“Regarding the two matters we discussed earlier—the Tulu and the essence blood of the Thousand-Eyed Flame Worm,” Blood Blade Divine Emperor continued urgently, “Both are critically needed. If you can accomplish even one of them, it would be excellent. But if you manage both… victory in this war will be assured.”
“Understood,” Dongbo Xueying nodded.
His master and the others were in desperate need of these two extremely rare treasures. He had previously inquired with Third Highness Jiao Yunliu, but even Jiao Yunliu had never heard of them.
Clearly, he would have to seek out more formidable beings. The Demon Mountain Universe wielded immense influence and was home to numerous Overlords. What Blood Blade Divine Emperor and his allies couldn’t find might very well be obtainable there.
“Then this disciple takes his leave,” Dongbo Xueying said.
“Be cautious in all things,” Blood Blade Divine Emperor urged. “We already hold the upper hand in the war against the Matriarch Sect. Our current efforts are merely to increase our chances of victory—don’t push yourself too hard. Though you possess avatars and seem secure, the methods of Void Gods are beyond your imagination. Moreover, the Ancestral Demon Mountain is no ordinary place. You must abide by their rules.”
“I understand,” Dongbo Xueying smiled before bidding his master farewell and departing.
As the incarnation of Dongbo Xueying dissipated before him, Blood Blade Divine Emperor’s eyes gleamed with anticipation. The two tasks he had assigned were indeed of utmost importance.
“Hmm? Xueying mentioned that entering the Ancestral Demon Mountain is difficult. Does he have a plan now?” Blood Blade Divine Emperor mused to himself. “Could it be that Third Highness is assisting him?”
His knowledge of the Ancestral Demon Mountain came solely from Dongbo Xueying, so his understanding was naturally limited.
He had no idea just how arduous entry truly was.
—
Dongbo Xueying was in no rush to depart. He remained on the planet, as Highness Jiao Yunliu had promised to personally escort him once his cultivation session concluded.
Blundering into the Ancestral Demon Mountain as a clueless outsider would be unwise. Waiting for Jiao Yunliu’s guidance was the better choice. In the meantime, he reflected on his battle with the Red Fiend Divine Emperor, absorbing its lessons.
*Whoosh—whoosh—whoosh—*
Torrential rain poured from the heavens, veiling the world in a watery curtain.
“HAHAHA—HAHAHA—”
A booming laugh suddenly echoed across the planet, accompanied by the eruption of a terrifying aura.
“Hmm?”
Numerous guards sensed the overwhelming presence. Dongbo Xueying emerged as well, and together they gazed toward the distant palace where the Highness resided.
Above the palace, a figure hovered mid-air—Highness Jiao Yunliu, clad in crimson scales, his body wreathed in surging red energy. His fearsome aura shook the heavens, causing the entire planet to tremble. Were it not for the protective formations, the world would have been obliterated.
“Congratulations, Highness! Rejoice, Highness!” a guard immediately shouted.
The others swiftly followed suit, rushing forward.
“Became an Overlord?” Dongbo Xueying marveled. Though the Bloodline Cultivation System’s path to Overlord was still challenging, it was somewhat easier than the Rule-Oriented System. The external aid of the Black Demon Sacred Fruit had greatly increased Jiao Yunliu’s chances of awakening his bloodline—and now, he had succeeded in ascending to the Overlord level.
An Overlord…
How much more difficult was it for the Rule-Oriented System? His own Void Path and Slaughter Path had reached their pinnacles, yet the road to perfect eternity remained shrouded in mist.
Despite his musings, Dongbo Xueying flew over and bowed to the jubilant Highness. “Congratulations, Highness, on attaining Overlord.”
“HAHA!”
Highness Jiao Yunliu turned to Dongbo Xueying. His demeanor toward the other guards had shifted—after all, the gap between an Overlord and a Paragon was vast. But toward Dongbo Xueying, he remained courteous. In his eyes, this monstrously talented guard would undoubtedly become an Overlord—and once he did, he would be a formidable figure even among his peers. They might even cross paths frequently in the future, especially if they ventured to the Sevenstar Sea Sacred Realm.
