Chapter 426: Four Nether Demon Emperors, Ling'er's Shocking Revelation
Northern Continent, Executioner City
Following Xiao Tiance's orders, Jiu Yuan and Mo Yang bowed respectfully before departing to make their preparations.
Meanwhile, within the spatial pathways of the Northern Continent...
"Kamo, did you gather all the intel?"
A towering figure, over three meters tall, spoke in a thunderous voice. His appearance was menacing, and his body structure differed greatly from the humans and spirit beasts of the Great Thousand World. This figure was none other than Mohe Nether Demon Emperor, a member of the Horned Demon Tribe and one of the four Demon Emperors leading the forthcoming invasion of the Great Thousand World.
Mohe's aura was overwhelming, comparable to that of a Heavenly Sovereign at the Spiritual Grade level. Beside him stood a red skinned being, eyes as large as copper bells, pointed ears, and purple hair. Though significantly shorter at 1.8 meters tall, his oppressive aura matched that of Mohe. He was Yesa, of the Flame God Tribe, and also one of the four Demon Emperors.
Alongside Mohe and Yesa were two other Demon Emperors whose auras were slightly weaker, indicating their recent ascension to the rank of Demon Emperor. One was Moga, also from the Horned Demon Tribe, and the other was Yesu, another member of the Flame God Tribe.
Before the four Demon Emperors stood Kamo, a member of the Hidden Spirit Tribe. Bowing deeply, Kamo held out a jade slip with both hands as he reported, **"Honored Demon Emperors, after two months of investigation, we have gathered comprehensive intelligence.
The force blocking our path is called White Jade Capital. Though this organization has been established for less than three months, it is exceptionally strong. Even the Divine Phoenix Clan suffered a major defeat at their hands, with their clan leader slain.
Moreover, White Jade Capital has many other surprising details, all of which I have recorded in this jade slip. Please review it."**
Yesa gestured, and the jade slip floated from Kamo's hands into his. Infusing it with demonic energy, he projected its contents into the air, revealing lines of demon script that formed detailed descriptions.
Yesa turned to Mohe with a faint smile. "Mohe, as the chief military officer of this operation, how do you think we should proceed?"
Mohe sneered. "Though I'm in charge of military strategy, you're also a leader of this mission. Why don't you share your thoughts first?"
Yesa chuckled darkly. "What's there to consider? It's just White Jade Capital. Do you think they can stop all fifteen Demon Emperors from our ranks?"
The two lesser Demon Emperors, Moga and Yesu, nodded in agreement.
Mohe burst into laughter. "Exactly. While we're responsible for initiating the assault on the Northern Continent, the true decision makers are our Heaven Demon Emperors. Our role is simply to relay the information back and await their orders."
Moga agreed. "That's right. We're just the vanguard. There's no need for us to take unnecessary risks."
However, as the three reached a consensus, Yesu, who had remained silent until now, interjected coldly, "Mohe, Yesa, I have a different perspective."
The other three turned to him. "Go ahead," Mohe said.
Yesu's tone remained icy as he elaborated, **"The intelligence from the Hidden Spirit Tribe shows that White Jade Capital is indeed strong, but not insurmountable.
Their Heavenly Sovereign level forces include their leader, Xiao Tiance, their guardian beast Jiu Yuan, and three city lords. The rest are negligible.
Though we are one Demon Emperor short in comparison, our numbers are sufficient. I propose we strike first, eliminate Mo Yang at Executioner City, and establish it as a forward base. Once the Heaven Demon Emperors arrive, the first victory and the glory will be ours."**
His eyes gleamed with a ruthless light as he concluded.
Mohe, Yesa, and Moga fell silent, deliberating. After a long pause, Mohe shook his head. "Too risky."
Yesa added, "While it's an option, it's unnecessary recklessness."
Moga frowned. "I disagree. For tens of thousands of years, our invasions have failed time and again because of the Great Thousand Palace. Even if White Jade Capital is weak, those Great Thousand elites are a major obstacle. Without the Heaven Demon Emperors, we'd be walking into a trap."
Yesu sneered. **"Are you so afraid of the Great Thousand Palace? The intelligence clearly states that White Jade Capital is the sole force guarding the Northern Front.
If we take Executioner City and kill Mo Yang, the rest will crumble when the Heaven Demon Emperors arrive. If you're scared, fine stand aside and let me handle it. But don't complain when I take all the credit."**
Moga retorted, "Fine! Go ahead, if you're so confident. We'll sit back and watch!"
Before the argument escalated, Mohe silenced them with a roar, his oppressive aura forcing both into submission.
"Enough! Yesa, send the intelligence to the Heaven Demon Emperors. We'll wait for their arrival before acting."
The four Demon Emperors ultimately decided to delay their assault, opting to await reinforcements from their Heaven Demon Emperors.
Back at Executioner City
Mo Yang escorted Xiao Tiance to a secluded courtyard and departed to continue his preparations.
Xiao Tiance, seated alone, pondered the looming threat.
After Mo Yang departed, Xiao Tiance stood quietly in the courtyard, his deep and contemplative gaze fixed on the light curtain of the protective array over the northern gate of Executioner City. A trace of worry flashed through his profound eyes.
