Chapter 168 - Heavy Lies the Head That Bears the Crown
Zhao Xuanjian stared, flabbergasted, at the young man in white. "You're quite the looker, aloof and refined. So why does your soul seem so petty and quick to anger?" he remarked with disbelief.
"Enough with the chitchat. Hand over the Saint Sword Rings," Yun Xiao quipped with a grin.
"You're robbing me!"
"Call it what you will."
Stray Dog burst into laughter, "Just accept it, Old Zhao!"
"I'm afraid he'll show off with a bunch of Saint Sword Rings!" Zhao Xuanjian lamented, a grimace of worry on his face. What a brash move! How on earth did Chen Xi find such a character?
And so, under Yun Xiao's encouragement, Zhao Xuanjian reluctantly handed over the remaining three Saint Sword Rings from his inventory.
"Judging by the Sword Rings alone, you now possess the greatest Sword Soul in all of history!"
A Galaxy grade Sword Soul adorned with four Saint Sword Rings!
Yun Xiao already felt the terrifying demon magic from these Sword Rings. These magics amplified the Sword Soul's destructive force, and they weren't quite the same as the daoist spells he usually wielded. Regardless, they were ferociously powerful!
"Daoist spells, Sword Rings, sword techniques... I've mastered the best of the Heavenly Realm! Only my Sword Aura and cultivation can be improved!" Yun Xiao exclaimed. Both could be enhanced during the War of Immortals.
Yun Xiao's preparations for the War of Immortals were nearly complete. Since arriving in the Heavenly Realm, from his marriage in the Chen Clan, understanding the Sword Dao Monument, to his notable appearance in the Spirit Treasure Palace... all of it had transpired in just two or three days.
The rise of the Creator Immortal was as swift as a bolt of lightning! It was merely twenty-something days since he had met Blue Star and Red Moon on his path to the heavens.
And Zhao Xuanjian knew just how formidable Yun Xiao had been in the lower realms.
"Uncle Zhao! The Heavenly Realm has many steady elders like you. What it lacks is a reckless youth like me to shake things up! I'm willing to play this brainless role for humanity, and whatever the consequences, I'll shoulder them!" Yun Xiao took a deep breath, confidence flooding his eyes.
Zhao Xuanjian stared at the young man, emotions surging like waves within.
"In this world, with you and our Empress, it's truly a blessing for humanity," Zhao Xuanjian remarked with a touch of emotion.
"I fear not the battles to death! I just hope that when I'm out there, spilling blood and fighting, there won't be some so-called genius behind me, criticizing with cowardly intellect and bowing to the bigger picture. Evil techniques won't deter me, but the slandering tongues of my own kind can truly pierce the heart..."
Yun Xiao thought back to the days in the Cloud Nation. Back then, not a single soul believed in him. Yet, it was only because their perspectives were limited, blinded by the so-called Immortals. But here in the Heavenly Realm? Who had a narrow vision? Everyone was so darn clever. And because of their cleverness, they prioritized their own gains, ignoring the broader good of the realm. They’d talk of high ideals one minute and then, shamelessly, stretch out their hands for gold the next. All while pretending to stand on some moral high ground, engaging in the lowest of deeds!
Yun Xiao had long been firm in his conviction. "Having inherited the body and power of the Creator Immortal, the greatest transformation in eons, you expect me to hold back? I’ve died once, for heaven's sake! Now, seemingly Immortal, if I can't live freely and fight fiercely, I might as well have stayed dead in Cloud Nation." He had traded a life for this destiny. What was wrong with being a bit reckless? Who said one had to endure insult and injury silently to be deemed smart?
Yun Xiao and his coffin soul beasts, one responsible for cultivation and wealth, the other for alchemy and support, complemented each other perfectly. Their bond? Deeper than brothers, reaching the skies. Yun Xiao's fierce fights and bold actions earned cheers from Blue Star and Red Moon, praising his authenticity.
The trio, inseparable, shared both life and death. If they had no objections, who dared raise a voice? Was intelligence measured in submission? Were brains only good for flattery?
"Kill them all! Fight fiercely! You're the Creator Immortal! The universe is your canvas. Who can you take down?" Blue Star laughed.
"We aren't reborn as mere cats and dogs! Let's not be so reserved!" Red Moon exclaimed.
"Even though our support costs a pretty penny, possibly draining our pockets dry, money's just a thing. We'll earn it back," Blue Star cackled.
"It’s alright! Our boss is a money-making genius, sharper than a tack!" Red Moon added, already savoring the taste of the realm's treasures. He wished Yun Xiao would hurry up and defeat more foes!
After a period of silence, Zhao Xuanjian said, "Yun Xiao, I'll escort you back to the Chen Heavenly Mansion. For the next two days, best keep your head low."
"No problem." Yun Xiao nodded obediently this time.
Together, they descended the stairs.
"Uncle Zhao, do you reckon that Eternal Joy Demon Emperor might have me killed within these couple of days?" Yun Xiao inquired as they walked side by side.
"There are three possibilities," Zhao Xuanjian responded.
"Which three?" Yun Xiao pressed.
