever. She could hardly wait for her final breakthrough to Deity Kindling, when she would regain full command over her law. Yet with the impending Yin shift, more urgent matters demanded her attention.

As Zhao Chengyue consolidated her energy, her physical and spiritual bodies remerging and the oppressive spiritual pressure easing, her thoughts drifted to the events that had just unfolded within the nether realm.

"It seems the law of duality has been stirred," she finally said as she concealed her peak Nascent Soul cultivation, suppressing it down to early Core Formation. It was all part of her plan, yet she could not deny the fear gnawing at her—what could such a grand law do to the domain of her greater law?

"It won't matter… as long as I don't fail," she sighed wistfully. "If they both enter foundation establishment, it will all be worth it."

A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. Chengyue shifted her attention toward it and saw two figures: a sixteen-year-old girl and an eighteen-year-old boy.

"Speak your mind," the words transmitted directly to both the immortal cultivator and the mortal servant's consciousness.

"Master," the voice came, "your disciple wishes to inform you of a visitor."

Zhao Chengyue immediately spread out her divine sense and felt a familiar presence—the energy of a phoenix. It was not on the ground, but hovering above the estate. The phoenix's divine sense pierced through the entire Taiping residence, causing the temperature to rise and an oppressive pressure to descend. Mortals and cultivators alike grew fearful and anxious under its presence.

Princess Taiping sensed this at once and released her own divine sense, neatly canceling out the phoenix's influence before it could spiral further.

"Wait for me in the Grand Hall." The princess transmitted the words to the phoenix telepathically before turning her attention back to her direct disciple.

"Lanhua, I have dealt with the phoenix. Is there anything else you wished to discuss?"

"No, not at the moment, Master."

"Good. Wait for me; I will be out shortly."

"As you wish, Master," she replied, bowing deeply in reverence before taking a position near the door, standing guard.

"Butler Cheng Guang." The words echoed directly into the mortal servant's mind, startling him momentarily. He quickly regained his composure, maintaining his reverent posture. Though this was not the first time the princess had used this method of communication, it never failed to be unnerving.

"Yes, Your Highness," he responded.

"You may report your matter."

"We have accommodated all the new girls in the mansion as per your instructions, Your Majesty. There is still some friction here and there, but the majority are settling in well."

"That's good. Anything else?"

"Yes, Your Highness. The woman you assigned a task to has returned and is waiting for you in the Grand Hall."

"Noted. You may leave now, Butler Cheng Guang."

"As you command, Your Highness," the man said, bowing once more in submission before returning to his duties.

Zhao Chengyue rose from her seat and walked toward the door of her room, flinging it open. Outside stood a beautiful sixteen-year-old girl, dressed in flowing white robes.

Chengyue's gaze softened as she looked upon her direct disciple, then drifted toward the direction of her "nephew's" assigned residence. Lanhua mirrored her attention, sensing the faint fluctuations of spiritual energy—Mingyao was experiencing another minor breakthrough.

A faint smile touched Princess Taiping's lips.

"It seems the deadline for Foundation Establishment will be well met."

She turned to Lanhua, whose expression remained neutral, before beginning her walk toward the Grand Hall. Lanhua followed instinctively.

"What do you think of her?"

"Junior Sister is talented, Master. She is certain to attain Foundation Establishment after her seclusion. I will prepare suitable techniques for her."

"Are you jealous?" Princess Taiping asked playfully.

"Not at all, Master," Lanhua replied. "She is of your blood and your third direct disciple. How could I expect any less from her? I am honored to have such a talented Junior Sister."

Taiping nodded, then continued.

"And what of Li Xiulan?"

"Li Xiulan?" Lanhua asked nervously.

"Are you jealous of her?"

Lanhua paused mid-step, silence stretching as she contemplated the question.

"She is blessed by the Laws, boasting powerful spirit bloodlines. Her strong Core Formation cultivation is to be expected."

