The Monster-summoning Banner struck from above, and all the myriad monsters under heaven dared not resist. Even though Taili was a descendant of the Five Elements Peacock, with refined divine light, he was momentarily unable to resist after being ambushed, watching helplessly as Bai Ze Demon King Zhu Wu sealed him.
Zhu Wu stood before Taili, gazing deeply at this proud and formidable peacock, seeing in him a reflection of his own past.
Once the strongest Demon King, the fastest among the Bai Ze Clan after ancient times to achieve the Primordial True Body, he had been the most promising candidate among demons to transcend the limitations and become a Demon God. He was favored by the Great Sage of Golden Tortoise Island, who personally guided him and bestowed upon him the secret title of “Green Emperor.” All these were the glories that once adorned him. Unfortunately, fate was unkind and his path was full of misfortunes, leading to his imprisonment at Shaolin.
After his escape, the title of the strongest Demon King had already passed to Taili, who had also gained the favor of the Demon Saint Spear, advancing directly into the realm of Demon God, commanding the demon race and achieving most of his ambitions, while Zhu Wu had become his deputy, unable to shine as he once did.
Fortunately, Golden Tortoise Island still existed, and the Great Sage was about to awaken soon. With plans laid out in the real world, Zhu Wu finally had the chance to rise again!
In the future, I will bear the title of the strongest Demon God, and perhaps even aspire to the Great Sage’s title!
The hierarchy among demons is quite extensive. Demon Kings and Great Demons correspond to Human Immortals, while Demon Gods encompass the realms of Earth Immortals and Heaven Immortals. Essentially, this distinction stems from the differences in their cultivation paths. Martial cultivation transforms the inner world into a true paradise; thus, the classifications of Human, Earth, and Heaven correspond to the three stages of “fetus,” “birth,” and “formation.” Individuals like Meng Qi, whose inner world was nearly a fully formed paradise even at the Human Immortal stage, are exceptional cases. Only such exceptions can elevate the “Indestructible Primordial Body” to the same level as the Tathagata Golden Body and the Bodhi Golden Body, ranking them as the highest-tier Dharmakāya.
The level and rank of the Dharmakaya are two distinct matters, much like how a person’s talent does not necessarily equate to their achievements. Higher-ranked Dharmakayas possess significant advantages within the same level, even capable of competing against those from the next level, with greater potential for future development. However, one must still ascend level by level, often enduring pressure from higher levels.
After attaining the corresponding Primordial True Body, demons gradually master and strengthen their respective “authorities,” since the boundary between demons and gods was initially very vague. Many naturally born demons often controlled certain aspects of the Dao of the universe. For example, the Five Virtues Phoenix, the Five Elements Peacock, and the Bai Ze, who knew all things of demons and ghosts, their descendants who attained true demon bodies cultivated accordingly. Depending on individual circumstances, some gradually evolve their paradises; for instance, the Five Colored Divine Light requires refining a world with the five elements, while others do not, such as the Phoenix path, which involves gathering the five virtues and refining corresponding treasure forms.
Therefore, the classification of demon levels corresponds vaguely to the martial cultivators’ hierarchy, up until legend.
—It is not that creatures of a certain clan can only refine their corresponding bloodline; there is also the concept of transformation, like a fish leaping over the dragon gate or a long snake transforming into a dragon. If predecessors have explored cultivation techniques and combined them with external aids, diligent cultivation may lead to rebirth, just as many human cultivation techniques allow one to transform into a true dragon or fire phoenix.
Feeling Taili’s cold and resentful gaze, Zhu Wu smiled slightly: “The Demon Saint Spear only values the prosperity of the demon race. You have recently failed repeatedly yet still consider yourself unscathed, proud and unreflective. It seems it has already begun to disappoint it.”
“The Island Master is an ancient Great Sage, who has survived countless calamities and is indeed the best emperor for the demon race. Yet you ignore the bigger picture, blinded by pride, placing yourself above all, unwilling to bow. Thus, I must act against you.”
Taili sneered: “Perhaps you yourself have become a servant, and thus cannot bear to see my pride, wishing to drag me down to your level.”
“Loyalty to the Great Sage is a common practice among demons. What does that have to do with being a servant?” Zhu Wu said no more, flicked his finger, and struck Taili, activating the Golden Tortoise Restriction Talisman.
