Chapter 152

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Chapter 152: Young Leader of the Human Race

The sky was a deep azure, bathed in the gentle warmth of the sun.

Bright clouds drifted endlessly across the vast expanse, while a soft breeze swept over mountains and rivers, brushing against the roaring waves and caressing the solemn faces of the cultivators at the Imperial Palace.

The Imperial Palace floated above the central region, veiled in swirling clouds like a celestial palace, perfectly positioned at the heart of the Tianwu Continent. It stood as a guardian, watching over the mountains and rivers of the five regions, embodying both awe and faith.

The mist enveloped the palace, casting everything below in a hazy glow. The surrounding peaks embraced the grand structure, creating an atmosphere of solemnity and dignity, as a momentous event unfolded—one that would be etched into the annals of Tianwu history.

The atmosphere across the five regions of the Tianwu Continent was equally solemn and respectful. Every cultivator stood tall, gazing up at the brilliant blue sky, their eyes fixed on the apex of the central region with reverence and awe.

The array flags fluttered in the wind, clouds surged majestically, and the gentle breeze nourished all.

Ming He wore an exquisite blue robe, its edges adorned with golden dragon designs that seemed poised to take flight.

The flowing fabric created a dazzling display, radiating brilliance and vitality.

It was the form of the Azure Dragon, its body sketched in black ink on the blue silk, merging with the swirling mists and the embroidered landscapes of mountains and rivers.

Only the dragon’s commanding presence, overlooking the mountains and riding the clouds, broke through the heavens, merging with the sharp energy of a sword cultivator to form an aura of unapproachable majesty.

This was the authority of the young leader of the human race.

The blue robe, crafted by the Palace of Artifacts, was unlike any ordinary cultivator’s attire. It was reserved solely for the young leader of the human race, symbolizing her status and identity. Beyond being impervious to fire and water, and resistant to blades, it was imbued with the scales and lifeblood of the Azure Dragon.

When gathered, it was a dragon soaring through the heavens, commanding clouds and rain; when dispersed, it was an embroidered landscape, a vision of grandeur and beauty, embodying the weight of the Tianwu Continent and the brilliance of the sun, moon, and stars—all resting upon one person’s shoulders.

Thus, the powerful allies of the Imperial Palace and the arriving cultivators watched with solemn faces and reverent expressions, their gazes fixed on the woman standing at the center of the Imperial Palace’s Xuanyuan Great Hall, elevated upon the platforms of the heavens, their eyes filled with admiration and respect.

The platform of the heavens was the pinnacle of the Tianwu Continent, towering over the Imperial Palace.

It opened only for the young leader of the human race.

Yet Ming He felt nothing.

She simply stood there, her blue robes flowing lightly, exuding an air of indifference. Her black hair was tied up, and her hands rested behind her as she looked down at the dense crowd of cultivators below, her gaze detached, a faint smile on her lips. Her aura was vibrant, yet it did not stem from the pressure of the blue robe.

That was her own brilliance.

The azure robe, forged from the scales and lifeblood of the Azure Dragon, could not overshadow her light; it merely enhanced her presence.

The purple Merchants’ Guild token at her waist fluttered gently.

Lou Qing Shang, dressed in purple, stood silently to her left below.

Fu Yao, clad in white, stood above on the platform of the heavens, his lips pale and his eyes twinkling with starlight. His clear voice resonated across the hall, creating ripples that echoed throughout the five regions of the Tianwu Continent, harmonizing with the sound of heaven and earth.

“On the eighth day of April in the 97,653rd year of the Tianwu calendar, Fu Yao, the 1,852nd lord of the Imperial Palace, hereby, under the spirit of heaven and earth, fulfills the command of the Emperor and honors Ming He, the true disciple of the Floating Cloud Sect in the Eastern Region, as the young leader of the human race. I bestow upon her the Azure Dragon Imperial Seal and return the Xuanyuan Divine Sword.

From this day forth, Ming He is the 111th young leader of the human race, and the coronation ceremony begins now.”

At this moment, the flowing clouds gathered with the breeze, forming a magnificent sight of the dragon soaring in the sky. The rivers, mountains, and all of creation seemed to pause for an instant, trees bowing slightly, streams halting in their flow, acknowledging the divine identity bestowed upon Ming He as the inheritor of the way.

