Chapter 1829: Desperate Situation Canglan (IV)
What was most shocking was not their unanimous choice to all stay and fight for the Demon Lord, but that every single profound practitioner of the Huang Tian Realm, when making their choice, did not hesitate for even a moment.
This meant that this choice was not influenced by outsiders, nor was it a forced self-convincing, but a first instinct from the depths of their souls.
To stay was not a matter of one chance in ten of survival... but almost certain death!
At this moment, Yan Tianxiao's emperor voice resounded, shaking souls: "All members of the Yanmo Realm, all Yanmo, Yan Ghosts, Yan Guards, Yan Soldiers, hear my command. Those willing to stay and fight for the Demon Lord, begin preparations immediately. But this battle will have little chance of survival; at best, it can barely earn the Demon Lord some hope of safety."
"Those who wish to leave, after returning to the Northern Domain, you must ensure that future generations remember this generation of Yanmo, this generation of the Northern Divine Region! And you must shoulder the heavy responsibility of carrying on the Yanmo bloodline and revitalizing the Yanmo lineage!"
As his voice fell, not a single member of the Yanmo Realm departed.
"..." Yan Tianxiao turned his head, looking at the Yanmo disciples whose expressions had quickly shifted from panic to firm resolve, and his heart surged with emotion.
"Heh, it seems everyone thinks the same." Fen Daoqi laughed. He turned around, his gaze sweeping over the Moon Devourers, and said with emotion, "Back then, when the Burning Moon Divine Emperor fell at the hands of the Demon Lord, the submission of our Burning Moon Realm carried deep humiliation, reluctance, and even hatred."
"Now, the darkness has breached the realms, demon light fills the skies. In these short few months, every single instant is something our ancestors across generations never dared to dream of. Compared to this, all the old grudges and grievances are as insignificant as dust."
"Today, even if it is only out of admiration and respect, I, Fen Daoqi, am utterly willing to sacrifice the rest of my life for the Demon Lord!"
Fen Daoqi's words were quite calm and peaceful. And it was this very peace that radiated a sense of no regret and no complaint that was almost contagious.
"The Demon Lord has led us to this point, a heavenly grace that is hard to repay in a hundred lifetimes! It is time for us to fight for the Demon Lord!" a Moon Devourer shouted.
No one from the Yanmo Realm retreated, no one from the Burning Moon Realm retreated... unlike the Huang Tian Realm, these were two Royal Realms.
The Sea Gods of Canglan were all stunned. Then, one Sea God lowered his voice and said, "Is this... putting on a show?"
"Yes, there's no way something like this is real!" another Sea God quickly agreed.
As fellow members of a Royal Realm, they knew very well that what a Royal Realm feared most was the severance of its legacy. And as Divine Masters of a Royal Realm, they were among the most afraid of death in this world... because their cultivation and status stood at the pinnacle of the present age; how could they allow themselves to be thrown away so easily?
Let alone a nearly certain death, thrown away for nothing.
"..." Cang Shitian remained silent, only his brows twitching continuously.
"That's right! It's time for us to fight for the Demon Lord!" The earth-shaking roar instantly drowned out the Sea Gods' sneers.
"The Demon Lord's grace in giving us a new lease on life, and his grace in redeeming the Northern Domain, are debts that cannot be repaid in a hundred lifetimes! If we abandon him now in his time of peril... how are we any different from those beasts from the Three Divine Regions back then who forgot the Demon Lord's kindness and repaid it with enmity!"
"When I stepped out of the Northern Domain, I never planned to return alive. Now, setting foot on the Eastern and Southern Divine Regions is already enough pride for a lifetime. If I can die for the Demon Lord, then even dying ten thousand deaths is without regret!"
Huo Tianxing, the Realm King of the Huohuang Realm, his eyes blazing like fire, spoke with intense fervor and ease: "Severing our bloodline would leave us with no face to face our ancestors. But if today we abandon the Demon Lord out of a will to live, we would be even more cursed and spat upon by our ancestors."
He patted his most proud son: "Huang'er, today we father and son fight not for Huohuang, not for the Northern Domain, but for the Demon Lord... Are you afraid?"
"Afraid," the Huohuang Young Master nodded. Then he slowly shook his head, his eyes firm as never before: "But if it's for the Demon Lord, even if my fear multiplies tenfold, I will never take a single step back!"
He turned, raised his arm high, and his voice was like rolling thunder: "Men of Huohuang, we have created miracles under the Demon Lord's guidance, witnessed history. Even in death, we have no regrets. Today, our bodies will fight for the Demon Lord!"
The blood of the Huohuang Realm's profound practitioners surged up, their faces and eyes turning crimson, and they roared in unison: "Fight for the Demon Lord!"
The sound waves were initially only among the Huohuang Realm's practitioners, but the next instant, they began to spread rapidly outward with the surging blood.
"Fight for the Demon Lord!"
"Fight for the Demon Lord!"
Like a wildfire of blood, a roaring tide, the cries in the blink of an eye shook the entire Canglan Divine Realm, and in the next blink, it seemed the whole sky trembled with it.