Yes, worry. Xiao Tiance had always prepared for the worst in every situation, a habit that had carried him to where he was today. Yet, he had never faced the extraterritorial demons in battle. He knew nothing of their true combat prowess.
In light of this, the only thing he could do was prepare meticulously for every possibility and await the demons' arrival.
"Huff!"
He let out a long breath, his spiritual energy surging as the spatial ring on his finger gleamed faintly. In the next moment, twelve golden Heavenly Puppet Beasts appeared silently around him.
The most powerful among them was naturally Qinghou, whose aura had now reached the terrifying level of a mid stage Celestial Heavenly Sovereign. The other eleven puppets had all achieved the Great Perfection stage of Earthly Sovereign.
If these twelve puppets had been this strong during the White Jade Capital's inaugural ceremony, their combined strength might have directly killed Mo He Tian.
"Apart from Qinghou, the potential of the other eleven puppets has been exhausted. Without higher grade materials for reconstruction, even if I infuse them with stronger lightning power, their strength cannot be improved. On the contrary, excessive lightning energy might destroy their bodies entirely," Xiao Tiance thought as he assessed the puppets before him.
"Whoosh!"
Suddenly, Ling'er emerged from within Xiao Tiance's body. Her soft voice broke the silence:
"Young Master, are you worried that our strength might not be enough to resist the upcoming invasion of extraterritorial demons?"
"That's correct. We've never faced these demons before and have no understanding of their true strength. While the surveillance crystals captured only one Hidden Spirit Clan member, I have a feeling this situation isn't as simple as it seems," Xiao Tiance admitted his concerns candidly.
Ling'er nodded. "What Young Master says is reasonable. Unfortunately, even after our recent excursions, we've yet to find the Essence Origin Energy. If we had it, I could assist you further."
A hint of sadness crept into Ling'er's tone.
Xiao Tiance extended a hand and patted her gently on the head. **"Ling'er, don't blame yourself. You've already helped me tremendously. Just your presence has accelerated my cultivation speed far beyond what others could achieve.
Furthermore, your research into formations has allowed me to create Grandmaster level arrays of the highest caliber. With just my arrays, I can fight mid stage Celestial Heavenly Sovereigns without falling behind.
If I add my techniques as a Battle Formation Master and these twelve Heavenly Puppets, even an early stage Saint Heavenly Sovereign would find it nearly impossible to gain the upper hand against us.
Ling'er, you've done more than enough. When this war is over if we survive we'll travel the entire Great Thousand World together. I'm sure we'll find your Essence Origin Energy someday."**
Ling'er's eyes softened with emotion, but after a moment of hesitation, she shook her head.
"Young Master, I fear we might never find my Essence Origin Energy."
Xiao Tiance was taken aback. "Why? Didn't you say that if we locate the site where any Dou Emperor from the Dou Qi Continent fell in the Great Thousand World, you could retrieve your Essence Origin Energy?"
Ling'er smiled bitterly. **"I underestimated the Great Thousand World's Plane Embryo, a far superior entity compared to the one from our lower plane.
It seems the Essence Origin Energy left by those fallen Dou Emperors has already been absorbed by the Great Thousand World's Plane Embryo."**
Xiao Tiance's expression shifted drastically. "If your Essence Origin Energy has been absorbed, does that mean you'll never return to your original state?"
Ling'er nodded but quickly added after a brief silence, "Young Master, perhaps this isn't entirely a bad thing."
"Why do you say that?" Xiao Tiance asked, puzzled.
**"The Plane Embryos are mysterious and unique beings. Previously, I lacked experience with others of my kind, so my assumptions may have been flawed.
The fact that the Great Thousand World's Plane Embryo could absorb my Essence Origin Energy suggests I might be able to absorb its Essence Origin Energy in return. If that's true, I could potentially replace it and become the Great Thousand World's new Plane Embryo.
Of course, such a process would be incredibly dangerous."**
Before Ling'er could elaborate further, Xiao Tiance raised a hand to interrupt her. "We'll deal with the risks later. Ling'er, are you certain you can absorb the Plane Embryo's Essence Origin Energy?"
Ling'er nodded firmly. **"It's highly likely. When you faced the Thunder Tribulation at the Divine Phoenix Clan's ancestral grounds, I sensed the Plane Embryo's aura. Its essence is remarkably similar to mine.
However, it's far more powerful. Were it not for your body shielding me, it might have already discovered my presence."**
Xiao Tiance's eyes narrowed. After a moment of contemplation, he said resolutely, "If that's the case, Ling'er, I will help you. Tell me how I can assist you in absorbing the Plane Embryo's Essence Origin Energy."
Ling'er hesitated briefly before replying, "It's not possible right now. At the very least, Young Master, you'll need to leave a mark on the Sky Rankings. That would signify that the Plane Embryo recognizes and trusts you. Only then could I attempt to absorb its essence."
Xiao Tiance nodded firmly. "Then I'll focus on cultivation. Ling'er, we're bound together now. For your sake, I'll carve my name onto the Sky Rankings no matter how long it takes."
Ling'er smiled, deeply touched. "Thank you, Young Master. But that may take a very long time. For now, let's focus on defending against the extraterritorial demons."
Seeing the determination in her gaze, Xiao Tiance asked with a smile, "It sounds like you already have a plan for dealing with the demons?"
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