Chapter 1953: Unwavering Loyalty

Cang Shuhua's experiences were, after all, out of the ordinary. After a brief moment of turmoil, all ripples vanished from her eyes, and her voice became remarkably calm and serene: "Brother, the main control of the Cangling Divine Pearl has always been in your hands. If you want it, please take it yourself."

Although Cang Shuhua was now the Cangling Divine Emperor and the Cangling Divine Pearl was in her possession, it was merely in her hands. Cang Shuhua's Cangling divine power had been forcibly inherited and attuned by Yun Che using the Law of Nothingness. In her mind, she felt unworthy to control the Cangling Divine Pearl.

Even though Cang Shitian was no longer the Cangling Divine Emperor, he possessed the strongest Cangling divine power, serving as the greatest protector of the Ten Directions Cangling Realm, and he was the brother she respected and trusted most. Furthermore, when she first ascended to the throne, she was merely a semi-puppet, forcefully propped up.

She felt more at ease with him controlling the Cangling Divine Pearl. Therefore, while it was publicly declared that Cang Shitian had left the Ten Directions Cangling Realm and Cang Shuhua had taken over everything, in reality, Cang Shitian had always been the one truly controlling Cangling's lifeline.

Cang Shitian's lips curled into a crooked smile, the bloodstains and black marks on his face adding a chilling savagery. "You are my dearest, most beloved sister. How could I impose my power on you, unless... it's absolutely necessary."

Cang Shuhua was silent.

He slowly curled his outstretched fingers. "Shuhua, you've always been the most gentle and obedient. You surely wouldn't do anything to make things difficult for me. You must be well aware of Cangling's current predicament. And since I am now highly favored by Honored Master, only by returning all control of the Cangling Realm to my hands can Cangling be saved. You wouldn't fail to understand this, would you?"

Behind them, the Sea Gods' expressions shifted. They wanted to speak but ultimately dared not intervene.

"My Lady," Ruiyi softly interjected, "give it back to him. Refusing... is meaningless."

One breath... two breaths... three breaths...

After four breaths of silence, a pure blue light emerged, rippling gently, and settled between Cang Shuhua's hands, which were purer than ice and snow. Without a word, Cang Shuhua gently pushed with her snowy hands, and the Cangling Divine Pearl flew lightly towards Cang Shitian, landing in his outstretched palm.

As Cang Shitian grasped the Cangling Divine Pearl, it instantly shone with an even deeper and more profound light of the vast ocean. He raised his hand, holding the Cangling Divine Pearl before his eyes. The light-infused orb reflected a face covered in bloodstains and scars. His lips spread into a grin, making the reflection in the Cangling Divine Pearl appear even more grotesque and repulsive.

This... is me... Cang Shitian!

The light faded. Cang Shitian put away the Cangling Divine Pearl without another word to Cang Shuhua, or even a glance at the Sea Gods and Divine Emissaries. He turned and prepared to leave.

"Brother," Cang Shuhua suddenly called out, stopping him.

"Hmm?" Cang Shitian paused but did not turn back.

Taking a deep look at Cang Shitian's back, Cang Shuhua slowly closed her eyes and whispered, "There are many laws of survival in this world. If it's for survival, then... nothing is wrong. So, no matter what happens in the future, please make sure to protect and take care of yourself, Brother."

Her voice was soft and gentle, like ripples on still water, stirring the soul. It was difficult to discern the emotions contained within, but at least, there was no anger, rebuke, or disappointment.

Cang Shitian's neck twitched slightly, as if he wanted to turn his head. But in the end, he only uttered an indifferent "Hmm" before soaring into the air, taking a position beside Qi Tianli. The Cangling barrier that had sealed Yun Wuxin also floated behind him. Clearly, he was unwilling to entrust such an important hostage to anyone else.

At this moment, Qi Tianli looked up.

"The time has come."

His voice was heavy, like a morning bell or an evening drum, causing hearts to suddenly tighten in trepidation, because these four short words marked the beginning of a reversal of fate for countless star realms and countless beings.

The already oppressive atmosphere instantly became several times heavier. Every inch of space felt as if it were sealed by soul-piercing coldness.

