Outer Space — Demonic Realm — The Demon Palace
The red system screen faded from existence, vanishing into the air like smoke.
Alex rose from his throne.
The five demons sitting below instantly noticed his movement and stood as one, their postures straight with reverence and fear. Silent. Obedient.
With measured steps, Alex descended from the throne, each footfall echoing through the vast palace hall like the toll of a war drum. His crimson robes fluttered behind him like fire dancing in shadow.
His eyes fell on one of the five demons—a tall figure with flowing white hair and a jagged white horn arching from his forehead.
"Demon Lin," Alex said, voice calm but heavy with command. "I'm giving you a task."
Demon Lin stepped forward, bowing deeply. "Yes, Master. What are your orders?"
Alex reached the final step, walking straight up to him. "I'm appointing you as the overseer of the Demon Sacred Pavilion. Ensure that no one within learns any twisted or unstable techniques. We don't need fools poisoning our cultivation."
Demon Lin's expression grew serious. "As you command. I will see it done."
The Demon Sacred Pavilion… a place whispered of with awe and dread across the cosmos. It was a legendary sanctuary for demonic cultivators—a place where techniques from the Mortal World, Upper World, and even Outer Space were stored. Forbidden arts, lost legacies, and ancient slaughter paths… all bound within that towering structure. Cultivators from every corner dreamed of stepping inside it. Most never lived to try.
Without another word, Alex turned his back on them and made his way toward the massive palace gate.
The doors slowly opened with a deep groan, revealing the towering staircase beyond. Hundreds of black stone steps spiraled downward from the palace entrance like a descent into the abyss.
Alex paused at the top.
Beyond the staircase lay the heart of the Demonic Realm—a sprawling civilization known as Royal City. Markets buzzed, towers loomed, and rivers of dark mist flowed through shadowy streets. At the city's center, piercing the clouds like a spear into the heavens, stood the Demon Sacred Pavilion itself—a colossal black tower that radiated ancient power.
As Alex surveyed the kingdom below, a crimson screen appeared before him once more.
Ding!
Host, the strongest cultivator of Outer Space has arrived outside your Demonic Realm.
A heartbeat later, a deafening voice ripped through the skies—a voice that echoed across the entire realm, heard by every demon, elder, and child alike.
"Ruthless Demonic King! I've come to challenge you! Come out now—or I'll burn your realm to ash!"
Panic erupted instantly. Cries filled the streets. Citizens scrambled in fear. Even the skies darkened under the weight of that divine killing intent.
But at the top of the stairs, Alex simply smiled.
A cruel, bloodthirsty smile.
And then, in a blur of darkness, he vanished.
---
Outside the Demonic Realm – Outer Space
A lone man hovered in the endless expanse, standing as if gravity bent to his will. His aura surged like a tidal wave of light and wrath. In his hand, he held a pitch-black sword that pulsed with power.
His eyes stared directly at the Demonic Realm.
That man… was Tian Lai.
Suddenly, space warped.
Alex appeared midair, not far from him.
A system window blinked to life.
Ding!
Name: Tian Lai
Cultivation Level: Celestial Supreme – Eighth Layer
Weapon: Seven Ruthless Sword
Alex raised a brow. "Oh? So the system can even provide enemy data now…"
Tian Lai narrowed his eyes. "Are you the Ruthless Demonic King?"
Alex didn't respond immediately. He was busy thinking.
I have no clue what the cultivation levels of this world are…
"Hey, System," he said inwardly. "What are the cultivation stages here?"
Ding!
Host, Mortal and Upper World cultivation systems are irrelevant. Only Outer Space levels are provided:
• Sage
• Great Sage
• Immortal King
• Immortal Lord
• Immortal Supreme
• Celestial King
• Celestial Lord
• Celestial Supreme
Alex quickly read through the list, nodding slightly.
Tian Lai, still hovering midair, frowned. The Demon King was ignoring him.
"I said," he called again, firm and righteous, "I've come to challenge you. Prepare yourself—I'm attacking."
Alex finally looked up. "Ah, my bad. I was busy with something important."
Tian Lai gave a small nod. "It's fine. En garde!"
With that, Tian Lai surged forward like a bolt of divine light, his sword aimed directly at Alex's heart.
Alex reached into his space ring, pulled out a weapon taken from one of his previous victims, and met the strike head-on.
CLENCH!
The sound of clashing steel exploded through space.
But—
Cracks formed in Alex's blade. And in the blink of an eye, it shattered into countless pieces.
Alex's eyes widened slightly. So strong…
Still, he didn't flinch. He took a step back, steadying his stance. "Very well."
Tian Lai offered a calm smile at the compliment. "This sword of mine is no ordinary weapon. Forged from the fusion of seven ancient blades—each containing an elemental essence. Fire, Water, Wind, Thunder, Earth, Wood… and the final one, Demon's Heart."
Alex looked at the broken pieces of his blade, then pulled another sword from his ring.
"I'll beat you in swordsmanship if it kills me."
Shit. Why did I say that? I don't even know a single sword technique!
He didn't have time to regret.
Tian Lai suddenly vanished from sight, using terrifying speed, and reappeared high above.
Alex's instinct screamed—he looked up.
Tian Lai was mid-swing, his black sword now engulfed in raging flames.
"Inferno Slash — Third Form!" Tian Lai roared.
SUUUU—
The blazing arc of fire tore through space like a divine punishment, hurtling straight for Alex with overwhelming force.