On Rewards and Punishments

Within the imperial palace's great hall, the human race's top fighters stood assembled in silence.

Taishi's eyelids were half lowered, as if deep in thought. After a long while, he slowly spoke:

"Because the Ten Thousand Demons Ruler and the Purple Cloud Demon Venerable intervened, the connection between the Illusory Star Domain and the Shenzhou Vast Land is unstable and riddled with flaws. Both the demon and monster races have left contingencies within it..."

As he spoke, a trace of irritation surfaced in Taishi's usually impassive gaze.

"Though I have already used the human race's annals to lay down divine patterns that seal the Dao, they can only hold back monsters and demons above Emperor Grade. The rest of those evil spirits and fiends can all seize an opportunity."

The Human Emperors beneath the jade steps all changed expression.

"Your Majesty, our human race suffered considerable losses in this battle beyond the stars as well. We need time to recuperate, and I fear it would be unwise to hastily reignite the conflict..."

A middle-aged man in a brocade robe embroidered with blazing sun patterns furrowed his brow and spoke respectfully.

Taishi gave a slight shake of his head, his sharp gaze sweeping over everyone below.

"The native forces in the Illusory Star Domain are already a tangled mix of fish and dragons, and now the demons and monsters have left hidden contingencies there as well. Completely bringing them to heel will likely take a great deal of time and effort. Use your own judgment in dealing with them; the Imperial Court will no longer impose further restrictions. Any territory in the Illusory Star Domain, whoever it may belong to, as long as it can be brought fully under our human race's control, will be personally bestowed by the Imperial Court