Chapter 595 - 468: Taking Office
Chapter 595 - 468: Taking Office
Time flashed by, and several days passed in the blink of an eye. Within the Holy Court of Ten Thousand Demons, the coronation ceremony had been fully prepared, the grandeur unprecedented.
In the palace at the core of the Holy Court, the Milky Way from the nine heavens hung down with a rosy glow.
Dozens of demon race deities and demons stood tall, their auras deep and profound. Among them were emperors and great powers who each ruled a demon realm, all core combat forces of the Holy Court of Ten Thousand Demons.
Demon immortals like Lu Li were ranked behind them, while ordinary dharma aspect great demons could only wait outside the hall.
Their expressions were solemn as they awaited the opening of the coronation ceremony.
Soon, the Supreme of Ten Thousand Demons, Lu Jun, emerged, dressed in a Golden Crow imperial robe, his body surrounded by a faint great sun’s radiance, carrying supreme majesty as he stepped out to ascend the high platform.
His gaze swept over the gods and demons below, his voice sonorous and powerful:
"Today is a day of great joy for the Holy Court of Ten Thousand Demons!"
"To stabilize the Central Extreme Demon Realm and strengthen the foundation of our Holy Court, today, we confer the title of Central Extreme Sky Emperor, who will rule millions of territories within the Central Extreme Demon Realm and govern all demon race beings within the realm!"
As his words fell, Chen Sheng, wearing a white Daoist robe embroidered with chaotic White Tiger patterns, walked out leisurely from the demon palace.
His steps were steady, surrounded by chaotic air that appeared occasionally, and though he was under the watchful gaze of the thousands of gods and demons, he seemed detached, forming his own world.
Upon ascending the high platform and standing shoulder to shoulder with the Supreme of Ten Thousand Demons, his expression remained calm and unruffled.
The Supreme of Ten Thousand Demons turned to face Chen Sheng, his face showing just the right amount of courtesy, lacking the extreme respect and nervousness of being alone, yet far surpassing the posture shown to other emperors.
He lifted his hand to take out an emperor seal, pure white and engraved with runes, and solemnly handed it to Chen Sheng:
"This is the Central Extreme Sky Emperor Seal. With this seal, you may exercise the highest authority in the Central Extreme Demon Realm."
This kind of courtesy was unprecedented in the history of the Holy Court of Ten Thousand Demons.
Understandably, in past coronations of emperors, the Supreme of Ten Thousand Demons had never stood alongside nor personally handed them the seal.
The gods and demons below, while surprised, also felt appeased.
Chen Sheng, with his initial cultivation level in the god-demon realm, could confront and contend with a Human Dao Emperor, his combat power rivaling the extreme god-demon realm. Such a presence deserved the special respect of the Supreme.
Chen Sheng nodded slightly, reaching out to accept the emperor seal.
The White Tiger rune on the emperor seal instantly resonated with his aura, a formless pressure spreading out to envelop the entire palace.
He spoke calmly, his voice not loud, yet carrying a Dao rhyme that penetrated the heart:
"Thank you, Supreme. I shall surely guard the Central Extreme Demon Realm and ensure the peace of the demon race."
"Good!"
The Supreme of Ten Thousand Demons laughed heartily, raising his hand with a wave as innumerable demon race runes surged from the void, merging into Chen Sheng’s body and the emperor seal, completing the transfer of authority.
"From today onwards, the Central Extreme Sky Emperor position, vacant for ten thousand years, is reinstated! Everyone, greet the Sky Emperor!"
"Greetings to the Sky Emperor!"
A group of demon immortals all bowed in respect, their voices unified, resounding to the heavens as demon qi and Dao rhyme intertwined, forming a majestic momentum.
...
The news of the coronation ceremony quickly spread throughout the True Martial World.
The Human Dao Ancestral Court, upon learning of this, saw Emperor Zhang Daohang’s face turn somber, though he was helpless.
In the Western State’s Paradise of Ultimate Bliss, the World-Honored Ksitigarbha remained indifferent, neither joyful nor sorrowful.
After the ceremony ended, Chen Sheng immediately proceeded to take up his position in the Central Extreme Demon Realm.
The core imperial palace of the Central Extreme Demon Realm had long been cleaned, with countless maids and strongmen respectfully awaiting him.
As soon as Chen Sheng arrived, he issued an order summoning the demon emperors of the three major clans—Dragon Clan, Lion Clan, and Elephant Clan of the Central Extreme Demon Realm to a meeting.
Soon, three powerful auras descended outside the Sky Palace.
At the forefront was the Dragon Clan Emperor, clad in blue scale armor, with a dragon head and human body, his aura as vast as the deep sea.
To the left was the Lion Clan Emperor, of formidable build, surrounded by blazing demon fire, and displaying a majestic lion’s head.
