"The Dao essence here has significantly decreased. It is recommended that the Host sign in elsewhere."
"Myriad Demons Illustrated Book?"
Han Xuanji focused his Divine Sense and found the Myriad Demons Illustrated Book in the System space.
The scroll unfurled, emitting a brilliant light. Countless Yao Race figures were depicted within, illustrating a magnificent scene of myriad demons galloping and paying homage to an emperor, subtly exuding a powerful aura.
"Myriad Demons Illustrated Book: A special Magic Treasure formed by the Yao Emperor by merging the Yao Race's Luck to consolidate his supreme authority. It possesses absolute suppressive power over Yao Race members below the Ascension Realm. The holder can command myriad demons and can also rapidly increase their cultivation by borrowing the power of the illustrated book. It contains a Small World of its own and can hold all things."
"It's a good item, I suppose."
Han Xuanji's fingers caressed the cold touch of the scroll's edge, lost in thought.
This illustrated book itself was a symbol of the Yao Emperor's authority, a sacred item capable of driving the entire Yao Race into a frenzy. However, it was of little use to him, a Human Race Cultivator.
Nonetheless, it was a good Magic Treasure for subduing enemies when facing the Yao Race.
He extended his Divine Sense into the internal space of the illustrated book.
The space was indeed quite large.
However, the Spiritual Qi was thin, and it was filled with Death Qi.
Han Xuanji shook his head slightly, thinking to himself:
"It's fine for storing inanimate objects, but useless for cultivation. However… could it be used for instantly transferring large armies?"
He still felt it was somewhat of a white elephant.
After all, in many cases, battles at the upper echelons were the key.
However, if the Yao Race knew this item was in his hands, it would surely invite their relentless pursuit.
"But a three-star sign-in location can only be signed in at once. It seems the Dao essence of this place isn't good either."
Han Xuanji was not disappointed.
Given his current Realm, he wouldn't have been able to sign in at this place for long anyway, and since it was a Yao Race Dao essence location, many of the items he obtained would likely be of no use to him.
It would be better to return to the Immortal Abode.
With a thought, Han Xuanji quickly left the area and returned to his Immortal Cave in the Shenxuan Sect.
After some thought, he sat on the enlightenment cushion and re-entered the Immortal Abode.
…
Ten Thousand Demons State, Ten Thousand Demons Country.
Demonic Qi permeated the heavens and earth here.
Yao Emperor Palace.
An oppressive atmosphere enveloped the massive palace. The ancient and primitive demonic totems carved on the surrounding walls stared with wide eyes.
Gathered within the hall were all the Yao Kings and Demon Saints of the Ten Thousand Demons Country, each exuding a fierce and monstrous aura, or being as profound as an abyss.
These magnates, who could normally shake the Ten Thousand Demons State with a stomp of their feet, now had faces filled with shock and solemnity.
Because the current Yao Emperor, high on his dark-gold Dragon throne, had just announced a shocking piece of news:
Qing Lin Demon Saint had fallen.
That was a Tribulation Transcendence Realm Demon Saint, bearing an ancient exotic Bloodline, powerful and ruthless in his methods. It was said he had been carrying out a secret mission, lurking within Human Race territory for many years.
Unexpectedly, he had died just like that.
This news caused even the usually composed Demon Master to confirm with the Yao Emperor again:
"Your Majesty, is this news true?"
"The soul lamp has completely extinguished, and without any warning, indicating a very swift death."
The Yao Emperor's voice was low and majestic, like muffled thunder rolling through the hall.
His figure was towering, muscles bulging beneath his dark-gold robe. He wore an ancient Dragon crown, and the aura emanating from him indicated his supreme Bloodline.
After a brief silence, suppressed murmurs rose like a tide.
"Dongcang State, there isn't even a Tribulation Transcendence Realm Cultivator on the surface there. What happened?"
"Could it be that a hidden old monster of the Human Race made a move?"
"Hard to say…"
"Silence!"
A steady voice rang out, quelling the chaotic discussions.
The speaker was a middle-aged man in a plain robe with a refined demeanor.
He stood at the lower left of the Yao Emperor's Dragon throne, his aura restrained, his Demonic Qi almost non-existent, like a Human Race scholar well-versed in books.
But all the Yao Kings in the hall wisely shut their mouths, for the speaker was the renowned Demon Master of the Yao Race. He had assisted three generations of Yao Emperors, strategizing and planning flawlessly, serving as the Ten Thousand Demons Country's mastermind.
The Demon Master took a step forward, bowing slightly to the Yao Emperor, his voice clear and calm:
"Your Majesty, Qing Lin's demise indicates that the power of the Human Race in the Nine Provinces is far from as weak as we previously assessed.
