Chen Changsheng's terms tempted everyone, but given his reputation, no one agreed at once.
"What do you want from us?"
Ancient Desolation spoke up. Chen Changsheng smiled faintly. "There are many things I want—status, power. I want all of them."
"As the saying goes, having it yourself is better than relying on father or mother. All these years, I've had enough of taking your useless crap."
"With beings like you, if even one of you took a dislike to me, I'd face a catastrophe that would bury me beyond recovery."
"The Lord of Holy Ruins before last, Candle Dragon, who once served as the Lord of Reincarnation, Old Man Yao, whom I sealed in the depths of the epoch—even all of you present here."
"Though you appear to have yielded to me time and again, I understand perfectly well."
"It is because I am still useful to you, and you are willing to use me for now."
"But if one day you no longer wish to use me, or if I lose my value, then you'll crush me like an ant with a casual flick of your hand."
"To be honest, that isn't the life I want, so I intend to change all of it."
Upon hearing this answer, the voice from the deepest part of the Desolate Ancient Forbidden Ground spoke. "We do not deny your wisdom, but to reach our position, wisdom alone is not enough. You also need strength."
"If you can attain the strength of Desolate Heaven Emperor Wu Li, then perhaps we may consider elevating your position another step."
"No, no, no!"
Chen Changsheng shook his head, rejecting the Desolate Ancient Forbidden Ground's proposal. "As for cultivation, it is enough for me as long as it serves my needs."
"If I devoted all my energy