Chapter 107: The Seven-Eyed Gaze

Above the lake surface loomed a colossal monster.

Most of its body remained submerged, hidden from view, but its massive head was terrifying beyond measure. The creature was icy blue, possessed seven eyes, and its maw, lined with cruel, canine-like fangs, was constantly licked by a fleshy, crimson tongue. Its mouth was perpetually filled with fresh, shredded meat, which it chewed with an insatiable air.

"A Seven-Eyed Pale-Gaze. I never expected to encounter this ferocious beast!"

At that moment, the Heavenly Demon within Qin Feng’s palm opened its eyes. Gazing at the monster, it sighed deeply and explained the situation to Qin Feng. Truth be told, had the Heavenly Demon not spoken, neither Qin Feng nor Zhan Bai would have known the creature's true origin. While Qin Feng was well-read, this was his first encounter with such a beast.

"Qin Feng, this monster is a primordial anomaly. Its true power lies in its internal icy-blue demonic energy. However... this particular Seven-Eyed Pale-Gaze seems to have undergone a unique mutation. Look closely at its seven demonic eyes!"

Qin Feng shifted his gaze to the creature's eyes. They were arranged in a highly regular pattern on its face, forming a strange, distinct shape. After careful observation, Qin Feng realized it was a purple lightning bolt pattern.

"Purple lightning!"

Indeed, it was purple lightning. This Seven-Eyed Pale-Gaze must have been guarding a supreme treasure here, and under the influence of that artifact over the vast eons, it had mutated.

"Those seven eyes possess mysterious and terrifying supernatural powers. You must be careful! It is best not to provoke it; let it finish its meal of ten people. Otherwise, if this beast flies into a rage, none of us will survive!"

With that, the Heavenly Demon fell silent. Qin Feng was surprised by the high regard the Heavenly Demon held for this beast. It was no wonder Li Xingjian had invested so much; there was an ancient legacy hidden here. The Tianhuan Mountain range contained nine murals—could there be nine different legacies?

Not necessarily. The war between sects was also a battle for the murals. These nine murals were likely once a single entity, separated over the vast ages by constant crustal movements. Each mural certainly contained ancient inheritances, though perhaps more or less than nine. Some murals might contain multiple legacies, while others might hold none at all. Although the prospect of a legacy was tempting, Qin Feng knew how to be content. He had already accumulated many treasures and techniques. As the saying goes, "Greed is a bottomless pit."

One must not bite off more than one can chew. Qin Feng understood this, and in the face of the Seven-Eyed Pale-Gaze, he remained cautious rather than greedy. In contrast, Zhan Bai appeared composed, the air of a gentleman radiating from him, while Li Haoran’s face was flushed a deep, frantic red, his eyes burning with the singular desire to obtain the legacy treasure within the lake.

To claim the treasure, however, one final sacrifice was required: Huo Siyan, who remained kneeling on the ground. She was the tenth person; killing her would temporarily appease the beast and allow the ritual to proceed. Having consumed nine people, the Seven-Eyed Pale-Gaze was less agitated. Since emerging from the lake, it had waited quietly, a glimmer of anticipation flickering within its horrific seven eyes.

Qin Feng realized it instantly: the creature had been trapped here for too long and yearned for the day it could return to the world above. Today was its day of emergence, and it, too, was waiting.

Li Haoran walked over to Huo Siyan, grabbed her hair, and hauled her to her feet. Though her face was deathly pale, she remained calm, her eyes flashing with cold hatred. This look of disgust infuriated Li Haoran.

"You bitch, you dare reject me?" Li Haoran sneered, his face twisted. "I know you like that little mongrel Qin Feng, but I won't let you have your way. Want to live? Kneel and beg me! Beg me, and I won't kill you!"

"Pah!" With her internal energy suppressed, Huo Siyan spat directly into Li Haoran’s face. It was the first time a woman had ever looked down on him.

"You bitch, you deserve to die!" Veins bulged on Li Haoran’s angry face. "Humph, I may not be able to defile you in front of Qin Feng, but feeding you to this Seven-Eyed Pale-Gaze so I can complete the ritual is a fine alternative. Go to hell!"

He lifted Huo Siyan and flung her toward the monster. Because he was certain of his success, he did not use much force, and she drifted slowly through the air.

Just as Huo Siyan left Li Haoran’s grasp, a figure flashed out, catching her by the waist. With a few ape-like leaps, the person retreated to a safe distance, putting space between them and the monster. Simultaneously, a flying sword emerged from the shadows, cutting off the path of the middle-aged man standing near Li Haoran.

The entire sequence happened in an instant, executed with seamless cooperation. The middle-aged man halted his advance. As the sword was retrieved, Zhan Bai revealed himself, stepping beside Qin Feng to confront Li Haoran.

The Seven-Eyed Pale-Gaze, deprived of its meal, suddenly grew agitated. However, the moment its seven eyes locked onto Qin Feng, it froze for several seconds. After blinking a few times, it became unexpectedly quiet, though its gaze remained fixed on him. It licked its lips with its disgusting tongue, lost in thought.

The creature’s bizarre behavior halted Qin Feng’s plan to retreat into the Heavenly Demon Blood-Devouring Coffin with Huo Siyan and Zhan Bai. He was deeply confused as to why the beast was so interested in him, but its sudden calm was a relief—at least they didn't have to flee in a panic.

The Heavenly Demon suddenly opened its eyes, glanced at the Seven-Eyed Pale-Gaze, and burst into laughter.

"Qin Feng, this Seven-Eyed Pale-Gaze has taken a liking to you! Did you check your fortune today? Your luck is incredible! As for that brat Li Haoran, his efforts have all been in vain—he’s done all the work just to provide for you. Heh!"

"What do you mean?" Qin Feng asked, baffled.

"You fool, isn't it obvious? The beast clearly thinks you are more suitable than Li Haoran to be its master and inherit the lost legacy of this lake. It’s giving you a chance to see if you can kill Li Haoran as the final sacrifice. But you must be quick! It hasn't finished its ten-person quota yet; if you wait too long, it will fly into a rage again, and sooner or later, it will eat you too..."