If I, a death row inmate, am not to become a demon, am I to become a member of the Imperial Guard?

The obsidian seal remained silent in the flickering lamplight. Its surface, like the eye of an abyss, reflected a faint purplish-blue light onto the stone wall. The high priest stood in the center, his fingers trembling slightly, as if awaiting a signal. Qin Shuang's scythe dug deep into the stone slab with a dull thud. Her eyes were like frost, her gaze piercing through Zhou Yang's back.

Zhou Yang stood before the seal, blood still seeping from the wound on his chest. Drops of blood fell to the ground, instantly absorbed by the obsidian, leaving behind a thin layer of black mist. His fingers gently gripped the Life-Extending Blade at his waist. The blade was already dull, its luster reduced to a last vestige of warmth. A system notification flashed in his mind: "Life-Extending duration: 1 slash. After burning, you will enter a state of zero lifespan." He did not hesitate.

"If I don't burn, this place will forever be a tomb," he murmured to himself, his voice echoing in the stone chamber.

Qin Shuang nodded slightly, without saying a word. Her sickle flashed in the dim light, like a cold blade. She stood to his left, her palm resting on his shoulder, her fingertips slightly cool.

Zhou Yang took a deep breath, the pain in his chest burning like flames. He closed his eyes, his mind replaying every transaction of the past. Every time he burned his life force, he gained something. Tonight, he would trade everything for his freedom.

He aimed the blade of the Life-Sustaining Blade at the wound on his chest, the edge gently slicing across the bloodstain. The blood and blade touched, instantly generating intense, blazing points of light. These points of light rapidly spread, like sparks igniting the night sky. Zhou Yang's life force gathered within his body, forming a swirling, oppressive vortex.

"Begin," he said softly.

A flash of light from the blade pierced the flesh of his chest. The blood was drawn away by the blade, transforming into a streak of red light. The light climbed up his spine, through his chest cavity, and shot towards the top of his head. Zhou Yang's breathing became rapid, and his brows furrowed.

The system's voice rang in his ears: "Burn 1 lifespan, effect: break the seal." He did not back down, clenching his fist, feeling a stinging pain in his fingertips, but also a rare sense of exhilaration.

The blood reached his forehead, instantly transforming into a golden sphere of light. The sphere exploded above his head, spreading outwards. Tiny cracks began to appear on the surface of the obsidian seal, as if struck by lightning. The cracks rapidly expanded, forming deep grooves.

The tip of Qin Shuang's scythe was also touched by the ball of light; the golden light slid across the metal, instantly turning it scorching hot. She gritted her teeth and whispered, her arm trembling slightly, but she did not retreat.

A low, mournful wail echoed from the crack, like ancient chains snapping. The sphere of light continued to expand until it struck the center of the seal. The obsidian was torn open by the intense light, the gash as smooth as a knife slicing through butter.

A stream of light burst forth from the tomb chamber, like a silver river. It pierced through the stone walls, passed through layers of rock, and reached the surface. The valley was instantly illuminated by the blinding light, birds took flight in fright, and the wind ceased abruptly.

The high priest's figure swayed in the stream of light. His fingers still gripped a black staff, its tip etched with ancient runes. The light engulfed his body, and the staff shattered into pieces within it. Then, a low, ethereal hum dissipated, and the high priest vanished.

Qin Shuang stood behind the beam of light, her gaze icy. She gently raised her hand, bringing the tip of the scythe back. The scythe no longer emitted a cold glint; its surface was warmed by the beam of light. She turned to look at Zhou Yang, her voice low and steady.

"You've done it," she said.

Zhou Yang's body began to tremble, the blood-red light faded, and the wound on his chest stopped bleeding. The golden sphere of light gradually dissipated within him, leaving behind only emptiness. His eyes gradually became vacant, yet remained clear. A system notification flashed in his mind: "Lifespan exhausted, entering a state of nothingness." He chuckled softly, his voice carrying a sense of relief.

"I suppose so," he replied, his voice as soft as a drizzle.

The stream of light formed a massive portal at the tomb's exit. Behind the portal lay blue sky and white clouds, with distant mountain peaks illuminated by the light like silver blades. The portal, like a ripple, slowly expanded outwards.

Qin Shuang walked steadily toward the portal. Her footsteps echoed through the empty stone chamber. She glanced back at the still-burning seal fragments, where only a piece of obsidian remained.

"We have no way out," she whispered.

Zhou Yang nodded, his fingers gently tracing the Life-Saving Blade at his waist. The blade had lost its luster, its edge emitting a faint, dark red glow. The blade struck his fingers, producing a soft metallic sound.

He walked towards the portal, his steps no longer hesitant. The portal's light was soft yet intense, as if beckoning. Qin Shuang followed closely behind, the blade of her scythe reflecting a faint crimson glow in the light.

