Chapter 1868: Cang Shuheng

Cang Shitian's words made everyone's expressions turn strange, their mouths twitching in discomfort.

"Hmph," Chi Wuyao's voice suddenly turned frigid. "God Emperor Shitian, feigning ignorance is one thing, but insulting the Devil Master's reputation is an unforgivable grave sin."

Cang Shitian swiftly dropped to one knee, stating solemnly, "This one would not dare. It's just regarding the Ten Directions Azure Sea Realm... I humbly request the Devil Master and Devil Queen to clarify your intentions."

Yun Che's gaze shifted. Even he was unaware of Chi Wuyao's exact plans for the Ten Directions Azure Sea Realm. She had not revealed them to him privately before, seemingly to avoid his immediate refusal.

Just then, his eyes suddenly narrowed, focusing on the southeast.

A colossal aura, swirling wind and clouds, was rapidly approaching their location.

There were fewer than a hundred individuals, yet every single one radiated the aura of a Divine Master, with two God Emperors leading the procession. Undoubtedly, this was a terrifying force capable of dominating any dimension.

However, this exceptionally powerful and vast aura distinctly carried an intense sense of haste and panic. The closer they came, the more palpable this panic grew, as if they were rushing into a dark abyss of unknown life and death.

The Xuanyuan Realm and the Ziwei Realm.

Although a day had passed, the overwhelming scent of dragon blood still permeated the air, chilling them to the bone. The casually piled remnants of the Dragon Gods, and the Dragon Emperor's head, suspended high above, shocked them so profoundly that their internal organs felt on the verge of rupturing, and their levitating legs trembled uncontrollably.

*Thud!*

From a considerable distance, the leading Xuanyuan Emperor and Ziwei Emperor plummeted from the air, heavily kneeling on the ground as they wailed desperately, "Xuanyuan (Ziwei) arrived late with aid! We beg the Devil Master and Devil Queen for forgiveness... It is truly fortunate that the Devil Master and Devil Queen's divine might covers the world, leaving you unharmed! You have crushed the realms of the Western Region and annihilated the disastrous... the world-destroying demonic dragon. From this day forward, all realms will lie within the grasp of the Devil Master and Devil Queen! This power shall shake the ages and establish eternal dominion over the heavens!"

They pleaded for forgiveness, offered praise, and expressed their loyalty. Yet, in the voices of both emperors, an increasingly violent tremor was evident.

Less than three miles directly in front of their kneeling forms, Long Bai's head hung high.

Behind them, the Divine Remnants and Divine Master elders from both the Xuanyuan and Ziwei Realms also knelt in unison, none daring to assume their usual proud stances.

The Divine Masters of all four Western Region King Realms, including the Dragon God Realm, had been annihilated. This news was so terrifying that they dared not believe a single word of it.

Chi Wuyao's demonic eyes slowly turned, her cold gaze sweeping over them. "You've certainly arrived at an opportune moment."

Both the Xuanyuan Emperor and Ziwei Emperor's pupils dilated simultaneously, their bodies tensing. The Xuanyuan Emperor's head hung low, his upper body almost pressing against the ground. "The Dragon Emperor... forgive me, the Western Region Demonic Dragon's actions were far too sudden. Upon receiving the news, we immediately prepared for battle with all our might and rushed here at full speed. We never anticipated the Devil Master and Devil Queen's divine might would be so overwhelming, crushing the demonic dragon in mere moments."

The Ziwei Emperor also stammered anxiously, "On the day Nanming was annihilated, we willingly pledged allegiance to the Devil Master. Our loyalty can be attested by heaven and earth, by the sun and moon. However... our aid ultimately arrived late this time. We handled the situation poorly, have no excuse, and willingly accept the Devil Master's chastisement."

The two God Emperors knelt prostrate, weeping, utterly bereft of any imperial bearing. Behind them, the deeply bowed faces of the Divine Remnants and elders alike were turbulent with extremely complex emotions.

Previously, the two God Emperors' submission had been a forced, temporary measure. But now, the situation was entirely different. Their past humiliation had, at this very moment, become a fortunate decision.

