Western Sea, Great Pei Mountain.
Burning winds howled, and dry heat rose. Thunder and fire had battered this place, sinking islands and collapsing mountains. Purple lightning and black flame interlaced like the teeth of a comb, turning over the entire stretch of sea and leaving chaos in their wake.
Inside a cave abode in the remaining half of the spirit mountain, dark baleful energy seethed. A burly man in heavy maroon armor abruptly rose and strode outside. Looking toward the distant heavens, he saw a streak of Violet Lightning racing toward him, followed by rolling thunder.
"Damn it, why did it have to be him?"
Mu Wude's expression changed, his face darkening. The engraving of a four-winged Singing Snake on his armor dimmed slightly, but he could spare no attention for anything else. He hurried outside, only to find that the lord had already descended from the clouds.
Violet Lightning burst forth, and draconic might surged. The newcomer displayed his power without restraint, crushing Mu Wude's aura to its lowest ebb. Demon King Wu Yan hurried forward and bowed in submission.
"Your subject Wu Yan pays his respects to Your Majesty."
He raised his head slightly, trying to discern the other man's expression, but could not see it clearly. A dim radiance seemed to shroud him. Instead, the attempt to pry brought a backlash upon Mu Wude, making his bloodline tremble and his aura falter.
Mu Wude hastily lowered his head even further, showing none of the dignity of a Purple Mansion cultivator. Only then did he feel the backlash recede.
This is... the wondrous power of the sea capital. He has formally become the master of Heaven Pool, equal in standing to the masters of Heaven's Eclipse and Misty Cloud.
With only that brief impression, Mu Wude understood the