Light surged, Taili vanished, and the Demon Saint Spear followed, leaving nothing behind.
Looking at the empty space, Zhu Wu’s eyes flickered with a dark expression.
…
The “Primordial Golden Immortal of Chaos,” Qin Yue, slashed with his Seven-colored Immortal Sword. Seven forces—thunder, marsh, wind, fire, wood, ice, and earth—entwined as one, each displaying unique divine powers: binding, slowing, burning, or electrocuting, making it difficult for enemies to evade.
He had finally met up with his sworn brother, but also encountered a formidable foe.
Who among the Seven Seas and Twenty-eight Realms could believe that the trusted friend of the Primordial Golden Immortal of Chaos was one of the Three Devils—”Supreme Devil Tianjun,” Shan Heng?
One was notorious for his crimes, while the other played in the mortal world without a stain on his name. They had no dealings, yet they were sworn brothers!
In fact, without Qin Yue’s secret protection in the past, the “Supreme Devil Tianjun,” gravely wounded by Chong He Dao Ren, would have long been torn apart by numerous enemies.
Their enemy was “Night Emperor” Huo Lishang, a powerful figure known as the strongest above Earth Immortal, a high-ranking cultivator living unrestrainedly.
The sword light slashed down, cutting into the darkness. Whether thunder or fire, all vanished without a trace, as if drifting into the stars, unable to reach Night Emperor’s true form.
Around Night Emperor was a quiet and profound darkness, enveloping him in layers. Whether it was Qin Yue’s “Seven Luminaries Chaos-Sundering Sword” or “Supreme Devil Tianjun’s” “Finality Palm,” none could shake it even slightly. Upon contact, the forces were instantly swallowed by the darkness.
Wait, he had only sparred with Night Emperor a year ago. Although his “Great Night of Brahma” was wondrous and powerful, capable of absorbing all attacks, how could it be as calm and unmoving as still water today, like an endless night?
Qin Yue, seasoned in countless battles, instantly concluded in his mind:
This is the “Great Night of Brahma” at the Earth Immortal level!
He had only been away for a year, yet Huo Lishang had actually advanced to the Earth Immortal level?
With such a Night Emperor and such a Great Night of Brahma, even if he and Shan Heng joined forces, they might not gain the upper hand. The opponent had already established an unbeatable position, while they themselves might suffer serious injuries with even a slight misstep.
The best strategy is to retreat!
After transmitting a message to Shan Heng, Qin Yue deliberately created an opening, suddenly using earth-moving techniques to flee swiftly.
At that moment, a pain struck his back as the Golden Tortoise Restriction Talisman activated on its own.
Who? Amidst the golden-red glow, Qin Yue saw the attacker—his closest friend, Shan Heng, the Supreme Devil Tianjun, whom he had once saved!
Startled and furious, Qin Yue was already enveloped in light, soaring into the sky, returning to Biyou Palace, his ears echoing with Shan Heng’s words:
“Brother Qin, the great calamity has already arrived. We are still far from reaching legend. Without support and protection, we will eventually become others’ ashes. I have secretly become an external member of the Golden Tortoise Island. This palm strike is to help you make up your mind!”
As the light and shadow flickered, Qin Yue saw the graceful and lazy posture of Su Daji, his heart filled with bitterness and cold laughter. Shan Heng truly knew how to reverse black and white—no wonder he bore the title of Supreme Devil.
Suddenly, his eyes lit up as he saw “Ancestor of Darkness” Xu Bei and the smiling “Night Emperor” Huo Lishang.
Had he also failed and returned?
Impossible! He had already become an Earth Immortal. Shan Heng was certainly no match for him. Even if there were other ambushes around, they couldn’t have returned before him!
“Huo Lishang, I didn’t expect you to secretly achieve the Earth Immortal level,” Qin Yue blurted out.
Night Emperor chuckled, “Brother Qin, did you just fall for an illusion? I’ve always dreamed of advancing sooner.”
He revealed his aura without hiding it. Deep darkness floated like a starless night—undoubtedly at the Human Immortal level.
“But just now you clearly…” Qin Yue frowned in confusion.
His judgment couldn’t be wrong!
