Chapter 267: No Sincerity

"Demon Sovereign, please quell your anger!"

The white-haired demon immediately tried to persuade him. "As long as we successfully occupy the Human Realm and guide the will of the Demon Abyss to assimilate it, putting up with Heavenly Monarch Qingyuan for a while is worth it."

With the strength you revealed, it would take at least two Fifth Tier Late Stage demon lords to deal with you.

And to mobilize demon lords of that level, even Purgatory Demon Sovereign would have to pay a heavy price.

Compared to that, the request you made—explaining the details of the Demon Sovereign realm—was simply too easy.

Purgatory Demon Sovereign was only furious because he felt your demands were endless.

"True enough."

Purgatory Demon Sovereign took a deep breath, sucking massive amounts of black air into his belly. Everything within a ten-million-li radius fell dead silent.

A moment later, Purgatory Demon Sovereign took out a piece of black jade containing a brief description of the Demon Sovereign realm.

This so-called description of the Demon Sovereign realm was not a rare item to a Fifth Tier demon lord.

After all, the Demon Abyss Realm had no shortage of Demon Sovereigns. As long as one submitted to a Demon Sovereign, they could generally obtain it.

The white-haired demon accepted the black jade, split off another avatar, and squeezed into the Human Realm...

...

At Heavenly Sword Peak, you looked at the black jade before you and carefully split off a sliver of divine sense to probe inside.

If there was any issue with the black jade, you could sever your divine sense at any time.

Even now, what appeared before the white-haired demon's avatar was not your true body, but a puppet inhabited by your Second Nascent Soul.

Your true self was cultivating on the main peak of Heavenly Sword Peak.

"Void Return Stage..."

You looked thoughtful. The Void Return Demon Sovereigns of the Demon Abyss Realm were also called Sixth Tier Demon Sovereigns. The Void Return Stage was merely a different name for the same realm.

'These are the same as the Upper Realm's cultivation realms...'

You thought to yourself. In the Upper Realm's cultivation system, after the Deity Transformation Stage came the Void Return Stage, and after the Void Return Stage was the Dao Integration Stage. Further up was the Mahayana Stage. Mahayana Stage cultivators were known as immortals, possessing boundless lifespans that matched heaven and earth.

'The Ten Creation Demon Lords of the Demon Abyss Realm should only be at the Dao Integration Stage... In that case, the Demon Abyss Realm does not have any Mahayana Stage existences...'

You pondered. According to intelligence from the early Ancient Era, when the Human Realm communicated with the Upper Realm, Mahayana Stage immortals did exist there.

...Just as you fell into deep thought, the white-haired demon broke the silence. "Heavenly Monarch Qingyuan, if you have any other requests, feel free to ask. The Demon Sovereign will satisfy them."

"All right, let me think about it some more."

You gave a slight nod.

The white-haired demon's mouth twitched slightly. He hadn't expected you to actually take him up on that offer; he had merely been polite.

"You may go back."

You looked at the white-haired demon.

The white-haired demon stayed silent for a moment before dispersing his avatar.

...

Year 2,000. You were 2,017 years old.

You and Heavenly Monarch Extreme Sword sat facing each other.

By now, Heavenly Monarch Extreme Sword was already showing signs of old age, nearing the end of his lifespan.

Heavenly Monarch Extreme Sword was the Heavenly Monarch seed that Heavenly Sword Peak had poured all its efforts into nurturing. Before reaching seven hundred years of age, he had cultivated to the absolute limit of the Late Nascent Soul Stage. Coinciding with the passing of the previous Heavenly Monarch of Heavenly Sword Peak in meditation, Heavenly Monarch Extreme Sword inherited the Sword Seed and stepped into the Deity Transformation Stage.

Now, Heavenly Monarch Extreme Sword was approaching two thousand nine hundred years of age, having slumbered for over a thousand years in between.

"How did you feel after consuming that Flower of Myriad Thoughts?"

You looked at Heavenly Monarch Extreme Sword and asked.

The Flower of Myriad Thoughts came from Purgatory Demon Sovereign. Although you had checked it many times and found no issues, you still didn't dare consume it, which was why you had Heavenly Monarch Extreme Sword test it for you.

