Chapter 81: The Demonic Art of Stealing the Heavens

The Heavenly Demon Manual—did I hear that right? How could Leng Wushuang know about it? The Heavenly Demon Manual is an ancient divine text; few today know of its existence, and even if someone has heard whispers, they would dismiss it as mere legend—unless that person possesses clues to its whereabouts. Could it be that Leng Wushuang has the Body of Demon and Martial Duality? Only those with both demon and martial attributes can cultivate the Heavenly Demon Arts; otherwise, the manual is nothing but a useless tome.

“Miss Wushuang, why do you want the Heavenly Demon Manual?” I fixed my gaze on her. If she could not give me a reasonable answer, I would not help her—not even at the cost of becoming an imbecile. Should the Heavenly Demon Manual fall into the wrong hands, a storm of blood and chaos would sweep across the Three Realms. My mission is to protect the manual, to deliver humanity from calamity; I cannot put my own safety above the greater good. How could I face the late Master Xiaoxiang if I abandoned my duty?

“That’s none of your concern. Just help me steal it,” Leng Wushuang replied, her lips curled in a wicked smile.

“Miss Wushuang, perhaps you do not understand my character. Without a reason, I cannot grant your request.”

“Hmph! Very well. What if your beloved woman were involved?” She stared into the void, her back to me.

“What do you mean?” I stepped forward.

Leng Wushuang turned to face me. “That woman from earlier has been cursed by the High Priest. In twelve hours, she will become a zombie. The only way to save her is the Pure Heart Incantation found within the Heavenly Demon Manual.”

The Pure Heart Incantation? Isn’t that a Buddhist mantra? How could such a Buddhist technique be in the Heavenly Demon Manual? I’ve read the first two volumes—there was nothing like the Pure Heart Incantation.

“Are you certain the Pure Heart Incantation can break the curse?” I know that incantation myself; I often read Buddhist texts and occasionally listen to sutras. If everyone has faith, mine is Buddhism. I believe in Buddha, in paradise, in a pure land at the end of this tumultuous world.

“Don’t bother imitating it. The Pure Heart Incantation from the Heavenly Demon Manual is unique. Your time is short—choose your path wisely.” Leng Wushuang spoke with a half-smile.

Am I truly to steal the Heavenly Demon Manual and hand it to her? That feels wrong. The manual means too much to me. The late Master Xiaoxiang told me: once I gather all three volumes, I can awaken memories of my previous life. I long to know how powerful I once was, and how I died. Most importantly, Master Xiaoxiang warned of a human catastrophe—not only would another world perish, even the twenty-first century would not be spared. Perhaps this is what novelists of this era call dimensional space: when one dimension is threatened, others react in turn. And me—a law enforcement officer? Well, I’m no saint, but I will not allow such disaster before my eyes.

“All right, I accept. I hope you keep your promise.” I chose to agree. I had no reason to refuse. I couldn’t imagine life if Xu Qinghuan became a zombie—never to see her face again. I would go mad.

“But first, shouldn’t you untie me?” I raised my bound hands. Leng Wushuang glanced at the iron chains restraining me, then turned and walked away.

“I think you’ll figure it out.” She leapt into the pool. Qin Tian stared blankly at the spot where Leng Wushuang disappeared.

“What is this? Acting all high and mighty! If I steal the manual, I’ll examine it before handing it over. Hmph! Hey! She’s gone, what are you staring at?” I nudged Qin Tian with my shoulder. He was entranced, but my shout snapped him out of it; he coughed awkwardly.

“Old Li, listen carefully. Be cautious in all things; don’t let beauty distract you from what matters.”

“Are you out of your mind? What nonsense! What did Leng Wushuang say?”

Qin Tian laughed nervously. “Old Li, let’s hurry and get out. Don’t keep Brother Yu waiting.”

“Don’t change the subject. Tell me honestly—do you like her?”

Though Qin Tian denied it, I could see from his shifting eyes that he liked Leng Wushuang. If you like her, go after her! What era are we in?

“You idiot, there’s no need to be so shy if you like her. Show some backbone—your brother will always support you!” Qin Tian looked at me, then bowed his head in thought. After a long while, he raised his head and said, “Old Li, let’s focus on getting the Heavenly Demon Manual. If you turn into an imbecile, and Sister-in-law Qinghuan becomes a zombie, it’ll be too late for everything.”

His words struck me like a bolt—Qin Tian truly has a knack for getting to the heart of the matter. But what about these chains? Leng Wushuang said I could break free, though I hardly believe her—the chains are too sturdy.

Wait, why not try using demonic energy? In twelve hours, I’ll lose my mind anyway. If I succumb to demonic power, so be it—it’s better than waiting for death. Demonic energy is my only card. Whether I can defeat the burly man depends on its strength.

I closed my eyes and asked Qin Tian to step back. I began to guide demonic energy through my meridians. Wherever the energy flowed, my body felt as if parched earth were drinking in spring rain—an extraordinarily comfortable sensation. Yet as the demonic energy neared completion, a surge of true energy disrupted it. My body felt as if boiling oil had been doused with cold water; the pain was unbearable. Blood spurted from my mouth, and every part of me ached.

“Old Li, are you all right?” Qin Tian helped me to my feet.

I waved him off. I could not give up. I must let demonic energy circulate through every meridian. If I don’t descend into hell, who will? No matter whether I can control it later, I have to try. It’s the only way to grow stronger. I sat down and asked Qin Tian for a cigarette. Strangely, the true energy and demonic energy in my body seemed to repel each other; the demonic energy couldn’t pass through my meridians. How could I be so foolish? True energy is pure; demonic energy is evil—of course, they cannot coexist. What if I exhausted all my true energy first?

I stood, walked to the pool, and released ice. Instantly, a thin layer formed atop the water. Then I unleashed flames, alternating between ice and fire. Soon, steam filled the cave, and most of my true energy was depleted.

That should be enough. Sure enough, demonic energy flowed smoothly through my body. Suddenly, darkness enveloped me, and I lost consciousness.