"You may also explore the treasures of this secret realm on your own."

Luca's voice was calm, almost lazy, yet every word carried a chilling finality.

"But if you do so, your life and death will have nothing to do with my Heavenly Demon Sect."

His gaze swept across the assembled demons like a blade drawn slowly across flesh.

"This secret realm looks peaceful on the surface, but in truth it is extremely dangerous. Everyone's cultivation has been suppressed to the peak of the Ninth Turn of Mahayana. Even I cannot watch over every one of you at all times."

The night wind surged, carrying with it an inexplicable pressure that made hearts sink.

"Understood, Your Highness!"

"We will strictly obey your orders!"

The demons clasped their fists in unison, not daring to show the slightest hesitation.

"Good."

Luca nodded slightly.

"I will say this only once. Anyone who disobeys my orders—dies."

The final word fell like a verdict from the heavens.

Almost as if responding to his declaration, the sky dimmed unnaturally fast. The sun vanished beyond the mountains in the span of a few breaths, plunging the land into darkness.

Day turned to night.

The temperature dropped sharply. The gentle breeze transformed into a biting wind that cut against the skin like icy blades. A low, oppressive chill crept through the valley.

Everyone immediately activated their demonic shields, isolating themselves from the outside cold.

"So the rumors were true," someone muttered.

"The flow of time and climate here are completely different from the outside world."

"The days are short, the nights long."

"And once night falls, the murderous tide begins."

At the mention of those words, several demons stiffened.

"The murderous tide?" someone asked quietly.

Luca let out a low laugh.

"Looks like some of you still don't understand where you are."

"Yes. The murderous tide."

"At deep night, killing intent floods the entire Training Trial Secret Realm. Those who are swallowed by it will find death preferable."

His tone was casual, but the meaning behind it was enough to make even Supremes uneasy.

"Commander," Luca waved his hand, "tell them what to do."

The commander beside him stepped forward.

"Everyone, it's getting late. Enter your caves immediately and set up barriers. Avoid the murderous tide at all costs."

"Understood!"

The demons quickly dispersed, each heading toward the caves carved into the mountain walls. One by one, figures vanished into the darkness.

"Morwen, let's go in too."

Kara took her disciple by the hand and headed toward one of the caves.

"Did I tell you to go in?"

Luca's voice stopped her cold.

Kara turned back slowly.

"Then what does Your Highness intend for us?" she asked evenly.

"Nothing complicated," Luca replied with a faint smile.

"You two will stay with me tonight."

"Our agreement was after we leave the Training Trial Secret Realm," Kara said coldly.

"Hahaha."

Luca vanished.

In the next instant, he appeared in front of her, fingers snapping around her chin.

"Do you really think that just because everyone is suppressed to the Ninth Turn of Mahayana, I can't touch you?"

A terrifying force surged into Kara's body. Her blood churned violently, demonic energy spiraling out of control. Her legs weakened, her body softening against her will.

"There are levels even within the same realm," Luca said softly.

"The gap between you and me cannot be erased by realm suppression alone."

His smile was sharp, intrusive, and deeply unpleasant.

"Come in."

"I'll give you ten breaths."

He turned and entered the cave without waiting.

Morwen looked at her master, panic flickering in her eyes.

"There's no choice," Kara said quietly.

"I'll go in first. Stay behind me."

She stepped into the cave, Morwen following close behind.

The cave was spacious, large enough to fit two chambers. Bronze lamps had been placed along the walls, their dim flames casting trembling shadows.

Luca formed a seal.

A barrier unfolded, sealing the cave completely from the outside world.

"Tonight," Luca said as he sat cross-legged on a futon, "you two stay here."

The rest of the Heavenly Demon Sect rested in nearby caves.

Only the three of them remained.

Luca had no intention of rushing things. He preferred patience. Anticipation.

He wanted to see the effects of the improved Mind-Bewildering Powder under the pressure of the murderous tide.

He wanted to watch.

To observe.

To see whether the aloof sect master and her disciple could maintain their dignity—or crumble under their own suppressed instincts.

Kara and Morwen sat cross-legged opposite him.

"Morwen," Kara said softly, "do not circulate your demonic energy."

"Follow my lead."

"…Yes."

Morwen steadied her breathing, emptying her mind, forcing herself into a shallow meditative state.

Time passed.

A quarter of an hour.

Luca frowned.

"The medicine hasn't taken effect?"

He sneered.

"So you're avoiding circulation. Clever."

"As expected of a sect master."

"But how long can you hold on?"

"That's not for Your Highness to decide," Kara replied coldly.

"What I gave you was Mind-Bewildering Powder," Luca said, amusement dancing in his eyes.

"An ancient aphrodisiac. Rare. Precious. Said to awaken even the coldest hearts."

"Do you really not want to experience it?"

Kara's expression did not change.

"I'm afraid Your Highness will be disappointed."

"Is your will really that strong?" Luca laughed.

"The more you suppress, the stronger the backlash."

"I've traveled all day. I wonder—how long can you endure?"

"There's no need for Your Highness to worry," Kara said calmly.

"It's merely poison. I can withstand it."

She closed her eyes.

Inside, her thoughts were far from calm.

Ethan.

Why hadn't he appeared yet?

The jade pendant remained silent. Outside, the red mist thickened, and the murderous tide approached.

A trace of unease flickered in her heart.

Had something happened?

Luca's patience thinned.

"I'd like to see how you resist."

He raised his hand.

Black demonic energy condensed in his palm, dense and oppressive.

With a flick of his wrist, it surged forward.

It fell on Morwen.

Huh~!

The sound of whimpering flames echoed, and Morwen was enveloped in transparent black flames.

A/N:

Extra chapters

100 power stones - 1 Extra chapters

200 power stones - 2 Extra chapters

Massage Chair - 1 Extra chapters

Luxury Car - 2 Extra Chapters

Dragon - 5 Extra Chapters

Magic Castle - 15 Extra Chapters

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