Even if there was a ninety-nine percent chance that nothing was wrong with the Flower of Myriad Thoughts, you were unwilling to risk that final sliver of danger.

"My soul origin has grown significantly. It truly is a wondrous flower of the Demon Abyss Realm..."

Heavenly Monarch Extreme Sword nodded, sighing in admiration as he described its effects in detail.

You made a quick comparison and concluded that the benefit was equivalent to one-tenth of what you gained from defeating an Outer Domain Heavenly Demon.

'Outer Domain Heavenly Demons...' You felt somewhat nostalgic for the taste of the Outer Domain Heavenly Demons.

"Fellow Daoist Qingyuan, the Demon Abyss Realm hasn't made a move for all these years. They must have other schemes."

Heavenly Monarch Extreme Sword voiced his concerns. Ever since the great battle over a century ago, the Demon Abyss Realm had remained incredibly quiet, which gave him a bad feeling.

Although you displayed the terrifying strength to kill Fifth Tier Middle Stage demon lords like crushing ants, the Demon Abyss Realm was overseen by Demon Sovereigns. How could they possibly have no way to deal with you?

During the late Ancient Era, the Human Realm also had Late Deity Transformation Stage Heavenly Monarchs standing guard, yet it was still nearly breached. If the Sword Lord hadn't emerged out of nowhere, the current Human Realm would have long since become a part of the Demon Abyss Realm.

"I know what I'm doing."

You nodded slightly, your tone calm.

Right now, the Demon Abyss Realm was waiting for you to surrender on your own initiative.

They wanted to take down the Human Realm using the easiest method possible.

Compared to the late Ancient Era, when the realm was targeted by over ten Demon Sovereigns...

...currently, only one Demon Sovereign had his eyes on the Human Realm. In terms of deploying high-level combat power, they naturally couldn't compare to the extravagance of the Ancient Era.

Of course, the Human Realm of the Near-Ancient Era also fell far short of the Human Realm from the Ancient Era. If you didn't exist, it wouldn't be difficult for Purgatory Demon Sovereign to conquer the Human Realm with his methods.

"With Fellow Daoist Qingyuan's words, I can pass away in meditation with peace of mind."

A smile surfaced on Heavenly Monarch Extreme Sword's face. He stood up, walked out of the cave dwelling, and stood at the pinnacle of Heavenly Sword Peak's main peak. Overlooking the entire Central Continent and the whole Human Realm, he murmured, "This Human Realm..."

Two years later, Heavenly Monarch Extreme Sword passed away in meditation.

The heaven and earth of the Human Realm trembled. All the Late Nascent Soul Stage Great Cultivators vaguely sensed a monstrous sword intent dissipating.

At the same time, within Heavenly Sword Peak, another sword intent began to surge; a Late Nascent Soul Stage Peak Sword Cultivator was attempting to break through to the Deity Transformation Stage.

The birth of a Heavenly Monarch at Heavenly Sword Peak was different from the conventional process. After the previous generation's Sword Cultivator Heavenly Monarch passed away in meditation, they would pass their Sword Seed down to the current peak master of Heavenly Sword Peak.

Relying on the shared origin of the Sword Seed, the current peak master of Heavenly Sword Peak didn't have to worry about the residual worldly influence left behind by a Heavenly Monarch's death, allowing them to directly attempt a breakthrough to the Deity Transformation Stage.

With the reinforcement of the Sword Seed and the assistance of the Origin Cave Dwelling, the probability of Heavenly Sword Peak's peak master successfully stepping into the Deity Transformation Stage exceeded eighty percent.

Even if they failed, the Sword Seed would remain intact and be passed on to the succeeding Late Nascent Soul Stage Peak Sword Cultivator, who could still attempt the breakthrough within ten years.

This was the reason why Heavenly Sword Peak had produced an unending line of Heavenly Monarchs since the start of the Near-Ancient Era.

They didn't need to compete with the other Great Cultivators of the Human Realm for the position of Heavenly Monarch.

As for whether other living Heavenly Monarchs would intervene to suppress them... the Sword Seed contained several all-out strikes from the previous Heavenly Monarch. Whichever living Heavenly Monarch dared to interfere would be cleaved by those strikes.

Aside from this method of producing a Heavenly Monarch, there was also the normal method.