"Would you like to have the same boon?" Taiping asked.

"I have cultivated for more than twenty years and have reached late-stage Foundation Establishment. I am grateful to Master for setting me on this path and providing all the necessary resources for my cultivation. I wish I could form my Core quickly, but there is no need to put such a strain on your side, Master. I am simply happy to be your first disciple. I will work twice as hard so as not to be looked down upon by my juniors," Lanhua replied.

They resumed their walk, soon arriving at the Grand Hall. Lanhua stopped at the threshold and bowed deeply.

"I will take my leave, Master."

"Go."

Zhao Chengyue nodded, watching as Lanhua turned and disappeared toward her own chambers

Only then did Princess Taiping enter the hall.

The moment she crossed the threshold, everyone present—maids, guards, attendants—dropped to their knees.

"Long live Princess Taiping!"

The voices thundered through the hall.

Everyone bowed.

Everyone except one.

Li Xiulan stood upright, her back straight, eyes burning. Beside her was Mo Yan, stiff and uncertain, clearly out of place amidst such pressure.

Zhao Chengyue ascended the steps and settled onto her throne, one arm resting lazily against the armrest.

"You may rise," Princess Taiping said, waving away the unnecessary groups.

The two visitors now stood fully before her—Li Xiulan and Mo Yan.

"For what reason do I owe the pleasure of your visit?" Taiping asked, her gaze fixed on Li Xiulan.

"When will I rid myself of this accursed bond?" Li Xiulan demanded.

"Unfortunately, all things are bound to the Laws. As such, your fate is intertwined with that of your master."

"You're telling me I can never be anything more than a divine pet?"

"Such a bond can only be transcended once your karmic ties are severed. But how can one escape them so easily?"

"Is there no other way?"

"As I said, your life and death are tied to your master. Yet, if you strike at the right moment, you may regain your freedom."

"Are you not afraid I might try to kill him? He is your nephew, after all."

"I am not my brother. As he always says, all is determined by the hands of fate."

"What about the Emperor? What if I wish to kill him for revenge? Would you oppose me?"

"Does it matter?"

"It does. I need to know my enemies so I can plan accordingly."

"Ha!" Princess Taiping let out a short, sharp laugh. "Do you truly believe you can defeat me?"

"I admit you are far more powerful than I, but it would not be easy to kill me."

"You have grown too prideful… too arrogant," Taiping replied, her eyes glinting as her lips curved into a faint, amused smile.

"After enduring thousands of deaths across thousands of lifetimes, it is inevitable for one to change. But... I believe you will not interfere—you loved her just as much."

A beat of silence followed before Taiping continued,

"Do you still wish to know why the Li family was massacred?"

"No reason… or excuse could ever erase my hatred."

"I suppose. But what if… some of them are still alive?"

"What do you mean?"

"Simply this, some members of the Li family survived."

"What? How… where are they?"

"Mo Yan."

The dazed Mo Yan, still struggling to follow the exchange, responded hesitantly.

"Yes?"

"Did you complete the tasks I assigned you?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. I have grasped the current pandemic, and as you instructed, I relocated members of the Tang Clan. They are now working on potential cures for the epidemic."

"Good work. You will be well rewarded."

"Where is this going?" Li Xiulan asked, her impatience clear.

"What does any of this have to do with the Li family?" she added, confusion etching her features.

"Everything…" Taiping said, a satisfied smile curling her lips. "The remnants of the Li family survived by assuming a new name, under the late Empress's plan. They are now known as the Tang Clan."

"They're alive?"

"Indeed."

"Her Majesty the Empress made adequate preparations in case she failed to stop the massacre."

"Yet she couldn't prepare for her own demise," Li Xiulan said, tears welling in her eyes as fury twisted her expression. "He must pay."

"If you intend to pursue your revenge, it would be best to wait for your master's return, so you may discuss it with her."

