Shang Yang nodded, tidied his robes, and then respectfully said, "The Demon God of the Demon Realm pays respects to the Saint, wishing the Saint eternal life."
Outside the towering Fu Luo Palace, vibrant scarlet Rohshana flowers swayed, and a faint voice drifted.
"Come in."
Shang Yang slowly rose and entered the hall. Upon entering, he saw the palace bathed in a verdant light, illuminated by the radiance of Yin and Yang. At the highest point of the majestic palace, a Saint sat upon a cloud bed, his ethereal and dustless aura making his presence almost imperceptible.
Qing Ling asked indifferently, "Has the Demon Court been re-established?"
Shang Yang nodded in reply, "Reporting to the Saint, the surviving demons of the Demon Realm have rebuilt the Demon Court and supported the Tenth Prince in his ascension, making him the second generation Demon Emperor."
Qing Ling chuckled softly, "Do they resent me, their Demon Ancestor?"
Shang Yang's heart trembled, and he quickly replied, "The Saint has tirelessly planned for the future of the demon race; how dare they resent the Saint?"
Qing Ling shook his head and said, "They dare not resent. It doesn't mean they don't. Never mind, I shall go and see for myself, if only to observe the Tenth Prince."
Shang Yang rejoiced, "Thank you, Saint, for coming to witness the ceremony. Empress Nuwa will also be personally present."
Qing Ling sighed, "Only fellow Daoist Nuwa will be going, it seems."
Shang Yang dared not respond for a moment.
"In the past, at the thousand-year birthday banquet of the ten princes of the demon race, all the heavens, nine earths, four seas, and eight desolate regions came to pay homage, even Saints personally attended. Now, I fear you cannot invite many?" Qing Ling said leisurely, "It's fine if they don't come; it's better to be without those with ulterior motives. Can the Tenth Prince control those old demons?"
Shang Yang was deeply moved, "Thank you, Saint, for your concern. The new Emperor is a direct disciple of Empress Nuwa; with this connection, they dare not go too far. We few remaining Demon Gods can barely keep them in check."
Qing Ling asked curiously, "Which other Demon Gods remain?"
Shang Yang replied, "Demon God Qin Yuan has reshaped his body in the Undying Volcano and recently returned to the Heavenly Court. Demon God Bi Fang also escaped from a spatial rift. Furthermore, Demon God Bai Ze is strategizing, and the Demon Realm is now flourishing, with all races recovering their strength."
Qing Ling nodded and said, "Fellow Daoists Tai Yi and Di Jun can rest assured in the afterlife, knowing they have such loyal ministers."
Upon hearing this, Shang Yang was startled and fell silent for a moment before asking, "Saint, have His Majesty the Heavenly Emperor and Lord Dong Huang truly perished completely?"
Qing Ling sighed deeply, "As the protagonists of the calamity, how could they escape under the great tribulation? Even if they could escape, they would still die. For there exist beings who do not wish for the Heavenly Emperor and Dong Huang of the demon race to live."
Shang Yang's expression instantly darkened with grief, his spirits sinking.
Qing Ling said, "Fellow Daoist Shang Yang, you may return first. On the day the Demon Emperor ascends the throne, I will personally come to offer my congratulations."
Shang Yang regained his senses, suppressed his sorrow, and said, "Thank you, Saint. This humble demon takes his leave!"
In front of the Fu Luo Palace, Hua Ze watched Shang Yang depart with a crestfallen expression and asked in confusion, "Why is Sister Shang Yang so sad?"
Hua Shuo shook her head, watering the Rohshana flowers with water from the River of Forgetfulness using the Ten Thousand Dragons Gourd she held. "The world of the grown-ups is very complex with love, hate, sorrow, and joy. Unlike us, who can be carefree by simply tending to flowers and running errands diligently."
Hua Ze exclaimed, "When did you learn all these profound principles?"
Hua Shuo placed her small hands behind her back, proudly saying, "Of course, it's because this young attendant is naturally intelligent and eager to learn! Uncle Bei Xu specifically told me in the Hall of Preaching."
Within the Fu Luo Palace, Qing Ling looked at the verdant ancient lamp on the hall's lampstand with a sense of helplessness, "The most difficult karma in the world is love and hate." He saw the broken red thread in Shang Yang's hand, a thread that would never be mended, never be tied to another person's hand, because that person was no more.
A new layer was added to the reckoning of Primordial World's time. A year was divided into twelve months, with each month comprising thirty days. Months one, three, five, seven, eight, ten, and twelve had thirty-one days. February had both leap and common months. This cycle repeated every four years, forming the lunar calendar. Due to the varying essence of the twelve realms, the Moon God passed down the lunar calendar to delineate days. Additionally, Zhu Rong created the ten Heavenly Stems and twelve Earthly Branches, forming a sixty-year cycle, with thirty years as a generation and one hundred years as an era, distinguishing mortal beings from immortals.
The first day of the tenth month was the grand ceremony for the Tenth Prince's ascension. The Demon Realm rejoiced, with countless demon experts converging on the Northern Emperor Star to offer congratulations. Most were Golden Immortals and Grand Unity Immortals, with only a few dozen Demon Saints and five Demon Gods. There were no Imperial rank figures.
