Flames surged within the portal as two powerful black palms gripped the sides of the gateway. A grinning demonic head was the first to emerge through the threshold.
Ice Moon watched this scene, suddenly unsure if she had done the right thing. Would such an evil existence truly honor a contract?
But hearing the other party's words, her resolve hardened again. This demon seemed quite kind-hearted!
"Let us bring the fires of vengeance to these foolish sinners!"
Chen Zhen had now fully stepped through the portal. He looked down at the Ice Wolf Clan girl, who was a head shorter than him. "Lead the way."
"Yes, My Lord..."
Ice Moon nodded slightly, gripped her longsword, and walked out. Chen Zhen followed behind her, glancing at the corpses of the Ice Wolf Clan members scattered all over the ground before both vanished into the night.
An hour later.
Two figures, one large and one small, quietly appeared in a dense forest.
Ahead was a high cliff plateau overlooking a turbulent river. Several carriages with cages were parked at the very edge, holding members of the Ice Wolf Clan who were more or less injured and filthy.
Aside from a few strong men, the rest were beautiful Ice Wolf Clan girls and women.
By a campfire, a group of scruffy humans were gathered, drinking heavily from large mugs and devouring meat, their loud laughter ringing out continuously.
"Today's haul was good. A pity the finest one escaped! Otherwise... I really would have liked a taste!"
A fierce-looking man licked his lips.
"Kaila, if you want to touch such valuable merchandise, you'd better ask the Captain's greatsword first! As for those married beauties... hehe, in a little while!"
A lean fellow was slicing roasted meat with a dagger, a lewd smile appearing on his face.
"The Captain's greatsword is still busy; he doesn't have time for me!"
The fierce man spoke with a grin, glancing toward a large tent in the distance. Two shadows could be seen entwined within, moving quite intensely.
A moment later, a one-eyed bald man wearing a black eyepatch stepped out of the large tent, his expression dark and sinister.
He held a naked, scarred Ice Wolf Clan woman in his hand. She was already lifeless. He casually tossed the corpse into the river below the cliff.
"Sister Melissa... how is that possible..."
In the shadows of the forest, Ice Moon covered her mouth, tears falling uncontrollably from the corners of her eyes.
Chen Zhen raised his hand and patted her shoulder, saying softly, "All this filth requires purification by fire!" He then slowly walked forward.
Ice Moon was stunned. She was actually being comforted by a demon. Was this right?
Without time for more thought, she immediately followed him.
"Something is approaching."
One of the humans responsible for keeping watch gave a warning. He stared at the tall figure gradually emerging from the forest, instinctively backing away.
His cry drew the attention of all dozen or so bandits.
Goat horns, black bat wings, a lion's tail—the silhouette of the figure became increasingly distinct until it was revealed under the starlight and the glow of the campfire.
Only then did the group recognize the creature before them.
"A demon!!"
"Grab your weapons! Hurry, grab your weapons!!"
Some were frozen in terror, while others shouted frantically. Even their strongest leader was not calm at this moment.
How could there be a demon in a place like this?
"Mortals, are you prepared to receive the baptism of The Abyss?"
Chen Zhen raised his left hand, and a massive crimson fireball rapidly condensed into form. His wicked gaze swept over the surroundings; there were sixteen people in total.
"Come, face me! Anyone who attempts to flee will be the first whose life I take!" he threatened, suddenly hurling the fireball toward the two nearest men.
One was blown into pieces instantly, while the other's clothes were ignited by demonic fire, turning him into a living torch in an instant.
Two bandits who had not even undergone a Warrior's Enlightenment could not withstand even a fraction of his power.
"Attack! All together! There's only one of him!"
The bald captain roared loudly, charging forward with both hands gripping a thick, heavy two-handed greatsword.
"That's the spirit!"
Chen Zhen's demonic blood began to boil uncontrollably. He hummed softly, "Reminds me of the days in The Abyss!" For this body, which had survived the bloody battles of The Abyss, killing had become instinct.
As the bald captain swung his sword, Chen Zhen moved!
Lunging forward, he pressed a palm against the flat of the greatsword. His immense strength instantly diverted the blade, even causing the bald captain to stumble.
In the next second, the tall demonic figure had clamped onto the bald captain's throat, lifting him high into the air.
"Commendable courage, but in the face of me, death is your only destination."
Chen Zhen revealed a wicked smile.
His powerful demonic tail suddenly lashed out, striking the bald captain's right hand as he tried to use his sword, knocking the weapon to the ground.
Abyssal Power surged from his palm, and flames began to sear the bald man's neck.
"Ugh... Arghhh!"
In an instant, the power of Abyssal Fire erupted from within the man, and the bear-like bald captain was immediately consumed by flames.
Thud.
Chen Zhen tossed him aside like trash and then looked at the remaining bandits.
Their courage had long since shattered. Their strongest leader, a Level 2 Warrior, had been utterly powerless against this demon!
"A demon... a demon... it's a demon!!"
Someone broke down and began to run, completely forgetting Chen Zhen's warning.
"Hahaha!"
Chen Zhen laughed, his wings flapping as he transformed into a black shadow, lunging forward. Screams rang out continuously as blood sprayed and splattered alongside severed limbs.
A few minutes later.
Chen Zhen finished his art of slaughter.
Chaos and killing were a demon's natural instincts; even for Chen Zhen, a transmigrator, he thoroughly enjoyed it and reveled in the experience.
"Look, are you satisfied?"
Chen Zhen used his flames to evaporate the foul blood from his body and turned back to look at the Ice Wolf Clan girl, Ice Moon, who was currently staring in a daze.
Is this what a demon is?
Only now did she realize what kind of creature she had unleashed—a natural-born demon who delighted in slaughter!
However, she did not regret it. These people deserved to die. After killing so many in her village, they deserved to be killed ten thousand times over!
Chen Zhen sniffed the air.
A pure soul, twisting, falling into corruption... it shouldn't be like this!
He walked up to Ice Moon and gently patted her head. "Go on, save your people. I will wait for you there to complete our deal."
"Eh?"
Ice Moon was startled, her face warming slightly. She never expected to have her head gently patted by a demon. This... this should be a scene for a hero in a hero's story... How could a demon do this too?
She watched the demonic figure brush past her and walk quietly toward the forest.
She knew he was giving her time for a final moment with her clansmen. After a short while, she would no longer belong to herself; she had traded everything she had to the demon.
This was no ordinary demon.