Chapter Twelve: The Third Trial

Demon Night cast a lingering glance at his clansmen, gazing at those familiar faces. Resolutely, guided by Old Ding, he formed the seals with his hands, and waves of pure vitality radiated out from Demon Night, spreading in all directions.

As Demon Night poured out his life force, his hair turned white, and wrinkles crept across his cheeks. Feeling himself growing ever weaker, he watched as one after another the people awoke, and a gratified smile spread across his face. He felt that everything he had done was worthwhile.

With the awakening of a great many humans, Demon Night, having released nearly all of his vitality, could hold on no longer. His appearance had changed drastically; now he resembled an aged man in the twilight of his years, lacking even the strength to stand.

Crawling on the ground, Demon Night watched the newly awakened people: some embraced their wives and children, others their parents and siblings, crying out in anguish. Witnessing such heart-wrenching scenes, Demon Night loathed his own helplessness, hated that he could not eradicate the demon clan. Gripping the Blood-Weeping Divine Sword, he forced himself up, staggering toward the grieving crowd, determined to offer what little strength remained.

Just then, a young man nearby caught sight of the Blood-Weeping Sword in Demon Night's hand and greed stirred within him. He strode over and kicked Demon Night, sending him stumbling back and falling onto the ground. The young man pointed at Demon Night and said, "You old fool, how dare you steal my weapon while I wasn't looking? Are you trying to get yourself killed?" He snatched the Blood-Weeping Sword from Demon Night's hand, spat on him, and muttered, "Old man, I'll keep your weapon for you for now. At your age, why are you still waving weapons around? Cherish your miserable life." With that, the young man walked away, inspecting the sword as he went.

"Do you see now? These are the humans you saved: selfish and greedy, the very flaws of their kind! Do you regret rescuing them? If you do, I have a way to help you recover. Their souls carry the imprint of yours, cleansed by you. If you wish, I can strip their souls away and restore you to your peak. These people are not worth your sacrifice; you have greater things to accomplish," Old Ding's voice sounded in Demon Night's mind.

Demon Night answered firmly, "I have no regrets. I saved them because I followed my heart. To act against my own will, I cannot do it."

From that day onward, in that city, there was a lonely, helpless old man. Each day, he endured the disdain of humanity, suffered their cold laughter and bullying. He watched as the people of the city lived only for comparison, everywhere filled with deceit and intrigue.

It was the season of heavy rain. Demon Night took shelter in a dilapidated temple. The wind howled, rain dripped around the building. Sitting cross-legged in a dry corner, Demon Night fell into deep thought.

Seeing Demon Night’s plight, Old Ding could not help but speak again, "Demon Night, your life force is about to dissipate completely. Look at those you saved—what are they doing every day? How long will you persist in your stubbornness?"

Having experienced all this, Demon Night understood why he continued to live, for what purpose he persevered. He realized his direction in life: not everything can be done, nor can every action win everyone’s approval. To be true to oneself, with no regrets in one’s heart, is not to have lived in vain.

At that moment, Demon Night remained silent. He watched as the rain fell endlessly on the ground, the roof, and the wild grass in the courtyard. After about a quarter of an hour, the rain ceased and sunlight once again bathed the earth. Seeing this, Demon Night suddenly attained clarity.

He murmured softly, "Rain nourishes all things, good and evil alike. The sun shines upon both the virtuous and the wicked. They give silently, remembered by no one. Yet they act without complaint or regret, simply doing what they believe is right, regardless of whether the world understands or knows. I, too, have no regrets."

As he spoke, Demon Night’s soul instantly transcended, radiating an intense brilliance.

Old Ding, watching all this unfold in secret, nodded in satisfaction and smiled, "Well done, boy. I never expected you would truly pass the trial! You haven’t let Xiao Tian down with his special care for you. Now, I'm eager to see how far you’ll go in the future!" With those words, Old Ding formed a seal, and Demon Night's spirit withdrew from the Creation Cauldron.