"Ye Tian, this is a matter between the Heavenly Court and the demon race. I advise you not to meddle in other people's business. You'd best leave immediately, or I won't be so polite!"

Hearing the Jade Emperor say this, Ye Tian thought to himself, Even at this point, he still wants to launch an attack on the demon race? He's completely overestimating himself. Ye Tian replied, "Jade Emperor, it seems you didn't quite hear what I said earlier. Let me repeat myself—Di Jun is my friend. If you plan to act recklessly here, you'll have to go through me first."

"So you insist on standing against me?"

"Well, it's not like we were ever friends."

The Jade Emperor knew that dragging things out would only make matters worse. So, without wasting another moment, he said to Ye Tian, "Ye Tian, then how about this—let's duel one-on-one. Do you dare accept my challenge?"

"Well, well. Looks like you've grown some nerve. You actually want to duel me?"

To be honest, Ye Tian was genuinely surprised that the Jade Emperor would want to challenge him to a solo duel. He should know by now that he's no match for me. So why would he still want to fight me one-on-one?

Though Ye Tian found it strange, he still nodded and said, "Since you've got the guts, I'll accept your challenge. Come on—I'd like to see who gave you the courage to think you could win."

"Good!"

In fact, after their last clash, the Jade Emperor already knew he was no match for Ye Tian. Even so, he still insisted on fighting him now. The reason was that he had developed a new weapon—one that could suppress Ye Tian's power.

Not only could this weapon weaken Ye Tian, but it could also amplify the Jade Emperor's own strength. That's why he was eager to give it a try.

He now raised a blade and declared, "Panlong Blade—witness its power!"

"What? Panlong Blade?"

The moment Ye Tian laid eyes on the weapon, he was visibly shocked. He could feel the immense pressure emanating from the blade—it made him extremely uncomfortable, as if his strength had been suppressed by more than half.

"Jade Emperor, where did you get that weapon?"

"Where it came from is none of your business. All you need to know is that very soon, I'll defeat you!"

But Ye Tian replied, "You think just because you have this weapon now, you can beat me? Let me tell you—it's not going to be that easy."

Staring at the Jade Emperor, Ye Tian knew that if he planned to rely solely on that blade to defeat him, he still didn't have what it took. So Ye Tian looked him straight in the eye and said, "Go ahead, make the first move—I'll let you have the opening strike."

"Hmph! Even now you're still so arrogant? With the Panlong Blade in hand, do you think I'd be afraid of you?"

At that moment, the Jade Emperor gripped the Panlong Blade tightly, and a tremendous force erupted from his body, instantly boosting his aura.

"Panlong Splits the Heavens!"

Whoosh!

A thunderous boom rang out—it was as if the very heavens had been cleaved open.

The sheer force of the strike was so intense that everyone nearby was frozen in place, unable to move. Even Ye Tian felt a heavy weight pressing down on his body. The sensation was terrible!

This is bad. This situation is not in my favor right now!

Ye Tian quickly realized what was happening and immediately began to retreat. The pressure was too strong for him to confront head-on—better to avoid it for now.

Seeing Ye Tian retreating, the Jade Emperor laughed mockingly and said, "What's the matter, Ye Tian? Realizing how powerful I am now? I told you already—you're no match for me. Hmph, I wonder what you'll do next. A year from now will be the anniversary of your death… though I doubt someone like you will have anyone around to mourn you!"

Having narrowly dodged the attack, Ye Tian couldn't help but find it odd. No wonder he's acting so arrogant now—so that's the power of the Panlong Blade. Ye Tian then said to the Jade Emperor, "The Panlong Blade truly is a remarkable weapon. Not only does it enhance your strength, but it also suppresses your opponent."

"Then if you know what's good for you, back off while you still can. Leave now and I won't pursue this any further. Otherwise, I'll kill you where you stand—and there's nothing you can do about it."

The Jade Emperor glared at Ye Tian, while Ye Tian stared back with an expression that carried a subtle sense of menace. Now that the Jade Emperor had the Panlong Blade, his power had indeed increased dramatically.

But Ye Tian had no intention of backing down. In that moment, he said calmly, "Jade Emperor, do you think you're invincible now?"

"Am I not?"

Looking at Ye Tian, the Jade Emperor felt almost pity. He's clearly no match for me anymore, so why does he still act so arrogantly?

"Hmph. A weapon is still just a weapon. A man is still just a man. Even though your strength has increased with such a powerful weapon, if your own foundation is lacking, you won't be able to unleash the weapon's full potential."

"Oh really?"

"Yes. Don't say I didn't warn you—you won't be able to bring out the true power of that blade. I don't know where you found the Panlong Blade, but I can tell you now—it's not a weapon you're qualified to wield!"

"Ye Tian, are you lecturing me?"

"I wouldn't dare. You're the Jade Emperor, after all. How could I possibly lecture you? Like I said earlier—I'm only giving you a friendly reminder. If you want to listen, that's fine. If you don't, then just pretend I never said anything."

Ye Tian smiled as he spoke, and the Jade Emperor was clearly annoyed. His tone turned cold. "Enough with the useless chatter. If you think you can defeat me, then fight! And if you're too afraid, then shut up and stay out of my way!"