Within the red-lit skies on Hammerhead's back were May and Taf.

" So far this trial has provided us with 420 cores. I think at this point we can be a bit more ambitious and target those at the peak of this confined terrain.

Testing our limits a bit, I can't explain it but there seems to be an eagerness in me to challenge those higher at this very moment. However, my cautious nature is advising me otherwise."

Taf uttered as his eyes were unmovingly stalking his prey's every move.

" Do you mean those at the 9th qi stage?

May asked before activation her art to identify what had caught Taf's attention.

" Yes exactly them, as it stands there are 80 remaining demon beasts cores out there. Out of which 10 are at the 9th qi demon beast stage. The other 70 being majority those at the 7th and 8th"

Hearing his words May took a second to think it out for a bit.

" I actually think we should continue as is, targeting those lesser beasts before stepping up facing those higher beasts.., Taf.

We were told that those at the 9th cannot be compared to those at the lower stages, as there is a huge qualitative leap. The 8th qi stage demon we battled are nothing but infants in comparison. Also, don't forget that some of these demon beasts are level jumpers."

May cautioned before she continued her speech.

"You taught me to always follow my instincts and at this very moment that's what it is telling me.

The eagerness you speak of might be due to your demonification. Unlike your devil affinity that affects the heart, maybe your blood affects your temperament.

Similar to a top predator seeing another beast lording over its territory. How could it allow such an act? It would then challenge that beast to showcase its might, letting all know who is the true Lord.

It's just a theory but it is the most plausible."

After thinking it through May then advised Taf on the matter. There was a slight worry in her voice as she spoke. May knew him better then anyone, so she could tell when something was off.

Hearing her words Taf was indeed enlightened. Recently he has been more focused on controlling his devilish side. While not taking note of the demon aspect.

" Who knew that was also influencing my thinking somewhat. That's a poor oversight on my part. "

He then quickly assessed his entire body. While checking for any peculiarity there might be. Soon his vision went into his dantian making it now the focal point of the enquiry.

Within he saw the four sets of qi. There was no easily identifiable oddity when seen from afar, as both devil qi and spirit qi kept their distance apart.

His vision then went to his Demon/ beast qi and Elemental qi interactions that from all appearances were acting as normal.

" There doesn't seem to be anything odd occurring...."

As he was about to leave a slight change caught his notice.

" Why is the Demon/ Beast qi quantity more than when I previously cultivated?"

Caught off-guard Taf then rushed to investigate the slight change in qi. As he checked, his speculations had indeed been accurate.

His Demon qi had actually grown in size. Taf was shocked at the moment as anyone would be. Qi is said to only increase after one has had a period of cultivation.

"When since can the vessel act without the command of its master? What the heck is going on...?"

He then searched for answers by giving an even more thorough assessment of the Qi. Having not cultivated since reaching the 7th stage, Taf knew for a fact something odd had occurred.

Then another realization dawned on him while checking. The Elemental qi that was interacting with the demon qi seemingly had shrunken a size since last cultivating.

" It's been assimilating the elemental qi..?"

He was stunned for a moment as he saw the results.

" May we need to go back for a while. Something strange has occurred in my Dantian that I need to investigate."

After once more returning to the outside world, Taf then stated to May.

" What's wrong with your Dantian, Taf?"

A concerned May then asked knowing for him to act as he is at the moment, It must be a serious affair.

" My elemental qi is being absorbed by the demon qi"

He then stated before giving the order to journey back to the red feathered eagle, Hammerhead. Hearing his words May became even more concerned. Anything odd occurring in ones dantian can sometimes lead to unfavourable outcomes in the future.

Noting her concerned look, Taf slowly caressed her face while smiling then offered some words of comfort.

" Its just a precaution, I'm sure everything is fine. Other than the absorption, I'm feeling quite well"

He tried to assure the slightly panicky May. Hearing his words allowed her to calm down a bit. Afterall what's the point of panicking before knowing the judgement.

" Ok.., but tell me everything that occurs"

She then softly spoke while her hands wrapped around his waist as they flew back to their camp through the red-lit skies

" I promise..., Big flower"

☆☆☆☆☆☆

Within their abode, there was Taf in his meditative stance. His focus was now complete on his Demon qi that had gorged itself on the elemental qi.

" Why the sudden change..?"

Taf thought as he sought to find clues from the qi's interaction with the rest.

" Let see you do it..."

He then urged as demon qi received his undivided attention. Soon the day went by with seemingly not one ounce of oddity occurring.

" Don't tell me this thing has gotten shy on me...

Do something damn it..."

Taf became annoyed somewhat as all his prying did not come to fruition. Just as he was about to give up for the day he spotted a slight white light within the demon qi.

" What's that....?"

He thought as the light became brighter. It glowed within the mist of red demon qi. The more it glowed slight puffs of elemental qi were absorbed.

" Well this is a bit interesting, isn't it?"

Taf continued to watch as his Demon qi gorged itself on elemental qi. It wasn't too much of a concern his elemental qi depleting at the moment.

As things stand they all summed up to world qi in the end. One absorbing the other didn't deplete his overall qi.

" I wonder what this white light is..."

His vision then intensified as he sought to seek answers as to what this little mischievous fellow was. As his eyes zoomed in, the white light seemed to have sensed his prying.

It appeared joyful as it felt Taf's gaze. Within his mind, Taf then felt something summoning his consciousness.

"It's calling me huh..."

After thinking about it for a bit and saying the pros and cons he then made a decision.

" My instincts have never been wrong, so I'll listen.

Heeding the cry of the white light Taf then drifted towards it. As he drifted the white light sped towards him seemingly wanting to collide.

" What's with this thing...?"

He had slight hesitation and thought to dodge but his instincts once again advised him otherwise.

Booom!!!!!

They collided which caused Taf's body on the outside to be shrouded in white blinding light.

This caught May off-guard, being in close proximity, she had been driven out of her cultivation state by the scene.

There she was a bit worried that something unforeseen had occurred but knew it was best not to acts. After all, her interference might actually prove to be detrimental.