During the war between the Northern and Western Regions, they had chosen to watch from the sidelines, assisting neither Yun Che nor Long Bai. Consequently, even if Yun Che were to condemn them, it would not be a death sentence.

"Devil Master," Chi Wuyao inquired, "How shall we deal with them?"

Yun Che raised an eyebrow, stating coldly, "If they are useful, let them live; if useless, they die!"

"Useful! We are useful!!" Yun Che's words struck the two God Emperors like an electric shock, prompting them to speak over each other. "The entire Xuanyuan Realm, from top to bottom, is willing to serve at the Devil Master's command. Even if it means ten thousand deaths with no chance of survival, we shall have no regrets!"

"The Ziwei lineage pledges eternal loyalty to the Devil Master!"

"Xuanyuan, Ziwei, listen." Chi Wuyao spoke calmly. As the first word left her lips, the two emperors instantly fell silent. "I grant you five months. While you continue to eradicate the remnants of Nanming, ensure that the Realm Kings of all Upper Star Realms in the Southern Divine Region voluntarily come before the Devil Master within five months to pledge their allegiance."

The Xuanyuan Emperor and Ziwei Emperor looked up, their faces contorted with emotion.

"If you accomplish this within five months, you will remain unharmed. If you fail... hmph, there is no reason to spare useless, guilty individuals."

Five months... all Upper Star Realms in the Southern Region... The Xuanyuan Emperor and Ziwei Emperor felt a bitter pang in their hearts, their scalps tingling. Yet, they dared not utter a single word of negotiation, only obediently assenting, "Your humble kings accept this command. We shall certainly exert our utmost effort in this matter."

"Oh, and one more thing," Chi Wuyao continued. "If you encounter any stubborn resistance, there's no need to waste excessive time; simply crush them directly."

"However, you must remember that the Devil Master once saved the realms, only to be betrayed by them. Now that he reigns over the world, he could have unleashed myriad punishments to sate his vengeance, yet he chose to grant peace with a compassionate heart. Should some fools, some star realms, remain stubborn and ungrateful, even attempting to defy destiny and rebel, you will find it intolerable. Therefore, to preserve peace in the Southern Region, you will choose to intervene and mete out punishment. This is absolutely not at the Devil Master's direct instruction. Is that clear?"

"Understood, understood," the Xuanyuan Emperor and Ziwei Emperor nodded repeatedly, a significant burden lifting from their hearts.

Disobedient ones could be forcibly crushed. In a way, this made their task considerably easier.

"This is an opportunity bestowed upon you by the Devil Master. You had best not squander it."

With that, Chi Wuyao stopped looking at them and turned her attention to Cang Shitian.

"Cang Shitian, by the Devil Master's instruction, I appoint you as the Commander of the 'Order Keepers,' directly serving under the Devil Master and myself. Your sole responsibility will be to eliminate those who disrupt the current order."

The three words "Order Keeper" sharply struck a chord within Cang Shitian. He instantly grasped the profound significance of this new identity; his blood surged as if exploding throughout his body, and his face clearly showed deep excitement. He prostrated himself, declaring, "Shitian offers boundless gratitude for this benevolence from the Devil Master and Devil Queen! Shitian pledges to dedicate the rest of his life to maintaining order for the Devil Master and Devil Queen, and to eradicating all malevolent entities that have no right to exist!"

The Xuanyuan Emperor and Ziwei Emperor, still kneeling, felt a mixture of shock, envy, and jealousy.

Being directly under the Devil Master and Devil Queen, coupled with the chilling implications of the term "Order Keeper"... Cang Shitian was effectively granted authority second only to the Devil Master and Devil Queen, yet subtly superior to all realms and dimensions, even above the God Emperors of King Realms.

Chi Wuyao continued, "At the enthronement ceremony six months from now, you will receive formal commendation. By then, the Order Keepers will also have established their initial structure. Cang Shitian, the Devil Master has not only pardoned your past transgressions but has also placed such immense trust in you. You must not disappoint the Devil Master."

