"Earth, not for sale!"
Zhang Junbao's answer was simple and clear, causing the Shi Huo Venerable opposite him to narrow his eyes slightly, his gaze towards Zhang Junbao carrying a sense of threat.
Since when did a Domain Lord Level being dare to speak to a dignified Universe Venerable like this?
With Shi Huo Venerable's discerning eye, he could naturally see Zhang Junbao's current level at a glance. When he entered the Purgatory Abyss, Zhang Junbao was still at the Universe Level, but now he has become Domain Lord Level.
However, to Shi Huo Venerable, there was no difference between the Universe Level and the Domain Lord Level; both were as weak as ants.
What's frustrating is that Zhang Junbao never bowed or scraped before him, not even a hint of respect. Did he think he could sit on equal footing with the great Universe Venerable?
Universe Venerable are all arrogant. If Immortal is the mainstream of the strong in the universe, then Universe Venerable can be called top-tier strongmen. They would be extraordinary beings in any force.
Within each power, the number of Universe Master is only a handful, while Universe Venerable are the pillars of the top combat power in each power and also the high-level combat power in each power.
And now, Zhang Junbao is just a minor Domain Lord Level, yet he dares to dream of sitting on equal footing with Universe Venerable? Does he really think that with Venerable Guiyi and the Chaos City Lord backing him up, he can do whatever he wants?
A genius is just a genius; only the strong command respect. Those who do not respect the strong are already dead! The strong possess the power to punish all those who disrespect their authority; this is the true source of their dignity.
" Zhang Junbao, although it is indeed commendable that you were able to emerge from the Purgatory Abyss, that's all. The majesty of the Universe Venerable is not something you can offend!" Shi Huo Venerable said to Zhang Junbao, suppressing his anger.
"The majesty of the Universe Venerable?"
"Shi Huo Venerable, you should already know that my brother Hong has been accepted as a disciple by the Giant Axe Founder. He is a fellow disciple of your master Lord of Void Gold. So, you should address Hong as your senior uncle. Do you acknowledge him or not?"
Since Shi Huo Venerable was discussing the dignity of Venerable with Zhang Junbao, Zhang Junbao didn't mind debating the issue of seniority with him.
In any case, he had already reported the situation on Earth to the Chaos City Lord, and Luo Feng had previously sought help from Venerable Nine Swords, Venerable Guiyi, and others. Now, the higher-ups of the Virtual Universe Company have some understanding of the situation on Earth.
The specific decision needs to be discussed between the Virtual Universe Company, the Giant Axe Arena, and the other three major human powers. The Shi Huo Venerable came to Earth only to prevent his son, the Yanzhu King, from doing anything to destroy the Earth.
If Shi Huo Venerable hadn't appeared in time, and Zhang Junbao hadn't stopped Yanzhu King, Nightmare Yanzhu King would have been preparing to shatter the Earth.
If, at this crucial moment, that wretched Yanzhu King were to obliterate Earth in a fit of rage, depriving Human Race of a cradle for nurturing geniuses, Shi Huo Venerable felt he would likely be torn apart by the Giant Axe Founder.
As Venerable of the Giant Axe lineage, Shi Huo Venerable's arrival on Earth is perfectly timed. Yanzhu King naturally carries the Divine Power imprint of Shi Huo Venerable, allowing him to directly Divine Kingdom Teleportation at the fastest speed.
Moreover, Shi Huo Venerable's offer to buy Earth was a pretext to take advantage of Zhang Junbao's youth and ignorance. If Zhang Junbao succumbs to the pressure and agrees, then the ownership of Earth will naturally belong to their Giant Axe Arena, giving them an advantage in negotiations with Giant Axe Arena forces.
Even among forces belonging to the same Human Race, there is competition for treasures. Even if the right to use Earth is ultimately shared by all forces, the ownership must still be firmly held in one's own hands.
This is not selfishness, but human nature; even the strongest beings in the universe are not immune to this. While one's own race should be taken care of, ultimately, strengthening one's own power is the priority.
Otherwise, if a powerful person obtains a treasure and then demands it out of the community, who would be willing to care for their community? Unless in a crisis, who would be willing to sacrifice everything for their community? That's not greatness, that's foolishness!