Thunder erupted from the ground, the sun and moon shone together high in the sky, and the sword energy stretched for three thousand miles, announcing the enthronement of the young leader.

On the battlefield of the heavens, the sound of the way echoed, stirring up mighty waves. The human cultivators gazed at the blood-colored horizon, devoid of light, their eyes trembling as they glimpsed the dawn approaching.

“Greetings, Young Leader.” The first voice of reverence came from the battlefield of the heavens.

With the first voice, there came the second, the third…

As the final echoes rose, the voices surged like unceasing ocean tides, engulfing the entire Tianwu Continent and extending to the battlefield of the heavens. The overwhelming momentum even subdued the fierce and aggressive advance of the alien armies. A human cultivator, clad in black heavy armor, bellowed fiercely, gripping his weapon with fervor. His spirit ablaze, he charged forward, embodying light and hope as he advanced toward a path drenched in blood and devoid of sunlight.

At this moment, the Imperial Palace was bathed in the radiance of the sun and moon, with sparkling starlight supporting the floating clouds. Ming He blinked as the white figure approached her, a ripple of emotion stirring within her. She then bowed slightly, accepting the Xuanyuan Sword from the figure, clutching it firmly with her right hand. As the figure lowered their gaze, she spoke in a deep voice, "Thank you, Master."

The white figure paused, their eyes reflecting a fleeting moment of emotion and complexity. Ming He, however, disregarded the myriad gazes from behind. She extended her right hand, caressing the contrasting black and white hilt of the Xuanyuan Sword. She reminisced about the tumultuous events at the Divine Sword Tomb, the endless demon puppets in the Blood God Wilderness, and the grand journey she had undertaken, casting her gaze downward.

"Greetings, Young Leader," the voices of the cultivators resonated across the nine heavens and five regions, a booming sound merging with the toll of the Emperor’s bell, heralding the enthronement of the young leader as they willingly bowed their heads. They placed the fortunes of the human race upon her shoulders, just as they had done for Mu Chen thousands of years ago.

At twenty-three, Ming He was revered by thousands, standing proudly at the seventh stage of the Heaven Origin realm. With the Xuanyuan Sword in her right hand, she officially became the young leader of the human race, embodying the pride and glory of her people. Below the platform of the heavens, cultivators of notable backgrounds gathered to attend the enthronement ceremony.

Ming He’s gaze swept over the crowd, landing on Xia Bufan and Xia Fengye from the Shanhai Sect in the central region, who bowed respectfully, their faces filled with admiration and expectation, their eyes sparkling like stars. The vibrant young man in red attire, strikingly handsome, radiated confidence and grace even as he stooped slightly. Feeling her gaze, he lifted his head, his expression proud and clear, reminiscent of the day he leaned against the railing atop a high building, listening to the wind.

He was Jiang An, the second young master of the Jiang Clan, one of the Four Great Ancient Clans—the Jiang An who had fallen beneath her sword, the Jiang An who had consumed the Death-like Pill while serving in the Nine Heavens Guard. Ming He’s eyes flashed with realization as she shifted her attention to the woman standing nearby, her heart momentarily lost in thought.

The woman, dressed in light green silk, had a gentle demeanor, straight posture, and an air of dignity, exuding the pride of an Ancient Clan disciple. This was Song Tian Rou from the Song Clan. Ming He couldn’t hide her surprise and curiosity, her gaze lingering on the woman. Song Tian Rou then looked up, nodding gently at Ming He with a smile, her warmth touched with a hint of distance.

This was the true Song Tian Rou. Ming He contemplated the title of Ancient Clan disciple, a smile hinting at the corners of her lips as she suddenly understood, lightly amused. It turned out that the previously fearsome and violent woman had been the long-voice guardian of the demon race. So, her Senior Sister’s charm was indeed not to be underestimated! She had captivated even the heart of the long-voice guardian of the demon race, who had not yet awakened her memories, willing to go to any lengths to eliminate her.

The Song Clan and the Imperial Palace must have noticed something amiss with Song Tian Rou at that time! Unfortunately, while Song Tian Rou could reclaim her body, Zhao Zhi Yuan could not, due to his lower cultivation and shallow foundation. The gap between the direct line of the Ancient Clans and the descendants of lesser clans was indeed like a chasm, a moment separating life and death.