"Yes," Cang Shitian responded with fervor, then respectfully inquired, "Since I am to dedicate myself to maintaining order for the Devil Master and Devil Queen, I will undoubtedly have no time to manage the Ten Directions Azure Sea Realm. As for the succession of the God Emperor's position... does the Devil Master and Devil Queen have any arrangements?"

Speaking with clever individuals truly saved time, allowing Chi Wuyao to bypass any preamble or unnecessary words. She stated directly, "Within one month, pass your position as Azure Sea God Emperor to your royal sister—Cang Shuhuo."

"...!?" The name sent a jolt through Cang Shitian's eyes.

Qianye Ying'er also frowned instantly. *Her!?*

Cang Shitian naturally lowered his head, quickly masking the shock in his eyes, and said calmly, "The Devil Master and Devil Queen's appreciation for my sister Shuhuo is truly her great fortune. However, the Devil Master and Devil Queen may not be aware that Shuhuo has been frail and sickly since childhood. Not only is her profound strength weak, but she is also very inexperienced in worldly matters. Crucially, she cannot attune with the Azure Sea divine power, making her perhaps the least suitable among all my siblings, even my children and grandchildren, to succeed as God Emperor."

Chi Wuyao smiled faintly. "If I say she is suitable, then she is suitable. You merely need to hand over the imperial position, not the Azure Sea Divine Pearl. What she will inherit is a nominal title; the true emperor will remain you, Cang Shitian. Thus, her abilities, strong or weak, are irrelevant."

"As for the Azure Sea divine power, you need not worry further. The Devil Master will naturally enable her to attune with it. The Ten Directions Azure Sea Realm's history will not record a God Emperor without the Azure Sea divine power. And for Cang Shuhuo, this is also an immense fulfillment and a great blessing, wouldn't you agree?"

"I see," Cang Shitian replied, bowing low. "Shitian respectfully obeys the Devil Master and Devil Queen's command. Within one month, Shitian will transfer the Azure Sea God Emperor position to Shuhuo and, on her behalf, express gratitude for the Devil Master and Devil Queen's abundant grace."

His head was bowed, concealing from view the chaotic dilation and contraction of his pupils and the faint trembling of his teeth, a stark contrast to the excitement in his voice.

"Do I still need to instruct you on what to do next?" Chi Wuyao chuckled softly.

Cang Shitian immediately responded, "After Shuhuo ascends to the throne, at an appropriate time, she will announce her marriage to the Devil Master as his concubine. The Ten Directions Azure Sea Realm will then also be brought under the Devil Master's direct command."

"Very good," Chi Wuyao slowly nodded. "The Devil Master's high regard for you was not misplaced."

Yun Che observed Cang Shitian's momentary loss of composure and Qianye Ying'er's unusual reaction, taking note of everything. He then sent a telepathic message to Qianye Ying'er: "What is special about this Cang Shuhuo?"

Qianye Ying'er glanced at him and replied, "Simply put, she is the Azure Sea daughter Cang Shitian desperately tried to make outsiders forget. Even I had almost forgotten her existence, and I never expected her to still be alive... or that Chi Wuyao would unearth her."

"Hm?" Yun Che frowned. "Who exactly is she?"

Qianye Ying'er asked, "Do you think, given Cang Shitian's temperament, he would willingly become the Azure Sea God Emperor?"

Yun Che considered for a moment. "From what I've observed so far, he doesn't align with the title of God Emperor in the slightest."

The title of God Emperor symbolizes supreme status and power, yet it also represents a form of restraint. Every word, action, and even gesture of a God Emperor represents an entire King Realm, or even a Divine Region.

Given Cang Shitian's temperament, restraint is precisely what he tolerates least.

"Exactly. According to Qianye Fantian, Cang Shitian's imperial position wasn't inherited passively; he seized it forcefully through ruthless means. The reason he resorted to such unscrupulous methods to become the Azure Sea Emperor was Cang Shuhuo."

"Why?" Yun Che asked. In all his years in the God Realm, he had never once heard the name Cang Shuhuo mentioned.

