After Qing Ling bestowed his gift, it was the turn of the Demon Master.
Kun Peng stepped forward and waved his hand. With a single wave, more than ten golden scrolls of merit flew into the Golden Crow's body. He said, "The ten princes should be models for the younger generation of the demon race. I specially bestow upon them these twelve characters of merit in gold script, hoping they will excel in their studies!"
Emperor Jun smiled, "The Demon Master's scrolls of merit are, of course, excellent."
Kun Peng cupped his hands in greeting to everyone and then discreetly retreated behind Emperor Jun.
Next came the gifts from the Ten Great Demon Gods, and then gifts from the Heavenly Court to various Demon Sages.
After that, other supreme magnates came forward to present their gifts.
Zhen Yuanzi stood up and chuckled, "Although I wished to present a gift for the ten princes, I regrettably only have some fruits that are presentable. As it is, I only have nine. I offer them all!"
Saying so, he handed the gift to the ceremonial official and bowed.
Emperor Jun smiled, "Daoist friend Zhen Yuanzi, your intention is more than sufficient."
Following him was Ming He, a magnate exuding a menacing aura. He specifically glanced at Qing Ling standing beside Emperor Jun on the high platform. Seeing that Qing Ling was also looking at him, he could only pat his nose helplessly, realizing he would have to spend big.
Ming He had prepared two gifts. If Qing Ling had not entrusted him with any special requests regarding these ten Golden Crows, he would have presented them casually. But now, he could only bring out that particular set of gifts. With a wave of his hand, ten sets of fiery red battle armor appeared, exuding an astonishing aura of slaughter.
"I, who only know how to kill, shall present these ten sets of Asura battle armor, capable of withstanding a blow from a supreme magnate!"
Emperor Jun's eyes flickered with surprise, and his smile deepened. "Thank you, Daoist friend Ming He, for your generous expenditure!"
Next was Chong Ming, the old bird. He also cast a glance at Qing Ling on the high platform. Qing Ling noticed his gaze and looked back with a half-smile. Chong Ming instantly felt the sensation of being suppressed from those days returning.
His hand trembled as he brought out his gift, releasing a brilliant sea of fire.
"The Phoenix clan specially presents the True Flame Sky Fire Bottle to congratulate the Heavenly Emperor on the birth of his sons!"
The supreme magnates watching below could not help but be surprised. This was a top-grade innate spiritual treasure! To be able to produce such a precious item.
Emperor Jun was also slightly startled. "The Phoenix clan is truly too kind. Daoist friend Chong Ming, this gift is too valuable, perhaps you could exchange it for something else?"
Chong Ming waved his hand. "It is entirely fitting! Demon Sage Kong Xuan, please do take care of Heavenly Emperor's son."
Seeing this, Emperor Jun did not refuse. "Then I shall shamelessly accept it."
Following this, other supreme magnates presented their gifts, mostly heavenly treasures and rare delicacies. However, compared to what the previous prominent figures had presented, they were far inferior.
It was the three immortals of Penglai Island, Fu, Lu, and Shou, who personally stepped forward to bestow the blessings of fortune, prosperity, and longevity upon the ten Golden Crows. This was truly remarkable.
After the supreme magnates had finished their gifts, the remaining magnates had already presented theirs upon arrival and would not further delay the time of the esteemed figures present.
Emperor Jun gave the order for the grand banquet to commence. Immediately, hundreds of immortal attendants presented countless delicacies and fine foods. Rare heavenly delicacies, unseen by mortal eyes, and an endless stream of heavenly treasures were transformed into banquet dishes. Even Qing Ling was astonished; the dishes were perfect in terms of spiritual energy, appearance, and taste.
It seemed that no matter where one was, eating was a skill that required great artistry, and there would always be those who researched unimaginable culinary creations.
Qing Ling sat beside Emperor Jun. Each supreme magnate had their own table. He looked at the soup before him, where steam converged like dragons and tigers, and at the dishes whose arrangement resembled a landscape painting, flowing like mountains and rivers. He sighed inwardly, realizing that the way immortals ate was beyond the imagination of mortals.
