Absolute Domain

Zhang Yong stood at the edge of the battlefield, his long robes billowing in the wind as he surveyed the carnage left in his wake. The corpses of fallen enemies lay scattered like broken dolls, their lifeless eyes staring at the darkening sky. The scent of blood clung to the air, mixing with the distant crackle of flames consuming the ruins of yet another sect that had dared to oppose him.

Lilith walked beside him, her expression unreadable. The woman who had once questioned his methods now stood in silent acceptance. She had seen firsthand that mercy had no place in the world they lived in. Zhang Yong had carved his own path with blood and fire, and anyone who stood in his way was doomed to perish.

But as he gazed toward the distant mountains, his sharp senses caught something—an unsettling presence lurking beyond the horizon.

A system notification rang in his mind.

System Alert: A formidable opponent has appeared. Assessing threat level… Evaluation complete. Recommended action: Eliminate or dominate.

Zhang Yong's smirk deepened.

Another fool who thought they could stand in his way.

The ground trembled as a shadowy figure emerged from the mist, clad in black armor, with an aura so thick it distorted the very air around him. His crimson eyes burned with fury as he stepped forward, gripping a massive halberd that pulsed with a dark, ominous energy.

"So, you're the one they call the Ruler of Destruction," the man sneered, his voice laced with killing intent. "I've heard rumors of your strength, but I refuse to believe them until I see it for myself."

Zhang Yong's eyes gleamed with amusement.

"Then let me show you."

Without another word, he vanished from sight, reappearing behind his opponent in an instant. His palm shot forward, aiming straight for the man's heart. But just as he was about to land the blow, the enemy twisted, blocking with the shaft of his halberd before countering with a devastating swing.

Boom!

The sheer force of the attack split the ground apart, sending shockwaves in all directions. Lilith leaped backward, her heart pounding as the two monstrous forces clashed with unimaginable power.

Zhang Yong slid to a stop, a trail of dust and rubble following in his wake. His lips curled in satisfaction.

"Not bad," he admitted. "But not good enough."

Before his opponent could react, Zhang Yong activated his newly acquired skill.

Soul Devour.

A black vortex of energy erupted around him, tendrils of darkness lashing out toward his opponent. The warrior roared in pain as his very essence was pulled from his body, his strength being stripped away inch by inch.

"W-What is this…?!" he gasped, struggling to resist.

Zhang Yong's gaze was cold and merciless. "The price of challenging me."

With a final, crushing grip, the enemy collapsed to his knees, his once-mighty aura reduced to nothing. Zhang Yong stepped forward, tilting the man's chin up with a single finger.

"You have two choices," he said. "Submit to me… or be erased from existence."

The warrior panted, his pride warring against his survival instinct. But one look into Zhang Yong's eyes told him everything he needed to know—this was not a man who made empty threats.

"…I submit."

A system notification chimed.

System Update: You have obtained a new subordinate. Title unlocked: Lord of Conquest.

Zhang Yong smiled.

His path to absolute domination was only just beginning.