Ming He returned a light smile, her gaze swiftly scanning the Imperial Palace, then turned to accept the Azure Dragon Imperial Seal from Fu Yao’s hands. She stepped upward, standing atop the highest step of the platform of the heavens, looking down at the crowd of cultivators as if she were a sovereign ruling over all.

At this moment, even Fu Yao stood several steps below her.

The Lord of the Imperial Palace, clad in white, lowered her gaze and bowed gracefully, “Greetings, Young Leader.”

Following her, the powerful allies of the Imperial Palace echoed, “Greetings, Young Leader.”

The Azure Dragon Imperial Seal.

Was this the supreme artifact born from the fallen divine beast, the Azure Dragon? A relic that carried the very fate of the human race?

When Mu Chen fell into darkness, before the Star Lock acknowledged her as its master, this imperial seal had been dull and shattered.

Though its condition had improved slightly, it still lacked the radiant brilliance capable of illuminating the heavens and the earth.

It awaited her growth.

Ming He held the imperial seal in her left hand, her expression thoughtful as she prepared to act. Suddenly, a clear and resonant voice reached her from the distant clouds—a voice she recognized.

“Dream Sea, the Left Envoy of the Demon Race, comes at the command of our leader to congratulate the Young Leader of the human race on her ascension.” A woman dressed in black emerged from the mist, her smile faintly rigid.

Step by step, she approached, halting beneath the celestial platform. She tilted her head upward, her gaze fixed on Ming He, and with a playful glint in her eye, she sent a flirtatious glance her way.

Ming He: “…” Her emotions were a tangled web.

Yet, despite the complexity, she did not falter. She reached out and caught the floating fox jade, its familiarity unmistakable. Carefully, she fastened it to her waist, her smile flawless. “Thank you, Demon Lord. Please, Left Envoy, take your seat.”

As she spoke, cultivators from the Imperial Palace stepped forward to guide Dream Sea to her place.

The Demon Lord of the Demon Race was none other than Ji Wu Xu.

During her desperate flight from the human pursuers, Ming He had heard whispers of the Left Envoy’s untimely demise, though the cause remained shrouded in mystery.

Now, seeing Dream Sea assume the role, there was no doubt left in her mind.

The former Left Envoy must have met her end at Ji Wu Xu’s hands.

Ming He’s gaze drifted to the fox jade at her waist. This very piece had been given to her by Ji Wu Xu herself on the Blood God Wilderness, a token of their pact to seize the leadership of the Demon Race.

She had confided in her Senior Sister, and the fox jade had eventually found its way into Qin Chu Yi’s possession.

Now, it had returned to her under Dream Sea’s name, a clear sign that Qin Chu Yi was the one aiding Ji Wu Xu’s rise.

Perhaps the Qin Clan and the Imperial Palace were also involved.

No wonder Ji Wu Xu had entrusted her with the fox jade back on the Blood God Wilderness, despite her low cultivation and unremarkable status.

Ming He’s fingers brushed the hilt of the Xuanyuan Sword as her eyes flickered toward Qu Lingyun, who stood cloaked in shadows, her white attire blending into the darkness. At last, Ming He grasped the depth of Ji Wu Xu’s cunning.

Back then, even her Senior Sister had been kept in the dark by the Imperial Palace.

And that woman in fiery red, who was no part of the human race, had already discerned the grand design the human race had laid out for her.

Because she knew, she had bestowed upon her the fox jade, a symbol of the Demon Race’s highest honor.

Ji Wu Xu’s reliance was not on Ming He’s potential or Qin Chu Yi’s status as the Young Master of the Qin Clan, but on the might of the entire Imperial Palace—the strength of the human race.

The fox jade’s true meaning was not about seizing the title of Demon Lord, but rather the willingness of the Demon Race’s young leader to align with the human race’s chosen leader for a greater purpose.

To conspire together for a greater cause was to declare the Demon Race’s readiness to stand alongside the human race against their common foes.

Thus, the human race had silently condoned her usurpation of her father’s throne, even aiding her in the shadows.

Dream Sea’s arrival was but a testament to this alliance.

Returning the Fox Jade signified the continuation of their alliance; the Demon Race would not break the agreement.

The bond between Ji Wu Xu and Ming He, forged through shared trials of life and death, would remain unbroken.

The young leader of the human race owed a debt of saving a life to the leader of the Demon Race.

Ming He glanced casually at Fu Yao, whose smile confirmed her suspicions. Deep down, she knew she had likely been outmaneuvered by Ji Wu Xu.