"Fight for the Demon Lord!!"
"Fight for the Demon Lord!!!"
All the Northern Domain star realms, all the Northern Domain demon people... their roars grew one after another more resolute, more soul-shaking.
Their fists clenched, demonic energy coiled around them. The shock, fear, and despair that had been so overwhelming just a moment ago had vanished without a trace, unknown when. Their faces and pupils held only a battle intent and determination as blazing as fire.
The Canglan Divine Realm trembled. Outside the Canglan Divine Realm, countless Canglan profound practitioners looked over, their hearts shaken, at a loss.
Just like the day they had all stepped out of the Northern Divine Region together, all the Northern Domain profound practitioners once again achieved a unity of will on this day, at this moment.
And this time, it was even faster, even more stirring.
The demon people gathered, demonic aura vast... but on one side, there was retreat without disgrace; on the other, a desperate situation with almost certain death. The Northern Domain's Royal Realms, upper star realms, and even those mid-level realm kings who had no right to participate in this battle... not a single one retreated.
Even Qianye Ying'er was stunned for a long time, unable to believe it.
In her original estimation, even half willing to stay would have been an extraordinary rarity... after all, what followed was a true death ground!
She confirmed again and again that Chi Wuyue's words and demonic eyes carried not a shred of soul-charming demonic influence, but instead deliberately restrained the naturally emanating demonic and seductive aura.
"This... this is..." The Canglan Sea Gods and Divine Envoys looked around in some panic, the shock in their hearts beyond words.
Carrying on their backs the heavy responsibility of inheriting and leading upper star realms, even Royal Realms, yet preferring death to abandoning the Demon Lord... this could no longer be explained by the word 'loyalty.' It was practically treating the 'Demon Lord' as an untouchable and unbetrayable faith.
Amidst the shock and disbelief, wrapped in the belief-driven roars of the demon race, they began to feel a prickling on their backs, and gradually, a sense of shame.
With the release of that Zhou Tian projection, everyone in the world already knew... even history would never forget how they had repaid the grace of Yun Che's world-saving deeds with enmity.
And these Northern Domain profound practitioners, these dark demon people defined since ancient times as 'evil,' 'filthy,' and 'unacceptable to heaven and earth,' were using the most direct, most shocking way to show them what it meant to repay kindness even with death.
Their eyes inadvertently met, then, as if by common agreement, they lowered their heads.
For the first time, even they, who dwelt at the pinnacle of the Divine Realm and made the rules, had their concept of 'demon people' overturned.
"Huh..." Cang Shitian finally stirred. He muttered to himself, "What an astonishing power of cohesion, what enviable loyalty. There is nothing more luxurious and precious than this in the world."
"Your Majesty, what should we do?" a nearby Sea God whispered.
"If we don't decide soon, it will be too late," another Sea God said.
"..." Cang Shitian raised his eyes to look at Chi Wuyue.
Sensing his direct gaze, Chi Wuyue turned her eyes, nodded slightly at him, her gaze calm, without any coldness or warning. She did not linger and looked back at the impassioned demon race.
"Heh, as expected of the Demon Empress of the Northern Domain, truly impressive." Cang Shitian's expression was complex, then he muttered something unintelligible to others.
On the other side, the Six Star Gods had already arrived beside Cai Zhi.
The leader, Tianxuan Star God Zi Wan, said to Cai Zhi, "Little Princess, if you retreat, we retreat. If you wish to stay, we will stay with you."
Cai Zhi shot a glance at them, then turned her gaze toward the direction of Yun Che, her aura beginning to churn chaotically.
The Six Star Gods had their answer.
The Fan Kings and Fan Di Divine Envoys were much more conflicted. They directly transmitted to Gu Zhu: "Master Gu, what choice will the Divine Emperor make?"
"Stay," Gu Zhu said flatly. "If you dare to retreat, you will surely incur the young miss's wrath."
The Fan Kings and Divine Envoys dared not say another word and could only sigh inwardly.
Ah, it's a pity that our Fan Di Divine Realm has fallen into such a disaster-stricken place.
"Everyone, do not act on impulse!" Chi Wuyue gave a light shout, suppressing all the roars. "The core of our Northern Divine Region is gathered here. Do you realize that if you all are buried here, what future will the Northern Divine Region have?"
"Demon Empress, there is no need to say more!" Yan Tianxiao waved his hand. "Our limbs are on our own bodies, our lives and strength are also on our own bodies. Since our resolve is firm, even the Demon Empress's order will not shake it."
"Demon Empress, no need to persuade further. Please give the order," Fen Daoqi said solemnly. "Although the strength of the Western Divine Region far exceeds expectations, the Demon Lord is the reincarnation of the Demon Emperor, a man of miracles! With our bodies, plus the Demon Empress's wisdom, it may not be impossible to guard the Demon Lord's safe return."
"As long as we can hold out until the Demon Lord safely leaves the Zhou Tian Pearl, then even if we use our corpses as obstacles, we swear to protect the Demon Lord's escape... As long as the Demon Lord is safe, even if we all die, the Northern Divine Region will still have endless hope!"