Namely, if Heavenly Sword Peak's Heavenly Monarch was still alive but another Heavenly Monarch in the Human Realm fell, a Sword Cultivator Great Cultivator of Heavenly Sword Peak could also attempt to break through to the Deity Transformation Stage.

However, a Sword Cultivator Great Cultivator who took this path wouldn't have the aid of the Sword Seed nor the use of the Origin Cave Dwelling. They would have to compete against all the Great Cultivators in the Human Realm, making the final probability of stepping into the Deity Transformation Stage incredibly low.

During the fifth simulation, after Heavenly Monarch Shuiyue passed away in meditation, a Sword Cultivator Great Cultivator from Heavenly Sword Peak attempted a Deity Transformation breakthrough, but ultimately failed.

Rumble—

Several months later, this generation's peak master of Heavenly Sword Peak successfully broke through, joining the ranks of the Human Realm's Heavenly Monarchs.

...

"Greetings, Heavenly Monarch Qingyuan..."

The newly ascended Heavenly Monarch Mingjian came to visit you after slightly stabilizing his realm.

You looked at Heavenly Monarch Mingjian and faintly sensed the Sword Seed that he had yet to fully master.

The so-called Sword Seed was the core of a Sword Cultivator condensed after cultivating the Sword Scripture. It could be perfectly passed down to the next generation.

As long as the newly ascended Heavenly Monarch mastered the Sword Seed, he would completely stabilize his Heavenly Monarch realm and become the Heavenly Monarch with the highest combat power in the Human Realm.

You chatted with Heavenly Monarch Mingjian for a while before he took his leave.

Once the Sword Seed was condensed, no matter how strong one's cultivation base became, they still had to abide by the ironclad laws of the Sword Scripture and obey you, the Predestined Person.

...

Year 2,050. You were 2,067 years old.

The white-haired demon sought you out once again.

"Heavenly Monarch Qingyuan, how much longer do you need to consider? The Demon Sovereign has already shown great sincerity."

The white-haired demon's tone was unfriendly. Were it not for you, Purgatory Demon Sovereign would have launched the second wave of attacks two hundred years ago.

"This is my homeland. Once I agree to your terms, the entire plane will be assimilated by the Demon Abyss Realm. Give me a little more time to look at my home."

You said.

In any case, your strategy boiled down to one word: stall.

Stall for as long as possible.

"Fine."

The white-haired demon fell silent for a moment before nodding in agreement.

Mainly, he had already waited two hundred years; a little longer wouldn't make much difference.

Your reasoning was also sufficient. Once the Human Realm was occupied by Purgatory Demon Sovereign, it would inevitably draw in the will of the Demon Abyss Realm. At that time, the entire Human Realm would be reduced to a subordinate plane of the Demon Abyss, never to return to its present state.

Furthermore, the white-haired demon didn't see any meaning in your stalling. Waiting for reinforcements? The Human Realm had already been locked onto by the Demon Abyss Realm; how could there be any reinforcements? Waiting for more Deity Transformation Stage Heavenly Monarchs to be born? Even if ten more Deity Transformation Stage Heavenly Monarchs appeared, they wouldn't be able to halt Purgatory Demon Sovereign's advance.

You should be well aware of this, so the white-haired demon had no suspicions. He believed you genuinely just wanted one last look at your home plane.

...

Year 2,100. You were 2,117 years old.

Inside the cave dwelling, you sat cross-legged and looked inward at your dantian.

One hundred and twenty Dharma Talismans circled around you, each emitting a spiritual pressure capable of shaking the Human Realm.

'Fifth Tier Late Stage!'

Your eyes shone brightly. After over two thousand years of nourishment, all one hundred and twenty Dharma Talismans had reached Fifth Tier Late Stage quality. The might of every single one rivaled the Late Deity Transformation Stage.

'A normal Deity Transformation Early Stage talisman celestial master would spend their entire life only able to nurture Dharma Talismans to the Fifth Tier Middle Stage. Fifth Tier Late Stage? Absolutely impossible.'

You thought to yourself. It was because of your Surpassing Oneself by Half a Move talent that the quality and quantity of your magical power had reached the Deity Transformation Middle Stage. Coupled with your advantages in other areas, you were able to nurture Fifth Tier Late Stage Dharma Talismans.

Your situation could not be replicated.

