Chapter 1831: Desperate Sea (IV)

What was most astonishing was not their uniform decision to defend the Devil Master to the death, but rather that no profound practitioner from the Huangtian Realm, high or low, hesitated for even a moment when making that choice. This implied their decision was not swayed by external influence, nor was it a result of forced self-persuasion, but rather a spontaneous first reaction from the very depths of their souls.

Staying did not mean a slim chance of survival... it meant almost certain death!

At that moment, Yan Tianxiao’s soul-stirring imperial voice resounded: “To all members of the Yama Devil Realm—all Yamas, Yama Ghosts, Yama Guards, and Yama Soldiers—hearken my command. Those who wish to stay and fight for the Devil Master, begin preparations for battle immediately. However, there is little hope of survival in this fight; at most, we can buy the Devil Master a sliver of hope for safety.”

“Those who choose to leave, upon your return to the Northern Region, must ensure that future generations never forget this generation of Yamas, nor this era of the Northern Divine Region! You must also shoulder the vital responsibility of preserving the Yama bloodline and revitalizing our lineage!”

As his voice faded, not a single person from the Yama Devil Realm departed.

Yan Tianxiao turned, his heart swelling as he watched the Yama Devil disciples, whose expressions rapidly transformed from panic to resolute determination.

“Heh, it seems we all share the same thoughts,” Fen Daoqi chuckled, turning to cast his gaze over the gathered Eclipse Moon practitioners. He remarked with emotion, “Years ago, when the Burning Moon God Emperor fell at the Devil Master’s hands, our Burning Moon Realm’s surrender was tinged with deep humiliation, resentment, and even hatred.”

“But now, darkness has shattered the confines of our realm, and demonic light illuminates the heavens. Every single moment of these past few months has been a luxury our ancestors could only dream of throughout their lives. Compared to this, all past grievances and resentments are as insignificant as specks of dust.”

“Now, even if solely out of admiration and respect, I, Fen Daoqi, am wholeheartedly willing to sacrifice the remainder of my life for the Devil Master!”

Fen Daoqi’s words were remarkably calm and serene, and it was this very serenity that conveyed a sense of profound, almost palpable, lack of regret or resentment.

“The Devil Master has led us to this point; it is a divine favor impossible to repay over ten thousand lifetimes! It is now our turn to fight for the Devil Master!” roared an Eclipse Moon practitioner.

No one from the Yama Devil Realm retreated, and no one from the Burning Moon Realm retreated either. Unlike the Huangtian Realm, these were two King Realms.

All the Cangling Sea Gods were wide-eyed. One of them then whispered, “Is this… a staged performance?”

“Yes, how could such a thing be possible!” another Sea God quickly echoed.

As fellow members of King Realms, they were acutely aware that the greatest fear of any King Realm was the severance of its lineage. And as King Realm God Masters, they were among those most afraid of death in the world—for with their cultivation and status at the apex of their era, they could scarcely afford to squander it easily. Much less be pointlessly sacrificed in a situation with no hope of survival.

Cang Shitian remained silent, only his eyebrows twitching incessantly.

“That’s right! It’s time for us to fight for the Devil Master!” The deafening roar instantly drowned out the Sea Gods’ derisive whispers.

“The Devil Master’s grace of rebirth upon us, and his salvation of the Northern Region, are favors impossible to repay over a hundred generations! Now that he is in peril, if we were to abandon him… how would that be any different from those ungrateful beasts from the Three Divine Regions who betrayed him in the past?!”

“When I first set foot outside the Northern Region, I never intended to return alive. Now, having stood upon the Eastern and Southern Divine Regions, I am filled with a lifelong pride. If I can die for the Devil Master, I will have no regrets, even if it means dying ten thousand times over!”

The Calamity Desolation Realm King, Huo Tianxing, whose eyes blazed like flames, spoke with fierce yet unconstrained passion: “Severing our bloodline means we would have no face to meet our ancestors. But if, today, we were to abandon the Devil Master out of cowardice, I fear our ancestors would curse and despise us even more.”