Qi Tianli paced in the air, stepping forward, and let out a solemn Kirin roar, "As you all know, the world we inhabit is about to welcome a new master, a new destiny. That is a powerful place called the 'Abyss,' and a supreme existence named Abyss Emperor. A higher plane, a more powerful master, will also lead us towards a completely different path. And Honored Master comes from the Abyss, a pioneer sent by the Abyss Emperor. He possesses power beyond comprehension and a noble soul. And that Abyss Emperor, like a divine being from the Nine Heavens, is a benevolent and compassionate ruler. Under his guidance, the Abyss has enjoyed eternal peace, and in the future, he will surely lead us to a realm we never dared to dream of."

Qi Tianli's ancient eyes, filled with the vicissitudes of time, swept over the former rulers of this world, his voice growing heavier. "Comply with the Abyss's rule, or cling to your former will. Today is the time to make that choice. However, I believe this is not too difficult a choice. When the vast ocean overturns, only by following the current can one find peace, and only then will you know if you will be swept into a vortex or step onto a new domain. If you stubbornly try to go against the current, you will only be annihilated."

Qi Tianli was trying to persuade everyone in his own way not to make futile struggles. His words elicited a cold snort from Mo Beichen.

"Nonsense," the Kirin's voice was instantly extinguished, replaced by a soul-shaking voice of judgment. "Those who submit to the Abyss shall live; the foolish shall die! This is my grace, granting you the opportunity to submit and pledge loyalty to the Abyss! However, I'd much rather see how many pathetic fools exist in this miserable world!"

Qi Tianli respectfully listened to Mo Beichen's words and bowed. "We are deeply grateful for Honored Master's benevolence. With that, today's ceremony shall commence from the Western Region."

Having spoken, he was about to descend before the Kirin Realm, preparing to lead them in pledging allegiance to the Abyss and the Abyss Emperor, vowing to unify the will of all realms and diligently prepare for the ceremony welcoming the Abyss Emperor's divine arrival.

"No," a faint voice halted Qi Tianli. Mo Beichen's cold, indifferent eyes slanted northward. "Start with the Northern Region first. I imagine it will be far more interesting."

For a moment, no one dared to speak. Qi Tianli froze.

The fewest people came from the Northern Divine Region, yet their aura was the most chilling. Their occasional glances were ice-cold and bone-chilling, even though they were within Mo Beichen's semi-divine aura. And all this clearly demonstrated that the people from the Northern Divine Region, including the Three King Realms, had no intention of submitting. Instead, they all carried a desperate resolve to fight to the death.

Not being born in the Northern Region, not being imprisoned in darkness, not following the Devil Master in being reborn under the light of day, they could not comprehend the Northern Region profound practitioners' loyalty to Yun Che.

"Yes," Qi Tianli finally spoke. "As Honored Master commands." He shifted his gaze, and in as calm a voice as possible, said, "Emperor Yun and Devil Queen have both fled. Even if they haven't fallen yet, they will never see the light of day again. People of the Northern Region, you now have a new choice. This choice concerns not only your lives but also the future of the Northern Region. Please, you must..."

"A new choice?"

A cold voice cut off Qi Tianli's words. Yan Wu's demonic eyes lifted, her dark hair slowly dancing in the dim demonic light. "Our Northern Region has only one master, Devil Master Yun Che! This will, this belief, shall never waver through eternity! The Abyss? Mo Beichen? Are they even worthy!?"

Every word was laced with ice and ruthlessness, yet devoid of fear. The profound practitioners of the other three regions either held their breath in silence or sighed softly. Those who obey live; those who defy die. Yan Wu's words had sealed her fate; she would surely die today.

In this world, the most foolish act was to senselessly sacrifice oneself. Even if there was a tiny glimmer of hope, their resistance unto death would be moving. But Mo Beichen's terror was like an endless night, offering not even the slightest possibility of touching dawn. Such resistance would only lead to a simple death... a simple foolishness.

Before Yan Mo's voice faded, the Yan Mo gathered around her, their Yan Mo aura surging with tragic grandeur, no longer needing to be suppressed. They knew this was the last time in their lives they would unleash the pride of the Yan Mo.

Mo Beichen remained motionless, his expression unchanged, only a deeper mockery and pity in the depths of his pupils. It was as if he were watching a group of pathetic larvae clamoring with their pathetic pride.