Their figures met before the portal of light, and then they rushed in together. The portal closed instantly, leaving only a refreshing breeze. Silence returned to the tomb chamber, with only the bloodstains on the floor shimmering faintly in the dim light.

The valley outside was ignited by the stream of light, and the distant villages looked up in terror at the sky. The stream of light, like a giant silver dragon, spiraled upwards, finally splitting open on the horizon and transforming into a dazzling pillar of light. The pillar of light shot straight into the sky, illuminating the entire northern frontier.

Qin Shuang stood on the base of the pillar of light, gazing into the distance. Her eyes held no sorrow, only a faint anticipation for the future. She gently stroked the handle of the scythe, feeling its lingering warmth.

"Next step," she murmured, "to regain my true power."

Zhou Yang's figure was no longer in the beam of light, but the bloodstains he left behind formed a dark pattern on the stone wall. The dark pattern appeared and disappeared in the dim light, like a newly formed road sign.

At the end of the beam of light, a crack appeared in the sky above the distant mountain peaks, letting in starlight, as if a new world was breathing.

The mountain gate was wide open, and a cold wind blew in sand and gravel.

A faint glimmer of light shone through the cracks in the rocks, flickering on the broken walls.

Qin Shuang stood at the door, her gaze calm and resolute.

Zhou Yang carried the dragon's spine on his back, and his shoulder blades were already scabbed over.

A crimson halo faintly rotated around his wrist.

A mountain breeze swept past outside the wall, carrying the scent of decaying earth and pine resin.

The path was still wet, and dew clung to the grass blades.

The sound of footsteps echoed crisply on the stone path.

The two walked one in front and one behind, with Shi Gun following behind to protect them.

He had several broken talismans stuffed in his sleeve, and his knuckles were white.

As the mountain path ascends, the stone slabs rattle crisply in the wind.

The towering peaks loomed overhead, and the clouds blocked the view into the distance.

Qin Shuang carried a sickle, the back of the blade against the spine.

As she walked, her gaze swept towards the crack in the sky.

With each step Zhou Yang took, a deep echo reverberated from the dragon's spine.

The Blood Dragon Divine Weapon was placed on his back, its hilt glowing red in the starlight.

He would look up from time to time, aligning his gaze with the direction of his journey.

This mountain range is unlike any I've seen before; the rock is harder.

The wind carried stone chips, brushing against my ears.

Qin Shuang counted the rhythm in a low voice, trying to even out her breathing.

After the mountain turned several bends, the Star Altar appeared.

The altar was surrounded by a low, round wall inlaid with luminous stones.

The stone platform is level with the mountain rock, and fine lines have been scraped onto its surface.

The patterns emitted a faint blue light in the thin mist.

The stone disc in the center of the platform is engraved with a star chart, like a thrown symbol.

The surrounding area was barren bushes, with withered branches still bearing traces of frost.

The air was filled with the smell of cold iron and the stale aroma of dried hay.

Shi Gun was the first to step in and placed his palm on the edge of the platform.

He closed his eyes, as if feeling the pulse of the earth's veins.

Zhou Yang ran his fingers over the star pattern, feeling a warm current flowing through it.

He took the dragon spine out of his backpack and gently placed it on the table.

The dragon's spine is segmented, and the bones glow blue-green under the halo.

Tiny symbols are engraved on each bone segment, like night needles.

Qin Shuang placed the three meteorite iron pieces between her joints.

The iron sheet was polished from a meteorite from outer space, and its edges have a black sheen.

She held the scythe by the handle and leaned it against the altar.

The blade was still cracked, with red liquid meandering through the cracks.

Shi Gun took out stardust from his waist and sprinkled it under the dragon's spine.

The stardust spun in the air, making a soft, rustling sound.

He then took out an ink bottle, from which white steam was rising.

Qin Shuang clasped her hands together and fixed her gaze on the horizon.

She murmured the old sayings of the Fangtian Sect.

The rhythm of the words and sentences is slow, like footsteps on ice.

The stone roller shakes the star sand again, spreading the light powder evenly.

The powder fell onto the dragon's spine, and its brightness increased instantly.

The light spread outwards along the joints, slowly enveloping the entire body.

Zhou Yang gripped the hilt of the knife, his knuckles stained red by the crimson light.

He took a deep breath, trying to suppress the pain.

The blade of the divine weapon vibrated, producing a crisp metallic sound.

Qin Shuang continued reciting, a slight smile playing on her lips.

The light passed through the star chart and shone in all four directions of the altar.

Fragments of white light appeared from the crevices in the rocks below the platform.

The beam of light stretched through the surrounding air like a thin arrow.

The wind blew from the valley, causing the shadows of the pillars to sway.

The pillar gradually thickens, forming a halo at the top.

Stars rotated within the halo, radiating a faint warmth.

