In this space, there was a stench permeating the air.
All around, broken insect eggs were scattered about, emitting that foul odor.
A black figure slowly emerged, revealing his true appearance in this dim space.
It was a gaunt middle-aged man clothed in black robes, with strange, undeveloped antennae on his head, making him look markedly different from a human.
The middle-aged man ignored the stench, pulled out an insect egg from his bosom. The egg contained a powerful energy.
He could even see through the egg a tiny, bizarre insect beast, emitting a sharp screech.
The middle-aged man let out a cold laugh, took the insect from the egg, and discarded the broken shell.
He swallowed the insect in one gulp.
Instantly, his face contorted in extreme pain, as if he were enduring immense agony. Something seemed to be writhing within him, causing his flesh to ripple like waves.
He screamed, clutching his abdomen, quickly began to activate the Cultivation Technique to refine the insect inside him.
This process was extremely slow, the pain lingering for several days before gradually subsiding.
The middle-aged man’s expression eventually became normal again.
After a long while, he lay on the ground, his fierce countenance softening, and a powerful aura emanated from him.
He exhaled a long breath, sat down cross-legged, ready to consolidate his newly gained cultivation, only to find a young figure slowly emerging behind him.
A calm voice echoed in the concealed space.
In an instant, Kong Xiaotian’s eyes snapped open, releasing a powerful aura, and without hesitation, he threw a punch backwards.
However, contrary to what Kong Xiaotian expected, the young figure easily caught his fist, a smile playing on his lips.
Kong Xiaotian’s pupils contracted involuntarily.
"As expected of someone who overcame the control of the insect eggs, your combat strength is indeed higher than those Golden Core experts!"
The young man spoke with a smile.
Kong Xiaotian glared at the young man, a dangerous glint flashing in his eyes, his voice icy.
The young man before him was none other than Lu Sheng.
After leaving a Blood Puppet at the Pure and Muddy Gate, Lu Sheng had released his perception, seeking out the Demon Cultivator who betrayed the Wuxiang Sect thirty years ago.
With the perception granted by the Seal of Brilliance, Lu Sheng quickly found Kong Xiaotian’s trail.
He followed him to this space.
He even witnessed how the other had cultivated by absorbing the power of the insect eggs.
Even Lu Sheng couldn’t help but marvel at the process.
"Overcoming the will of the insect egg and even using it to cultivate, such a method... impressive!"
Lu Sheng didn’t answer Kong Xiaotian’s question but continued smiling.
Shock flickered in Kong Xiaotian’s eyes. He hadn’t realized that his cultivation process had been observed so clearly by the person before him, without his notice.
The thought of his weakest state being exposed filled Kong Xiaotian with shivers of fear.
"Who... who exactly are you!"
Kong Xiaotian’s voice was strained. Since being marked as a Demon Cultivator, he had been extremely cautious, allowing him to survive despite the Pure and Muddy Gate and other forces’ pursuits.
Yet, his caution seemed utterly naive in front of this person.
Lu Sheng smiled slightly and slowly began to speak.
"You might call me... an Outer Realm Demon!"
Lu Sheng’s words hit Kong Xiaotian like a thunderbolt, causing his body to shudder uncontrollably.
This was the term the Void Insect Race used to brainwash the ordinary people of this world, referring to the Daoran Sect and other flesh life forms.
If others heard these words, they would likely be filled with fear.
But Kong Xiaotian, having regained his sanity after overcoming the will of the insect egg, reacted differently.
"Outer... Realm Demon?"
He seemed to lose all strength, sitting down and staring at Lu Sheng, displaying an unclear mix of joy and sorrow.
His emotions... were out of control at that moment.
Lu Sheng calmly watched Kong Xiaotian, understanding his thoughts. As one of the few clear-minded individuals in this illusory world, they lived perpetually in darkness.
They hoped one day someone would break this illusory world.
The Outer Realm Demon... thus became their only sliver of solace.
Now, appearing before Kong Xiaotian as an Outer Realm Demon, at the moment that sliver of solace became real...
Indescribable emotions surged up in him.
Lu Sheng waited patiently for Kong Xiaotian to calm down before speaking slowly.
"Now... can you tell me how you broke free from the control of the Void Insect Race?"