Tang Dynasty: Inherit the Evil Sword Immortal and destroy gods and demons with one thought!
Chapter 18 - The Nine Calamity Stars, Li Qiye’s Unyielding Ambition!

Chapter 18: The Nine Calamity Stars, Li Qiye’s Unyielding Ambition!

At the pinnacle of the Demon-Sealing Tower, Li Qiye sat cross-legged, hands forming seals as he cultivated the Evil Wind Codex. With the Heavenly Demon Emperor now his subordinate, the entire Demon Realm would bend to his will, as evidenced by the Ten Demon Kings’ submission. Yet, Li Qiye remained vigilant. The Evil Sword Immortal’s power, originating beyond the Six Realms, was rejected by them, promising fiercer foes ahead.

He harbored no regrets for embracing this power. Without it, he’d be a mere wraith in the tower’s depths. Neither good nor evil, he embodied a transcendent malevolence, acting solely by his whims, unbound by others’ judgments. A single thought could sway gods or demons—nothing in the Six Realms could sway him.

The Heavenly Demon Emperor approached, reporting, “Master, tremors from the tower’s twelfth layer indicate a red-clad woman slew four hundred demons and fled to the thirteenth.” Now managing the tower for Li Qiye, he oversaw its eighteen layers, each a self-contained world. Even Li Qiye, having fought to the top, knew little of its depths. “Four hundred demons…” Li Qiye raised an eyebrow. “Notable potential. Keep an eye on her.” Dismissing the matter, he strode to a high platform. The Demon Emperor, sensing his mood, stood silently by.

On the platform, Li Qiye gazed at the tower’s dark walls, sword shadows flickering in his obsidian eyes. Suddenly, he pressed a hand to his chest, sensing a profound force. His evil aura had begun circulating unbidden—a first outside his Codex practice. Could something approaching resonate with my power? The Evil Sword Immortal’s essence, beyond the Six Realms, shouldn’t align with anything within them.

“Demon Emperor, any recent disturbances in the Six Realms?” The Demon Emperor pondered, then replied, “Master, it’s nearing the time when the Nine Calamity Stars enter the ecliptic.” “Nine Calamity Stars?” Li Qiye prompted. “They’re nine celestial bodies from beyond the Six Realms, known as the Nine Calamity Stars. Every millennium, they near the ecliptic, intensifying yin energy across the realms. Once they pass, balance returns.” Recalling their vastness, the Demon Emperor sighed, awed by their untouchable might.

Li Qiye’s gaze sharpened. He’d assumed his aura’s surge stemmed from within the Six Realms, but it was the stars’ approach. What linked them? Sensing deeper, he felt an exhilarating harmony, as if massaged by cosmic forces. His Evil Wind Codex cultivation surged exponentially. In his soul’s depths, intricate runes emerged, followed by a stinging sensation, as if branded.

Probing further, he saw mist rising in his soul, revealing undulating starry peaks, constellations blooming like flowers, and starlight flowing like rivers. As the mist cleared, nine inky-black mountains appeared, arranged in a “six-two-one” pattern: six smaller peaks in front, two larger in the middle, and one colossal mountain dominating the rear. Each peak bore a unique groove at its summit, as if awaiting an object.

“What… is this?” Li Qiye was stunned. The transformation defied comprehension. He couldn’t fathom the mountains’ purpose, but their presence deepened his connection to the Nine Calamity Stars. A bold urge surged within: to seize and refine the stars into his own power. If the Demon Emperor knew, he’d be horrified—entities feared by Demon Lord Chonglou and beyond the Jade Emperor’s grasp were untouchable to all. Yet, Li Qiye’s conviction grew. Refining the stars could skyrocket his strength.

“Demon Emperor, how long do the Nine Calamity Stars linger near the ecliptic?” “About a year, Master.” “A year…” Li Qiye’s lips curled. “Within this year, our goal is the Nine Calamity Stars. This is our chance to escape this wretched tower.” He sensed a profound link between the stars and his Evil Sword Immortal power, though its nature eluded him. Still, he was certain they’d be a monumental asset.

The Demon Emperor gaped, stunned by Li Qiye’s audacity, but knew better than to question. Li Qiye summoned ten wisps of dark flame, floating them to the Demon Emperor. “These are ten karmic opportunities for the Ten Demon Kings. Tell them it’s my gift. Their success depends on their fate. If they succeed, their power will rise a tier. If they fail, deal with them.” The implication was clear: only the strong served him. The Demon Emperor carefully accepted, understanding that failure meant exile, and set off to contact the Demon Kings. Hands clasped behind him, Li Qiye sensed the stars’ power. He empowered the Demon Kings to strengthen them for his service. The Nine Calamity Stars—he would claim them at all costs.