'I just don't know if these Dharma Talismans can be enhanced by the Natural Enemy of Demonic Cultivators talent...'

You thought to yourself. The Surpassing Oneself by Half a Move talent only affected yourself; on external objects, it was useless. But as for Natural Enemy of Demonic Cultivators... you couldn't confirm it for the time being.

'I should have a chance to test it during this simulation...'

You thought to yourself. With the threat of the Demon Abyss Realm looming right before your eyes, you couldn't possibly waste a Dharma Talisman just to test it out.

Even for you, nurturing a single Fifth Tier Late Stage Dharma Talisman required a long period of time.

...

Year 2,200. You were 2,217 years old.

The white-haired demon sought you out again, clearly growing impatient.

Four hundred years. A full four hundred years. Because of you, Purgatory Demon Sovereign had waited for four hundred years.

Even for a Void Return Demon Sovereign, lifespan was not completely endless. Four hundred years was no small figure.

"Don't worry. I'm still waiting for the Demon Sovereign to draw in the Demon Abyss Qi for me so I can condense a True Demon Body. I won't lie to you. I just want to look at my home world a little longer..."

You looked at the white-haired demon and spoke in a deep voice.

Upon hearing this, the white-haired demon's agitated mind calmed down slightly.

That was right. You still needed the Demon Sovereign's help; how could you dare deceive the Demon Sovereign in this matter?

Only by condensing a True Demon Body could you continue to live. Otherwise, you would either die of old age or be tortured to death by the Demon Sovereign once he completely occupied this realm.

"I hope Heavenly Monarch Qingyuan acts as soon as possible. The Demon Sovereign's patience is limited."

After the white-haired demon finished speaking, he dissipated on the spot.

You, however, sank into deep thought.

Right now, you were over two thousand two hundred years old. You only had about three hundred years left until the end of your lifespan.

You had never slumbered. Even if you maxed out on various life-extending items, you could live to two thousand five or six hundred years at most.

'Three hundred years... that's enough...'

You estimated internally.

Although the Demon Sovereign was growing a bit impatient now, he had already waited all these years. The sunk cost was there. Unless you explicitly stated that you would never submit, the Demon Sovereign would likely continue waiting.

...

In the vast Demon Abyss Realm.

Purgatory Demon Sovereign's massive, towering figure stood tall. Not far away stood a tiny figure.

It was a demon woman with dark red skin. Between her brows lay a faint blackish-red demon moon mark. The aura she emitted seemed vaguely connected to the supreme demon moon hanging in the sky of the Demon Abyss Realm.

The Demon Moon Clan.

This demon woman hailed from the Demon Moon Clan of the Demon Abyss Realm. It was said that members of this clan could commune with the great will of the Demon Abyss.

Every member of the Demon Moon Clan possessed the ability to foresee all things. Relying on the power of the supreme demon moon, they could pry into the myriad secrets of the world.

"Purgatory, you still haven't occupied this realm yet?"

Shallow dimples appeared on the Demon Moon Clan woman's face as she looked toward the spatial rift in the distance, able to hazily observe the scenes of the Human Realm.

"The reason I invited Priestess Yue this time is because I want to see if that Heavenly Monarch Qingyuan of the Human Realm actually has any sincerity..."

Purgatory Demon Sovereign spoke directly. After being strung along by you for hundreds of years, his patience had reached its absolute limit. It just so happened that a powerhouse from the Demon Moon Clan was passing by recently, so Purgatory Demon Sovereign invited her over to determine when you would be willing to hand over the Human Realm.

As a Void Return Demon Sovereign, Purgatory Demon Sovereign had an extensive network in the Demon Abyss Realm, so naturally, he knew experts from the Demon Moon Clan. Inviting her over only cost him a favor, which wasn't a steep price to pay.

"Let me take a look... Heavenly Monarch Qingyuan..."

The demon moon mark between the Demon Moon Clan woman's brows flickered. Using the vast amount of intelligence Purgatory Demon Sovereign had provided about you, alongside the spatial rift connecting to the Human Realm, she began divining and prying into your affairs.

A moment later, the Demon Moon Clan woman's expression turned exceedingly strange. Looking at Purgatory Demon Sovereign, she said, "Purgatory, you've been played. That human has absolutely no intention of submitting to you."