He patted his most prideful son on the shoulder: “Ar’er, today, your father and I fight not for Calamity Desolation, nor for the Northern Region, but solely for the Devil Master… Are you afraid?”

“Yes, I am,” the Young Master of Calamity Desolation nodded, then slowly shook his head, his gaze now imbued with an unprecedented resolve. “But if it’s for the Devil Master, even if my fear were ten times greater, I would never retreat a single step!”

He turned, raising an arm high, his voice like thunder: “Men of Calamity Desolation! Under the Devil Master’s guidance, we have created miracles and borne witness to history. Even death will bring no regrets. Today, let our very bodies fight for the Devil Master!”

The profound practitioners of the Calamity Desolation Realm felt their blood surge, their faces and eyes turning crimson as they roared in unison: “Fight for the Devil Master!”

The wave of sound, initially confined to the profound practitioners of the Calamity Desolation Realm, suddenly surged outwards in the next instant, spreading rapidly with their fervent energy.

“Fight for the Devil Master!”“Fight for the Devil Master!”

As if a wildfire of blood had swept across the plains, or furious waves were churning, the shouts instantly vibrated through the Cangling Divine Region. In another moment, it felt as though the entire sky was resonating with their fervor.

“Fight for the Devil Master!!”“Fight for the Devil Master!!!”

Every Northern Region star realm, every Northern Region devil… their roars grew more resolute, more soul-stirring with each passing cry.

Their fists clenched, demonic energy swirling around them. The intense shock, fear, and despair that had been so palpable just moments before had inexplicably vanished, replaced by nothing but a fiery battle intent and resolute determination in their eyes and on their faces.

The Cangling Divine Region trembled. Beyond its borders, countless Cangling profound practitioners gazed on, astonished and bewildered by the scene.

Just as on the day they collectively marched out of the Northern Divine Region, all Northern Region profound practitioners, on this day and at this moment, once again achieved a profound unity of will. And this time, the unity was achieved even more swiftly and with greater impact on the heart.

Devils gathered, their demonic aura surging. Yet, facing a choice between a retreat free from shame and a desperate situation with no hope of survival, not a single King Realm, Upper Star Realm, or even those Mid-Realm Kings who were not qualified to participate in this battle from the Northern Region, chose to withdraw.

Even Qianye Ying’er was left momentarily stunned, unable to believe what she was witnessing. In her original estimation, it would have been an immense rarity if even half of them were willing to stay… after all, they were facing certain death!

She confirmed repeatedly that Chi Wuyao’s words and demonic eyes held no trace of bewitching magic; in fact, she had deliberately reined in the naturally emanating demonic allure from her person.

“This… this is…” The Cangling Sea Gods and Divine Envoys looked around in bewildered alarm, the shock in their hearts utterly inexpressible.

To bear the heavy responsibility of perpetuating the legacy and leading an Upper Star Realm, or even a King Realm, yet rather choose death than abandon the Devil Master… this transcended mere “loyalty.” It was as if they regarded the Devil Master as an inviolable and unbetrayable faith.

Amidst their shock and disbelief, engulfed by the fervent roars of the devils’ conviction, they suddenly felt a prickling sensation and, gradually, a profound sense of self-consciousness.

With the public display of that Eternal Heaven projection, everyone in the world had come to know… and history would never forget the profound ingratitude with which they repaid Yun Che’s life-saving grace. Yet these Northern Region profound practitioners—these dark devils whom they had, for eons, branded as “sinful,” “filthy,” and “intolerable to heaven and earth”—were now, in the most direct and stunning manner, showing them what it meant to repay kindness with one’s life.

Their gazes inadvertently met, then simultaneously fell. For the first time, even those who stood at the pinnacle of the Divine Realm, the very architects of its rules, found their perceptions of “devils” utterly upended.

