Regarding Demonic Cultivators
​
Disclaimer: This is posted purely out of curiosity. This disciple is not seeking to stray from the path of righteousness.
*****
In all, or nearly all, cultivation stories, cultivators are split into two categories. Demonic and righteous, though the names sometimes very.
But what, in your opinion, defines a demonic cultivator? They usually adhere to some insanely extreme cultivation method. Usually something to do with the blood of innocents. Bathing in it, drinking it, moisturizing with it, etc. But is the fall from righteousness always so clear cut?
For example. We have two cultivators. One is hell-bent on becoming the most powerful person under heaven. Their arrogance and selfishness knows no bounds. They will lie, steal, and kill when it suits them.
The other cultivator is also hell-bent on becoming the most powerful person under heaven. Their arrogance and selfishness knows no bounds. They will lie, steal, and kill when it suits them. They also sacrifice the occasional mortal and absorb their meager soul energy to further their cultivation.
Traditionally, the second cultivator would be labeled a demon. The first would not. This is a simplification, of course, but you see my point. In a world where morality can be so ambiguous, what defines a truly evil, 'demonic' act?
So in your mind, what exactly is it that separates a demonic cultivator from someone who is just wicked? Are there any stories you've read where this distinction is satisfyingly explored? What are some of your favorite examples of demonic cultivators in stories you've read?