"I don't care about that," she said, fury hardening as her fists clenched. "I don't need his permission or interference. But… you are right—I must wait for his return, if only to ensure I leave no weakness to be exploited."

Li Xiulan's skin ignited, flames erupting around her form. In the next breath, she transformed into a phoenix and soared into the sky.

"I will see you again soon, Your Highness."

"As expected of an ancient phoenix—full of pride and flamboyance. She can't just fly away like a normal cultivator."

Princess Taiping shifted her gaze to the only figure still standing before the throne.

Mo Yan straightened instinctively.

"You may give your full report now."

"Yes, Your Highness. The source of the pandemic appears to stem from the southwest quarter, spreading in all directions and using the Dongxi River as its primary route. People are falling ill rapidly. If this is not contained, the entire capital could succumb. There is also a possibility that the plague has already infiltrated the royal court."

"Tell me… what are the symptoms of this peculiar plague?"

"The illness progresses in four stages. In the first stage, the afflicted develop high fevers, leaving their bodies weak and lethargic. The second stage brings blackened veins, coughing up blood, and hallucinations. In the third stage, the patient falls into a comatose state, unable to move, their body becoming as cold as ice. The fourth stage is death, accompanied by worms bursting from the corpse."

Taiping leaned back slightly, her eyes half-lidded as she contemplated.

"How many deaths so far?"

"About ten, Your Highness, though more than a hundred are comatose, and the number is rising rapidly."

Taiping weighed the words carefully, analyzing the situation before speaking.

"Did you follow the plan I instructed you to?"

"I did. There was some friction at first with people from the court, but when I presented your token, they reluctantly complied."

"Good." Her tone sharpened."But now we must determine the true source."

"The Tang Clan has been relocated to the designated area outside the capital," Mo Yan continued. "They've been supplied with everything necessary to research a cure."

"That is acceptable."

Mo Yan hesitated again.

"There is… one more matter."

"Speak."

"There is a physician," Mo Yan said. "They appeared in the southern quarter and are treating the afflicted. While they do not yet possess a cure, their methods seem to alleviate the symptoms—slowing the progression before death."

"A physician…" Taiping murmured.

Taiping sank into deep thought, her gaze distant. After a moment, she settled further into her chair.

"Could it be…"

She extended her divine sense, stretching it across the entire city. She scanned for anomalies, seeking any hint of the underlying cause. She already suspected what this might be, and after carefully sifting through much of the city, her divine sense detected something. Though her perception alone could only reveal surface-level information, when paired with her Law, she could gain much deeper insight.

"Just as I suspected… this is the work of a dark cultivator," Taiping said, her voice heavy with foreboding.

There was a beat of silence, but just as Mo Yan opened her mouth to speak,

"Do you wish to become a cultivator?" Taiping asked, her question sudden and unexpected.

Mo Yan blinked. "Didn't you already say that wasn't possible? I don't have a spirit root."

"There is a way," Taiping replied. "But it is dangerous."

She paused.

"You will have to die."

Mo Yan stiffened.

"…Are you willing?"

"I only wish for the protection of Her Highness's pavilion," she said, giving a slight, reverent bow, her hands clasped together before her face. "The Hidden Lotus Pavilion is home to many."

"With the path I offer," Taiping said evenly, "protecting your sisters will be within reach. Some of them have already embarked on the road to immortality. Given time, they will achieve greatness."

Mo Yan clenched her fists.

"Is it truly impossible for me to pursue martial cultivation?"

"I do not know how to cure your body," Taiping said bluntly. "It rejects all treatment—as though fundamentally incompatible."

Silence.

Mo Yan lowered her head, thoughts churning violently.

"…May I think about it?"

Taiping smiled faintly.

Zhao Chengyue regarded her with a simple smile. "It is your choice. But do remember—you are currently the weakest member of your pavilion. How would you expect to protect them?"

She noticed a flicker of emotion pass across Mo Yan's face as she pressed on

"Xue Shi is gaining influence within your sect. It would make sense for her to replace you. She has better prospects… better strength."