Zhang Junbao's question left Shi Huo Venerable speechless.
To acknowledge or not to acknowledge? That is a question worth considering.
Hong is a disciple recently accepted by the Giant Axe Founder. Since Shi Huo Venerable was able to represent the Giant Axe Arena on Earth, he must have known about this.
Now here's the question: Hong is Zhang Junbao's brother and also the disciple of the Giant Axe Founder. Meanwhile, Shi Huo Venerable's master, the Lord of Void Gold, a top expert in the Giant Axe Arena and second only to the Giant Axe Founder, is Hong's senior brother. So, it's only right that Shi Huo Venerable calls Hong his senior uncle.
Just like Dylan, even though he was already Immortal God who could barely be Marquis, he still obediently served as Luo Feng's guard and sincerely called Luo Feng" Junior Uncle". This is because for super strong beings in the universe, the master-disciple relationship is actually closer than the family relationship.
The family members of a super strong person may not have the same talent as them, the gap in strength is huge, and they rarely get to spend time together. On the contrary, the relationship between master and disciple is very close because of the inheritance, and although they are not relatives, they are closer than relatives.
Zhang Junbao's question wasn't really asking whether Shi Huo Venerable acknowledged Hong as his senior uncle; it was practically putting Shi Huo Venerable in a very difficult position.
If Shi Huo Venerable dares to say "no," Zhang Junbao will immediately record the video and spread it throughout the entire Virtual Universe Network.
At that time, the title of "traitor to one's master and ancestors" will likely be pinned on Shi Huo Venerable.
Is Venerable Eclipse, a super strongman in the Giant Axe Arena and a disciple of the Lord of Void Gold, a traitor who Shi Huo Venerable his master and disowns his sect? As long as this message is spread, although Shi Huo Venerable may not actually betray the Human Race, he will definitely be severely punished by the Lord of Void Gold.
But once he acknowledges this, he will naturally be inferior to Zhang Junbao. Zhang Junbao is Hong's brother, and he calls Hong his senior uncle, so wouldn't Zhang Junbao be a generation older than him?
Hong is a disciple of the Giant Axe Founder, and even if the Shi Huo Venerable breaks his teeth, he has to acknowledge this title of "Uncle-Master," otherwise he would be slapping the face of the Giant Axe Founder, which is no joke.
But in front of Zhang Junbao, he didn't want to admit it at all.
" Zhang Junbao, don't push your luck!" Shi Huo Venerable's voice was full of anger, and as he spoke, an overwhelming pressure descended, intending to silence Zhang Junbao.
But no matter how much pressure he exerted, Zhang Junbao in front of him did not react at all.
"What's going on? Are the geniuses nurtured by Earth really this terrifying? They're not even afraid of the pressure I'm exerting?"
The Shi Huo Venerable recalled the words of the Lord of Void Gold of Lord of Void Gold, who had remarked that Hong, merely Universe Level cultivator, possessed a mental state comparable to Universe Venerable. So, what kind of mental state would Zhang Junbao, whose talent and cultivation surpassed Hong's, possess?
"This is outrageous! Hahahaha... A dignified Universe Venerable, uttering such laughable words!" Zhang Junbao laughed in fury, shouting, "You condone your son, Yanzhu King, acting recklessly, attempting to Destruction my homeland, forcing my brother Luo Feng to kneel and submit, and wantonly slaughtering Earth Humans —don't tell me you didn't know!"
"I'm only asking if you acknowledge Hong as your senior uncle, and it's turned into me being unreasonable. Your shamelessness is truly at the Universe Venerable level; I humbly admit defeat!"
Zhang Junbao's words enraged Shi Huo Venerable, yet he dared not make a move. From the moment Zhang Junbao appeared until now, he had been openly synchronizing with the Virtual Universe Network. Any unusual movement by Shi Huo Venerable would be recorded by the Virtual Universe Network and transmitted to the Virtual Universe Company.
This is a crucial stage in the negotiations among the major human powers. Once Shi Huo Venerable makes a move, it will become irrefutable evidence that other forces attacked the Giant Axe Arena.
