At the sound of that specter's roar, all present figures shuddered involuntarily...

Mine? That imposing woman seemed to possess a ferocious temperament yet spoke with such commanding authority. Though none doubted she'd devour him, they equally rejected the notion she might merely reduce him to mere sustenance.

Zhu Rong, who had previously eyed Zhanblas' body hungrily, now trembled and turned her head aside upon hearing this declaration. She no longer coveted his flesh but appeared to endure some immense torment herself.

Under these specters' scrutiny, Zhanblas - whose heart still beat despite its removal - felt like a helpless lamb cornered by wolves, a paralyzed lamb destined for consumption alone.

Recalling his status as the Blood King, a sovereign feared across the demon realm, now reduced to prey's position filled him with despair. His power source had been so easily shattered by Hei Mingba, and his heart core extracted directly by Medusa. Now he lacked even the strength to struggle, let alone resist.

"Medusa! Hei Mingba! I Zhanblas swear upon my remaining blood that all of the Blood Kind shall wage eternal war against you!" The desolate cry escaped his lips as a crimson light erupted from his anguish - this final manifestation carried all his pain and convictions straight toward the Blood Realm.

Neither Hei Mingba, Medusa nor Ye Jingyu could intercept this pure essence of resentment. However, that specter who had devoured Zhanblas' heart core completely disregarded the malevolent energy. Having already consumed it, she now lunged at his body, her form dissolving into a wisp of green smoke which enveloped him entirely.

To onlookers below, Zhanblas' body deflated like a punctured balloon in an instant. Within moments only pale skin remained - even his bones had been fully assimilated by the specter's essence.

Ye Jingyu and others felt cold sweat trickle down their spines. As a Blood King, Zhanblas was capable of slaughtering any Demon Lord at will despite being stripped of both wings and heart core. The power within his flesh should have been enough to annihilate ninth-tier Demon Lords yet this specter devoured him so effortlessly? How long had she gone without nourishment?

A pleasurable groan escaped the specter as her blurred form gradually solidified, shrinking with each passing second until only a normal-sized human figure remained. This was no longer an illusion but a woman - one clad in nothing but her skin yet more beautiful than Medusa herself.

Pearl-like face, rose-petal lips, and gemstone eyes framed by a delicately petite nose created such innocence that anyone would yearn to cradle this visage and cherish it endlessly. Her figure transcended description itself - both Ye Jingyu and Hei Mingba felt their blood boil dangerously at the sight of perfection so absolute.

Ye Jingyu managed slight resistance as his Qi Sea's Donghuang Bell emitted a soft hum, casting verdant light to douse his inner flames. But poor Hei Mingba had no such protection when the woman merely sent him a coy glance - his lifeblood surged uncontrollably toward her.

Still, after millennia of existence, he broke free from enchantment within seconds by slamming a palm against his forehead. Yet at least a century's worth of cultivated power had already vanished into thin air. Witnessing this spectacle left Hei Mingba sweating profusely - such forbidden arts were terrifying indeed! If only her strength matched hers, would he truly have stood a chance?

Medusa herself paled in comparison. Her famed allure meant nothing against this woman whose every movement radiated irresistible charm without even attempting it. This was true mastery of temptation beyond mere seduction.

"Giggles... Zhu Rong, your little demon's essence is quite exquisite. Want to taste some?" The woman laughed like wind chimes after absorbing Hei Mingba's century-old cultivation.

"Hmph!" Zhu Rong merely coldly dismissed the remark, clearly disdainful that she'd targeted even an underling as mighty as Hei Mingba.

Ye Jingyu remained puzzled - could this be why her demeanor suggested remembering more than simple memories?

"Esteemed elder, might I inquire your name?" Ye Jingyu immediately kowtowed respectfully. As one of the twelve ancient sages trapped here, showing deference was paramount.

"Elder? Am I that old? If you dare call me elder again despite holding the Chiyou Banner, I'll still spank you! Call me sister instead - Hanhua's sister!" The woman addressed him directly when he approached.

Ye Jingyu rolled his eyes. She had just called Hei Mingba "little demon" after all. Yet upon hearing her name, his skepticism vanished entirely...

Hanhua? Oh my gods, wasn't she the ancestor of all zombies and the mythic drought goddess? One Zhu Rong was already shocking enough - where did ten more ancient deities come from? Ye Jingyu's head throbbed painfully.

(Uploading first chapter now. Still working on second part. Writing without drafts is pure torment for both writer and readers! Please bear with me!)

To dear readers:

10:24 upload