The Demon Realm, Demon Emperor City.
Clad in golden armor, the Demon Emperor sat upon his throne, gazing ahead. Radiance rose and fell around him, making him seem the center of heaven and earth.
Ao Tang, a Great Dragon King more than thirty zhang long, hovered in midair, his face clouded with worry. "Noble Demon Emperor, I have returned because there is an important matter."
"Speak." The Demon Emperor's deep voice rang out like bells and drums sounding together.
Ao Tang sighed. "Could you... not bring the Dragon Might Battle Body?"
"Why has the Western Sea Dragon Sage gone back on his word?" The Demon Emperor leaned forward slightly.
Ao Tang replied helplessly, "A sudden, momentous change has occurred in Bloodmang Ancient Land."
"What sort of change?"
"At first, the primordial energy of heaven and earth was merely pouring into it. But now, Bloodmang Ancient Land is expanding, as though it is about to advance from an ancient land into a realm. As you know, there are many ways to enter an ancient land; the only question is how great a price one must pay. To enter a realm, however, even the smallest realm, one must obtain permission from its will. The will of Bloodmang Ancient Land is now stronger than ever. If His Majesty the Western Sea Dragon Sage sends you inside, the price will be several times what it was before."
"Allow me to consider this." The Demon Emperor's voice emerged from behind his golden mask.
Ao Tang continued explaining, "Merely sending you into Bloodmang Ancient Land would consume power equivalent to a Great Demon King-level treasure. But sending you in and protecting you from erosion by bloodmang power for a short time would cost roughly the equivalent of a Half-Sage treasure. If you also bring the Dragon