Shi Huo Venerable didn't take the other powerful humans for fools, thinking that no one would know he was making a move secretly. Ever since he arrived on Earth, Shi Huo Venerable had felt as if a pair of eyes were hiding around him, watching him closely.
If I make the slightest move against Zhang Junbao, I will likely be met with a thunderous attack.
"Did Virtual Universe Company really send out an expert of this level to protect Zhang Junbao? How could a mere Domain Lord Level receive such attention?"
This is also the fundamental reason why Shi Huo Venerable has never dared to make a move.
He had only ever felt such a terrifying aura from his master, the Lord of Void Gold.
The Yanzhu King was dumbfounded. Why was the Shi Huo Venerable, who was always domineering and never showed any restraint even when facing other beings who were also Universe Venerable, now completely silent in the face of Zhang Junbao's merciless mockery?
"Father?"
"Just wait, the decision from the human leadership will be made soon." Shi Huo Venerable didn't look at Zhang Junbao anymore, afraid that if the conversation continued, he would lose control and go berserk.
In contrast, Zhang Junbao, facing High Universe Venerable, remained calm and composed.
The difference in their mental cultivation was immediately apparent.
The other Immortal God who came to Earth with Yanzhu King were also dumbfounded. What was going on? When did Shi Huo Venerable become so good-natured? He was mocked by Zhang Junbao to his face, yet he didn't punish him.
"You all, go back now!" Shi Huo Venerable waved his hand, ordering the other Immortal God to retreat.
If these people see his embarrassing state again, Venerable Shi Huo Venerable might kill him to silence him.
"Yes, Your Venerable!"
The numerous Immortal God bowed respectfully and then departed. They were drenched in sweat and had even shielded their five senses, fearing that seeing or hearing anything they shouldn't would lead to their immediate annihilation.
Although they didn't know what was going on, it was clear that the problems involving Earth were now beyond the reach of a group of Immortal God.
" Bloodthirsty King, please release the Earthling. They have the right to know what's happening on Earth from now on," Zhang Junbao said.
"Alright!" the Bloodthirsty King replied, his heart pounding with fear.
He thought to himself, " Luo Feng's brother is too fierce. He dares to confront even Universe Venerable head-on, and yet he hasn't been punished."
This heroic spirit far surpasses his insane killings; compared to Zhang Junbao, his reputation as a Bloodthirsty King pales in comparison.
" Bloodthirsty King, Dylan, you should leave now. We will repay your kindness later," Zhang Junbao said.
The subsequent negotiations were beyond their control.
"You... be careful." The Bloodthirsty King also knew that if the Shi Huo Venerable attacked Zhang Junbao, the two of them would be of no use here.
" Bloodthirsty, I'll take care of Junior Brother's safety. You should leave now."
Suddenly, a voice appeared beside the Bloodthirsty King, startling him.
"Greetings, Venerable Guiyi!" The Bloodthirsty King turned around, saw the newcomer, and quickly bowed.
"Hmm, you're quite good. If you encounter any difficulties in the future, you can come to me." Venerable Guiyi smiled and said calmly.
"Thank you Venerable Guiyi! I shall take my leave now!"
The words of Venerable Guiyi flattered the Bloodthirsty King. This was a promise from Universe Overlord, and Venerable Guiyi was no ordinary Universe Overlord. He was a disciple of the Chaos City Lord, and his strength and status were extremely high.
He had only come to Earth to help Luo Feng, and to receive a promise from Venerable Guiyi was an incredible stroke of luck.
"Greetings, Second Senior Brother!" Zhang Junbao turned around and respectfully bowed to Venerable Guiyi. Shi Huo Venerable's eyes twitched slightly at the sight of this difference in treatment.
"Haha, the teacher said you came out of Purgatory and even returned to Earth. I didn't believe it, but it's true! That's wonderful! I was waiting anxiously outside the Purgatory Abyss."
"Thank you for your concern, senior brother. Please allow me to explain the reasons later."
"Alright, let's deal with Earth's affairs first."
" Shi Huo, what a fine son you've raised!" Venerable Guiyi suddenly narrowed his eyes and looked at Yanzhu King.