Emperor Jun said to the assembled immortals, "In gratitude for my offspring, I have received from the Divine Lord of the Taiyin Star, Chang'e, the supreme dance of the palace maidens, known as 'The Stars Arching Over the Moon'!
Fairy Chang'e is known as the most beautiful woman in the Primordial World. Her dance is also the most exquisite in the Primordial World. Although I cannot witness Chang'e herself dance, it is a rare opportunity to behold these palace maidens perform."
Everyone laughed and claimed they dared not. To ask the Divine Lord of the Taiyin Star to dance; even if she were to dance, they would not dare to watch!
In the Primordial World, without strength, unparalleled beauty was merely a harbinger of disaster, not an avenue for aloofness.
Thinking of this, Qing Ling slightly turned his head and glanced at Tai Yi, seated to Emperor Jun's left. This individual was also rumored to be the most beautiful in the Primordial World. If not for his extraordinary strength and his identity as Tai Yi, such beauty would likely have brought him great misfortune.
Tai Yi seemed to sense something and returned Qing Ling's gaze with a smile, tinged with a hint of confusion.
Qing Ling smiled, picked up his wine goblet, and gestured a toast to him across the distance.
Tai Yi's smile widened, and he reciprocated Qing Ling's toast across Emperor Jun, looking as if he wanted to say more.
Emperor Jun, seated in the center, naturally saw this and pretended not to notice. He merely took the opportunity of the palace maidens' dance to survey the immortals in the hall.
As for the ten Golden Crows, they had already been summoned to the Empress's palace by the Heavenly Empress.
The palace maidens' dance was truly a testament to Chang'e's tutelage. Their movements were graceful, like twinkling stars, or a solitary star in the night sky. At times, their long sleeves would fly, and vibrant streams of light would encircle a lead dancer. This woman also possessed rare beauty, truly embodying the immortal grace of Chang'e, earning the admiration and surprise of the assembled immortals.
As for the rogue cultivators and those with weak wills among the magnates, they became utterly engrossed, unable to extricate themselves. With wine and music, delicacies from heaven and earth, and the celestial realm, songs and dances filled the air, truly making it a place one would linger and forget to leave.
When the songs and dances concluded and the banquet ended, the immortals began to prepare for their departure.
However, no one dared to be the first to speak. The three Saints who could have initiated the departure were present: Tong Tian was enjoying the banquet with great contentment, showing no intention of leaving.
Jie Yin sat in silent contemplation, while Zhun Ti was engaged in lively conversation with several magnates, aiming to forge good karma.
Among the supreme magnates, Ran Deng observed the situation and felt that much was brewing. The three Saints clearly had an inkling of what was to come and had deliberately not spoken of departure, awaiting the main event. He felt a sense of unease and was already contemplating how to respond if certain situations arose, prioritizing self-preservation and a swift escape.
Indeed, after another half hour, the Heavenly Emperor waved his hand, the palace maidens retreated, and a silence fell upon the hall.
The magnates were not fools; they knew the main event was about to unfold.
Emperor Jun smiled pleasantly and said, "Today, to have all you magnates come to congratulate my ten sons fills me with immense joy.
Since the establishment of our demon race, nearly a hundred Yuan Hui have passed. Our five Emperors, one Ancestor, and one Master have diligently worked and meticulously managed to achieve this grand situation.
Even, the Demon Emperor Fu Xi has fallen in the pursuit of the demon race's great cause."
As he spoke, Emperor Jun and the three seated at the main table wore expressions of sorrow.
The atmosphere became solemn, and the magnates' minds became exceptionally sharp.
Zhun Ti, being the most adept at social niceties, was the first to speak, "Heavenly Emperor, please accept my condolences. Demon Emperor Fu Xi sacrificed himself for the billions of demon race citizens, and the billions of demon race beings will naturally remember the great merit of Emperor Xi!"
Emperor Jun nodded heavily upon hearing this, "Thank you, Daoist friend Zhun Ti, for your kindness.
If all people in the world possessed the compassion of Daoist friend Zhun Ti, I wonder how much strife and bloodshed there would be in the world?"