Though expected, a suffocating pressure still filled his chest. Qi Tianli hesitated to meet Yan Wu's gaze, his voice tinged with a sigh. "Jie Hun and Fen Yue, what is your will?"

"Heh," Fen Daoqi let out a faint laugh, his voice as calm as a cool breeze. "You know better than anyone what the fate of our Northern Divine Region has been for the past million years. It was the Devil Master who led us out of our cage, allowing us to stand proudly as humans under the heavens, rather than being mere beasts confined to the dark filth! Though it was only for a few short years," dark light flowed around Fen Daoqi, and a dim demonic moon reflected in his eyes, "it is enough for us to repay him with a thousand deaths!"

"A thousand deaths to repay the Devil Master!" the Burning Moon practitioners behind him roared in unison. Back then, they had followed Yun Che as he descended upon the Heaven Smiting Divine Realm. That was the true beginning of the Northern Divine Region trampling the Eastern Divine Region and sweeping across the God Realm, a supreme glory that would be etched into their bodies and souls forever. It would not tolerate any defilement!

Jie Xin and Jie Ling's swords were drawn, pointing directly skyward. The aura and will of the Nine Devil Girls connected completely at this moment.

"Even if our Jie Hun Realm perishes, we will never kneel to another!"

Mo Beichen slightly turned his gaze, not towards the Northern Divine Region, but casually towards the East, a playful smirk curving his lips.

"Alas," the Kirin Emperor sighed heavily. "The Northern Region's rebirth was so hard-won. Why must you... do this?"

"You have your choice; we have our will," Fen Daoqi stared coldly at the Kirin Emperor. "Our paths diverge; there is no common ground! If the Abyss wants to rule our Northern Divine Region, it must first step over our demonic blood!"

The Kirin Emperor slowly closed his eyes. "Since that is the case, I have nothing more to say." He looked further back. "All Northern Region Realm Kings, you all..."

"Stop with the nonsense, you spineless old Kirin!"

From the rear of the Northern Region came the furious curses of a Northern Region Divine Master. "The will of the Three King Realms is our will. Even if our demonic blood runs dry, we will never betray the Devil Master!"

Despite being cursed at so vehemently, Qi Tianli showed no anger. He sighed again, about to say more, when a lingering demonic sound suddenly echoed deep within his soul.

"You are unwilling to betray the Devil Master, but the Devil Master has already abandoned you."

Her presence was not yet seen, but her voice had already pierced their souls. Such a demonic voice, there was no second like it in the world: Chi Wuyao!

As the demonic voice reached their ears from within their souls, Chi Wuyao's figure appeared in their sight.

"Devil... Queen!?"

Her arrival caused everyone in the Northern Region to change color. She was supposed to have fled with Yun Che... why had she appeared here on her own? And what she had just said...

Chi Wuyao stood in the air, her demonic eyes looking down proudly. As the Devil Queen who had commanded the Four Divine Regions for years, even in this situation, she still exuded a demonic might that made the Divine Masters dare not look directly at her. She had not come alone. By her side were Mu Xuanyin, Qianye Ying'er, and Cai Zhi.

"Empress!" In the East, the Brahma Kings of the Brahma Emperor God Realm cried out in surprise.

Qianye Ying'er paid no heed, her dark-infused golden eyes piercing directly at Mo Beichen.

"Heheheheh," Mo Beichen laughed, a slight, intrigued expression on his face. "Have you grown clever by coming here yourselves, or... do you wish to display your foolishness even more thoroughly?"

The aura of the Primordial Divine Realm began to stir restlessly. Devil Queen, Mu Xuanyin, Qianye Ying'er, Cai Zhi... these were all critically important people to Yun Che. Why had they chosen to appear here, at this very moment?

Chi Wuyao faced Mo Beichen. Just as she was about to speak, Yan Wu's trembling voice came from below, "Devil Queen, what... what did you just say?"

Her demonic eyes turned downward. Chi Wuyao repeated in an utterly calm and cold voice, "The Devil Master has already abandoned you."

"Abandoned us... what does that mean?" Yan Wu instinctively shook her head, bewildered.

