The man was named Kuro, an exceptionally skilled and renowned qi mage locally. With the advent of the magical era, Kuro's life had become exceptionally prosperous.
Kuro's ancestors were no less remarkable. They hailed from the same sect as Loppe, with Kuro's ancestor actually being Loppe's senior disciple.
Through Kuro's memories, Bai Qi learned that in this era, Loppe's bloodline was carried by a young man named Loos. Loos's magical prowess was also considerable, even surpassing Kuro's significantly. Unlike the flamboyant Kuro, Loos presented himself as exceptionally low-key.
Due to their ancestral connection, Loos and Kuro had learned qi magic together since childhood. Even now, every time they sparred, Loos consistently held the upper hand over Kuro. While Kuro outwardly accepted defeat without complaint, resentment inevitably simmered within him.
This latest misfortune was the final straw that broke the camel's back.
What exactly happened? It wasn't that Bai Qi's tracking spell had malfunctioned; rather, the talisman itself did not belong to Loos but to Kuro.
When Batman sought magic instruction from Loos, Loos, unable to refuse due to Batman's superpowers, had indeed taught him. However, for his own safety, he repeatedly emphasized that Batman should not reveal he was the one who taught him. Later, when he gave Batman the talisman, the meticulous Loos anticipated that someone might track him through it. Therefore, the talismans he gave Batman were not ones he had drawn himself, but ones he had requested from Kuro.
Consequently, Bai Qi's tracking spell, created using the talisman, led Kraven directly to its true owner, Kuro. After a series of actions, Kuro, physically and mentally exhausted from torture, was captured and brought before Bai Qi.
Understanding everything, even Bai Qi had to admit that Loos was indeed cautious. However, he deemed it futile to merely conceal oneself without enhancing one's strength. It was akin to a wild rabbit digging holes everywhere; eventually, it would be caught by an experienced hunter.
Since Bai Qi had more important matters to attend to, he wouldn't personally deal with a minor figure like Loos. Instead, he decided to play a game.
Kuro, living in Loos's shadow, longed to surpass his junior disciple. However, the disparity in their strength meant that no matter how hard Kuro tried, he could not overcome Loos. As time went on, Loos's power grew, making Kuro increasingly convinced that he could never overcome the mountain that was Loos. Ultimately, Kuro chose to give up, masking his true desires with alcohol and attention-seeking behavior.
What Bai Qi was doing now was to ignite Kuro's desires and make him serve his purpose.
Through magic and deliberate manipulation, Bai Qi easily brought forth Kuro's darker side. The long-suppressed emotions erupted instantly, his hatred for Loos surging forth like a breached dam.
Bai Qi was quite pleased with this, but he knew that Kuro still couldn't defeat his junior disciple with just this. After all, the power of qi magic wasn't solely dependent on anger and resentment; one wasn't a protagonist who could unleash overwhelming power under duress. Simply performing as usual would be a feat, let alone a power-up.
To make the upcoming performance more interesting, Bai Qi used the dragon-patterned lamp ring on his finger to create a sub-ring, infused it with a small amount of magic, and then bestowed it upon Kuro.
Kuro, already blinded by rage and resentment, acted without any thought. Sensing the surging power within the dragon-patterned lamp ring, he grabbed it without hesitation and attempted to put it on.
The next moment, the dragon-patterned lamp ring broke free from Kuro's grasp and hovered before him, emitting a grey light.
Seeing the ring break free, Kuro looked at Bai Qi, assuming he was responsible. His bloodshot eyes glared frantically at Bai Qi, veins bulging on his forehead, and beads of sweat trickling down his face.
"Give it to me, give him to me. I want him. He belongs to me."
After speaking, Kuro reached out again, only to be dodged by the ring once more.
Bai Qi watched Kuro descend into madness and said, "It's not you who chooses him, but he who chooses you. See if you have the qualification to wear him."
Madness did not equate to foolishness. Kuro quickly understood Bai Qi's words and turned his gaze to the ring, saying, "Choose me. I can give you what you desire. Let's embark on a magnificent slaughter together."
"Slaughter?" Bai Qi raised an eyebrow. "Sounds good."
The dragon-patterned lamp ring seemed to acknowledge Kuro's madness and automatically settled onto his hand. As the dragon-patterned lamp ring was fitted, a surge of power emanated from it, instantly spreading throughout Kuro's body.
"Yes, yes, it's this power. Powerful, tyrannical. We'll be the best partners."
Watching Kuro laugh heartily after gaining power, Bai Qi reminded him, "Don't forget your mission."
Humans are like this. The moment they gain power, they become complacent. Just moments ago, Kuro was fearful and trembling before Bai Qi. But after putting on the dragon-patterned lamp ring and acquiring its immense power, his demeanor completely changed. His previous fear and panic vanished.
Of course, Bai Qi's magic also played a role in this, but it was merely a catalyst to awaken the darkness within him.
Hearing Bai Qi's words, Kuro seemed to regain some semblance of reason and said in a sonorous voice, "Yes, yes, I know. I will take revenge on that bastard Loos and prove to him that I am the greatest qi mage. After I eliminate him, I will use this power to challenge all qi mages in the world. I will make the entire world tremble under my name, Kuro."
Watching the arrogant Kuro, Bai Qi couldn't help but chuckle. This fellow was truly audacious, challenging all qi mages in the world? What a joke. Did he truly believe that obtaining a sub-ring of the dragon-patterned lamp would make him invincible? However, since the other party was so confident, Bai Qi saw no reason to dampen his spirits.
Looking down at Kuro, Bai Qi spoke again, "Go. As long as you can defeat Loos, the dragon-patterned lamp ring will be yours. I will not reclaim it afterward."
With a wave of his hand, Bai Qi teleported Kuro out of the great hall.
After sending Kuro away, Bai Qi sat on his iron throne and pondered for a moment. He then instructed the demon to bring in the punished Kraven.
Soon, Kraven was brought into the great hall by two demons. By this time, Kraven had finished his punishment. His upper body was bare, and his feet dragged on the ground as he was brought before Bai Qi. A long trail of blood marked his path, and his entire back was a bloody mess, having been whipped by the enchanted thorn whips.