Bai Qi, as an Original Demon, assured them that if the three were willing to serve him, he could provide them with ample resources and numerous precious magical tomes, enabling them to break through to High Wizard status quickly.
This declaration had a powerful effect. The three wizards reacted identically, agreeing to serve Bai Qi in unison. Bai Qi did not deceive them; with a massive influx of resources, all three had successively broken through to High Wizard status just a few days prior.
The last individual, though already a High Wizard, was subdued by Bai Qi using the same methods: resources, knowledge, and more potent dark magic. At the High Wizard level, power and status became less important; what they truly desired was to advance further and become Archwizards.
Dark magic, originating from demons, completely outclassed other forms of magic at the same level. However, due to its immense power, dark magic was also volatile and unstable, placing a tremendous burden on the bodies of dark wizards, an effect that intensified with higher cultivation levels.
Consequently, most dark wizards who practiced dark magic stagnated at the High Wizard level, with very few managing to become Archwizards.
The fastest and safest way to cultivate dark magic and become an Archwizard was to learn directly from a demon.
With all other demons sealed in hell, Bai Qi was the only avenue for dark wizards seeking such a shortcut.
The presence of these four dark wizards today was not merely for show or to intimidate Tala; it was for a specific purpose.
Behind each of the four wizards, two wizard apprentices followed. Arranged in groups of three, they positioned themselves in the four corners of the grand hall. They began chanting spells and throwing pre-prepared materials into copper cauldrons.
"This is!"
Upon hearing the familiar incantation, Tala immediately understood Bai Qi's intention. He inwardly cursed the opponent for his ruthlessness, preparing to seal him completely.
No, this must not be allowed to happen.
With that thought, Tala quickly rose from the ground, levitated into the air, and directed his telekinetic power towards the dark wizards in the four corners, aiming to disrupt their spellcasting.
However, it was unfortunate for Tala, as Bai Qi would not allow such a thing to occur. He effortlessly deflected all of Tala's attacks.
As the incantation reached its completion, four beams of purple light shot forth, converging on Tala.
Tala's large head began to shrink, and a violent surge of dark energy enveloped him.
When the dark energy dissipated, Tala had transformed from his previous large-headed form into a humanoid figure with arms, legs, and a body. He was also clad in a black kimono.
With a casual wave of his hand, Bai Qi lowered the magical barriers around the five rooms. Tala's five generals were then unceremoniously tossed out of the rooms like discarded dogs.
"Master, why..."
Ika, still clinging to life, was utterly shocked to see Tala restored to his human form. However, upon turning to see Bai Qi, he was so terrified that the rest of his sentence caught in his throat.
The other four Shadow Generals were equally stunned upon seeing Bai Qi and Tala.
After their shock subsided, the generals suddenly realized their connection to the Shadow Clan had returned. They hastily summoned their respective ninja legions.
Watching the Shadow Clan ninjas appear one after another, Bai Qi smirked and said, "Tala, let me give you another gift."
With that, Bai Qi produced several masks and tossed them onto the ground – the remaining four masks.
As all nine masks gathered, they began to resonate with each other.
A white light emanated from the masks, and they started to crack. The nine Shadow Generals were now completely free from the masks' constraints, existing in the world in their true forms.
Incidentally, to fulfill the condition of gathering all nine masks, Bai Qi had also previously returned Nija's power to its original mask.
"Hahaha, I'm resurrected, I'm finally resurrected."
"My power, all my power has returned."
The sky cleared, the rain stopped, and the nine resurrected generals felt invincible again. Little did they know, their revival was also a part of Bai Qi's plan.
All nine generals began summoning their legions of ninjas. However, in terms of numbers, Nija summoned significantly fewer ninjas compared to the other eight generals, roughly half the amount.
Where did the missing half go?
The answer was soon revealed.
Behind Bai Qi, a mass of shadows appeared, followed by several shadow ninjas. These were Nija's ninjas.
So, were they planning a surprise attack on Bai Qi from behind?
Certainly not.
As the ninjas emerged, a small figure slowly appeared from the shadows. This person was the corrupted Xiao Yu, and in her hand, she held the tenth mask, the one representing Tala.
"Attack! Everyone, go! Take back the mask!"
Tala, fully aware of Bai Qi's intentions, could no longer remain calm upon seeing his mask. In the past, to conceal the truth of the tenth mask's existence, Tala had employed all sorts of means. To prevent anyone from finding it, he had even cast it into the deepest reaches of the Shadow Kingdom.
Tala had gone to great lengths, but how could he have imagined that despite his meticulous efforts, the tenth mask would be found today? And the one who found it wasn't the Sacred Master, the Grand Sorcerer, or an Archwizard, but merely a wizard apprentice who had stolen his authority.
Tala was acutely aware of his current predicament and dared not approach to seize it himself. Otherwise, if the opponent seized an opportunity and forced the mask onto his face, everything would be over. He could only command his nine generals to retrieve the mask from Xiao Yu's hand while simultaneously searching for an escape route.
Having been revived and regained their strength, the nine generals were eager for a battle. So what if the opponent was a so-called Original Demon? Upon receiving Tala's command, they led their respective legions in a furious charge, appearing ready to overwhelm their opponent with sheer numbers.
However, not all nine generals were so eager. Nija, having witnessed Bai Qi's power, was an exception. He was genuinely terrified of Bai Qi and cautiously lagged behind the other eight generals, his ninjas forming a protective circle around him rather than engaging in combat.
Watching the nine generals advance aggressively, Xiao Yu displayed no trace of panic, for she knew that the demon standing before her would ensure her safety.
And Bai Qi did just that.
Before Bai Qi could make a move, immense dragon might surged forth, instantly freezing the nine generals and their legions in place. Then, a telekinetic force struck, reducing all the ninjas to dust. The nine generals, with the exception of Samo, all collapsed to the ground.
The immense telekinetic force pressed down on the nine generals like colossal mountains, pinning them, crushing their newly regained confidence in an instant.