It had all begun when her Master took the Xuanyuan Sword.

During their journey through the Blood God Wilderness, Ji Wu Xu had lost the Sword of the ancient demon emperor but gained the throne of the Demon Race—a trade that was far from unfavorable.

Truly, the cunning of the nine-tailed fox clan knew no bounds!

Ming He recalled her first encounter with Ji Wu Xu, a moment teetering on the edge of life and death. A cold smile flickered across her lips as she clenched her fist, a drop of blood falling onto the Azure Dragon Imperial Seal. The Star Lock at her heart began to resonate with her spirit.

A radiant light burst forth, indistinguishable between the glow of the Azure Dragon Imperial Seal and the brilliance of the Star Lock, intertwining to envelop Ming He.

The Xuanyuan Sword hummed softly, and the Four-direction Compass flew out from her storage ring, hovering above her head.

Her eyes calm, she rose lightly from the ground, standing firm in the void, unmoved by the stirring winds around her—like a towering mountain or an endless ocean.

Cultivators below gazed up at her, watching as swirling lights encircled her, churning the heavens and earth, as if the stars themselves bowed to her presence.

The sensation was otherworldly.

Ming He’s bright eyes swept across the Tianwu Continent, taking in the rivers, mountains, trees, and creatures. From them, something ethereal emerged, drawn into her by the turning of the Four-direction Compass, a purification deeper than any worldly baptism.

The barrier of the seventh stage of the Heaven Origin realm shattered effortlessly.

Her aura surged, filling the heavens and earth, rising at a terrifying pace.

Eighth stage of the Heaven Origin realm!

Ninth stage of the Heaven Origin realm!

The cultivators below the celestial platform stared in awe, while Fu Yao and the practitioners of the Imperial Palace watched with eager anticipation.

The young leader of the human race, embodying the spiritual energy of the cosmos and the power of the celestial laws, found it natural to break through multiple levels.

This was not defiance of heaven; Ming He’s current cultivation was more solid and profound than any breakthrough achieved through mere training, her Resolve unshaken.

The trials she had endured in the grand scheme of the world were immense, so ascending to the Great Emperor realm now would be no issue.

For she already possessed the heart of an emperor.

The Asura Heart.

The ambitions of the human race extended far beyond cleansing the Tianwu Continent.

The Imperial Palace was playing the grandest game of all.

So many prodigies of the human race had sacrificed their paths for this cause; how could they settle for merely following the celestial will and enduring a trial where "the world stood against them"?

If the celestial laws refused to grant their power to Ming He, then they would force their hand.

As long as Ming He’s path to greatness remained steady and swift, it would suffice.

After all, the battlefield of the heavens was on the brink of collapse.

Fu Yao coughed softly, blood staining his lips, yet he smiled brightly as he watched Ming He close her eyes to break through her realm.

In an instant, the barriers of the Heaven Origin realm crumbled.

She stepped into the Human King stage, a realm all cultivators dreamed of from the moment they began their journey.

A realm capable of withstanding the violent energy of the battlefield of the heavens.

A realm that could charge into the battlefield of the heavens and slaughter alien races.

A realm that Qu Lingyun, Mu Qian, Lu Xiaoliang, and others could only dream of in their lifetimes.

Yet her breakthrough did not stop there.

The Star Lock, the Four-direction Compass, the Xuanyuan Sword, and the Azure Dragon Imperial Seal—each a treasure of unparalleled origin, capable of stirring the heavens—now belonged to her, serving her willingly, their brilliance unmatched.

First level of the Human King realm!

Third level of the Human King realm!

Fifth level of the Human King realm!

In the blink of an eye, Ming He shattered the unyielding barrier between the Heaven Origin realm and the Human King realm, stabilizing at the sixth level of the Human King realm.

At twenty-three years old, she had achieved the sixth level of the Human King realm—a feat unprecedented in history.

Though it seemed an act of defiance against heaven, the celestial laws themselves had played a part in this.

The Imperial Palace fell into a profound silence, so quiet that even the drop of a pin could be heard.

Ming He, her eyes closed, sensed a faint, blood-colored figure floating amidst the flowing clouds, its breath hitching for a moment. She opened her eyes and looked around.

Beyond the light, the onlookers gazed at her with fervent, almost reverent eyes, yet they did not see the figure.

It seemed only she could perceive it.