On the imperial platform of the ceremony, Lu Ya's eyes held a trace of unease. Despite the presence of several Demon Gods before him, he could clearly see the doubt, suspicion, and contempt in the eyes of the Demon Saints below. Moreover, dozens of Demon Saints from the Demon Realm had not even bothered to attend. The reason for all this rested upon him; as a Demon Emperor at the Grand Unity realm, who could truly respect him?
Shang Yang looked at the many empty seats for Demon Saints, a cold glint in his eyes. Bai Ze sighed inwardly, but his face remained impassive as he smiled, "Your Majesty, the auspicious time has arrived. It is time for the proclamation."
Lu Ya was somewhat nervous, "But many people have not yet arrived."
Shang Yang could no longer maintain his composure, "Let's wait a little longer."
Bai Ze could only nod, looking towards the heavens, awaiting the Saint's arrival. The Demon Saints below were growing impatient. A Demon Saint with a human face and dog ears chuckled, "Your Majesty the Demon Emperor, why has the ascension ceremony not yet begun? Do not miss the auspicious time. Most Saints are preoccupied with the affairs of the world; it's possible they have simply forgotten to come."
Lu Ya's young face showed a flicker of anger, but he clenched the fabric of his imperial robe beneath his sleeve, suppressing his voice and refraining from speaking. It was a lesson taught by his father: a ruler must not lose their dignity when their subordinates are in error. He could not falter.
Several more Demon Saints began to laugh, and a murmur arose from the crowd. These were seasoned demons who had rendered great service to the former Demon Heavenly Court. Even as Demon Saints, their influence and accomplishments were significant.
Bai Ze reprimanded, "Disrespecting before the sovereign is punishable. O Han Tian Demon Saint, do not lose your composure."
The Han Tian Demon Saint with a human face and dog ears chuckled, "Esteemed Demon God, can a mere ant at the Grand Unity realm be our Demon Emperor? Has Demon God Bai Ze been working so hard that his mind has become addled?"
"Exactly! You want us to call an ant that we could crush with one hand our Emperor? What a colossal joke!" Several other Demon Saints chimed in.
The newly emerged Golden Immortals and Grand Unity Demon Lords of the Demon Realm also began to clamor. They had not lived through the glorious era of the demon race and knew little of imperial authority.
"Insolence! How dare you speak ill of His Majesty the Demon Emperor? Today, I shall see who dares to crush the son of the Sun and Moon Gods with one hand before this ancestor!" A furious roar shook the heavens, and a terrifying pressure descended upon every Demon Saint, causing their faces to turn pale.
The heavens and earth changed color, winds and clouds churned, and a gray figure appeared before them.
"Demon Master!?"
"The Demon Master?"
The Demon Saints were shocked. How could the being who created the realms return to bow in submission?
Kun Peng bowed respectfully to Lu Ya, "This old servant greets Your Majesty."
Lu Ya was overjoyed and quickly stepped forward to help him up, "Uncle, you are too kind. Nephew dare not accept such deference."
Kun Peng, however, said, "No, the former Tenth Prince of the demon race could not accept it, but the current new Emperor of the demon race can. Not only can he accept this bow from me, but he also deserves the deep reverence of every demon present!" Kun Peng's hawk-like gaze swept over each Demon Saint present. Those who met his gaze invariably lowered their heads in shame, avoiding eye contact. They dared to argue with Demon Gods, but they did not dare disrespect the Five Emperors and One Master who had once established the unparalleled glory of the demon race.
Just then, a hushed murmur arose from below. Another four-eyed Demon Saint stood up and asked, "Esteemed Demon Master, are you Hun Kun Ancestor or the Demon Master of the demon race? During the war between the Wu and Yao tribes, why did you flee without fighting, abandoning our Heavenly Emperor, Lord Dong Huang, and the Empress?"
Upon hearing this, the demons below, invoking the names of Tai Yi and Di Jun, harbored resentment and looked at Kun Peng. Kun Peng raised his eyes coldly. A claw of azure blue flashed, and the four-eyed Demon Saint cried out in agony, all four of his eyeballs gouged out, his face a bloody mess, twisted in agony.
"Do you even qualify to question me?" Kun Peng withdrew his hand and said indifferently. The Demon Saints were stunned by Kun Peng's ruthlessness, and for a moment, no one dared to speak. After all, this was an Imperial rank being of the demon race, a terrifying existence close to Hun Yuan.
Just then, a thousand jade platforms flew through the sky, accompanied by myriad auspicious signs and fragrant aromas. A majestic great hall descended, carried by a giant flying boat, landing in the Demon Realm. Holy light bathed the land, and three figures emerged. A young attendant holding a green jade gourd and a young girl holding a crimson-handled fan stood on either side of an ethereal and transcendent Saint.
The demons were all astonished and prostrated themselves, "We welcome the Saint of All Beings, wishing the Saint eternal life."
