The group clinked their cups and drank heartily in the backyard.
After a few rounds of drinks, the high spirits gradually subsided.
"Fellow Daoist Tai Cang!"
Di Yi pondered for a moment, then said solemnly, "To be frank, my brothers and I have a favor to ask. We wonder if you would agree?"
"A favor?"
Tai Cang's eyebrows twitched slightly, and he mused, With my cultivation as a Grand Unity Golden Immortal, what kind of help could I possibly offer?
Seeing the solemn expression on their faces, he smiled and said, "What a coincidence, I also have something to discuss with all of you."
"That essence of the heavens is crucial for refining the Supreme Heavenly Flower. It's extremely difficult to collect it on my own. If the Demon Race could assist, this matter would be much easier."
"Indeed, a coincidence!"
Di Yi and his brothers exchanged smiles.
With each having their own needs, cooperation was a natural progression.
"Since that's the case, Fellow Daoist Tai Cang, please speak first." Di Yi gestured, "As long as it's within my capabilities, I will not refuse!"
The other Golden Crow Princes nodded, and even Bai Shang gave a slight nod.
"Interesting."
Tai Cang understood, realizing their request was not trivial. If even Bai Shang has expressed his opinion, it must be significant.
"This matter is simple," Tai Cang stated directly. "I need a large amount of the essence of the heavens and wish to borrow the strength of the Demon Race to collect it."
"That's it?"
Di Yi and the others were taken aback. They had expected some difficult task, but it turned out to be so simple. The essence of the heavens was inexhaustible in the Nine Heavens Star Domain.
"Leave it to us!" Di Yi readily agreed, immediately dispatching a thousand Grand Unity Golden Immortals to collect it.
"Once this matter is concluded, you should have enough essence of the heavens."
Di Yi turned to Lu Ya and said, "Tenth Brother, relay the order to dispatch a thousand Grand Unity Golden Immortals to the edge of Chaos to collect the essence of the heavens."
"Yes, Eldest Brother!"
Lu Ya immediately cupped his hands in assent and quickly exited the great hall.
"So decisive and efficient."
"Is this the majesty of a Prince?"
A hint of envy flashed in Tai Cang's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure, stood up, and clasped his fists. "In that case, thank you, Fellow Daoist Di Yi. However, what exactly is the matter you mentioned? My cultivation is merely that of a Grand Unity Golden Immortal; I fear I am not fit for such an important task."
Upon hearing this, Bai Shang, Di Yi, and the others' expressions immediately brightened. This matter concerned the future of the Demon Race and could not afford any mistakes.
"Fellow Daoist Tai Cang!"
Di Yi rose and said solemnly, "Only you can accomplish this matter. Even Father Emperor and Uncle are helpless. Only you, who possesses the law of space, can help our Demon Race open up that world."
"Law of space? Opening a new realm?"
Tai Cang's pupils constricted, and his heart trembled. He hadn't expected the Demon Race to be already planning to open up a new realm. Could they foresee the coming tribulation and be preparing in advance?
Thinking this, Tai Cang readily agreed, "Since it is within my capabilities, I will naturally lend my assistance."
The favor of the Demon Race was precious, especially after discussing the Dao with the Three Pure Ones. Tai Cang knew that existences like Di Jun and Eastern Emperor Tai Yi were very difficult to fall, making this favor even more valuable. Moreover, he had received their help multiple times, and this was the perfect opportunity to repay them.
"Excellent!"
Seeing Tai Cang agree, Di Yi and the others were overjoyed. He quickly stepped forward and grasped Tai Cang's wrist, "Fellow Daoist, you are truly righteous and benevolent. Without further delay, let us head to that world. With your mastery of space, you will surely be able to break through the restrictions within and help our Demon Race gain complete control."
"Let's go!"
Tai Cang was also filled with curiosity about the Demon Race's new realm. The group immediately rode their clouds and left the Sun Star. Accompanied by many Demon Gods, they arrived at a dark place in the Nine Heavens Star Domain.
The place was pitch black and devoid of light. If not for the surrounding Demon Race army on guard, one would almost suspect they had entered another realm.
"Welcome, all Princes!"
Cultivators of the Demon Race along the way bowed in greeting. The status of Di Yi and the others as Princes was incredibly noble; even Quasi-Saints would not dare to be disrespectful.
As they moved deeper, golden flames blazed, and many powerful figures of the Demon Race gathered. A colossal golden gate stood majestically, with Demon Race cultivators entering and exiting incessantly. What drew attention was that most of those returning were heavily injured—and these were Quasi-Saint powerhouses, indicating the extreme danger within.
