The Phantom Demon Continent had reached night. The sky was pitch black, filled with strange, ghost-like creatures that seemed to dominate the heavens. Each being was transparent, shrouded in gray – these were the Phantom Demons. Chen Tian watched them, noting their resemblance to the ghosts of the Huaxia world.
However, Phantom Demons possessed an indelible advantage that Long Yun had mentioned to Chen Tian: only the Heavenly Dao could eradicate them. But the Heavenly Dao would not, and could not, eliminate all of them. The Phantom Demon Continent was centered around these beings, whose power was immense. Phantom Demon Masters were a significant force in world affairs, and the Heavenly Dao could only serve to keep them in check.
As Chen Tian looked up, a brilliant light erupted in the sky, expanding continuously until it reached him. He saw the light enter his room, then bloom, encasing him in a cage of light. Chen Tian was certain this power meant him no harm; in fact, he anticipated a substantial gain.
Enveloped by the light, a figure emerged from its depths. Chen Tian looked at the child before him, a boy who appeared to be only five or six years old. However, the character "天" (Tian) was etched onto his forehead. Chen Tian spoke calmly, "Heavenly Dao of this realm, what is your purpose in seeking me?"
"Outsider, you do not belong to this world. But I have a request for you. If you fulfill it, I will reveal your third life's identity. What do you say?"
The boy was the Heavenly Dao of the Phantom Demon Continent. Chen Tian was curious. Logically, the Phantom Demon Continent predated the Spirit God Realm, so why was the Heavenly Dao's growth so slow?
"I know your doubt. Why do I appear as if newly created? I can tell you, but I hope you will agree to my request."
"First, tell me what it is?"
Chen Tian pondered, not agreeing immediately. Who knew what the Heavenly Dao might ask? This was not his world, after all. Upon entering the Phantom Demon Continent, the Heavenly Dao had noticed him. The fact that he hadn't been expelled from the world yet was a testament to the Heavenly Dao's grace.
As the ruler of the world, the Heavenly Dao had the right to expel any outsider. Chen Tian's current presence before him indicated that the Heavenly Dao sought his help, wishing him to remain in the Phantom Demon Continent. Realizing Chen Tian wouldn't readily agree, the Heavenly Dao finally revealed its need.
"I wish for you to subdue the Phantom Demons. It is best if the Phantom Demon Continent remains dominated by humans and living beings. I cannot ultimately trust the Phantom Demons."
The Heavenly Dao spoke with resignation. Chen Tian was taken aback. "Phantom Demons cannot be killed, nor can they be subdued. You know this better than anyone."
"That is true for the beings of this continent. But you are different, outsider. You should be able to slay Phantom Demons."
"Why do you say that?"
"If you agree, I will answer all your questions."
Chen Tian was curious why he could do it. Was he that special?
"Fine, I agree."
Chen Tian did not refuse. If there was a way to subdue the Phantom Demons, it would be a contribution to this world. The Heavenly Dao, seeing Chen Tian's agreement, began, "My story begins tens of thousands of years ago. At that time, the Phantom Demons of the Phantom Demon Continent collectively obeyed a certain power. The Phantom Demons were creatures created by the master of that power."
"The Phantom Demon Continent was thus named. Back then, the Phantom Demon Master ruled the entire continent. Humans and spirits were paramount, while the Phantom Demons remained hidden, protecting the world. But suddenly, the heavens and earth changed. The Phantom Demon Master vanished, and the hidden Phantom Demons, losing their leader, flooded the world."
"Among the Phantom Demons were those similar to humans, possessing thought. They desired to survive in the world, not to hide in darkness."
"When the Phantom Demon Master disappeared, Phantom Demons filled the world. Those created by the Phantom Demon Master, I could only suppress, not kill."
"After a long period of war, my energy gradually depleted. The entire world was engulfed by Phantom Demons. I lost my origin power and became as I am now. Forced into a pact, daylight belongs to humans and spirits, while night belongs to the Phantom Demons."
"I was compelled. If I had any way to resolve the Phantom Demon issue, I wouldn't be like this. I have failed the beings of this world!"
After the Heavenly Dao finished speaking, Chen Tian empathized. He understood the feeling perfectly, being the overlord of the Spirit God Realm.
"Then what must I do to resolve the Phantom Demons?" Chen Tian inquired.
The Heavenly Dao spoke calmly, "The moment the Phantom Demon Master vanished, he told me he would return in seventy thousand years, and he would return as an outsider. Seventy thousand years later, precisely on the day the Phantom Demon Master disappeared, you appeared on the Phantom Demon Continent."
"I believe you are the Phantom Demon Master. I sense the aura of reincarnation from you. It seems the Phantom Demon Master is your reincarnation."
"The third reincarnation."
"Are you so certain the Phantom Demon Master is your third reincarnation?"
"A feeling. I sense the aura of three reincarnations from you, just like the Phantom Demon Master."
Chen Tian fell into thought. He never imagined his third life's identity was the ruler of the Phantom Demon Continent.
It seemed his reincarnations were not confined to a single world but spanned across random planes.
"But I haven't awakened my reincarnation memories. What should I do?"
"The time is not yet right. When the moment comes, you will know. This is all I can tell you. I must go and recover my origin. Farewell. This world is temporarily entrusted to you."
With that, the Heavenly Dao left Chen Tian's room, leaving Chen Tian alone in contemplation.
Chen Tian accessed his system.
"System, do you think this Heavenly Dao is credible? I am the Phantom Demon Master, and I'm being asked to subdue Phantom Demons? It feels rather fantastical."
"Ding, detecting host's reincarnation status."
"Ding, host, your third life does indeed originate from the Phantom Demon Continent. This is the conclusion this system has reached from the universe's origin knowledge."
Chen Tian was stunned. The system's words left him unable to remain calm. "Universe's origin knowledge?" Did the system obtain information directly from the universe's origin?
"Naturally. This system evolved to its current state thanks to the cosmic power within the host. It naturally possesses the same authority as the universe."
The system seemed to hear Chen Tian's thoughts. Beyond shock, Chen Tian was in awe. He asked, "Then, what number reincarnation am I?"
"Eighth. If the host wishes to inquire about other reincarnation identities, this system cannot disclose them. The time is not yet right."
"Ugh!"
At crucial moments, it faltered. Chen Tian had been subjected to this by the system many times.
However, he was accustomed to it. At least he knew his current reincarnation number. Three more reincarnations until completion.
He wondered when his remaining three reincarnations would conclude.
"Never mind, I won't dwell on it. Since that's the case, I'll reclaim the Phantom Demons. It will give me the foundation to contend with the Evil Spirit race."
Chen Tian was all too familiar with the Evil Spirit race. He needed a vast force to support him. The Phantom Demons, created by him, should be extraordinary.
Chen Tian opened his window and flew towards the sky. He ascended rapidly. Due to his abilities, no one noticed someone leaving the city in the dead of night.
This was pure suicidal behavior.
Chen Tian wanted to test the true strength of the Phantom Demons, whether they could contend with the Evil Spirit race, their specific numbers, advantages, and disadvantages.
After all, they were his subordinates, and he needed to understand them first. If only he could awaken his memories as the Phantom Demon Master.