Amon receives a data crystal containing sensitive information. Yao Ai reveals the next meeting with the world's ruler is in two years and announces Amon's status as a fugitive will be removed. Amon returns to find his subordinate, Su Lao, waiting with an urgent summons from Wi Zhuang. Upon arriving at Wi Zhuang's house, Amon discovers a massacre, with Wi Zhuang and his sister severely tortured. Wi Zhuang's former subordinates, led by Guo Chao, surround them, revealing that Amon is their target and Wi Zhuang's fate is their 'welcome home present'.
"They harmed them to get to me?" Amon inquired, his voice laced with disbelief. "How did you possibly ascertain my return to this very city?"
"What makes you think you're in a position to demand answers?" Guo Chao's voice boomed, filled with indignation. "Now, remain still and permit my associates to secure you."
Several men in the chamber revealed runic chains, advancing towards Amon with sinister grins plastered on their faces.
As the nearest man reached out to encircle Amon with a runic chain, Amon's fist moved like lightning, striking the man's head with a sickening crunch that resulted in an explosive demise. The headless corpse tumbled to the floor.
"You, you scoundrel!!" Guo Chao roared. "Do you intend to sacrifice your own comrade? Do you truly believe I wouldn't sever his head myself?!"
"Pathetic fools," Amon scoffed, his tone dripping with disdain. "I understand this isn't about avenging Lu Kang. You wouldn't dare provoke me without significant backing. These worthless pawns fail to grasp that whoever dispatched you is merely sacrificing you."
"What are you implying? Do you desire Wi Zhuang's demise? Surrender now or..."
Amon's hand blurred as Guo Chao faltered mid-sentence. A pair of throwing knives streaked through the air, one finding its mark in Wi Zhuang's head, the other piercing Wi Yin's eye.
"Or what?" Amon's voice echoed, sharp and cutting.
Guo Chao was rendered speechless. He had believed he held the ultimate bargaining chip but had severely miscalculated the value of his hostages.
A shadow, so profound it was pitch-black, enveloped Amon's form. He was invoking his Elder God Veil, though its manifestation was profoundly altered. The shadowy shroud now formed a colossal silhouette, twice his size, complete with a horned head, a cavernous maw bristling with fangs, and eyes burning with infernal light. Its limbs terminated in razor-sharp claws, and eight serpentine tentacles writhed from its back, splayed like monstrous wings.
Since comprehending the Law of Darkness, his mastery over darkness-elemental arts had accelerated dramatically. The Elder God Veil had reached Grandmaster level, and he had further refined it, not only enhancing its power but also imbuing it with a terrifying new form inspired by the devils of his past world.
This augmented technique unleashed an aura that amplified negative emotions, sowing terror and despair among those present. Screams of panic erupted as individuals fled towards the exit.
Their escape was futile. The four tentacles lashing from Amon's back swept through the room with devastating speed. Their corrosive power was so intense that even a fleeting touch would instantly vaporize anyone below the Fiendish Stage. The tentacles acted like cleaving blades, bisecting those they struck with a single swipe. Even cultivators at the Fiendish Stage offered little resistance; one met a tentacle's embrace, and his head vanished a second later as the appendage retracted.
In a tragically short span, the room lay silent, save for Amon, Guo Chao, and Su Lao. Guo Chao lay on the floor, his legs gone, his cries a mixture of agony and terror. Su Lao, though physically unharmed, was frozen, trembling, terrified that even the slightest movement would draw Amon's fatal attention.
Amon's devilish form advanced towards Guo Chao, each step cracking the floor with a resonant thud. He crouched, bringing his monstrous visage close to the terrified man, his burning eyes reflecting an image of pure annihilation.
Amon's voice, muffled yet deeply ominous, resonated near Guo Chao's ear. "I will ask one final time. Who commanded you to pursue me?"
Guo Chao's response was a choked jumble of fear and pain. "I… I cannot… I cannot… It’s… I cannot…"
The answer came from another source. "It was Her Ladyship, Mistress Yao Ai...!"
Amon shifted his gaze to Su Lao. The man had shattered under the weight of his fear, no longer considering Yao Ai a greater threat than the demon before him. His sole desire was to placate Amon.
"Her...?" Amon mused, a flicker of realization crossing his features.
