The God Sealing Platform manifested, surrounded by a multitude of demons.

Jiang Wang, with a furious roar, charged towards Ling Xi Hua, twisted his body to slay the Rat Jialan, then clashed swords with Deer Seven Lang, leaving the field to escape into the Sea of Ten Thousand Gods…

All of this, when recounted, sounds like a drawn-out affair, yet in reality, it transpired in but a fleeting instant. In the mere blink of an eye, battle commenced and concluded.

Following closely, Deer Seven Lang, Spider Lan Ruo, and Ling Xi Hua successively pursued down the mountainside.

Only the Sea of Ten Thousand Gods still surged, a few remnant strands of Ling Xi Hua’s Thousand Tribulations Spirit Net flickering in the air. The mountain wind swept across, the falling snow not yet dispersed.

Chai A Si stared blankly at the scene unfolding before him.

He was incredibly naive, and even willing to remain so, but he was not a fool. The moment the God Sealing Platform’s Glory Task was issued, he could no longer deceive himself!

Everything connected.

Why the Great Ancient God desired intelligence on the Southern Heaven Battlefield, why the Great Ancient God wanted him to study Buddhist scriptures. Their initial encounter in the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains, that talk of destined demon race, of a Great Ancient God crossing the river of fate… it was all a ruse! Jiang Wang, who was supposedly dead on the Frost Wind Valley battlefield, was actually alive, and the human race had even established the city of Wu An to record his feat. That so-called Chi Yun Mountain God was merely a wild ghost who should have perished in the Hundred Thousand Great Mountains. The pronouncements of his uniqueness, his genius, his “ambition beyond his years, a good demon with a vision for the future”… all lies! It was all a ploy to coax him, Chai A Si, to serve as a guide, to bring that shattered mirror back to Mo Yun City, ensuring its escape from pursuit. That promise of peerless divine skill, of a divine position, of being honored above all… only a fool would believe it!

A fool!

At this moment, Chai A Si gazed at the turbulent Sea of Ten Thousand Gods, at the figure that had already vanished, and felt an emptiness so vast, so profound, it defied description.

“Kill me!!!”

He directed his final plea towards the Great Ancient God within the Red Heart God Seal inside his body. It was a near-roar. This was the first time in his life he had addressed a being of such elevated status with such a tone.

You dragged me into a fate that was not my own, and now you simply tell me it does not belong to me! From ancient times, humans and demons have been incompatible, and I am powerless against you. Then come, kill me. Let a human race prodigy kill a demon race mediocrity, and let my fresh blood adorn your glory. You opened my dream, now come, end my dream!

This time, he felt the Red Heart God Seal within him flicker slightly, then indeed disappear. More power surged through that patch of golden cloud sea. Only the calm voice of the Great Ancient God echoed one last time in his heart—

“Our shared destiny is exhausted. Hereafter, tend to yourself.”

He knew not why, but Chai A Si, who had expected to die but did not, felt the surging, boiling emotions in his heart suddenly subside. It was as if a floating light had shattered into a thousand fragments, as if the cloud sea had gradually calmed its waves. He gripped the rusty iron sword in his hand, remaining still and silent for a long time.

He knew that from this moment on, he would once again be solitary. Just like the many years of loneliness he had endured in that dilapidated old house.

The God Sealing Platform is a supreme treasure of the demon race, one of the iconic structures of the Ancient Imperial City. One could even say it is the most important treasure of the current Demon Court, holding both symbolic and practical significance.

Its appearance meant that Jiang Wang’s sword had indeed touched upon a secret arrangement within the Ancient Imperial City. And its manifestation in the Sea of Ten Thousand Gods, of course, not only instantaneously reflected this human race’s hidden power, but also severed a certain possibility for this human race prodigy.

