SpaceMage

Clad in a flowing black robe that hung from his broad shoulders like a cloak of shadows, the young man appeared regal and commanding, perched atop his throne of bones like a sovereign lord presiding over his subjects.

But there was a darker undercurrent to his presence, one that hinted at a far more ominous power lurking beneath the surface. The aura of death that radiated from him was palpable, suffusing the air around him with a sense of dread and unease.

He chuckled softly to himself before rising from his throne, his eyes fixed upon Ximen Wei with a keen and penetrating gaze.

There was a curious glint in his eyes, a sense of mischief and cunning that spoke to a mind both sharp and unorthodox. He seemed to be studying Ximen Wei with a sly, almost amused expression, as if he were privy to some secret knowledge that eluded even the most astute observers.

And yet, there was something else there too, something darker and more unsettling. Madness lurked in the depths of his eyes, a flicker of derangement that hinted at a mind pushed to the brink of sanity.

Ximen Wei could only watch in silence as the young man approached, his every step brimming with a raw and potent energy that sent shivers down his spine. He knew that he was in the presence of a being unlike any he had ever encountered before.

As Ximen Wei gazed upon the young man standing before him, his heart raced with excitement and trepidation. The man's presence alone was enough to set his cultivation base on fire, stirring a resonance within him.

"I am Bai Gu Jing, the White Devil," said the man, his voice like the soothing tinkling of a bell. "And you, young friend, I see that you are cultivating the magic of my league. Tell me, whose magic are you cultivating?"

Ximen Wei felt his nerves tighten as he regarded the man before him. Although his voice was calming, it only made him more cautious, raising his guard against the potential danger that lay ahead.

With a deep breath, Ximen Wei clasped his hands together and bowed respectfully before replying. "Sir, I am cultivating the Immortal Devil Sect's magic."

Ximen Wei's expression remained steadfast, not a trace of fear to be found. His voice was calm and confident, surprising Bai Gu Jing with its unwavering tone. Ximen Wei had survived many deadly encounters in his life, and as a result, he no longer feared death. Standing before an entity that could command his fate with a mere word, what use was there in cowering like a whipped dog? If he died, so be it. If he lived, then he would consider himself fortunate to have survived.

As Bai Gu Jing chuckled in response, a look of confusion crossed his face. He couldn't help but recall a name similar to the one Ximen Wei had mentioned - the Immortal Devil Sect. He wracked his brain, trying to remember where he had heard the name before.

Without hesitation, Ximen Wei pulled out the medallion that had been given to him by Long Gen. He knew that it was necessary to confirm his statement and dispel any doubts that Bai Gu Jing might have. With a wave of his sleeve, Bai Gu Jing sent the medallion floating towards him. Carefully studying it, he took a moment to ponder before returning it to Ximen Wei.

"Ah, I see," chuckled Bai Gu Jing, his laughter echoing through the mist. "So you cultivate that jinx's magic. I can hardly believe he founded a sect!"

But before he could dwell on these thoughts for too long, Bai Gu Jing's enthusiastic gestures caught his attention. Ximen Wei watched with curiosity as Bai Gu Jing beckoned him over.

"Come, come! Let me bestow upon you some good fortune!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with excitement.

Ximen Wei let out a bitter laugh, his heart filled with trepidation. Despite feeling an overwhelming resonance from the entity before him, he did not want to approach any closer. He had witnessed Bai Gu Jing's power firsthand, and the memory of the White Devil effortlessly bringing himself back to life with a mere wave of his hand was still fresh in his mind. The sight of Qi Techniques failing to make even the slightest dent on his skeletal hands was etched into his memory forever.

However, as Bai Gu Jing continued to speak, Ximen Wei knew that he had no choice but to comply. He felt a sense of fear and unease wash over him as he reluctantly stepped forward.

"I must admit, I do admire your ruthlessness and cruelty," said Bai Gu Jing with a sly smile. "Those qualities are perfect for cultivating the magic of the League of Devils. With a personality like yours, you will make unprecedented progress and reach the peak of the mortal world."

Bai Gu Jing extended his hand, pointing a single finger towards Ximen Wei's forehead. A sudden surge of Qi flowed through Ximen Wei's body, causing him to wince in pain. As the energy coursed through him, Bai Gu Jing's expression furrowed with confusion.

"Hmm, how strange," he murmured to himself. "You seem to be connected to HIM by Karma..."

Ximen Wei's body trembled as the stream of Qi continued to course through him, leaving him feeling exposed and vulnerable. It was as if Bai Gu Jing could see through every layer of his being, leaving nothing hidden or concealed. Ximen Wei gritted his teeth and forced himself to remain still, his eyes flickering with a mix of fear and anger.

But just as he was about to break his composure, Bai Gu Jing spoke again, his voice tinged with confusion. "I can't read your soul either..."

Ximen Wei's eyes widened at the statement, his mind reeling with a mix of shock and disbelief. How could that be possible?

Bai Gu Jing abruptly ceased his actions and lifted his gaze towards the sky, his piercing eyes seeming to see through the cave walls and the murky, bloodied waters of the swamp, all the way up to the heavens above. His posture was upright, and his expression was solemn, as if he was communicating with the divine beings above.