Qianye Ying'er sifted through her somewhat hazy memories originating from Qianye Fantian. "Cang Shitian was born to a secondary concubine of the former Azure Sea Emperor; his mother and he did not hold high status. However, Cang Shitian displayed astonishing talent from a young age, and at the age of one thousand, he even triggered a resonance with the Azure Sea Divine Pearl."

"Because of this, his elder brother became jealous, fearing Cang Shitian would threaten his position as Azure Sea Crown Prince. Before Cang Shitian could inherit the Azure Sea divine power, his brother launched a sudden lethal attack, which was thwarted by their mother. She was severely wounded in the process and, being pregnant at the time, passed away after a difficult childbirth, leaving behind a daughter. Before her death, his mother did not entrust this daughter to the emotionally detached Azure Sea God Emperor, but instead placed her in Cang Shitian's care."

"It's said that after that incident, he renamed himself 'Shitian'," Qianye Ying'er said, a slight twitch at the corner of her lips. "It's somewhat ironic, but the name Cang Shuhuo was also given by Cang Shitian."

For someone who named himself "Shitian" (meaning 'release heaven') to then name his own sister "Shuhuo" (meaning 'beautiful lady') was indeed quite ironic.

"All just to fulfill his mother's dying wish?" Yun Che found this rather difficult to accept. Could Cang Shitian, who behaved like a mad dog, seemingly eager to trample all rules and etiquette underfoot, truly be someone who deeply valued blood relatives?

Qianye Ying'er continued, "Because she was severely injured in the womb, Cang Shuhuo was afflicted with chronic illness from birth, making her extremely frail. Had it not been for Cang Shitian, who by then had become a Sea God, protecting her, she likely wouldn't have lived for a century."

"Yet, this sickly princess ironically possessed a stunning appearance," Qianye Ying'er said, a faint scoff escaping her nose. "It's said that after that lecherous fiend, Nan Wansheng, accidentally caught sight of her, he shamelessly visited the Ten Directions Azure Sea Realm over twenty times in the following three years. Soon after, rumors began to spread that the Azure Sea God Emperor intended to marry Cang Shuhuo to Nan Wansheng as his Empress."

"As Empress!?" Yun Che's eyebrows twitched violently. To be a concubine versus an empress were two vastly different concepts... and this was the foremost King Realm of the Southern Divine Region.

Visiting over twenty times in three years—this level of obsession was almost comparable to his own pursuit of Qianye Ying'er for nearly a millennium.

"Precisely," Qianye Ying'er confirmed. "You can imagine the depth of Nan Wansheng's infatuation with Cang Shuhuo. Just two months after that rumor spread, a sudden upheaval occurred in the Azure Sea Realm. By means unknown, Cang Shitian seized the Azure Sea Divine Pearl from the Azure Sea God Emperor and forced him to abdicate, taking the throne for himself."

"After Cang Shitian ascended to the throne, he announced that Cang Shuhuo was critically ill and required long-term treatment. Subsequently, there were almost no more rumors about Cang Shuhuo in the world, and it seemed no one ever saw her again. Even Nan Wansheng, upon his visits to Azure Sea, was never able to see her again."

"Later, the entire Azure Sea Realm fell under Cang Shitian's control. Cang Shuhuo's name gradually faded from memory, and any rare rumors suggested she had long since succumbed to her illness."

"Speaking of which..." Qianye Ying'er's golden eyes narrowed slightly as she fixed her gaze on Chi Wuyao. "Even I have never seen Cang Shuhuo, and I had almost forgotten that name. Where did she learn about her... and how is she certain that she is still in Azure Sea?"

"It's possible that this time, she has truly grasped Cang Shitian's Achilles' heel... and perhaps his only one," Qianye Ying'er's eyes flickered with a dark light. "This woman is so terrifying it makes one gnash their teeth."

She even suspected that Chi Wuyao might have secretly ensnared Cang Shitian's soul long ago.

"Devil Master, Devil Queen, where shall we proceed now?" Fen Daoqi stepped forward and asked.

Chi Wuyao turned her gaze, letting out a soft sigh. "Back to the Northern Region."