This once mighty hound of hell was on its last legs. Two of its heads and almost a third of its main body were destroyed by the 'Heavenly Extermination' and it did not seem like it would be able to recover.
Hao Xuan walked around its gigantic body until he could see its only remaining eye staring at him. Even the third head was covered in grave wounds, leaking literal hellfire from the gashes that lined its entire face.
It was looking at Hao Xuan with great hostility. If it could move at all he would have been in serious danger but he had nothing to worry about at this moment.
Hao Xuan met its unflinching gaze, recognizing the pride held by such a unique beast.
[I know you hate me...I would too. I took you away from your home, stole you from your master, and kept you from doing your duty. And now after millenniums of imprisonment you are on death's door through no fault of your own]
He stepped closer, placing a hand on its wretched skin. It was still giving off such intense heat that it could easily melt his arm off but by covering himself in his stupendous soul power Hao Xuan could withstand it with relative ease.
[I can feel your suffering, I know a thing or two about it myself. That's why I hate to do his right now]
Cerberus realized that he would not be allowed to pass away in peace so he tried to gather his remaining strength for one final attack but Hao Xuan was still a tad bit faster.
[Sever!]
A searing white light covered them, blinding all the spectators including the old witch. And by the time it receded Hao Xuan was the only one still standing.
The Old Witch shook her head, stomping her walking stick in displeasure.
"It belongs to your enemy, OUR enemy. Its loyalty lies only with Maymūn. Let it die and be eaten away by the great forest!"
Hearing her words all the ancient trees came alive for a brief moment, shaking their many branches in anticipation. But Hao Xuan was unbothered as he replied expressionlessly, [He belongs to me now. Sacrifice one of your own demons if you wish to satiate their hunger] and approached Claudia.
But Claudia stepped back instinctively. She had never felt something like this before, especially not from him. There was a suffocating air about him which made it harder to breathe if she looked at him for too long.
Hao Xuan saw it made her uncomfortable so he stepped a couple of meters away, speaking in a rather soft voice.
[You're okay...I thought everyone had died]
"She would have if not for me," the Old Witch chimed in from the side.
Hao Xuan ignored her once again, [Are you okay?]
Claudia nodded without raising her head, "Y-Yes. But I couldn't- It all happened too fast. I didn't have time to say anyone else."
She waved her hand and Grey's dying body appeared next to them. He had suffered many egregious wounds but the fatal one was right below his neck. And Hao Xuan could tell by a single glance who was behind it. That red Qi belonged only to one person.
Hao Xuan knelt beside Grey, watching the life slip out of him, [Dai Zhi. Even in death he torments me]
He let out a heavy sigh before glancing over at the equine demon standing not too far away. Something clicked, it was like two completely different pieces of a puzzle coming together to form a brand-new picture.
[Ahh, I see it now. The marking, the untimely visits. So it was you behind it. Is that why you had her save Grey?]
Claudia's eyes widened from shock and she quickly fell to her knees trying to explain her side, "I didn't mean to deceive you! The demon, it forced me I swear-"
[Shush, child. It is not your fault] Hao Xuan silenced her with one look, [You are but a pawn, I do not blame you] and turned towards the demon.
The equine demon slowly came closer and the shadows surrounding it receded to reveal a part of its true appearance.
Its black flesh squirmed and writhed with a powerful otherworldly energy. Tongues of purple flame seeped from its eyes, back, and hooves while rows of serrated teeth protruded from its maw. (Reference Image posted in Authors Notes and Discord)
It spoke directly to Hao Xuan, a heavy-set male voice echoing in his mind.
'I am born of Death, shaped from the Nightmares of mortals. I live in the dreams of your kin, feasting on their fears.'
***
Author's Notes:
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