Simultaneously with the issuance of the Glory Task in the God Vault World… in Mo Yun City, the branch platform of the God Sealing Platform also erupted in brilliant light, piercing the clouds. That majestic voice, like the voice of the Heavenly Dao, resounded throughout Mo Yun City—

“Subjugate the human race, it is the world’s responsibility. Ancient Imperial City, conscript True Demons to enter the array!”

At this time, the God Vault World was undoubtedly free of external evils in the heavens. However, the God Sealing Platform had long since established arrangements within the “inner heaven.” Furthermore, the main God Sealing Platform and this branch platform, with the Sea of Ten Thousand Gods as their power source, remotely echoed each other, penetrating the world beyond. Heavenly Demons were impossible to send in, but there was an opportunity to send in True Demons!

Deer Xi Ming’s beautiful eyes flowed, and she immediately spoke: “The Sea of God Fragrance Flowers is not far. I will immediately transmit my subordinate True Demons here!”

Mountains and waters wound, roads seemed lost, but willow dark and flowers bright, a village reappeared!

The God Sealing Platform’s conscription of True Demons to enter the God Vault World at this juncture was, of course, for the absolute certainty of slaying that human race prodigy. But at the same time, True Demons were also a unique level of power within the God Vault World. After eliminating the human race prodigy, a convenient sweep, a harvest of some things to bring home, was also a matter of proper course.

Who could these True Demons be? None other than Dog Ying Yang, brought for questioning from Mount Zhaoyun Peak, and Spider String, the Lord of Mo Yun City.

And Dog Ying Yang, while seemingly on good terms with Ancient Southern Mountain, was secretly controlled by her, serving her. This was why, when Tiger Tai Sui previously suggested questioning Dog Ying Yang, she was the first to volunteer to go along. It was because she could not allow Tiger Tai Sui to accidentally kill Dog Ying Yang, or at least prevent Dog Ying Yang from revealing too many secrets. Her shouting to summon True Demons from the Sea of God Fragrance Flowers was actually a reminder to the Heavenly Demons present that Spider String was of Spider Yi’s bloodline, a True Demon affiliated with the Tian Xi Wasteland. Once she entered the God Vault World, it would inevitably introduce unfairness. In contrast, Dog Ying Yang of Mount Zhaoyun Peak, being somewhat detached from worldly affairs, was the most suitable choice at present.

Deer Xi Ming was the first to respond, and the other Heavenly Demons, of course, also wished to gather their own True Demons to enter the fray. Some, like Chan Fa Yuan, quick as lightning, had already contacted Ancient Southern Mountain.

But the majestic voice of the God Sealing Platform simply stated: “In the name of the Ancient Imperial City, nearby conscription of Spider String! Dog Ying Yang!”

“It seems this is a nearby conscription, and time and space are limited.” Deer Xi Ming frowned, appearing to analyze, but in reality, explaining. She actively helped the Ancient Imperial City soothe the several Heavenly Demons present, making them recognize this fair decision.

At this moment, Chan Fa Yuan of Ancient Southern Mountain suddenly spoke: “Send this Seat in! This Seat wishes to personally fight for the demon race!”

Deer Xi Ming did not speak. This monk, having lost the Wisdom Bell, had his brain gone as well? In such a situation, how could Heavenly Demons enter?

The God Sealing Platform had already made arrangements in the God Vault World, possessing a profound understanding of its spacetime order, and the targeted channel was only the God Sealing Platform itself, which had actually penetrated the God Vault World’s rules. It was akin to opening a small window in a prison door to send in food; how could they send in a fully armed jailer? Forcibly breaking into the God Vault World would inevitably provoke fierce resistance from it. Not to mention whether they could do anything to the world left by the God Vault King, even if they truly overcame its rules, there would be nothing left to hope for.

As expected, the God Sealing Platform, with that majestic voice, immediately refused: “The channel is narrow, Heavenly Demons cannot be sent.”

But they heard Chan Fa Yuan’s loud voice: “I am willing to cut my own path, to descend to the True Demon realm, only seeking to enter the God Vault World, to protect the lives of my demon race prodigies, and to kill that human race prodigy!”

