Chapter 188: Horrific Realization - The True Dragon Demon King

When Zhang Nu sensed that something was amiss with the invaders this time, he swiftly arrived on the scene. This had allowed him to intervene promptly, rescuing the Elven King from the grasp of the intruder. The Qi energy Yan Qianjun had condensed on his blade was rapidly absorbed at an astonishing pace, and even the MP within him was swiftly drawn out.

He felt as if the figure before him was akin to a humanoid black hole. What astounded him even more was that, from the way this figure was conversing with the Elven King, it seemed as if this individual were the actual Demon King! What was going on?

Glancing between Zhang Nu and the humanoid manifestation of Long Yi, Yan Qianjun noticed that both of their races were undoubtedly Abyssal Dragons. However, when it came to their auras, presence, and overall demeanor, there was a stark contrast, and the current figure before him significantly overshadowed Long Yi in these regards.

Zhang Nu carefully sized up Yan Qianjun.

[Hero: Yan Qianjun] Level 6 Overlord.

Skills: Rebirth from within the Flames (S rank), Spatial Turbulence (A rank), Tempest Qi (A rank), Gale Steps (A rank), Dance of Death (A rank), Spatial Movement (A rank), etc.

Description: Once hailed as the most renowned adventurer in the southern borders of the Thunder Empire, Yan Qianjun survived numerous life-threatening situations, earning him the moniker of the Undying Phoenix...

Through the information prompt, Zhang Nu gained insights into the source of Yan Qianjun's abilities.

Hubert, the Undying Phoenix, had encountered peculiarities within ancient ruins, granting him the power of resurrection and spatial magic. Upon becoming a Hero, he slew numerous Demon Kings, acquiring many Demon King talents and breaking through his initial limitations. He had recently advanced to Level 6, showcasing incalculable strength.

Zhang Nu was taken aback. This was the first time he had encountered a Hero of such high caliber and possessing an S ranked skill. "Rebirth from within the Flames " was familiar to him from his encounter with the Inferno Daemon, but Yan Qianjun's version of it far surpassed the latter's one.

The Inferno Daemon's revival relied heavily on its surroundings, requiring locations like lava-filled volcanoes or areas abundant in fire elements. In contrast, Yan Qianjun's resurrection could be triggered anywhere and was incredibly swift, unlike the sluggish nature of the Inferno Daemon's revival.

What an exceptional skill! As for Yan Qianjun's spatial magic abilities, they seemingly stemmed from a top-tier epic equipment called the "Heart of Space," obtained during his extraordinary adventure. It came as no surprise that he managed to reach the rank of Level 6 overlord. Such prowess was undoubtedly well-deserved, even someone as formidable as Nancilia, the Elven King, had nearly succumbed to his might.

"You're the true Demon King!"

After closely observing, Yan Qianjun finally reached a surprising conclusion that was hard to believe. Zhang Nu sneered, "How ridiculous. You 'Heroes' can't even discern your true targets, yet you people are so eager to rush ahead to your own deaths?"

In reality, this wasn't entirely the Heroes' fault. The Great Demon King had been exceedingly covert and incredibly shrewd. His appearance was infrequent, and the times in which he personally intervened was even scarcer. This made it remarkably challenging for the Heroes to accurately gauge his real strength. Furthermore, each of his subordinates was fiercer and stronger than the next, which created an overwhelming aura reminiscent of a Demon King. Long Yi being an Abyssal Dragon himself, it was natural for the Heroes to prematurely label him as the Demon King.

Zhang Nu saw this as advantageous. He had no intention of dispelling these misconceptions; instead, he would disseminate misinformation and misleading snippets to perpetuate these misunderstandings and underestimations. This strategy would not only enhance safeness but also maintain his strategic upper hand.

Yan Qianjun's mind raced through countless thoughts, his expression changing repeatedly. Eventually, he decisively activated his spatial magic, vanishing from his original location instantly. Nancilia's face twisted in shock, "Your Majesty, he used his spatial abilities to escape."

[You are tainted by the "Source of Corruption"! Your talent effects are nullified!]

[You are tainted by the "Source of Corruption"! Your skills are being sealed!]

[You are being eroded by the "Source of Corruption"! All stats permanently decreased by 10%!]

[You are being eroded by the "Source of Corruption"! All stats permanently decreased by 20%!]

A sealing skill? No, this was no mere sealing skill! Ordinarily, it was typically difficult for sealing skills to nullify talent effects, yet now, not only were his talents suppressed, but even his stats faced a substantial reduction. And it was a permanent decrease! What sort of power was this? How could such a force exist in this world?

"Damn you, you wretched monstrosity! Even if I die, I'm taking you down with me!" Yan Qianjun seized the opportunity before his strength dissipated entirely. He channeled every ounce of his power into a ring adorning his left hand.

In the next heartbeat, the area around the ring manifested signs of collapsing and crumbling space. An intense maelstrom of spatial turbulence surged forth, engulfing both the Demon King and the Hero. In the blink of an eye, the chaotic space enshrouded them, emanating a twisting force capable of rending and annihilating all forms of matter. Despite being mostly shattered, Yan Qianjun's face still bore a wild and triumphant grin. "Even if you're immensely powerful, what does it matter? No one can survive this attack. Join me in death!"

Tightening his grasp, Zhang Nu crushed and obliterated the Hero's head.

[You've slain a Level 6 Hero. Hero's soul +1! Skill stone +4!]

Zhang Nu could sense that some of his scales were beginning to fracture. The Demon King's defenses were staggeringly formidable, thus his scales were more resilient than any metal. However, when faced with an assault at the spatial level, even his defense could not guarantee unscathed survival. All tangible entities depended on the foundation of space. If space ruptured or ceased to exist, how could any matter endure? That was the terror of spatial attacks.

In truth, with the Demon King's abilities, he could easily extricate himself and retreat from the spatial turbulence. Yet, his gaze locked onto the epicenter of the spatial rift where a ring was rapidly plummeting along the collapsing point. This ring was none other than the supreme epic equipment: the Heart of Space! The Hero's spatial power originated from this item. As things stood, the ring was about to fall into the collapsing point, vanishing into the boundless void.

What a pity! It had to be retrieved!

If anyone else knew of this, they would surely deem the Demon King mad. No form of matter could draw near the chaotic currents of space. Despite this, the Demon King moved resolutely toward the heart of the maelstrom. He triggered his Spatial-Temporal Dragon form.

In an instant, a transformation overcame the Demon King's body. Those obsidian gold scales shifted into a shimmering silver-white. His body assumed a dreamlike, ethereal quality, suspended between matter and energy. Though the tempestuous special currents lashed against him, it could not budge him an inch. This was the power of his newfound talent. The Spatial-Temporal Dragon form endowed him with the ability to defy the resistance of time and space. Hence, he possessed exceptional temporal resilience. Even amidst the tumultuous currents of spatial rifts, he remained entirely unaffected.

Zhang Nu strolled casually into the epicenter of the chaos. Surveying his surroundings, he marveled at how the whole world had twisted due to the warping of space. It felt as though he existed within an abstract oil painting.

Amusing.

With a deliberate pause, Zhang Nu savored the scene for a couple of seconds. Only then did he act. He ensured that, just before the ring disappeared into the void, he retrieved it from the point of collapse. Then, he advanced slowly, undeterred by the spatial vortices. With a composed stride, he emerged from the spatial turbulence with ease. Dismissing his transformation, the silver-white radiance faded. Zhang Nu's form reverted to its usual, deep golden obsidian hue."