To the right was the Elephant Clan Emperor, his skin a bronze hue, his aura substantial as a mountain. These three clans were established strong clans of the Central Extreme Demon Realm, with long-standing heritages and formidable strength.
The three entered the hall, and upon seeing Chen Sheng seated upon the throne, a hint of awe flashed in their eyes as they hurriedly bowed in salute:
"We pay our respects to the Great Emperor!"
Having long heard of Chen Sheng’s feat of confronting a Human Dao Emperor, they knew the one before them was no ordinary being and dared not show the slightest neglect.
"You may rise."
Chen Sheng spoke lightly, his gaze sweeping over the three, his divine thought instantly penetrating their cultivation:
"I am newly arrived and have summoned you here merely to inquire about the operations of the Central Extreme Demon Realm as of late."
The Dragon Clan Emperor promptly stepped forward, reporting respectfully:
"In response to the Great Emperor, everything in the Central Extreme Demon Realm operates as usual."
"Though there was a vacancy of ten thousand years following the former Kunpeng Great Emperor, there has been no turmoil within the realm, as matters such as the distribution of cultivation resources are maintained by an established system."
Chen Sheng nodded slightly, having anticipated this situation—the Central Extreme Demon Realm, with its heritage spanning ten thousand years, had long perfected its system and could operate autonomously even without a presiding Sky Emperor.
And his existence was not to manage specific affairs but to deter various powers, stabilizing the demon race’s rule in the Central Extreme Demon Realm, preventing the Human Dao Ancestral Court or other forces from coveting it.
Chen Sheng waved his hand, his tone mild:
"In that case, continue as per the existing system."
"Yes! We shall obey!"
The three clan emperors inwardly relaxed, promptly bowing in response.
Initially worried that he might implement drastic reforms, affecting clan interests, it now appeared that this Great Emperor was more of a hands-off figurehead, ensuring their reassurance.
"You may leave."
"We take our leave!"
After performing another salute, the three clan emperors slowly exited the Sky Palace.
With the hall quiet once more, Chen Sheng’s mind stirred, chaotic air currents surrounding him as the entrance to the inner landscape of the chaotic world silently opened.
He softly called out:
"Come out now."
As his words fell, figures emerged from the chaos entrance.
The Tiger Mother appeared agile, radiating majestic tiger power, followed closely by brothers Yuan Ji and Yuan Ba, their auras steady.
Following Li Changkong and Mi Youdao were three demons: the Golden Eagle, Black Bear, and Flood Dragon.
Upon entering the Sky Palace, the group’s gazes scanned the surroundings, sensing the dense and pure primordial qi in the air, their faces showing little surprise.
Chen Sheng’s inner chaotic world is also a top-notch cultivation ground, not at all inferior to the core of this Central Demon Domain, perhaps even surpassing it.
"Greetings, my lord!"
"No need for formalities."
Chen Sheng raised his hand with a dismissive gesture, his voice calm yet carrying an undeniable majesty. Glancing over at Tiger Mother and the others, he briefly introduced:
"This is the Central Demon Domain under the jurisdiction of the Ten Thousand Demons’ Sacred Court. I have been conferred the title of the Great Emperor of the Sky. From now on, you can cultivate here in peace without being confined to the inner chaos."
As he finished speaking, he fixed his gaze on the three Great Eagle demons and added:
"The title ’Great Saint’ you previously used cannot be used here."
"In this Ten Thousand Demons’ Sacred Court, there are countless powerful beings. The title ’Great Saint’ carries too much weight and is beyond your capacity. It will only invite trouble."
The three Great Eagle demons hurriedly bowed and accepted the directive, their tone extremely respectful:
"Thank you for the guidance, my lord! We will remember and change our titles hereafter, doing our duties diligently!"
Coming from the wilderness, they understood the gravity of the situation, knowing that within this realm where powerful beings were as numerous as trees in a forest, it wasn’t wise to flaunt their former bold titles.
Chen Sheng nodded slightly and issued a deep command toward the outside of the hall:
"Summon the Attendant Chief of the Emperor’s Palace!"
"Yes, Great Emperor!"
A response came from outside the hall, and soon after, a figure wearing silver armor and standing tall and straight walked into the hall.
This person had a slender figure, with a pair of golden wings folded on his back, a stern face, and an aura incredibly concentrated.
"Subordinate greets the Great Emperor of the Sky!" The Attendant Chief knelt on one knee, respectfully saluting with a steady and powerful voice.
"Rise."
Chen Sheng waved his hand, giving a bland instruction:
"These are my followers from the Lower Realm. Take them to be properly settled; ensure all their needs are met to the highest standard without delay."
"Subordinate obeys!"
The Attendant Chief stood up, scanning the group, maintaining a modest attitude: "Everyone, please follow me to your residences!"