Qing Ling descended the bridge of light, gazing at the kneeling demons and a few bowing old acquaintances. Everywhere he looked, everyone was bowing. He sighed inwardly; it was no wonder Saints rarely traveled. When a Saint journeyed, the heavens and earth would invariably display unusual phenomena, and all beings would pay homage. While such a feeling might be most enjoyable for those seeking fame, it was not pleasant for Saints with a benevolent heart.
Despite his sigh, Qing Ling maintained a Saint's composure and said indifferently, "Rise."
The myriad demons then rose, heads bowed, standing respectfully.
Qing Ling said, "Just now, I overheard someone questioning why the Demon Master fled without fighting on that day. I shall answer you: it was naturally at my command. Do you have any objections?"
The four-eyed Demon Saint, now blind, knelt in terror and said, "Saint, forgive me. This humble demon was ignorant and rashly offended the Saint."
Qing Ling did not answer him but addressed the demons, "During the war between the Wu and Yao tribes, if the Demon Master had not swallowed the Lightning Ancestor and retreated, and the two Ancestral Witches had self-detonated their origins in despair, do you think the demon race would still exist today? Would you still be here, plotting against each other? If not for the final struggle between the Heavenly Emperor and Dong Huang, how could the demon race have survived to this day? The Heavenly Emperor and Dong Huang, even Xi Huang and the Empress, perished for the demon race, to protect it with their lives. After their deaths, is this how the demon race they protected with their lives treats their children? Is this how they repay kindness with ingratitude and betrayal? If their true spirits were aware, seeing this scene today, how heartbroken would they be? Are you worthy of the Heavenly Emperor? Are you worthy of Dong Huang? Are you worthy of the countless kin who died on the battlefield, sacrificing their lives?"
The myriad demons fell silent, filled with sorrow. They recalled the era when the skies were stained with blood, the battlefield of billions of demon gods' blood. No one spoke.
In the distance, phoenixes cried out, and myriad rainbows filled the sky. Half of the Demon Realm's sky turned red. A divine and unique golden giant phoenix spread its wings and flew in, Empress Nuwa had arrived.
The myriad demons bowed towards Nuwa. Nuwa and Qing Ling exchanged a glance and understood everything. She said coldly, "The Demon Emperor of the demon race can only be inherited by the Di Jun lineage. They possess the qualifications and the ability to inherit. Those sordid thoughts will forever remain mere thoughts."
Nuwa extended her hand, and a child beside her quickly handed her a gourd. Nuwa tilted it, and a great banner, its demonic aura eclipsing the heavens, flew out. Nuwa pointed at it and shouted, "Come!"
The Myriad Demon Banner stirred the blood of all demons, illuminating their souls. Demonic winds swirled, summoning from all directions. Thousands of great demons were forcibly captured and brought forth, prostrating themselves in terror.
Nuwa sneered, "The reason the Demon Ancestor and I were late was to give you all an opportunity. Unfortunately, you did not repent. Today, you will remember: once a demon, always a demon! If you betray the heart of the demon race, you will become a soul on this banner!"
As her words fell, the captured great demons were filled with terror. They kowtowed, crying, "Empress Nuwa, spare us! Empress Nuwa, spare us!"
"This humble demon admits its mistake, begging for Your Grace, Empress! Spare my life!"
Nuwa remained unmoved. She shook the Myriad Demon Banner, and the thousands of demon powerhouses instantly contorted in agony, their screams shaking the heavens. The sight sent chills down the spines of all the demons present.
Lu Ya could not help but speak, "Master, I beg you to consider their lifelong labor for the demon race and spare their lives."
Nuwa heard this and pointed at the Myriad Demon Banner. The souls on the banner ceased their turmoil and flew into Lu Ya's hand.
"Since the Demon Emperor pleads for you, your lives now rest at his whim."
Thousands of demon powerhouses turned and bowed to Lu Ya, "Thank you, Your Majesty the Demon Emperor! Thank you, Your Majesty the Demon Emperor!"
Hearing this, the demons present understood the intentions of the two Saints and also began to shout their thanks, "Thank you, Your Majesty the Demon Emperor!"
Ten thousand demons prostrated themselves, the Demon Emperor ascended, and none dared to disobey. Without an auspicious time, the Saints' arrival was the auspicious time. Qing Ling and Nuwa stood side-by-side with the Demon Emperor, looking down at the ten thousand demons performing the ritual of prostration and enfeoffment. No demon dared to act presumptuously again.
Qing Ling smiled, "Fellow Daoist Nuwa, Lu Ya's cultivation will likely reach Grand Unity soon. His aptitude is truly excellent."
Nuwa smiled and replied, "The child of Di Jun and Xi He possesses top-tier aptitude in the Primordial World. However, since you have established the Hall of All Beings, you should also take in a few more disciples to facilitate your path."
Qing Ling suddenly chuckled, "You mention it, and I suddenly remember. I had forgotten about my nominal disciple for tens of Yuanhui. However, today, I am reminded of a Demon Saint in the demon race with considerable strength. I find him quite suitable, but I will need your consent."
Nuwa chuckled, "You are the Demon Ancestor! Whichever demon you wish to take as a disciple will be their great fortune. Why are you asking me?"
Qing Ling shook his head, "This person is no ordinary individual. The son of the Phoenix Ancestor, Kong Xuan!"