"I was careless!"
"I really shouldn't have agreed to this."
Seeing the scene before him, Tai Cang's eyelids twitched, and he cursed Di Yi and the others in his heart for digging a huge pit for him. He had thought it was a simple matter of helping with a few spatial barriers, but this situation was far from risk-free. A slight misstep could cost him his life.
"Father King!"
"Uncle!"
At this moment, Di Yi and the others had already rushed to the giant gate, hurrying in the direction of Di Jun and Eastern Emperor Tai Yi.
"Di Yi, why are you here?"
Seeing his sons suddenly appear, Di Jun's tightly furrowed brow relaxed slightly, but his tone still carried a hint of blame. This place was extremely dangerous, and Di Yi and the others were merely Grand Unity Golden Immortal cultivators, not even having stepped into the Grand Unity realm. Any slight mishap could lead to unimaginable consequences.
"Hmm?"
Just as Di Jun was about to continue his reprimand, his gaze suddenly fell upon Tai Cang in the crowd, and his expression changed drastically: "Tai Cang? Why are you here?"
As soon as these words were spoken, Eastern Emperor Tai Yi, Kunpeng, Fuxi, and others all frowned, a flicker of vigilance in their eyes. Tai Cang's appearance was completely unexpected and made them even more wary. Although this child's cultivation was not something to fear, he represented the Cang Gate's Three Sects. This new world, not yet fully controlled by the Demon Race, was like the Beast Realm that Laozi had opened up back then, full of... Once the news leaked, it would inevitably attract immense...
"Greetings, Demon Emperor Your Majesty!"
"Greetings, Demon Sovereign Your Majesty!"
"Greetings, all seniors!"
Sensing the sharp gazes cast from all around, Tai Cang could only step forward, cup his hands in salutation, and explain with a stiff upper lip, "I was invited by fellow Daoist Di Yi to come and assist."
Upon hearing this, Di Jun and the others' expressions grew even more somber. Di Yi actually brought Tai Cang to this place, it was simply absurd! However, Kunpeng and the others, out of respect for Di Yi's status as Crown Prince, dared not speak rashly for the moment.
"Di Yi!"
"What is your explanation!"
Di Jun suddenly turned his head and glared at Di Yi, his voice suppressing a surge of anger. This place concerned the rise and fall of the Demon Race; if it weren't for his own son, he would have severely punished him long ago.
"Father, please calm your anger!"
Sensing Di Jun's fury, Di Yi and the other Golden Crow Princes immediately panicked. Di Yi took a deep breath and quickly defended himself, "It was your son who invited fellow Daoist Tai Cang to come and help. I heard that this world is filled with spatial barriers, hindering our race's progress in controlling it. Fellow Daoist Tai Cang is skilled in the laws of space and can definitely help us quickly break through these barriers and take this world soon!"
After speaking, he looked nervously at Di Jun and Eastern Emperor Tai Yi.
"What?!"
"Laws of space?!"
"Is this true?!"
As expected, Di Jun and the others' expressions changed drastically. They all stared at Tai Cang in unison, their eyes full of disbelief. Especially Di Jun—he knew very well what the laws of space meant and understood what an opportunity this was for the Demon Race.
In an instant, Di Jun had flashed in front of Tai Cang, urgently questioning, "Little friend Tai Cang, have you truly mastered the laws of space?"
"Indeed so."
Tai Cang knew that if he didn't show his value, even as an invited guest, he wouldn't be able to leave unscathed today. The Demon Race would never let him leave unless they completely controlled this world.
With a slight movement of Tai Cang's mind, the laws of space appeared in his palm.
This is... the laws of space!
It really is the laws of space!
Excellent, with the help of the laws of space, our chances of success have greatly increased.
Kunpeng, Fuxi, and other powerful demons watching from afar showed joy on their faces, and their gazes towards Tai Cang became friendly, the previous hostility completely vanishing.
It is indeed the laws of space. A flash of ecstasy crossed Di Jun's eyes as he grabbed Tai Cang's shoulder: "Fellow Daoist, please lend our Demon Race a hand. After this is accomplished, I am willing to offer you a top-grade innate spiritual treasure."
A top-grade innate spiritual treasure!
Tai Cang's heart trembled. He hadn't expected Di Jun to be so generous. This further showed the Demon Race's determination to obtain this world. He immediately agreed, "I will do my utmost to assist."