Just as the Attendant Chief turned, the three Great Eagle demons, Li Changkong, and Mi Youdao’s expressions suddenly changed, their hearts trembling as they couldn’t help but take a half-step back!
Instinctively, they surged their cultivation, divine thought tightly fixating on the Attendant Chief, their eyes full of shock.
The three Great Eagle demons murmured coarsely, disbelief coloring their tone:
"Such... such powerful aura!"
"I actually can’t discern his cultivation! He’s definitely much stronger than us!"
Li Changkong also looked extremely solemn. They were now at the peak of inner perfection, having cultivated the Divine Skills bestowed by their lord, ranking among the top in the Lower Realm, often a match for ordinary Dharma Aspect Martial Saints.
But faced with this Attendant Chief from the Emperor’s Palace, they couldn’t even fathom his cultivation level.
Li Changkong and Mi Youdao exchanged glances, seeing the shock reflected in each other’s eyes.
Little did they know, those selected to serve in the Sky Palace were at minimum of the Dharma Aspect realm, and among those, only the elite.
And this Attendant Chief before them had long surpassed the Dharma Aspect, reaching the level of a Demon Immortal!
In the True Martial World, though a Demon Immortal couldn’t compare to the divine and demon emperors, they were still a major power that ordinary factions couldn’t easily enlist.
Tiger Mother, Yuan Ji, Yuan Ba, though they also sensed the Attendant Chief’s formidable presence, remained calm. Having accompanied Chen Sheng for so long, they were accustomed to powerful auras, preventing them from losing composure.
"Go on."
Chen Sheng gestured to the three Great Eagle demons and the others, then added:
"Golden Saint, Yuan Ji, Yuan Ba stay, the others follow the Attendant Chief."
"Yes, my lord!"
Receiving the order, the three Great Eagle demons and the others suppressed their inner shock, quickly following in the footsteps of the Attendant Chief as they headed out.
The hall now only contained Chen Sheng and the three with Tiger Mother. Chen Sheng slowly spoke, his tone carrying a bit of a reminder:
"This place is different from the Lower Realm, full of formidable beings. Cultivate diligently..."
...
Meanwhile, the three Great Eagle demons, Li Changkong, and Mi Youdao followed the Attendant Chief along the corridors of the Sky Emperor’s Palace.
The Sky Emperor’s Palace was vast, with its corridors paved with white jade, flanked by numerous totems of the Demon Race, each exuding a faint demon power.
As they walked, armored warriors and duster-wielding maidens occasionally passed by.
The auras of these people were enigmatic and faint, with none weaker than them!
The Great Eagle demon’s eyes widened in shock, edging closer to the Attendant Chief, asking in a rough voice:
"Sir, all the staff in this Emperor’s Palace have such formidable cultivation?"
The Attendant Chief heard the question, smiling warmly, not slighting them, and patiently explaining:
"The Emperor’s Palace is the core stronghold of the Central Demon Domain, with all stationed here being elite forcefully selected by the Sacred Court. The lowest attendants are of the Dharma Aspect realm."
"Hiss—"
The three Great Eagle demons collectively gasped, Li Changkong and Mi Youdao’s expressions also changed drastically.
The Dharma Aspect realm, a rarity even across the ages in the human world—such a foundation utterly overturned their understanding!
The two Great Eagle demons couldn’t help but ask: "Sir, what is our lord’s status in the Ten Thousand Demons’ Sacred Court?"
A flash of reverence passed through the Attendant Chief’s eyes as he solemnly replied:
"The Great Emperor is the foremost among the emperors beneath the Supreme, ruling over billions of domains in the Central Demon Domain, commanding countless demon forces."
"More importantly, the Great Emperor’s might is boundless, capable of confronting the Humans’ Imperial Sovereign, and even the Supreme treats the Great Emperor with respect."
"Throughout the Ten Thousand Demons’ Sacred Court, apart from the Saints and the Supreme, the Great Emperor’s status is the most esteemed!"
The three Great Eagle demons stared wide-eyed, their expressions filled with awe and joy, exchanging glances, each seeing the relief in the other’s eyes.
Following Chen Sheng back then clearly was the right choice! It wasn’t just grabbing a lifeline; it was embracing a colossal tree reaching to the heavens!
Li Changkong and Mi Youdao, as living puppets refined by Chen Sheng, also felt surges of emotion.
Walking along, listening intently, the entire group’s spirits were thoroughly engulfed by amazement, certain that following such a being would benefit them their entire lives.
The Attendant Chief caught a glimpse of their astonished expressions, smiled, and continued the introduction:
"Across the whole True Martial World, there are only a handful at the pinnacle of divine power; the Great Emperor is one of them, ranking among the strongest beneath the three great Saints."
"With the Great Emperor in charge, all of you in the Central Demon Domain can cultivate with ease, with none daring to provoke you lightly."
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