“Hmph…” Cang Shitian finally stirred. He murmured to himself, “What astonishing cohesion, what enviable loyalty. There is nothing more precious or luxurious in this world than this.”

“My lord, what should we do?” whispered the nearest Sea God.

“If we don’t decide soon, it will be too late,” another Sea God added.

Cang Shitian looked up at Chi Wuyao.

Sensing his direct gaze, Chi Wuyao turned her eyes to him, giving a slight nod. Her expression was calm, devoid of any coldness or warning, and she did not linger, immediately turning her attention back to the impassioned devils.

“Heh, truly worthy of being the Northern Region Devil Queen; she is indeed formidable,” Cang Shitian muttered, his expression complicated, before whispering something unintelligible to others.

On the other side, the Six Star Gods had already approached Caizhi. Tianxuan Star God Ziyuan, their leader, said to Caizhi: “Little Princess, if you retreat, we will retreat. If you choose to stay, we will stay with you.”

Caizhi shot them a quick glance, then turned her gaze towards Yun Che, her aura already beginning to fluctuate wildly. The Six Star Gods had their answer.

The Brahma Kings and Brahma Emperor Divine Envoys, however, had much more complicated thoughts. They directly transmitted a message to Gu Zhu: “Elder Gu, what choice will the Divine Emperor make?”

“Stay,” Gu Zhu replied calmly. “If any of you dare to retreat, you will certainly incur the Miss’s wrath.”

The Brahma Kings and Divine Envoys dared not speak further, only sighing inwardly. Alas, what a tragic fate for our Brahma Emperor God Realm, to find ourselves in such a perilous situation.

“Everyone, do not act impulsively!” Chi Wuyao exclaimed softly, her voice suppressing all other roars. “The very core of my Northern Divine Region is gathered here. Do you realize that if all of you perish in this place, what future will the Northern Divine Region have?!”

“Devil Queen, there is no need for further words!” Yan Tianxiao declared with a wave of his hand. “Our limbs are our own, as are our lives and power. Our resolve is unshakable; even your command, Devil Queen, will not sway us.”

“Devil Queen, there’s no need to dissuade us further. Please, give your command,” Fen Daoqi said earnestly. “Though the Western Divine Region’s strength far exceeds our expectations, the Devil Master is the Devil Emperor reborn, a truly miraculous being! With our combined might and your wisdom, Devil Queen, we may yet be able to ensure the Devil Master’s safe return.”

“As long as we can endure until the Devil Master safely departs the Eternal Heaven Pearl, then, even if we must use our very corpses as a shield, we swear to ensure his escape… As long as the Devil Master is safe, even if every one of us perishes, the Northern Divine Region will still possess boundless hope!”

Fen Daoqi’s words resonated deeply with the crowd, and their roars once again shook the heavens.

“Exactly!” Tian Guhu cried out. “Devil Queen, please rest assured. Even if we shed our last drop of blood, we will never die in vain! We will certainly hold out until the Devil Master returns… Please believe in us!”

Chi Wuyao’s gaze swept across the entire area. After a long moment, she finally let out a heavy sigh and slowly said, “If that is your resolve, then let us dedicate all our strength and will to defending this place to the death until the Devil Master returns.”

All voices fell silent. The devils clenched their fists, veins bulging on their foreheads. Fear of death is inherent to all living beings. Yet, when conviction transcends the fear of death, that very fear transforms into an overwhelming, unstoppable blaze, igniting every drop of blood in their bodies.

Chi Wuyao raised her hand, and a demonic decree descended with irresistible might: “All realms, heed my command! Return to your assigned positions immediately and ensure your weapons, profound artifacts, and personal condition are at their absolute peak.”

“Divine Emperor Shitian, immediately activate the Cangling Barrier and disperse profound practitioners outside the Cangling Divine Region as much as possible.”

“In this battle, you are to defend with full might. Without explicit orders, no one is to exit the barrier or initiate an offensive!”

“All God Masters, reassemble here within the next three quarters of an hour! Those below God Master rank are to retreat to the rear, ready to operate the profound artifacts and formations of your respective realms at any moment!”

