Chapter Fifty-Five: The Black Demon Sky

The Black Demon Heaven was shrouded in perpetual darkness, divided into countless regions, each suppressing different levels of demonic overlords and ruthless criminals. Within its depths, ancient formations sealed the area, so much so that even those at the Celestial Human Realm would be subdued, leaving no hope for escape.

On this day, a colossal black hand swept across the sky, reaching toward the outermost region of Black Demon Heaven.

"I am the Black Demon Saint Envoy. From today onward, you will remain here quietly. Should you harbor any ill intent, I will execute you on the spot."

A heavenly voice thundered like divine lightning. Lin Fan found himself standing upon the earth, the black hand that had once grasped him now dissipated.

"What a Black Demon Saint Envoy—such prowess must surely surpass the Celestial Human Realm," Lin Fan murmured to himself, gazing skyward.

Black Demon Heaven was a place of absolute slaughter, suppressing even those of the Celestial Human Realm. To become a Saint Envoy here, one must possess unimaginable strength, at least a peerless existence at the Fifth Decline of Celestial Humans.

"Indeed, this person's power is already extraordinary, having surpassed the Celestial Human Realm to reach another level in the past. Though his strength has waned, he is now akin to the Fifth Decline, yet if he truly unleashes his power, he can briefly reclaim his former glory," spoke Prison Heaven, who had vanished since arriving at the Human stronghold and only now reappeared.

"You need not ask why; I have yet to fully recover. If I am sensed by those at the Celestial Human Realm, it would spell disaster," said the newly manifested Prison Heaven, immediately dispelling Lin Fan's doubts.

"I understand. But I wish to know why you had me propose escaping from Black Demon Heaven," Lin Fan nodded, aware of Prison Heaven's concerns, saying no more.

"Black Demon Heaven is a relatively low-level prison. In its day, it suppressed many Void-Breaking demons and a handful of Titled Realm powerhouses," Prison Heaven surveyed the surroundings, speaking to himself.

Lin Fan drew a sharp breath, utterly shocked. After Celestial Human comes Void-Breaking, then Titled Realm. Void-Breaking experts were all but extinct in the Heavenly Martial Domain, rare even in the entire Bosha County, and Titled Realm figures were legendary beings, few within the entire Yingtian Prefecture. Yet such a small Black Demon Heaven once suppressed such powerful beings—truly terrifying.

"Do you think any of those demons are still alive?" Lin Fan voiced his deepest concern. If such powerhouses remained, escaping would be impossible; he would soon become their prey.

"Some survive, but not many. The strongest will not exceed the Void-Breaking Realm," Prison Heaven replied succinctly, glancing at Lin Fan, then continued, "Those at the Titled Realm possess internal spaces, preserving their life force to the greatest extent. Thus, their demise is exceedingly difficult. With the nature of Black Demon Heaven, it is highly likely some of those demons still live, though their power has clearly degraded over the years. To possess Void-Breaking strength now would be remarkable."

"However, I can still sense a peerless Demon Ancestor deep within Black Demon Heaven, whose power is extraordinary—an overlord even in ancient times," Prison Heaven's voice grew grave, withholding nothing.

"What?!" Lin Fan was aghast, feeling a mountainous pressure. To be so esteemed by Prison Heaven, this Demon Ancestor must be an unmatched powerhouse. If released, rivers of blood would flow, mountains would crumble, the heavens would shatter—none could stop him.

"If my guess is correct, the recent emergence of the demon clan is likely to rescue this ancient demon. I had you speak those words to lay the groundwork for what is to come," Prison Heaven pondered deeply, never acting without certainty, and with Duanmu Ci and others cooperating, once Lin Fan escaped, all charges would be cleared.

"So that's your meaning?" Lin Fan had a faint suspicion but was still unsure.

"Be cautious; your guess is correct," Prison Heaven snorted, then said, "Soon, the demon clan will launch a massive assault, breaking open Black Demon Heaven and releasing those demons. That will be your opportunity."

"So it is," Lin Fan nodded, forcibly suppressing his shock. He could already imagine the coming events—powers beyond the Celestial Human Realm would surely appear.

"If Black Demon Heaven is breached, the entire human race will suffer a devastating blow. The scene will be mountains of corpses—a disaster for our people," Lin Fan felt reluctant, knowing that when the time came, none could restrain those ancient demons.

"Rest easy. Do you think the humans are fools? What I can foresee, they surely have as well. The current standoff is actually both races maneuvering their forces, preparing for a decisive battle that will likely erupt within a month," Prison Heaven curled his lip dismissively, thinking Lin Fan was worrying needlessly.

"That's more like it. I'm no saint, but those unlike us must be destroyed—the demon clan will be suppressed!" Lin Fan breathed easier, believing that if humanity was prepared, great things could be achieved. Even at their peak, the demon clan was forcibly subdued; how could they overturn the world now?

"Enough. Prepare yourself. The breaking of Black Demon Heaven is inevitable. The humans likely wish to use this chance to eradicate those ancient demons. The contest between the two powers is beyond your reach. Better to preserve yourself and escape amid the chaos," Prison Heaven produced a massive pill, glowing with multicolored light, a faint law dancing within. Clearly, this was a Dao Pill crafted by that old ghost from the Nether Domain—whether it was Li Renfu was not Lin Fan's concern.

"Take this chance to consolidate your foundation and break through the Tenth Layer of the Physical Realm. Only then can you begin to comprehend the Dao and achieve the Condensed Meridian Realm. I was pondering how to create an opportunity for you, but those who wish to kill you have unwittingly helped," Prison Heaven spoke with pride. Only he possessed the means to refine Dao Pills, enabling total absorption of others' cultivation.

"Very well, then I shall break through. I should already have the strength to contend with those at the Second Layer of the Condensed Meridian Realm. With this breakthrough, I may find no rivals within those two layers—even Sword One could be subdued. How many remain in the Physical Realm who can challenge me?" Lin Fan rejoiced, taking the Dao Pill and swallowing it. Vast power erupted, his cultivation steadily ascending.

Yet at this moment, he did not mention why he was imprisoned here; perhaps Lin Fan already had his own plans, awaiting future confirmation.