CHAPTER 959: CHAPTER 978: HEAD-TO-HEAD, HIDDEN KILLING INTENT

An era’s Saint falls, leaving only a charred skeleton, becoming a complete mockery—truly a cause for deep sighs.

At this moment, all eyes are focused on two figures, who become the center of attention amidst a burgeoning mysterious atmosphere.

Luo Hou dons a black robe, his visage strikingly handsome, holding the Destructive Demon Lotus, seeming indifferent to the scorched bones beneath him, instead wearing a gentle smile that belies his vicious demeanor that once intended to slay Nuwa.

Terrifying, truly terrifying!

Luo Hou seemingly obliterated Nuwa with Dark Demon Fire moments ago, but now he appears uninvolved, presenting a gentlemanly demeanor, this stark contrast eliciting an involuntary shudder from all.

"I’ve always admired your fame, Ye Daoist, meeting you today proves it’s well-founded. Nuwa disrupted the Heavenly Court’s ceremony and deserved her fate; in my moment of rage, I killed her. I hope Daoist does not take offense," Luo Hou spoke with a smile, slightly bowing to Ye Xuan, lowering his stance further.

"Luo Hou, Daoist, you jest. It’s merely Nuwa, and what’s done is done; how could I possibly place blame?" Ye Xuan replied calmly.

Their exchange is polite, resembling old friends long separated, their words carrying courteous undertones, with a silent agreement not to break the proverbial glass between them.

Yet their discourse leaves the surrounding crowd aghast, their eyes complex; it was Nuwa, after all, once a Heavenly Dao Saint, now lying dead at their feet, yet they converse merrily, unconcerned, chilling the hearts of those witness.

"Haha."

The more Luo Hou observes Ye Xuan, the more satisfied he becomes, laughing as he approaches Ye Xuan: "I hear the new emperor is crowned today, and I specifically came to congratulate, hoping to befriend Ye Daoyu."

"I’ve long heard of Demon Ancestor Luo Hou’s reputation; Ye Xuan always wished to meet, and knowing you today fulfills a longstanding desire."

"Please, Daoist, have a seat."

Ye Xuan’s smile curves subtly as he warmly invites Luo Hou to proceed together, his face exhibits sincere cordiality as they walk side by side to the Heaven Ascending Platform, their demeanor like old friends, imbued with an ineffable sense of warmth.

Meanwhile, Nuwa’s scorched skeleton is quietly gathered by the Nine Heaven Mysterious Maiden. Whether Nuwa was good or bad, she was still her master, and all she could now do was ensure a proper burial.

On the Heaven Ascending Platform, Ye Xuan and Luo Hou sit side by side; Ye Xuan personally fills Luo Hou’s cup with wine, downing his in one go, then softly remarks to Luo Hou, "Daoist, what do you think of my Heavenly Court?"

"Unifying the Three Realms, earning the respect of all spirits alone is an unmatched achievement; yet, for us, these are mere externalities. The true aim should be the legendary Saint of Saints."

Luo Hou replied with a smile, raising his glass to Ye Xuan and drinking; only Ye Xuan’s eyes sharpen momentarily before softening once more, showing no peculiarities.

As the saying goes, observe a part to know the whole; Luo Hou indeed mentioned the Saint of Saints, suggesting that his path of cultivation is also related to the Saint of Saints.

A formidable enemy, a peerless adversary!

Ye Xuan’s exterior remains placid, but inwardly he regards Luo Hou as a formidable enemy.

"Rumor has it, Daoist achieved Dao through unique means, and meeting today confirms its validity; however, to achieve Dao differently requires significant opportunity, yet I see your aura obscure and concealed, your energy hidden within, greatly divergent from so-called alternative Dao; could it be you’re following the path of Proving Dao with Power?" Luo Hou sipped his wine, seeming to converse casually, but his words harbored silent sharpness.

Ye Xuan had tested him earlier, and Luo Hou provided an answer, affirming he walks the path of the Saint of Saints, and now returns the test to Ye Xuan, to see how he responds.

"Indeed, I walk the path of Proving Dao with Power and have stepped into the Heavenly Dao Fourth Tribulation."

As Ye Xuan’s voice resonated, Luo Hou’s expression flickered in shock, his wine cup trembling slightly before he raised his gaze to Ye Xuan, finding him smiling back.

What a formidable Ye Xuan, he admitted it?

Luo Hou’s smile remained unchanged, but his thoughts surged, with a hint of heaviness flitting through his eyes before calming.

He had expected Ye Xuan to conceal, yet the latter candidly confessed, an unanticipated development.

Though a newcomer, this man’s cunning and depth rivals mine, one I must not underestimate!

Luo Hou’s thoughts oscillated, deeming Ye Xuan a formidable enemy, yet maintained a calm facade, engaging Ye Xuan in conversation, their laughter echoing, as if unaware of the lethal undertones.

"The so-called Saint of Saints transcends Heaven and Earth, freely traversing Chaos, subjugating Heavenly Dao, yet few techniques lead to this gate; even Pangu God in his path of Proving Dao with Power failed; can you compare with Pangu God?" Luo Hou sighed deeply.

"This world initially lacked paths; any trodden path becomes a road. Daoist once injured by Dao Ancestor Hong Jun and hidden in the Demon World, has these years extinguished your spirit to advance?" Ye Xuan retorted blandly.

Adversarial confrontation, laden with hidden killing intent.

Their words clash, each probing the other’s Dao heart, Luo Hou’s words aiming to unsettle Ye Xuan, and Ye Xuan similarly seeks to disrupt Luo Hou’s Dao heart, the hidden killing intent understood only by them.

"Haha."

Luo Hou chuckled, "Ye Daoist indeed extraordinary, Luo Hou submits."

"Your visit to the Heavenly Court for the ceremony today is our honor; quickly, honor Demon Ancestor with a drink!"

Ye Xuan smiled, glancing around, prompting the members of the Thirty-Three Layered Heaven to raise their goblets towards Demon Ancestor, to which Luo Hou nodded and drank, maintaining his calm, unbothered demeanor.

"Today sees a new emperor’s coronation, as our Thirty-Three Layered Heaven governs the Three Realms, so we must rescue the spirits from peril. Ziwei Heavenly Emperor shall refine stones to repair the blue sky, achieving the position of Heavenly Dao Saint," Ye Xuan’s commanding voice echoed.

Rumble!

With Ye Xuan’s words, Ziwei Heavenly Emperor bowed respectfully towards him, holding Hongmeng Purple Qi and Five-Colored Divine Stone in hand.

"Today, granted the title of Heavenly Emperor, Ziwei dares not fail Heavenly Emperor Ye’s trust, and shall refine stones to repair the blue sky, restoring the Three Realms to bright clarity."