Everyone knew he was doing this for the Wisdom Bell, but indeed, no one expected him to have such determination! At this moment, the strong one presiding over the God Sealing Platform was also somewhat shocked, pausing for a moment before replying through the God Sealing Platform: “Even with your path cut, the Heavenly Demon body cannot continue. Please understand, Bodhisattva.”

He paused, then the voice added: “The Wisdom Bell is the supreme treasure of the demon race’s Buddhist sect and should belong to the Buddhist sect.”

This was to give Chan Fa Yuan a sense of reassurance, indicating that the Ancient Imperial City absolutely did not covet the Wisdom Bell, nor would it allow Dog Ying Yang or Spider String to seize it. Although Chan Fa Yuan hoped for a clear statement from the Ancient Imperial City regarding the Wisdom Bell’s ownership in Ancient Southern Mountain, rather than the vague demon world Buddhist sect, he also understood that this degree of promise was already the limit.

Ji Xing Kong, who was staring intently from the side, might not be so easy to deal with.

The God Sealing Platform issued the conscription, and the several Heavenly Demons present acknowledged it. This matter was thus settled.

The conscripted Spider String and Dog Ying Yang had already appeared on the God Sealing Platform. They only managed to exchange a single glance before brilliant light enveloped them, their figures flashing and disappearing.

The entire God Sealing Platform suddenly retracted its brilliant light, as if it had become the most ordinary stone platform, showing not a hint of spiritual power. It would likely require a long period of nurturing to recover its use.

But this was the price to be paid for “absolute certainty.”

At this moment, True Demons had already entered the array!

Within the dim, fleshy Cavern of Ten Thousand Gods.

Xiong San Si knelt desperately, silently becoming a sculpture.

That bright silver spear, taken from Yu Xin, stained by divine essence into an engraved gold spear, simply fell powerlessly through the air. It dropped into the rapidly depleting sea of divine power, with a final, lonely splash. As this spear fell to the end, the sea of divine power also ceased to exist.

Ling Xi Hua’s turning laugh as he left, the sounds of killing that erupted outside the fleshy Cavern of Ten Thousand Gods, all seemed distant. For some reason, that single splash echoed within his mind.

Waves like a mirror rippled through his mind, reflecting blurred faces one by one.

Who have I forgotten? he thought.

Master, senior brother, the unfortunate fourth junior brother, the little junior brother who might be invincible.

And…

And that one who called himself the first knife expert of Lin Zi, Zhao Nan. Yes, his closest third junior brother.

Master was busy with military affairs, often not returning to Lin Zi even once a year. Senior brother long served as master, sometimes having to force a semblance of dignity to manage them. Worrying about one’s cultivation every day, about another’s studies, and still having to participate in the Nine Scholars’ military strategy, still having to govern the army… As the second senior brother, perhaps he was just too relaxed, only needing to take his junior brothers out to play.

Zhao Nan loved following him the most. Asking about spears south and north, trying fists east and west. Showing off their military prowess, wasn’t that also joyful? Having difficulties together, having responsibilities… senior brother bore them.

He thought he could never forget his third junior brother, because many of the knife techniques he used in the demon world were inspired by Ji Zhao Nan back then. It was just that slowly, those people and things deeply etched in his memory became more and more difficult to mention. Because the possibility of returning home became more and more remote, the more effort he made, the more he saw, the more he understood the meaning of despair.

His bitter planning, his participation in this God Vault scheme, was his last gamble, staking everything. Yet, it had only gambled out Tiger Tai Sui’s path to the absolute peak. The struggles in the Thousand Tribulations Cavern, all the efforts of these thirteen years… were they not in vain? Yes, they all contributed to Tiger Tai Sui. The more effort, the more unfortunate. The more struggle, the more pain.