"Firstly, he might indeed try to kill you. It suggests that even among demons, a Demon Emperor would be ruthlessly vengeful. They're brutes who can't tolerate even the slightest offense. These demons might be powerful, but they're not the sharpest tools in the shed," Zhao Xuanjian explained with utmost sincerity.
Yun Xiao wiped a bead of sweat from his brow. "Feels like you're throwing shade without naming names."
"You caught that, huh?" Zhao Xuanjian replied with a hint of astonishment.
Yun Xiao just gave him a look.
Zhao Xuanjian chuckled and continued, "Secondly, he might not kill you. Instead, he'll likely instruct those five thousand demon prodigies to torment you during the War of Immortals. This way, the Demon Continent could reclaim some pride. And the Demon Emperor avoids the criticism of bullying the weak. Quite the strategy."
"That's along the lines of what I figured," Yun Xiao remarked. "And the third possibility?"
"Thirdly, he might still try to kill you within these couple of days. Heck, he might show up any moment now," Zhao Xuanjian said, his tone dropping to a chilling note.
"Huh?" Yun Xiao looked baffled.
"This third possibility implies the Demon Emperor knows of the first two and yet chooses to strike. It means he's utterly fearless and holds the human race in contempt. He doesn't care about human opinion or even fear our Divine Dawn Empress. He's a beast, wild and fierce," Zhao Xuanjian said gravely.
"Is there really any difference between the first and third then?" Yun Xiao asked, taken aback.
"To reach the stature of a Demon Emperor, the first possibility is practically nonexistent," Zhao Xuanjian remarked, eyeing Yun Xiao deeply. He clapped a reassuring hand on Yun Xiao's shoulder. "Don't worry. Our Divine Dawn Empress' rise has sent tremors throughout the Demon Continent. Even a Demon Emperor wouldn't act recklessly in the Heavenly Realm without just cause."
"Alright!" Yun Xiao nodded in acknowledgment.
"But if he truly intends to kill you." Zhao Xuanjian sighed. "Neither I nor your father-in-law can protect you. In the eyes of such a being, you're as fragile as a candle's flame, easily snuffed out with a mere breath."
"Ah, well, I suppose I should count my blessings then," Yun Xiao remarked with a playful chuckle.
Zhao Xuanjian, caught off guard by Yun Xiao's carefree response, wore an expression of sheer bewilderment.
Just then, the two of them stepped out of the Spirit Treasure Palace together.
Outside the Spirit Treasure Palace, it was a veritable sea of humanity!
Despite recent events, the place still bustled with activity.
"Yun Xiao has emerged!"
All eyes turned to him in an instant.
"Today, you've truly made a name for yourself in the Heavenly Realm," Zhao Xuanjian remarked, feeling a tad nostalgic. He clearly noticed the admiring gazes from the younger generation. It seemed that Yun Xiao had won over the majority of them.
"Heroes have always been young at heart! Their fiery spirit is truly enviable," Zhao Xuanjian mused, recalling his own younger days alongside Old Chen, rising in the Heavenly Realm. Those were the days. Although he represented the Spirit Treasure Palace's interests today and couldn't openly support Yun Xiao, deep down, he admired the young man's bravery.
"Heavy lies the head that bears the crown." The fervent stares from the younger humans seemed to mold a crown of swords atop Yun Xiao's head. There were, of course, still sneers and whispered jeers from a few corners—the inevitable chorus of naysayers—but they were the outliers, the dregs not worth mentioning.
"The human race still has hope," Zhao Xuanjian said, warmth in his eyes. Every moment of perseverance over the years felt worth it. "I just hope this kid can survive."
And as that hopeful thought crossed his mind... Suddenly, an icy chill, cold enough to be lethal, surged through him. In an instant, the bright day was consumed by a frigid darkness.
HUM! A massive, fan-shaped shadow blacker than midnight engulfed a third of the sky. On that shadow, swirling mists of darkness writhed, emitting screams of agony. The once-bright Heavenly Realm seemed to plummet into the underworld.
"What the..." Every human present, cloaked in that shadow, went pale, their brows dripping with cold sweat. They looked up, and oppressive dark clouds loomed, with demons dominating the scene! A chilling crimson light descended from those leaden clouds, targeting Yun Xiao directly, bathing him in a glow as though he'd been drenched in fresh blood. It felt like the world's air supply had been cut off.
For a split second, Yun Xiao felt like he was standing at the very gates of the underworld, with countless swords aimed at his back and a yawning abyss filled with clawing spirits before him.
Many, under the shadow, fell to the ground in terror, holding their breaths. Their throats felt like they'd been gripped by a blood-soaked claw, and they were rendered speechless.
"Eternal Joy..." Only a few chilling whispers, toxic as venom, rippled through the crowd.
"The third possibility!" Zhao Xuanjian's face drained of color. He quickly turned and clutched Yun Xiao, summoning a violet storm and dashing back towards the Spirit Treasure Palace. He'd said he wouldn’t protect him, but in the end, he did. However, no one believed he could fend off the Eternal Joy Demon Emperor.