Another silence fell upon the hall; no one dared to speak.
Qing Ling glanced at Ming He, who was seated below. Ming He understood his intention and felt a twinge of annoyance. He could only speak bluntly, "May I ask what troubles the Heavenly Emperor? I presume it is someone who deserves to be struck down!"
The magnates in the hall trembled inwardly, cursing the outspoken Ming He.
Ming He was also a prickly individual. Anyone who dared to glare at him would be met with narrowed eyes and a gaze filled with murderous intent, causing those who met his gaze to turn away and retreat.
Emperor Jun sighed, "Daoist friend Ming He, though your words are somewhat crude, they are not without reason.
Everyone knows that the Wu and Yao are mortal enemies. Yet, there are those who, while being honored guests of my demon race, are secretly colluding with the Wu, entangled with them, and even willing to sacrifice the lives of my great Demon Sages to seek benefits with the Wu.
What do you think such a person deserves, Daoist You Kan?"
Everyone in the hall was shocked and looked towards Patriarch You Kan, the renowned founder of the Nine Nether Sect in the southern Primordial World.
Patriarch You Kan, however, showed no panic and stated solemnly, "Such a person naturally deserves to be an enemy of the demon race, to be devoured by the hearts of all demons, to eliminate their wickedness.
What does Great Immortal Zhen Yuanzi think?"
Zhen Yuanzi was taken aback, clearly not expecting this neighbor, who was not particularly close to him, to involve him.
He chuckled lightly, "I am merely a recluse of the mountains and wilds, uninterested in these disputes. However, if such a person truly exists, they are naturally contemptible."
Patriarch You Kan sneered, "Then it seems Great Immortal Zhen Yuanzi considers himself contemptible as well?"
Emperor Jun, seated at the head, his eyes flashing with surprise. It was indeed worthy of someone who had cultivated to the supreme level and founded a place of destiny. This method of muddying the waters and diverting the blame was quite impressive.
Zhen Yuanzi abruptly stood up, his usually gentle face now filled with coldness. "Daoist friend You Kan, I believe the ten-thousand-year immortal brew of the Heavenly Court is too delicious, causing you to become dizzy."
Everyone in the hall remained aloof, watching from a distance. They had all reached their current positions through their shrewdness, not by being impulsive fools.
Tai Yi, seeing the situation about to go awry, stood up to steer it back.
"Ahem, Great Immortal Zhen Yuanzi, please calm yourself. If..."
"Your Majesty!"
Patriarch You Kan's sharp shout interrupted Tai Yi. "Your Majesty, I, disregarding the safety of my sect, wish to petition you and the elders of the demon race. Zhen Yuanzi has been secretly colluding with the Wu tribe, harboring ill intentions towards the demon race.
I chanced upon his wicked deeds, and he threatened to sever the terrestrial脈 of my Nine Nether Sect and destroy the foundation I have painstakingly built over dozens of Yuan Hui if I were to reveal it. Therefore, I have concealed it until now. I implore Your Majesty to dispense justice for me!"
Saying so, he even stood up and bowed respectfully to Emperor Jun.
Tai Yi paused, his words effectively choked off.
Patriarch You Kan, in front of countless forces in the Primordial World, lowered himself as a supreme magnate to petition. Regardless of whether the matter was true or false, they could not deal with him publicly in front of all the magnates until it was resolved.
And Zhen Yuanzi was Qing Ling's subordinate. This matter also involved the Demon Ancestor. Since it was the Demon Ancestor, it was an internal conflict within the demon race. It seemed Patriarch You Kan had meticulously considered whom to drag into the mire!
Qing Ling, standing beside him, felt a sense of helplessness. It was not easy to deal with a supreme magnate, especially when trying to establish authority and make an example of someone under the watchful eyes of all the magnates.
If Nu Wa, who had not yet become a Saint, were present, she likely would not have given Patriarch You Kan the opportunity to speak and would have immediately declared him guilty with no chance of appeal.
While Tai Yi and Emperor Jun possessed great wisdom, their identities and positions differed. There were certain words and actions they knew they could not take.
It seemed he would have to intervene.