Fen Daoqi's words resonated, and again roars shook the heavens.
"Exactly!" Tian Guhu shouted loudly. "Please rest assured, Demon Empress. Even if we shed our last drop of blood, we will not die in vain! We will definitely hold on until the Demon Lord returns... Please believe us!"
Chi Wuyue swept her gaze over the entire assembly. After a long time, she finally let out a heavy sigh and said slowly, "Since that is the case, then let us pour all our strength and will into guarding until the Demon Lord returns."
Everyone's voices ceased. The demon people all clenched their fists, veins bulging on their foreheads... The fear of death is the nature of all living things. But when faith surpasses the fear of death, fear instead transforms into the most surging, forward-flaming flame, burning the blood in their bodies to the fullest.
Chi Wuyue raised her hand, and her demon edict descended with irresistible demonic might: "All realms hear the order. Immediately return to your positions, and bring your weapons, profound tools, and your own states to their peak."
"Shitian Shen Di, immediately activate the Canglan Barrier, and as much as possible, drive away the profound practitioners outside the Canglan Divine Realm."
"In this battle, we must focus on defense. Without orders, no one may leave the barrier, and no one may initiate a strong attack!"
"Within three incense sticks' time, all Divine Masters gather back here. Those below Divine Master level retreat to the rear, ready to operate the profound tools and arrays of the various realms at any time."
...
Under a series of orders, the Northern Domain profound practitioners scattered in all directions, and the Ten Directions Canglan Realm churned with wind and clouds.
Chi Wuyue passed through the barrier and entered the King Hall.
"Yan Yi, Yan Er, Yan San, you three are not to stay here for now. From this moment on, follow behind me," she commanded the Three Yan Ancestors.
Qianye Ying'er entered at this moment. Hearing this, her brows darkened and she quickly stopped them: "Wait! Anyone can move, but the three of them cannot!"
Yan Yi, Yan Er, and Yan San had just stood up. Hearing Qianye Ying'er's words, they all shrank their necks in unison.
"I know what you're worried about," Chi Wuyue said. "But these three are the ones best able to intimidate the Western Divine Region. I need to take them... to meet the Dragon Emperor."
Qianye Ying'er's eyes sharpened: "You want to personally..."
"That won't do either." Qianye Ying'er still shook her head. "At least leave one behind."
"Very well." Chi Wuyue conceded to her will. "Yan San, you stay. Remember, no matter what happens next, do not let anyone or any force touch this place."
"Yes." Yan San accepted the order.
"Leave Yan Yi behind," Qianye Ying'er said.
"...Then let's each give a step." Chi Wuyue looked helpless. "Yan Er, you stay to guard the Demon Lord. Yan Yi and Yan San, you follow behind me."
"Yes, yes." Yan Er accepted the order and sat back down.
This time, Qianye Ying'er said nothing else.
Only Yan San looked quite wronged.
"Chi Wuyue, you are indeed impressive." Qianye Ying'er's gaze held a trace of hard-to-conceal complexity. "To be honest, today's situation is completely beyond my expectations."
"No," Chi Wuyue shook her head. "I told you, I'm not as capable as you think. Their willingness to fight to the death for the Demon Lord is not a will I imposed on them. I merely guided out what was already there in their will."
"Moreover," Chi Wuyue's lips curled slightly, her demon eyes growing a little misty, "this is what he deserves."
"But the cost might be burying the entire core of the Northern Divine Region, leaving it with no future." Qianye Ying'er looked into her eyes. "For you, the Demon Empress of the Northern Domain, this should be the most unacceptable cost, right?"
Chi Wuyue smiled and neither confirmed nor denied.
They walked out of the main hall, and Cang Shitian approached from the front, as if he had been waiting there.
"The Canglan Barrier has been activated," Cang Shitian said. And this time, he neither bowed nor added the words 'reporting to the Demon Empress.'
"Troubled you," Chi Wuyue said calmly. "Legend has it that the power of Canglan is ever-changing and is especially skilled in defense. This final barrier of your Ten Directions Canglan Realm, even in the face of the vast Western Divine Region, should still be able to astonish the world."
"I dare not say anything else, but the Canglan Barrier will certainly not disappoint the Demon Empress." Cang Shitian smiled, then suddenly said, "Demon Empress, I am quite curious about one thing. Please enlighten me."
"Oh?" Chi Wuyue turned her eyes sideways.
"With the current situation, your side of the Northern Divine Region is in a near-certain death ground. And yet you place this most important first line of defense on the barrier of my Canglan Divine Realm."
Cang Shitian had a faint smile, his expression unreadable: "Are you not afraid that I might switch sides at the last moment? After all, when the Western Divine Region arrives, opening the barrier wide would count as making amends for my faults. My Canglan Realm, even if heavily punished by the Dragon God Realm, could at least be preserved. But if I remain stubbornly unyielding, I will be buried with your Northern Divine Region."
"The Demon Empress should clearly understand that I, Cang Shitian, am a smart man... let alone such a simple choice."