She leaned forward slightly.

"If you wish, I can offer this opportunity to her instead."

Mo Yan's jaw tightened.

"I see what you're doing," she snapped. "And it won't work."

"Work?" Taiping asked mildly. "I am merely stating the obvious. If you pursue immortality, you might attain salvation. Otherwise, your prestige will crumble."

"…Enough," Mo Yan exhaled sharply. "Fine. What is this method?"

"I wish to turn you into a spirit being—one forged from the essence of a law."

"A spirit being?"

"Yes. You have seen how powerful your master's maid has become. She is now a phoenix, in the early stage of Core Formation. She is not yet as strong as I am, but at this stage, she could flatten the entire city if she wished."

Mo Yan's eyes widened.

"That does sound enticing… What about my master?"

"She is a human cultivator, so her cultivation speed is much slower than a spirit being's. Yet she surpasses other human cultivators—after just three days, she has already reached Qi Refining Tier 10."

"Okay… I understand. What must I do to become an Immortal Cultivator?"

"Since you lack a spirit root, we will have to take drastic measures." She withdrew something from her sleeve.

"This will ensure you can attain immortality," she said, holding a pill-like substance between her fingers.

"What is that?"

"The essence of a law. It is usually repellent to others, but toward you… it's—"

Before Taiping could finish, the pill ignited, taking on a flame-like appearance—an almost black, pinkish fire.

The flame shot toward Mo Yan, drilling into her forehead. A faint mark tried to form, but it dissipated before it could fully materialize.

"Good. It looks like it has accepted you. Now, all that remains is for you to form a Demon Core."

"Demon Core?"

"Indeed. You cannot become a spirit being without a Spirit Core."

"Okay… how do I do that?"

"By dying, of course," Taiping said, her tone calm, almost casual, as she flicked her index finger. Using her divine sense, she ripped Mo Yan's heart from her chest. The heart hovered in midair, still beating, while blood spattered across the floor.

Mo Yan's eyes widened in shock, frozen in disbelief. She tried to speak, but before a word could escape, her body slumped to the ground.

"I would have given you a choice," Taiping continued, "if the flame hadn't taken an immediate liking to you. Alas, the fear in your eyes was too dominant—I had to do it myself. This is nothing compared to what the phoenix endured. She had to die thousands of times; you only have to die once."

Mo Yan felt her spirit separate from her physical body as her corpse burned with dark, flickering flames.

"This is a necessary step to merge your soul with the essence of the Law," Taiping said to Mo Yan's spirit. "In the Nether Realm, strive to cultivate a Demon Core. Only then can you truly pursue immortality. And make sure to develop a solid Dao Heart."

As she finished speaking, a massive, dark, metallic gate swung open before them, drawing Mo Yan's spirit body into its yawning void before closing shut and disappearing.

She then encased Mo yan's still-beating heart within a vessel, activated a spell, and transformed it into a wisp of light that dissolved into her forehead.

"You may come out now," Taiping said.

A male figure stepped forward. He was tall, lean, and upright. His dark hair fell loosely down his back, unadorned, and his eyes—clear and deep—held an ancient stillness. Though he stood calmly, the air around him seemed subtly distorted, radiating a quiet yet formidable presence.

"To what do I owe this pleasure?" Zhao Chengyue asked, her gaze steady.

The man inclined his head slightly.

"I was drawn here," he replied. "Law resonance is… difficult to ignore."

"If you came to retrieve it," Taiping said coolly, "then you are already too late. As you can see, it has chosen a new host."

"That does not matter, as long as enough people cultivate under my Law. Besides, when I searched for the Grand Law of Duality, my All-Seeing Eye of Truth traveled through time and landed on her just a few days ago—dressed in red, watching the stars in my mortal residence, no less," he said, laughing. "I take that to mean… this was meant to happen."

Taiping's eyes narrowed.

"What do you want?"

