Chapter 791

Chapter 791: The Golden-winged Demon Emperor

The Ancestor stared at the Golden-winged Roc descending before him. As the colossal demonic form shrank, a golden-haired man in a resplendent phoenix robe emerged from the blinding golden light. His striking features and proud figure, reminiscent of a lotus floating on a pond, exuded an air of burdened responsibility. His golden eyes bore interconnected black markings. After muttering indistinct words to the unflinching Ye Yun, he coldly declared, “Do you humans dare declare war on my Demon Race?”

“A mere sealed demon still dares boast such arrogance.” The Ancestor showed no fear despite sensing the golden-haired man’s formidable aura, retorting with sharp mockery.

“Humans remain as detestable as ever. Yet your words hold some truth. My Demon Race is indeed sealed, and over these long years, your kind has birthed experts like you.” The golden-haired man’s eyes briefly darkened with sorrow before twisting into a sneer. “But what makes you so certain we’ll stay trapped?”

“Hmm?” The Ancestor tensed, scanning his surroundings. When the man made no move, he calmly dismissed, “Empty threats. Still, a Demon Emperor of your caliber is… noteworthy.”

The Ancestor felt no unease. The golden-haired man’s cunning and demeanor suggested control over the situation. Even among humans, he’d stand as a peerless schemer—let alone as a bone-devouring demon.

“Others once judged me as you do. Yet in my current state, your human race remains weak.” The golden-haired man chuckled, his hostility easing as he subtly leaked information to “Ye Yun.”

“Your suppressed savagery is palpable. But if provoked, will your ambitions coexist with your duties?” The Ancestor remarked coolly, noting the man’s relaxed posture.

“As the Demon Emperor, my duty is to free my race from the Nine Demons Burning seal and lead them to the Spirit Herb Continent. War with humans isn’t our intent—especially when Lingyao Continent reeks of lingering demonic energy. Your plight must be dire.” The golden-haired man’s eyes flickered with suppressed darkness.

“So you want me to reclaim the Nine Heavenly Seals and ally against the Devils?” The Ancestor mused, amused by the man’s scholarly demeanor.

“Spare the sealing jade tablet, and I vow my race won’t target humans immediately. With the Devil Race rising, disrupting Lingyao’s order benefits none.”

The golden-haired man’s heart sank as the Ancestor gripped the strange artifact. Before he could speak, a surge of demonic energy pierced his sea of consciousness.

Though he raised defenses, the attack’s precision overwhelmed him. The demonic energy breached his barriers, invading his mind.

Seizing the moment, the Ancestor crushed a sky-blue jade tablet. Immortal spirit power erupted beneath Ye Yun as intricate runes enveloped him, lifting him toward Nine Demons Burning’s abyss. Before the seal fully activated, Ye Yun’s consciousness snapped back. White light burst from him, engulfing Tianqing as they teleported away.

Watching from shadows, the azure fox approached the disoriented golden-haired man. Transforming into an elderly figure, it anxiously asked, “Demon Emperor, what did those cultivators do?”

Leng Lingyun was their race’s last hope to escape the seal. Even the four Great Demon Kings were expendable, but he wasn’t. Trapped for eons, they’d nearly lost hope until his arrival—a Golden-winged Roc descendant, inheritor of ancient divine beast bloodlines. Compared to humans like Mo Wenxian or Tianqing, his cultivation surpassed theirs by eras.

Reaching the ninth-level Demon Emperor in Nine Demons Burning’s desolate environment was miraculous. Now nearing the peak of level nine, he aimed to become a Tenth Level Earth Immortal king.

A few more years would’ve secured their freedom. But these humans killed the nightmare beast and meddled with Leng Lingyun through unknown means.

“Qing Lao, I’m unharmed. A few more months, and I’ll reach the peak. Then, our race shall rise.” Leng Lingyun forced a weak smile.

“Heaven blesses us! I’ll leave you to prepare. Soon, we’ll make humans pay!” The elder, Qing Lao, transformed back into the azure fox and vanished.

Unnoticed, pure demonic energy flashed in Leng Lingyun’s eyes. Violence, greed, and calamity took root in his heart.

“The Devil Race’s power… long forgotten.” Like Immortal Dao Sect’s Grand Elder Mu Zhi, who blended immortal arts with demonic energy, Leng Lingyun fused his demonic body with demonic energy. With the Ancestor’s aid, he aimed to breach the Tenth Level of Earth Immortal and ascend as the peak ninth-level Demon Emperor.

His Golden-winged Roc form radiated golden light, twin streams of black demonic energy swirling in his eyes. A piercing cry echoed, igniting hope in countless hidden watchers—their last beacon of freedom.

Ye Yun exhaled, relieved as calm scenery returned. Yet the ninth-level Demon Emperor lingered in his thoughts. Though not yet at his peak, his power was undeniable.

“Ancestor, why infect him with demonic energy? To exploit a weakness?” Ye Yun asked, recalling the extracted energy from his own demonic side.

Demonic energy amplified destruction but corroded minds. Shui Yingying’s split personality stemmed from trauma, not demonic influence, yet prolonged exposure risked worse.

“A tangled web,” Ye Yun muttered, lacking time to dwell.

Tianqing chuckled, “You slew that nightmare beast effortlessly. I’d have struggled.”

Earlier, Tianqing had frozen under the beast’s oppressive aura. Yet Ye Yun’s ruthless assault and the divine phenomena behind him—a legendary extreme domain—left Tianqing awestruck.

“Master spoke of such realms granting unfathomable power. To achieve this at the Nascent Soul stage… terrifying talent.” Respect deepening, Tianqing smiled. “If you’ve no urgent matters, I’ll take my leave. Much to explore.”

“Leaving? Join me in Lingxiao City for drinks.”

Tianqing shook his head. “I’ll wander Lingyao Continent first. Perhaps I’ll visit someday.”

“Then fare well. Seek me if trouble finds you.” Ye Yun nodded, understanding the wanderer’s path.