The Spirit Realm wind whispered through the glowing foliage of Mount Pleasant, carrying the faint scent of Qi energy.
Ramba stood in front of a demon crouched low, Qi energy rippling around it.
"Get going, Ramba," Chippo said, her voice sharp. "We need to climb higher up the mountain."
Ramba smirked, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Wait. I want to play with him some more."
The demon hissed, baring sharp teeth. "Why? I'll show you my real power!"
It began to gather Qi energy, swirling it around its claws in a furious aura.
Sparks crackled through the air, and the ground vibrated under its power.
Ramba raised his arms, palms open. Qi energy coalesced, forming a massive glowing sphere. The demon froze, its eyes widening in disbelief.
"You know," Ramba said with a grin, "I've always wanted to do this."
"Massive Qi Ball Attack!" he shouted, thrusting the sphere forward.
The energy slammed into the demon, engulfing it completely. There was a flash of light, and then the demon disintegrated into countless spiritrons, leaving behind a pulsating core.
Ramba crouched and devoured the core in one swift motion. "Ah… still no breakthrough," he muttered, frustration curling his brow.
"Come on, let's climb the mountain," Chippo urged.
Ramba shrugged, still buzzing with energy. "Why are you so bent on climbing? Demons will come to us anyway—they're obsessed with me."
Chippo tilted her head. "The higher we are, the more Qi energy in the air. Cultivation down here might be useless, but up there…it counts."
"Alright, I get it," Ramba said, wiping sweat from his brow. "But I'm curious… where did you learn all this?"
"You'd be better off not knowing," Chippo replied coldly.
"Just tell me!" Ramba pressed.
"No."
"Fine… are all demons weak? Can you at least tell me that much?"
"No," she said flatly. "Demons are powerful spiritual beings. The ones we've faced so far? They're the first rank. Weaklings. But demons are not weak. There are five ranks in total:
1. Demon
2. Archdemon
3. Demon Warrior
4. Demon Lord
5. Demon King"
Ramba whistled low. "So when do we get to face the upper ranks? I'm tired of these small fry."
Chippo's eyes darkened. "I'm afraid we wouldn't even hold a candle against any of the upper ranks.
Not even an Archdemon. It would probably be easier to face a Century—100 demons—than face an Archdemon."
Ramba's fists clenched. "Damn… they're that strong? I guess I'm still too weak. But one day… I'll reach that level."
Chippo gestured to a patch of clear green grass nearby. "Let's take a break."
They rested on the soft grass, sunlight scattering through the glowing treetops.
Each blade seemed to hum with Qi, vibrating faintly under their bodies.
In the distance, the Spirit Realm mountains stretched into the horizon, peaks glowing like molten glass.
A soft breeze carried the scent of spiritual energy, making Ramba feel alive in a way he had never known
---
Meanwhile, deep within the opulent halls of the Demon Mansion, Archdemon Lord Malusdel sat in a high-backed chair, shadows coiling around him like living smoke.
His eyes glimmered with dark intent as he addressed his subjects.
"The demon who brings me the hunters shall receive 10 Souls," Malusdel said, his voice chillingly calm.
"Come empty handed and you will answer with your lives."
One demon bowed and confidently stated. "Yes, my lord. Their souls shall be yours after the sulfur calms"
Malusdel rose, his aura darkening the room. "Let's see if these hunters can handle a Century."