Instantly, the Yanzhu King felt as if he had fallen into endless darkness, with all the surrounding void converging on him, and he was the center of all the pressure from space and time. His soul seemed to have fallen into an endless hell.
Loneliness, darkness, it was as if everything around him had disappeared, leaving only the Yanzhu King. No matter how much he roared and shouted, he received no response.
Given Yanzhu King's personality, such a place would be his death sentence. No servants, no subordinates, no enemies, not even a single living being to speak to him; endless loneliness tormented Yanzhu King's soul.
" Gui Yi! That's enough!"
With a loud shout, Shi Huo Venerable used his Divine Power to protect Yanzhu King, pulling him back from hell.
But in just a moment, Yanzhu King felt as if countless eons had passed. His soul was imprisoned in endless darkness, and he could not call out to heaven or earth. He was all alone in the endless void, without sight or hearing, and could not sense anything. He even doubted whether his body existed. All of this almost drove him to the brink of collapse.
"Father... Father!" Upon opening his eyes again, Yanzhu King saw his father Shi Huo Venerable, and burst into tears, a sight that deeply distressed Shi Huo Venerable. For a King-level Immortal to lose his composure like this, it was clear just how terrible his past experiences had been.
"Hmph, this is just a small punishment. The geniuses of my Virtual Universe Company are not to be bullied at will!" Venerable Guiyi said with an unfriendly expression.
Although Venerable Guiyi usually greets everyone with a smile, it is only when he is truly enraged that people realize just how terrifying a Top-tier Universe Overlord can be.
" Gui Yi, my teacher, the Lord of Void Gold, has already issued an order to punish the Yanzhu King. Why are you punishing him on your own?" Shi Huo Venerable asked, suppressing his anger.
Did Shi Huo Venerable's excessive pampering of his son, Yanzhu King, lead to Yanzhu King developing an arrogant and domineering personality? It can be said that Shi Huo Venerable bears an unshirkable responsibility for Yanzhu King becoming what he is today.
"My junior brother has returned safely today, and I'm happy to oblige. What, do you want to teach me how to do things?" Venerable Guiyi glanced at Shi Huo Venerable and said disdainfully.
"You!"
Venerable Guiyi left Shi Huo Venerable speechless.
Fighting is impossible; he is no match for Venerable Guiyi. Moreover, if the two Venerable were to fight on Earth, the entire Milky Way Galaxy would likely be in danger.
The Shi Huo Venerable was able to protect his own son, Venerable Guiyi could also protect Zhang Junbao; it all came down to who was stronger.
"Now that I've come to Earth, this is none of your business. Take your son and get out of here. Shi Huo, if you continue to indulge your son, sooner or later you'll offend someone even you can't afford to offend!" Venerable Guiyi said sternly.
"That Earth?"
"I'll handle Earth's affairs; it's none of your business. This is a joint decision by humanity's higher-ups, and you're not qualified to know about it," Venerable Guiyi said irritably to Shi Huo Venerable. Although both were Universe Venerable, Venerable Guiyi's status was clearly far superior to Shi Huo Venerable's.
Moreover, a single statement from the highest levels of humanity effectively silenced Shi Huo Venerable.
The high-level human council was a meeting composed of the Giant Axe Founder and many Universe Master, and a very small number of Universe Venerable could also participate. Venerable Guiyi happened to be one of those few Universe Venerable.
Such a decision is not one that Shi Huo Venerable can question.
Upon hearing this, Shi Huo Venerable had no choice but to take Yanzhu King and leave Earth.
"Senior brother, your visit to Earth this time is probably not just to see me, is it?" Seeing that only Venerable Guiyi, Luo Feng, and himself remained, Zhang Junbao asked.
"You really can't hide anything from me," Venerable Guiyi said, shaking his head.
PS: Thanks to "o the soy sauce passer" for the 10,000 reward, the boss is mighty!
Thanks to "Zhen Haotian", "Che Bushan", "Bookworm 258524237" and "Tian Xingjian" for their rewards
Another chapter needs to be added. I currently owe one chapter for a reward and three extra chapters for monthly votes. Doing the math, it's terrifying...