As that voice rang out.
The Sea-Covering Demon Emperor folded his fan, bowed, and gestured toward the entrance.
"Demon Emperor, please."
Jiang Yuechu remained silent and stepped into the hall.
Inside, the roots of ancient trees formed the walls, gnarled and interwoven, exuding a vast, primeval air.
Long banquet tables had already been prepared on both sides, occupied by more than ten Demon Emperors of the Azure Parasol Lineage.
Gazes of scrutiny and contempt shot from either side of the hall, all converging on the black-clad figure approaching at an unhurried pace.
Upon the immense throne at the head of the hall, carved from the burl of an entire ancient tree, a gaunt old ape slowly rose.
A smile spread across his withered face, revealing two rows of yellowed fangs.
He descended the stone steps and approached Jiang Yuechu himself.
"Your distinguished presence truly makes my humble Azure Parasol Mountain shine, Demon Emperor."
As he spoke, he cupped his hands toward Jiang Yuechu, adopting an exceedingly humble posture.
"We heard of your divine might, Demon Emperor, and how you slew that old bastard Heavenly Bamboo in Lost River Valley. Word has spread throughout You Mountain. We have long wished to behold your splendor, and now that we have met, you truly are..."
His words were polished.
Yet sharp glints kept flickering within his cloudy ape eyes as he scrutinized Jiang Yuechu's every movement.
He truly had not expected matters to reach this point.
He had planned to send out a few waves of scouts first, ascertain the Forgotten River's strength, then respond at his leisure.
Instead, this new emperor had led everything the Forgotten River possessed straight toward Azure Parasol Mountain in a mighty procession.
On the surface, it looked like a declaration of war.
But he had lived so