Since there is an existence capable of crushing a Tribulation Transcendence Realm Demon Saint lurking, it means the opponent's strength is at least in the Tribulation Transcendence Realm Late Stage."
Opposite the Demon Master was a burly figure, draped in a wide black robe, with disheveled hair and a hint of ferocity in his brows. This was Shen Feng Demon Saint, the iron-blooded war hawk of the Ten Thousand Demons Country.
"The battle between the righteous and demonic sects, coupled with the war between the two Imperial Dynasties, this is a great opportunity."
"Although an old monster in the Tribulation Transcendence Realm Late Stage is strong, Your Majesty has already inherited the Yao Emperor's Divine Power, comparable to a living Demon Immortal. Can't he take down a small Dongcang State?"
Shen Feng Demon Saint suddenly knelt on one knee, cupping his fists and requesting permission:
"Your Majesty, I am willing to be the vanguard, leading my Peng Race to flatten the Human Race defense line in Dongcang State. Should we encounter that so-called mysterious expert, I ask for Your Majesty's assistance to uphold our Yao Race's Divine Might!"
"Lord Shen Feng is mighty!"
"Flatten the Human Race!"
Several war-faction Yao Kings also became hot-blooded, echoing their support.
Within the great hall, a clear opposition quickly formed.
One side, led by the Demon Master, advocated for cautious investigation and delaying the plan. The other side, led by Shen Feng Demon Saint, strongly advocated seizing the opportunity and immediately going to war.
The Yao Emperor sat high on his Dragon throne, his golden vertical pupils slowly sweeping over the arguing parties.
He did not immediately express his stance, his fingers lightly tapping on the cold armrest of the Dragon chair, producing a rhythmic "thump-thump" sound. Each sound seemed to strike the hearts of the demons, causing the arguments to involuntarily quiet down.
Every generation of Yao Emperor, as long as they inherited the Yao Emperor's power, was at least an existence comparable to an Ascension Realm.
Even so, it did not mean invincibility.
The Nine Provinces were full of hidden talents. The previous Yao Emperor, ambitious, was slain by a Sword Immortal from Zhongzhou.
Therefore, the Ten Thousand Demons Country decided to change its strategy. It would be better to first expand the Yao Race's territory and spread the power of the Ten Thousand Demons Country to the surrounding areas.
Of course, this did not mean completely expelling the Human Race, but at least it would allow the Yao Race to develop in more places and occupy more Spiritual Mountains and blessed lands.
Finally, as the hall once again fell into a suffocating silence, the Yao Emperor spoke.
His voice was not loud, but it carried an unquestionable majesty.
"Shen Feng."
The Yao Emperor's gaze fell on the kneeling burly figure.
"Since you are so impatient, then I will let you make a move."
A glint flashed in Shen Feng Demon Saint's eyes: "Your Majesty means…?"
"With the Human Race fighting amongst themselves, you can secretly assist one side first to disrupt the situation."
The Yao Emperor's voice was as cold as frost.
"Just consume the Human Race's power. If you encounter that mysterious expert, first investigate their origin. Do not act rashly."
"Yes!"
Shen Feng Demon Saint responded in a deep voice, a hint of bloodthirsty excitement flashing in his eyes.
He had a powerful Heavenly Peng Shadow Guard under his command, who had made great contributions in exterminating the White Tiger lineage of the Tiger Race.
…
Three days later.
Shen Feng Demon Saint arrived at Heavenly Doom Ridge, only to feel a powerful residual Sword Intent.
Even after several days, it still moved him.
"The nearby minor demons said that a Human Race Cultivator came here to undergo Tribulation not long ago."
To be able to slay Qing Lin Demon Saint right after entering the Tribulation Transcendence Realm.
Shen Feng Demon Saint couldn't help but feel a sense of fear.
Fortunately, he hadn't encountered him.
However, this Human Race Cultivator did not linger, so he must have casually found a place to undergo Tribulation, and that fool Qing Lin most likely had a conflict with him.
"Forget it, no information was left behind. It's better to not meddle in this matter."
Shen Feng Demon Saint thought about it and decided not to investigate further.
What if he investigated and found an existence he couldn't afford to provoke? Wouldn't that harm him?
It would be better to first carry out the Yao Emperor's order, disrupt the Human Race's situation, and secretly weaken the Human Race's power in Dongcang State.
With this thought, Shen Feng Demon Saint quickly made contact with the local Yao Race.
He learned that the Heavenly Demon Sect had already begun to continuously unite forces, planning to exterminate the Shenxuan Sect.
"This is a good opportunity."
A sharp glint flashed in Shen Feng Demon Saint's eyes.