Huo Lishang closed his eyes briefly, as if sensing something. Suddenly, his expression shifted, and he smiled as he opened his eyes: “Could it be that Brother Qin just fought against my counterpart earlier?”
“Yes,” Qin Yue answered truthfully.
“Pity, I chose to return the moment I entered the Primordial Fragment, taking the second dose of the Nine-turn Li Xuan Pill. Miss Su can testify,” Night Emperor smiled, looking at Su Daji.
Su Daji smiled sweetly, “Lord Lishang is the most cunning, not wanting to exert even a bit of effort, directly choosing to return.”
Qin Yue fell silent, his mind racing. Finally, a realization struck him: Could it be someone else disguised as Night Emperor? But the Great Night of Brahma truly reached Earth Immortal level…
At that moment, Huo Lishang smiled and spoke, “I guess there are beings in the Primordial Fragment capable of replicating others, creating a fake Night Emperor, and even surpassing the real one in strength and realm. Hehe, who is real and who is fake then?”
He seemed completely unconcerned about the “fake Night Emperor.”
Is the fake stronger than the real? Qin Yue, an experienced Dharma body, had witnessed countless illusions and bizarre abilities—including those capable of replicating formidable entities and battling their originals. Yet, the counterfeit was always inferior to the genuine article. What he had just experienced was nothing short of mind-blowing!
What exactly is the Golden Tortoise Island trying to do?
“Why bother with truth and falsehood?” As Su Daji spoke, five-colored light surged, and the weakened Taili reappeared, with the Demon Saint Spear on his back.
Su Daji clapped her hands together, displaying a bit of girlish charm: “Since we are all of the demon race, why fight to the death? Quickly give Demon King Taili a Nine-turn Li Xuan Pill.”
This time, she didn’t calmly lead Taili inside to take the pill. Instead, she had Yin Weiyang bring out the Heavenly Fate Daoist and a gourd of pills, pouring out two and handing one each to Taili and Qin Yue.
Both man and demon were sealed and powerless. Taili watched Yin Weiyang seemingly trying to force open his mouth and feed him the pill. His expression changed a few times before he finally took it himself, then sat cross-legged beside with a cold expression, closed his eyes, and fell silent.
Sigh… Qin Yue sighed deeply, feeling powerless and forced to endure.
After taking the “Nine-turn Li Xuan Pill,” Su Daji smiled and said, “Now that we are all one, there’s no need to be formal anymore. Why not watch the battles together?”
With a wave of her hand, multiple water-like screens appeared in the hall, each reflecting different scenes: the “Primordial Immortaless” suppressing the “Ageless Immortal Elder,” the “Ageless Immortal Elder” encountering the “Devil Master” Han Guang, the “Taixuan Emperor” breaking free from the Five Colored Divine Light, the “Seven Seas Immortal Lord” being intercepted by Gourdo, Master Lu caught in the siege of the “Primordial Immortaless” and the “Red Emperor,” He Qi being ambushed by “Cloud Crane,” and Su Wuming and Gao Lan unimpeded, converging toward a certain direction…
Instinctively, Qin Yue searched for the enigmatic figure in the cyan robe—the formidable being whose power had shattered his very perception of reality.
As he looked, he let out a soft exclamation of surprise, for Meng Qi was advancing unimpeded through the path. Whether it was the Golden Crow, Great Peng, Jiuying Xiangliu, or the numerous “fake Gao Lans,” “fake Devil Masters,” and “fake Primordial Immortalesses” appearing out of nowhere, none could catch up to him. He always narrowly missed them, his “luck” too astounding.
His voice drew the attention of Night Emperor, Ancestor of Darkness, and Su Daji. At first puzzled, after observing carefully for a while, their expressions changed.
Minor manipulation of fate? A feature of the Shore Beyond?
Su Daji’s mind flashed with information about Su Meng. Smiling seductively, she transmitted messages across the Primordial Realm, making up an excuse casually:
“You all keep avoiding battle, wasting too much time. Next, a Celestial Immortal messenger will enter, launching indiscriminate attacks until only five remain.”
As soon as she finished speaking, she had “Eastern Marquis” Yin Bu’er and “Southern Duke” Zhu Zisheng step into the Primordial Realm.
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