“Brother Dongbo, I owe this to you. Without the Black Demon Sacred Fruit, who knows how long it would have taken me to break through,” Jiao Yunliu sighed.
“The Sacred Fruit was merely an external aid. True breakthroughs require both external and internal factors,” Dongbo Xueying replied. “Your success proves your foundation was already solid.”
Jiao Yunliu grinned.
Indeed.
He had suffered for too long! To break through, he had even dabbled in other cultivation systems, expending tremendous effort. His accumulation had been profound. Now, at last, he had ascended—his life essence utterly transformed. Before, Dongbo Xueying could have slain Third Highness with ease. But now… in a real battle, it was uncertain whether Dongbo Xueying could even defeat him.
Defeating the Red Fiend Divine Emperor didn’t necessarily mean he could triumph over the newly ascended Overlord Jiao Yunliu.
“I promised that after my cultivation session, I would personally escort you to the Ancestral Demon Mountain,” Jiao Yunliu said with a smile. “Though I lack the qualifications to enter, I’m familiar with the mountain’s guardians and know the basic protocols.”
“My thanks, Highness,” Dongbo Xueying said.
“HAHA! Now that I’ve become an Overlord, I’ll train a while longer—then I, too, will strive to enter the Ancestral Demon Mountain,” Jiao Yunliu mused. “Among Paragons, there are only three. I never dared to dream of it before. But within the Ancestral Demon Mountain, there are thirty-nine Overlords… With my father’s help and more training, I can still fight for a chance.”
“Even with my assistance, you lack full confidence?” A hoarse voice interjected.
Dongbo Xueying startled, and Jiao Yunliu whirled around. Both saw a man standing in the void beside them—clad in dark crimson scales, his brow adorned with a pale scale, his silver eyes icy as they gazed down like a sovereign observing ants.
“Father,” Jiao Yunliu immediately bowed respectfully.
“Divine Monarch!” All the guards, including Dongbo Xueying, hastily saluted.
None were fools. They recognized this sudden arrival as one of the three supreme Emperors of the Demon Mountain Universe—the Patriarch of the Jiao Yun Clan, Emperor Jiao Yun!
In the cultivator universes, “Divine Monarch” was a common title.
But in the Demon Mountain Universe, “King” referred to Overlords. Only Void Gods were worthy of the title “Emperor.”
“At least you’re somewhat useful,” Emperor Jiao Yun remarked coldly.
Third Highness Jiao Yunliu couldn’t suppress a flicker of joy. It had been so long—his father had scarcely praised him in all these years. Since birth, this was only the second time.
“As an Overlord and my son, you *must* enter the Ancestral Demon Mountain,” Emperor Jiao Yun said icily. “Don’t disgrace yourself.”
“Yes,” Jiao Yunliu replied obediently.
Emperor Jiao Yun turned to Dongbo Xueying. Those merciless silver eyes sent a shiver down his spine. The Emperor’s aura was peculiar—it felt as though he transcended the very laws of the universe.
“Dongbo Xueying,” Emperor Jiao Yun spoke. “I know of you. Defeating Red Fiend—a Paragon capable of slaying an Overlord is a rare sight indeed.”
Dongbo Xueying smiled humbly, lowering his head in deference.
He had no intention of making enemies in the Demon Mountain Universe. Obedience was the wisest course.
Beside him, Third Highness Jiao Yunliu added, “Thanks to Brother Dongbo. Without him, the Black Demon Sacred Fruit would have been stolen.”
Emperor Jiao Yun nodded. “Your elder brother enlisted Red Fiend’s aid—that was his strength. You secured Dongbo Xueying’s help—that is yours. Dongbo Xueying, your power qualifies you for the Ancestral Demon Mountain. You may compete with the other three Paragons. Are you willing?”
“Of course,” Dongbo Xueying replied.
“Good. Then let us depart.”
With that, Emperor Jiao Yun took Dongbo Xueying and Third Highness Jiao Yunliu—and vanished without a trace.
The remaining guards finally exhaled in relief, their hearts ablaze with awe. In their lifetimes, they had at last beheld an Emperor!
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