Di Jun let out a hearty laugh and turned to Eastern Emperor Tai Yi and the others: "Everyone, now that we have the help of fellow Daoist Tai Cang, it is time to launch the general offensive. Order the Ten Great Demon Marshals to lead a million troops with the Star Banner of the Zhou Dynasty to come here. I will conquer this world in one fell swoop and open up a new world for our Demon Race."
"As you command!"
Bai Ze and the other demon marshals took their orders and left. Kunpeng began organizing the wounded to heal and temporarily suspended other cultivators from entering. The solemn and grim aura of the impending great battle permeated the air, making Tai Cang feel inexplicably heavy.
After everyone dispersed, Di Jun and Eastern Emperor Tai Yi came to Tai Cang's side. Di Jun saw his worry and comforted him, "Fellow Daoist, there is no need to worry. Upon entering, Tai Yi will lead a team of Quasi-Saints to specifically protect you. The will of this world has already been severely wounded by my brother and is not a threat."
Eastern Emperor Tai Yi personally guarding him?
Tai Cang's heart settled. He cupped his hands and said, "Thank you, fellow Daoist Tai Yi. With this Grand Perfection Quasi-Saint leading the protection, even a Sage would find it difficult to harm him. It is a good opportunity to form ties with the Demon Race and receive a supreme treasure. Why not?"
"Father, we want to go too!"
Several Golden Crow Princes were eager to try.
Di Jun flatly refused: "With mere Grand Unity Golden Immortal cultivation, not even having touched the River of Destiny, going in would be nothing short of seeking death."
Without waiting for Di Yi and the others to speak, Di Jun directly ordered, "Guards, escort the ten princes back to the Sun Palace and confine them. No one is allowed to let them out without my decree."
"As you command!"
A Quasi-Saint strongman responded and bowed to Di Yi and the other Golden Crow Princes, "Please follow me, Your Highnesses."
Di Yi and the others exchanged glances. They hadn't expected to be shut out, but they dared not disobey the order. They drooped their heads like wilted eggplants, "Your son bids farewell."
"Father, I wish you an early triumphant return."
"Uncle, please be sure to protect fellow Daoist Tai Cang. He is a distinguished guest we invited."
With hearts full of unwillingness, the Golden Crow Princes eventually left. Only Bai Shang remained. As a Grand Unity Golden Immortal who communicated with the River of Destiny, he naturally would not miss this opportunity to achieve merit.
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh--
The sound of tearing air echoed one after another as the Ten Great Demon Marshals led a million-strong army, arriving in a mighty torrent. Their silver armor shone like snow, illuminating the dark heavens and earth. The army halted before Tai Cang and the others, shouting in unison:
"Greetings, Demon Emperor!"
"Greetings, Demon Sovereign!"
The earth-shattering cheers shook Tai Cang to his core. This was the Demon Race that ruled the Primordial World's skies. Such military might was enough to sweep through all the myriad realms.
"Rise!"
Di Jun's imposing gaze swept across the assembly. "Ten Great Demon Marshals, heed my command! March immediately. All who resist shall be slain without mercy!"
"Understood!"
Bai Ze and the other marshals immediately led their troops into the gate. In the blink of an eye, the million-strong army had disappeared inside, leaving only Tai Cang and the others standing in place. Vaguely visible behind the gate were flashes of swords and the sounds of battle, which gradually subsided.
The time had come. Di Jun exchanged a glance with Eastern Emperor Tai Yi. "It's time for us to act."
"Little friend Tai Cang, please follow me."
Tai Cang eagerly followed Eastern Emperor Tai Yi. Upon entering the new world, he saw a vast expanse of heaven and earth. Though not as grand as the Primordial World, it was still boundless. Dense spiritual energy had transformed into mist, shrouding all directions. The million-strong demon army seemed minuscule within it.
"Little friend Tai Cang, please look."
Eastern Emperor Tai Yi pointed into the distance. "That is where the spatial barrier lies. Half the world is still sealed by a barrier, and it requires your space law to break through the obstruction."
Hearing Eastern Emperor Tai Yi's words, Tai Cang immediately looked in the direction he indicated.
He saw countless colorful spatial barriers standing tall between heaven and earth in the distance. A large number of the native inhabitants could be vaguely seen gathered at the fringes.
"I understand."
Tai Cang nodded in agreement.
He was not a soft-hearted person. Although assisting the Demon Race would lead to endless slaughter, it was the law of the jungle among cultivators. Moreover, the resources in this world were so abundant that they even surpassed the thirty-three heavens controlled by the Demon Race.
"Senior Tai Yi, when do we begin?"
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