Upon reflection, Yao Ai's involvement seemed logical. She was plausibly the most informed about his return. The intercept party near the border would have undoubtedly reported their encounter to headquarters, confirming his return and his trajectory towards the capital for Yao Ai.
Observing the scene, Amon deduced that Guo Chao had been positioned here for days. Yao Ai might have issued the order upon receiving the intelligence about his return, viewing him still as a traitor who had deserted his post. She likely tasked Guo Chao with ambushing him at the residence of Wi Zhuang, a known close associate.
Yet, the crucial question remained: why had Yao Ai not issued a warning or rescinded the order, even after he had attempted to explain his circumstances?
A couple of reasons came to mind. It was probable that when he mended his relationship with Yao Ai, Guo Chao had already completed his objective, and she didn’t wish to elaborate. Another possibility was that Yao Ai still intended for Guo Chao to proceed with the ambush, eager to observe Amon’s reaction.
Regardless of the underlying motive, he recognized Yao Ai as someone who readily sacrificed her subordinates, a trait he shared.
Amon let out a grin. Serving under such a superior felt akin to treading on thin ice. Any carelessness could plunge him into an irretrievable situation. Nevertheless, he had no intention of retreating. He was acutely aware that the path to the summit was fraught with peril. He wouldn't have reached his current standing if he hadn't been willing to confront these dangers.
He rose to his feet.
"Will... Will you spare me...?" Guo Chao stammered.
Amon’s reply was a swift stomp. The floor fractured beneath the impact, and Guo Chao’s body parts were violently dispersed.
Su Lao shrieked in abject terror. His resolve finally shattered. He spun around, attempting to flee, but his escape was short-lived. A tentacle extending from Amon’s back lashed out, transforming into a projectile resembling a cannon. With a deafening roar, it unleashed a dark projectile. This devastating shot streaked through the air with astonishing speed, piercing Su Lao’s back and exiting through his chest.
The sudden chaos attracted the attention of the two guards stationed outside. They arrived precisely as Su Lao’s lifeless form collapsed onto the ground.
"What happened—"
Their inquiry was brutally cut short by two resounding explosions – the unmistakable sound of cannon fire. Twin dark projectiles tore through their bodies. They crumpled to the ground, gaping holes riddling their chests, mirroring Su Lao’s fate.
Amon withdrew his technique. The attendant shadow dissipated, restoring him to his normal appearance.
He surveyed the room. All occupants were deceased. He cast a brief, indifferent glance at the remains of Wi Zhuang and Wi Yin before producing a talisman imbued with a fire-elemental art. The talisman invoked a furious torrent of flames that engulfed the room. As the inferno began its relentless spread throughout the entire structure, Amon calmly exited the house.
Outside, he observed a contingent of faction members, identifiable by their red vests, approaching. He deliberately remained, awaiting their arrival. Upon reaching the scene, their initial reaction was to gaze at the conflagrating house, then turn towards Amon, exchanging hushed whispers. One individual stepped forward, bowing deferentially to Amon.
"Slayer Amon, might we inquire about the circumstances leading to the destruction of Slayer Wi Zhuang’s residence?" the man asked.
'Excellent,' Amon mused inwardly. Yao Ai had indeed rescinded his fugitive status.
"A dispute amongst faction members," Amon declared, gesturing towards the burning structure. "Wi Zhuang and his household were slain by rivals within the faction. I have already exacted retribution upon those perpetrators. None remain alive."
"I… I understand. Would you object to accompanying us to provide a formal report?"
"I have no time for such formalities. You may submit your report as you deem fit." With that, Amon departed, leaving the group momentarily stunned. They exchanged bewildered glances and scratched their heads in confusion.
*
Following the incident, Amon undertook no further missions. Yao Ai honored her commitment, granting Amon complete autonomy. His status as Yao Ai’s special operative was widely acknowledged, thus ensuring no one dared to offend him. Furthermore, a messenger from Yao Ai delivered a spatial ring containing a substantial cache of astral stones, intended to fund whatever scheme Amon was orchestrating.
He dedicated the initial week to meticulously studying the information contained within a data crystal. The sheer volume of data was immense. After committing it all to memory, he spent the second week contemplating his strategic options.
During the third week, he traversed the capital, acquiring necessary ingredients and materials for Dao Su, Zee Whang, and Yeresdyx.
Subsequently, he vanished without a trace. His whereabouts remained unknown to all.
