"So that's why you haven't been at school for the past month. It turns out you awakened your talent," Chen Luo said in sudden realization.
"No, I awakened my talent quite a while ago. I was away these two months for intensive training."
"Enough about training. A'Luo doesn't need to worry about that yet. Shouldn't we focus on this Heart Demon first?" Yun Xia pointed at the bound delinquent on the floor.
"Speaking of which, Brother, how did you even trigger his Heart Demon? He's no saint, and I did beat him into depression, but for it to manifest now is strange. And for you to be the target of his vengeance?" Liu Wenxuan gave the delinquent a light kick as he spoke.
Hearing this, Chen Luo couldn't help but marvel at this delinquent's success.
Single-handedly creating both an S-rank talent holder and a potentially catastrophic Heart Demon.
"Ah, that. Last Friday after school, I caught this bastard trying to steal my bike. So I pulled a brick from my backpack and knocked him out cold. Yun Xia can vouch for that." Chen Luo glanced at her.
"I remember. By the time I got there, he was already unconscious on the ground. I was the one who brought your bike back," Yun Xia confirmed.
"Wait, Brother—why do you even carry a brick in your backpack?" Liu Wenxuan looked baffled.
"Children should not interrupt when adults are talking" Chen Luo shot him a glare.
"Oh..."
"Ahem." Yun Xia coughed to stifle her laughter—lest she provoke Liu Wenxuan into a fight.
Plenty could shut Liu Wenxuan up, but only Chen Luo could do it without retaliation.
"Anyway, that night, he broke into my place trying to rob me. I knocked him out with a frying pan. Speaking of which, that's actually when I awakened my talent," Chen Luo continued.
"And then?"
"Then I buried him up to his neck overnight. Even put a bucket over his head."
"Wow, Brother, you're harsher than me! I just hung him from a tree overnight—and wiped his memory afterward. But burying him? That's creative." Liu Wenxuan looked impressed.
"Is that really the point right now? The question is—how do we deal with this?" Chen Luo gestured at the delinquent. "Do you two have any exorcism methods?"
"We do," Liu Wenxuan said, eyeing the delinquent with disgust. "A full spiritual energy purification can expel the Heart Demon. But there's a 60% relapse rate afterward. And of the remaining 40%, 90% turn to crime—if someone breeds an Heart Demon, they're already beyond redemption."
If not for the fact that Chen Luo was this Heart Demon's own Heart Demon, Liu Wenxuan would've crushed the guy into paste already.
Only those who've endured bullying understand true helplessness. But since the guy still had some use... he'd spare his life.
"So the only option is to kill him?" Chen Luo asked, though the Herrscher of Sentience had already explained this.
"Yes. Standard protocol for all Heart Demon hosts. And ideally... you should be the one to do it."
"Why me?"
"Because only when the Heart Demon's Heart Demon delivers the killing blow does the slayer avoid its curse. Plus—you'll gain something rare: Heart Demon Essence."
"Heart Demon Essence?"
"Exactly. It only drops when the conditions are met. Using it may grant abilities akin to an Heart Demon's—mental corruption, illusion crafting, exploiting psychological weaknesses. A terrifying skill set. Though humans can't wield it as effectively, after all they are not Heart Demons, but it's still an incredibly valuable treasure." Liu Wenxuan's tone turned solemn.
"I know you've never killed before, Brother. It may not be easy. But obtaining this could help your future growth." Liu Wenxuan said sincerely
If the Heart Demon is not famous, it will be fine. Once it is famous, it will be a peerless monster or a peerless demon.
"Would you like some courage, Brother? My talent can bolster others' resolve—even for killing." Liu Wenxuan asked with concern.
"No need. My sword has a similar effect. If it grants me the courage to travel, it can surely lend me the courage to purge evil. Although the effect is not too great, it's enough." Chen Luo tightened his grip on the Dull Blade.
The blade's stats were pitiful. Rather than 3-star, it looks more like 1-star at first glance.
But its growth potential and bond with its wielder justified its rank.
"I see... I underestimated it. This sword truly is special. Who knows? Your talent might even break rank limits." Hearing the sword's effect, Liu Wenxuan beamed.
As expected of my Brother—even our traits resonate.
"A'Luo, promise me one thing," Yun Xia cut in, uneasy. "Don't become a berserker in the future."
"What are you thinking. This sword only gives courage. Its base stats can't compare to his S-rank talent." Chen Luo rolled his eyes.
"Good." She exhaled in relief.
At least she wouldn't have to worry about Liu Wenxuan's influence corrupting him.
Chen Luo raised his sword over the delinquent, who flinched as if sensing death's approach.
This would be his first life taken—no, his first monster slain. But not his last.
And let's be honest... I'm no saint.
Titles were just titles. Reality was reality.
Saint Chen...
Sigh...
A flash of green.
The Dull Blade tasted blood for the first time. Soon the blood that faintly emitted black mist was swiftly absorbed by the steel.
The delinquent's crimson pupils dimmed to nothing.
[Ding! You defeated "Heart Demon (Juvenile Form)." 100 Primogems awarded.]
[Material dropped: "Heart Demon Essence" - Please collect promptly.]
[Heart Demon Essence] (4-Star Material):
This represents the most fundamental purified form of an Heart Demon's core capabilities. It has no fixed orientation and exhibits extreme malleability, making it the most coveted substance among psychic entities. However, its compatibility with humans is poor, rendering it only equivalent to 2-star material when used by human practitioners.
A familiar warmth flowed through Chen Luo, the heat that comes with completing commissions.
"A'Luo... Can I have that?" The Herrscher of Sentience's voice echoed in his mind as he picked up the pearlescent core.