"It means exactly what it says," Chi Wuyao continued. "When the heavens fall, he will choose to temporarily avoid it by going outside this world. Everything in this world is now irrelevant to him, including all of you. In other words, you no longer have a Devil Master. And without a Devil Master, the will you hold is meaningless."

She raised her eyes to Mo Beichen, her demonic light causing her black dress to ripple, imbued with a faint, dark soul sound. "Those who submit live, those who defy die. Mo Beichen, this is the promise you made to this world. Although these Northern Region profound practitioners' words were highly offensive, they haven't actually defied you yet. If they correct their will in time and submit to the Abyss, I presume you will gladly accept them. After all..." she smiled faintly, enchanting, "you boast of being a noble-minded Abyss Knight, and the sole pioneer symbolizing the Abyss's prestige. You surely wouldn't debase yourself by breaking your promise and letting the title 'Abyss Knight' become a joke, would you?"

Mo Beichen half-raised his arm, his fingers slightly clenching. "Are you telling me what to do?"

"Devil Queen!"

Yan Mo's voice rang out again, but this time without the previous trembling and bewilderment, returning to its former resolute fierceness. "I understand what you mean..."

Everyone instantly understood the Devil Queen's intention. She wanted to protect the Northern Divine Region as much as possible, to prevent their senseless demise. But...

"But this time," Yan Wu's demonic light solidified in her eyes, this being the first time she had faced the Northern Region's Devil Queen with such a gaze, "I must respectfully refuse!"

"Devil Queen, we all understand your painstaking efforts," Fen Daoqi also spoke calmly. "The commands of the Devil Master and Devil Queen have always been supreme and unquestionable for my Burning Moon. However, this time, Burning Moon must stand with Yan Mo... and defy your command."

"...Alas," Chi Wuyao sighed softly, seemingly not overly surprised by this response. "Living might offer a future to hope for, which is better than perishing in vain."

"No, even if we are utterly shattered without harming the opponent in the slightest, we will not die in vain."

Fen Daoqi smiled. Death was imminent, within reach, yet his smile was so fearless and without regret. "The Devil Master had only been emperor for a mere three years when his governed God Realm suffered this tribulation from beyond this world. Those he valued, trusted, pardoned, and ruled..." Fen Daoqi's gaze slowly drifted, sweeping over Qi Tianli, over Cang Shitian, over a group of Divine Emperors and Divine Masters who unconsciously avoided his gaze: "One after another, realm after realm, they defected and betrayed him."

At this point, every word Fen Daoqi spoke expressed an unshakeable resolve. "If the Devil Master's era is destined to end, then at the very least, our demonic blood will dye his final curtain!"

His voice was not loud, yet every word struck the soul. All the profound practitioners present were deeply moved. They were not choosing to die in vain. Instead, they were willing to use their lives and power to protect Emperor Yun... and their Devil Master's final dignity. This was a will they could not comprehend, and a loyalty they could never hope to achieve in their entire lives.

The Yan Mo spear hummed, pointing straight at the sky. A grotesque, dancing Yan Mo shadow had already appeared around Yan Wu. "My father fell in Cangling for the rebirth of the Northern Region, and the three ancestors returned to demonic dust to protect the Devil Master. As a daughter of Yan Mo, if I betray the Devil Master for survival, what face will I have to meet my father and ancestors in the Nine Springs below!?"

Demonic light exploded. All the Yan Mo revealed their Yan Mo shadows, spreading a vast, eerie demonic domain across this desolate and oppressive Primordial Land. Reflected in the demonic light were faces resolved to die without regret.

Countless gazes flickered and clashed in utter confusion. For the Divine Masters of the Three Divine Regions, their emotions had perhaps never been so shaken and complex.

"Oh my," Qianye Ying'er breathed softly. "I really wish he could see this with his own eyes."

The demonic light around her was still slowly swaying, but Chi Wuyao's lips curved into a mesmerizing, shallow smile.

"Never have I been prouder or more without regret for being from the once darkest Northern Region than at this moment."

Her Devil Soul Silk appeared, wrapped around her jade arm. As it danced, it unleashed a no-longer-reserved, no-retreating dark demonic might.

"Children of Darkness, let us fight side by side one last time. This battle is not for the Northern Region, not for our clans, but only for the Devil Master!"