"You already know," the man replied. "I have come for her."

"Your consciousness has only awakened temporarily," Taiping said sharply. "How do you expect to accomplish anything in this state?"

"I still hold a Grand Law," he replied, his tone unwavering. "Even a sliver of consciousness is sufficient. My plan is feasible."

"I am aware of your rank," Taiping said softly, "but your consciousness alone is not enough to contend with me."

A faint laugh escaped him, like distant thunder rolling across the mountains. "Before all things, there was only one. Then one became two. The two became three, and from three came a thousand things. Perfect unity contains infinite tension. Tension demands division—what is one must separate. Division gives rise to resonance. Resonance seeks harmony. What separates must combine."

"You sound just like my brother," Taiping said. Her voice was almost wistful. "I know your philosophy. The realms must collapse to return to chaos before they can divide again. But what of the mortals? You are mortal now, are you not?"

"I am," he admitted. "Yet it is the way of the world. When Yang overflows, it births Yin. When Yin overflows, it births Yang. The cycle is eternal. Tribulation… inevitable."

As he spoke, lightning split the sky in rapid succession, rain pounding the city.

"The higher realms suffer far more than the mortal realm. When they collapse to be rebuilt, mortals endure only chaotic eras."

Taiping exhaled slowly.

"The deaths caused by such catastrophes are… irritating," she said coldly. "Being Queen of the Nether Realm is no easy task. Mortal lives matter to me."

"I know," the man said. "That is why I am here."

He looked at her directly.

"Please do not proceed with your plan to kill her. It will only delay the inevitable. Such delays often cause far greater harm."

Silence stretched between them.

Finally, Princess Taiping spoke.

"You truly sound just like my brother."

She closed her eyes briefly.

"…I will consider it."

The man looked at Princess Taiping before smiling," I know you will make the right choice,"

The moment he finished speaking, his body swayed—

—and collapsed.

A dull thud echoed through the hall.

For a heartbeat, nothing moved.

Then the man stirred.

He groaned softly and pushed himself upright, confusion clouding his expression. The ancient stillness was gone from his eyes, replaced by something wholly human.

"W–What?" he muttered. "How did I get here? Who are you?"

Princess Taiping's lips curled upward into a wide, almost mischievous smile.

"I hear," she said lightly, "that you are interested in my niece."

The man stiffened.

"Y–Your niece?" he stammered. "And may I ask… who you are?"

"I am Zhao Chengyue."

Chen Xiao dropped to his knees instantly.

"Y–Your Highness!" he said hastily. "I meant no offense! I truly don't know how I ended up here!"

"All is forgiven," Zhao Chengyue said, waving a hand dismissively. "I only wish to know—why are you interested in my niece?"

"Your niece?" Chen Xiao repeated instinctively before pausing, contemplation furrowing his brow.

"Shen Yueqing?" he asked hesitantly. "Is Shen Yueqing your niece?"

Taiping gave a slight nod. "Though you should call her Zhao Mingyao."

Chen Xiao's eyes widened at the correction, then he quickly regained his composure. "If so… I don't know why. I simply… like her. It doesn't matter if she's a courtesan or a princess."

Zhao Chengyue studied him for a moment, then laughed softly.

"I suppose it really is fate."

She rose from her throne.

"She is currently occupied with cultivation and unavailable today. But you will meet her soon enough. Why don't you stay the night?"

"I—" Chen Xiao began to refuse, but it was too late.

Before he could finish, Zhao Chengyue called for attendants.

"Prepare quarters near Mingyao's residence. Our guest will rest there."

Chen Xiao opened his mouth, then closed it again.

"Oh," Zhao Chengyue added casually, turning back with a smile, "and one more thing—make sure to remember her name. It's Zhao Mingyao, not Shen Yueqing. We can't have you messing it up again."

Chen Xiao repeated the name softly, savoring it.

"Zhao Mingyao…"

A simple smile spread across his face.

"What a beautiful name."