The Blood Dragon Divine Weapon rose from the ground, its tip pointing towards the halo of light.

The flames from the Dragon Blade weren't hot to the touch; only the spirit was scorched.

It no longer resembles a knife, but rather a roaring stream of light.

In Zhou Yang's field of vision, the beam of light occupied half the sky.

Qin Shuang whispered two words, her voice steady and powerful.

The sound surged within the halo, transforming into black runes.

Runes flew towards the mountain peak and were imprinted in the clouds.

The last rune fell, converging to form the 'Peerless Evil God'.

The talisman is arc-shaped, embracing the Blood Dragon Divine Weapon downwards.

The halo suddenly exploded, as if shattered by a heartbeat.

Inky smoke billowed from the crack and spread rapidly.

Qin Shuang raised the sickle high, its blade piercing through the fog.

She raised her voice, which was very soft but clear.

Shi Gun immediately caught her to prevent her from falling.

After the fog dissipated, only light and scattered stars remained in the valley.

The Blood Dragon Divine Weapon is integrated into the bone spine, making the blade appear even longer.

The dragon's spine rippled with alternating red and blue waves, like the pulse of a heart.

Qin Shuang loosened her grip on the words, and beads of sweat trickled down her lips.

Zhou Yang steadied himself by holding onto the hilt of the knife, his eyes filled with surprise.

The Blood Dragon Divine Weapon fell again, its tip piercing the center of the platform.

It trembled slightly on the platform, as if it had found its home.

Slight cracks appeared on the tabletop, and the star pattern reappeared.

Light streamed out from the crack and flowed into the valley along the foot of the platform.

The rocks were also stained blue and red, as if draped in a thin mist.

The pillar twisted in the magnetic field, like a living blade.

It broke through the clouds and illuminated half the sky.

The dozens of ancient cypress trees surrounding the valley groaned under the sunlight.

The pillar cast a long shadow that swept across the grass.

The image was a giant blade, plunging straight into the abyss.

A mountain eagle circled overhead, but was forced to disappear by the light.

In the distance, the fog billowed, as if the night was about to awaken.

Qin Shuang said, "This is a boundary marker; it's the signal to start."

Zhou Yang rested the hilt of his knife against his chest and turned his gaze northward.

He heard a clear response coming from somewhere on the mountain rocks.

The pillars contracted, and the canopy closed again.

The star pattern on the altar began to slowly rotate.

The rotation was neither fast nor slow, like the suppressed rage of a beast.

The beam of light receded from the center, leaving a long trail of light.

The light trace formed a symbol on the rock wall, its color changing from red to blue.

The symbols flickered in the night, like the beating of a breathing heart.

The stardust fell at Qin Shuang's feet, turning into tiny crystals.

Shi Gun squatted down and collected the crystals with his palm.

He murmured, "If anyone wants to borrow it, they'll have to break it first."

Zhou Yang nodded, the light reflecting off his face.

The light faded, but the dragon blade retained its residual heat.

The tip of the knife vibrated slightly, as if it were speaking.

Zhou Yang gently stroked the spine of the knife and felt a response.

The response was like the beating of blood vessels, with an extremely steady rhythm.

Qin Shuang kept the phrase "peerless evil god" to herself and didn't utter another word.

She looked at the tip of the knife, a new idea flashing in her eyes.

A slight magnetic wave appeared around the divine weapon, pulling up the ashes.

The magnetic waves then swept the ashes forward.

In the interplay of light and shadow, the divine weapon seems to have gained its own judgment.

It moved closer to the shield wall, trying to extend its steel blade.

The sound of a command drum came from the distant mountain ridge.

The drumbeats were interspersed with a few low roars.

The sound was like the roar before an avalanche.

Qin Shuang looked up, her gaze drawn to the prominent cliffs to the north.

She whispered, "The footsteps of the Non-Heavenly Principle Sect."

The drumming stopped, followed by the rustling of feathers.

Several streaks of white light flashed behind the distant peaks and quickly disappeared.

Zhou Yang saw blurry figures rolling around in the light and shadow.

He gripped the knife handle tightly, making sure he could still bear the weight.

The light trails from the Star Altar seem to extend outwards.

The valley returned to silence, with only the last rays of light remaining.

Qin Shuang sheathed her sickle and leaned against the altar to catch her breath.

She seemed to be planning her next move, raising an eyebrow slightly.

Zhou Yang then noted down the remnants of the star pattern for future use.

The stone roller sorted the star sand and put it into a small bag.

He fastened the bag to his waist, his pupils still gleaming.

Faint echoes emanated from around the altar, like something awakening.

The three stepped out of the stage and onto the light trails, the marks resembling earthworms nearly electrified.

Qin Shuang said, "A new era has begun, and the guardians rise again."

On the distant peak, three streaks of light suddenly shone, like long-hidden flags being unfurled.