Ao Yue, who was flying toward the Heavenly Court, also heard the decree. His entire draconic body jolted in shock. The Eastern Emperor... no, him, that fellow. He entrusted the Demon Race to me?
Once Ao Yue recovered, a distinctly human look of mixed emotions appeared on his face.
He wanted the Demon Race to submit, but through his own abilities, not by relying on some title or some emperor's help.
As for where this decree had come from...
Ao Yue briefly extended his senses, then thought, Fellow Daoist Gungun, you really are...
"Hmph!" Ao Yue snorted softly. Rather than accepting the decree, he continued flying toward the Heavenly Court.
Elsewhere, Gungun opened its paw, and the demon decree drifted down into it. Holding it up, Gungun asked Bai Ze, who stood before it, "Well? What do you have to say now?"
Bai Ze said nothing.
The decree contained the power of Eastern Emperor Taiyi's primordial spirit, so it could not be a forgery. Given Taiyi's temperament, he could never have written such a decree under Gungun's coercion. Besides, back then... His Majesty had indeed held Ao Yue in great esteem.
With that thought, Bai Ze accepted the decree as genuine.
"Bai Ze, the Eastern Emperor wants you to assist Ao Yue from now on and pledge your loyalty to him. If he wants you to serve the Heavenly Court, will you agree or not?" Seeing that Bai Ze remained silent, Gungun questioned him again.
Bai Ze looked at Gungun and answered, "I can serve the Heavenly Court, but I cannot abandon my identity as a member of the Demon Race!"
"Then don't abandon it. How about adding another identity?"
"What?"
"Hmph!" Gungun snorted softly and raised its head. "I was born extraor... no, having been nurtured by Empress