Why didn’t he just die on that battlefield back then! Why, in so much pain, in so many moments of wanting to die, did he still strive to live!

These rolling, hot emotions, like a branding iron searing a wound, also faded very quickly. Truly too tired…

“Going to the River View Platform this time, senior brother can be the champion, right?”

“That’s a deal, senior brother! You’re the champion this session, I’m the champion next session!”

“Actually lost, shouldn’t have! Good for you, Rao Old Second, you’re not trying to drag it out to the next session to rob me, are you!? Oh no, next session you’ll be overage, ah hahaha, lie down! Lie down properly! You just watch mine!”

“Going to the Ten Thousand Demons Gate again? You’re still not well, are you! Alright, alright, responsibility, responsibility, you’re more and more like senior brother now, no fun at all! Go, go… take care!”

Such voices seemed to echo in his mind. But they gradually faded. Those moments of high spirits, those filled with ambition. All in the past…

Xiong San Si felt his consciousness scattering. His body was also falling. As if all those past events were finally leaving, never to return.

But…

What was that sound?

Who was speaking?

Shouting what?

“This person is—”

This person is?

Yellow River… champion?

Qi Country’s… Yellow River champion?

Qi Country striving for champion at the Yellow River Meeting?

Qi Country, Yellow River Meeting, the first champion!?

Ji Zhao Nan?!

In the process of falling, Xiong San Si suddenly opened his eyes!

Not Ji Zhao Nan…

Jiang Wang?

Doesn’t recognize…

But it’s not important.

The glory I failed to achieve, you achieved? The wish for my Great Qi to stand as a hegemon from now until the future, you completed? Why have you come here? Are you also like me?

At this moment, Deer Seven Lang’s figure had just passed through the fleshy Cavern of Ten Thousand Gods. He had just fallen to the bottom of the dried-up sea of divine power—the deep pit in the flesh of the already cracked giant ape deity statue. That engraved gold spear lay inverted beside him. His strong body crashed into the bottom of the pit, with a huge, desolate sound, especially lonely in this fleshy Cavern of Ten Thousand Gods. But he reached out his hand to the side, grasping the spear infused with divine essence. His eyes brightened. His long hair danced in the air!

He had not seen the first champion of the Great Qi Yellow River… A lifelong regret!

From the God Sealing Platform issuing the Glory Task, to Deer Seven Lang killing his way out of the fleshy Cavern of Ten Thousand Gods, exchanging blows with Jiang Wang and passing, witnessing his counter-fall into the cloud sea, leaving only a shadow descending the mountain… It was all in a flash of lightning.

Deer Seven Lang was, of course, unwilling to let the person go. Not to mention the inescapable nature of the Glory Task, and without even discussing its rich rewards. Merely as a responsibility and pride of a demon race prodigy, he was destined to have no other choice.

He leaped into a rainbow, faster than Ling Xi Hua, penetrating the cloud sea, chasing Jiang Wang. His spiritual sense opened, waiting for an opportunity. Sword light almost gathered into another sea below the cloud sea; half the mountain was destined for a heavy rain today!

But there was still one figure faster than him—that of Spider Lan Ruo, who had always blocked the path down the mountain and had been feinted against several times! She had even more reasons not to let him go easily, because her immortality spring was located down the mountain!

They saw her body shatter like a shadow. Hua la la, the immortality spring on the mountainside, its water flowing with a ringing sound, the water body condensed into a demonic body. Like clear water giving rise to a lotus, she emerged from the immortality spring!

The broken string that had been cut, reappeared in her hand at some unknown moment, and had been restored at some unknown moment. Her jade hand pulled the string, and blood beads ran along it.

That figure, like an eagle spreading its wings, soaring in the strong wind and heavy snow, cut through the cloud sea with resolute momentum, barely separating several deity images, and descended halfway down the mountain. Between heaven and earth, the sound of a zither rang out. Knife light, sword light, spear light, flying arrows… all met head-on!

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