Following this series of commands, the Northern Region profound practitioners dispersed, and within the Ten Directions Cangling Realm, the situation transformed rapidly.

Chi Wuyao passed through the barrier and entered the main hall.

“Yama One, Yama Two, and Yama Three, you are temporarily relieved from guarding this position. From this moment forth, you will accompany me,” she commanded the Three Yama Ancestors.

Qianye Ying’er entered at that moment. Upon hearing this, her brow furrowed, and she quickly interjected to stop them: “Wait! Anyone else can move, but not those three!”

Yama One, Yama Two, and Yama Three had just stood up, but hearing Qianye Ying’er’s words, they uniformly half-retracted their necks.

“I know your concerns,” Chi Wuyao said. “But those three are the most capable of deterring the Western Divine Region. I need to take them… to meet the Dragon Monarch.”

Qianye Ying’er’s brow tensed. “You’re going to personally…”

“That is still unacceptable,” Qianye Ying’er insisted, shaking her head. “At least one must remain.”

“Very well,” Chi Wuyao conceded, complying with her wishes. “Yama Three, you will stay. Remember, no matter what transpires, do not allow anyone, or any power, to approach this place.”

“Understood,” Yama Three acknowledged.

“Have Yama One stay,” Qianye Ying’er said.

“…Then let’s compromise,” Chi Wuyao said with a helpless expression. “Yama Two, you stay to protect the Devil Master. Yama One and Yama Three, you will accompany me.”

“Yes, yes,” Yama Two affirmed, returning to his seat.

This time, Qianye Ying’er said nothing further. Only Yama Three wore a wronged expression.

“Chi Wuyao, you truly are formidable,” Qianye Ying’er said, a hint of complex emotion in her eyes. “Frankly, today’s situation is entirely beyond my expectations.”

“No,” Chi Wuyao shook her head. “As I told you, I am not as capable as you believe. Their willingness to fight to the death for the Devil Master is not a will I imposed upon them; it was merely a matter of guiding forth what already existed within their own resolve.”

“Furthermore,” Chi Wuyao’s lips curled into a faint smile, her demonic eyes briefly seeming distant, “this is what he deserves.”

“But the cost might be the annihilation of the Northern Divine Region’s entire core, leaving it with no future,” Qianye Ying’er said, looking into her eyes. “For you, the Devil Queen of the Northern Region, surely this would be the most unacceptable price.”

Chi Wuyao simply smiled, neither confirming nor denying.

As they emerged from the main hall, Cang Shitian approached, appearing to have been waiting for them.

“The Cangling Barrier has been activated,” Cang Shitian stated. This time, he neither bowed nor used the formal address “reporting to the Devil Queen.”

“Thank you for your efforts,” Chi Wuyao said calmly. “It is said that the power of Cangling is ever-changing and particularly skilled in defense. This ultimate barrier of your Ten Directions Cangling Realm, even when facing the vast Western Divine Region, will surely astound the world.”

“I cannot speak for other things, but this Cangling Barrier will certainly not disappoint the Devil Queen,” Cang Shitian chuckled, then suddenly added, “Devil Queen, there is something I am quite curious about. May I ask you to enlighten me?”

“Oh?” Chi Wuyao tilted her head.

“Given the current situation, your Northern Divine Region is already facing almost certain annihilation. Yet you have entrusted this most crucial first line of defense to the barrier of my Cangling Divine Region.”

Cang Shitian wore a faint, unreadable smile. “Are you not afraid I might defect in battle? After all, by opening the barrier wide when the Western Divine Region arrives, it could be seen as an act of atonement. Even if my Cangling Realm were severely punished by the Dragon God Realm, we would at least be preserved. But if we remain obstinate, we would simply be buried alongside your Northern Divine Region.”

“Devil Queen, you must know that I, Cang Shitian, am a clever man… let alone faced with such a straightforward choice.”