SCREECH! A sharp, piercing sound echoed, causing many to clutch their bleeding ears. Above, within the shadow, a jet-black beam momentarily tore through the space, resembling the most ferocious sword in the world, aimed straight at Yun Xiao's forehead. A lethal strike!
This made it clear that not all villains follow the usual script... Two days? Eternal Joy had dominated for ages, but he wasn’t going to wait. When that dark beam sounded, everyone knew Yun Xiao was doomed. Sorrow began to settle in. Was the enemy's brazenness not proof that the mighty exterior of the Heavenly Realm hid a crumbling core, easily dominated by outsiders? Shadows of death spread across the land.
Gazing at the dark silhouette blotting out the sky, the sheer murderous intent made it impossible for Yun Xiao to catch his breath. He felt a coldness seep into him, sensing the crushing dominance of a superior force. Yet, his face betrayed not a hint of fear.
In the vast universe, what did Yun Xiao have to fear, even from the Eternal Joy Demon Emperor, when he was the Creator Immortal reborn?
"This time around, I probably won't need to call upon Blue Star or Red Moon," Yun Xiao mused. Their assistance came with quite the hefty price tag. A penny saved was a penny earned!
Chen Xi ascended to the throne of the Immortal Empire at the tender age of fifteen. Surely, she wasn't just a pretty face. "She just needs the right opportunity to make her mark," Yun Xiao thought, "I'll create one for her!"
As the thought formed, a shadow, protective and familiar, emerged. Yun Xiao had sensed this presence long ago, someone even mightier than Zhao Xuanjian!
Just as the deadly black beam was about to strike, a green wine jug materialized out of thin air, blocking the menacing attack.
BAM! A thunderous clash ensued, unleashing turbulent waves. Both Yun Xiao and Zhao Xuanjian were sent flying, but miraculously unharmed. In the aftermath, a tall, bald man in a tattered green robe appeared before Yun Xiao, successfully thwarting the Eternal Joy Demon Emperor's assault.
"Drunkard?" Zhao Xuanjian exclaimed, astounded.
"Who's he?" Yun Xiao inquired.
"A renowned cultivator from our land, known to walk his path alone, unaffiliated with any power," Zhao Xuanjian replied, his voice tinged with confusion. "Why would he save you?"
Drunkard's surprise entrance stirred a buzz among the crowd. All eyes were fixed in admiration on this brave man who dared to challenge the might of the Eternal Joy Demon Emperor.
"He doesn't belong to any faction?" Yun Xiao quipped, a grin spreading across his face. "I've got a hunch I know who he's really here for."
"It seems the Divine Dawn is rallying a formidable force," Yun Xiao mused, excitement bubbling up. "The bigger she dreams, the more coins I can pocket!
"I knew she was up to something grand, but summoning a lone wolf like Jiutu to defy the likes of the Eternal Joy Demon Emperor?" Yun Xiao shook his head in disbelief.
With Drunkard now in play, Yun Xiao felt even more secure. He knew that if he acted with integrity, there would always be those willing to stand by his side.
"Yun Xiao, as strong as Drunkard is, he's no match for the Eternal Joy Demon Emperor. We need to leave!" Zhao Xuanjian urged.
An uneasy tension hung in the air. With the Eternal Joy Demon Emperor's initial attack thwarted, his fury was bound to surge, and his wrath would be relentless.
"Heh heh heh..." That icy laughter wafted from the looming black mist above, slithering like a sharp blade over everyone's heart. An even more potent intent to kill enveloped Yun Xiao and the Drunkard.
"You two, prepare for hell." The voice of the Demon Emperor, chilling to the bone, echoed in their ears.
BOOM! A shadow, vast and overwhelming, began to descend upon them. Dark winds swirled around Yun Xiao. Buildings crumbled, the ground cracked open, and screams filled the air. The central streets of the Heavenly Realm descended into chaos. A demon, brazenly flexing its might. What was to be done?
With a lazy yawn and stretch, the Drunkard took a swig from his green flask and crushed a tiny ball of thunder in his hand. A streak of lightning shot straight to the sky. Suddenly, everything went still.
"Hmm?" Yun Xiao snapped his head towards the direction of the Divine Dawn Palace.
A crimson bolt of lightning soared into the sky.
BOOM! In an instant, countless blood-red lightning bolts erupted like furious dragons, forming a vast, sanguine web that blanketed two-thirds of the sky.
The roars of the blood-red lightning dragons shook the very foundations of the heavens. Their overwhelming aura overshadowed the Demon Emperor's malevolence, turning the entire Heavenly Realm into a world of crimson thunder.
And at the center of this sprawling web of red lightning, a resplendent woman draped in a golden-red dragon robe and adorned with a crown of nine pearls levitated above all. Her robe's train billowed for hundreds of feet, surrounded by electric dragons, crackling with energy.
Her eyes shone like two suns, and where she looked, lightning rumbled. With hair that seemed to cascade for miles, the regal empress parted her lips, her voice thundering like a barrage of storms. "Which wretched creature dares to run wild in MY Heavenly Realm?"
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