"Head to the Dou Qi Continent immediately and request an audience with Emperor Zhou!"
"Dou Qi Continent? Emperor Zhou?"
The Masters (prev. trans. as Sovereigns) of Space, Primordial Chaos, Darkness, Flame, and Thunder exchanged glances, their expressions filled with confusion.
What in the world?
Where was this Dou Qi Continent? Who was this Emperor Zhou?
After the First Great War of Heaven and Earth, they had all sustained severe injuries and spent most of their time in deep slumber to recover. Unless something of great importance occurred, they rarely paid attention to the outside world.
Zhou Yi's ascension to Emperor had happened only recently.
They had never heard of it.
Moreover, Zhou Yi was not a native of the Tianxuan Continent but of the Dou Qi Continent, which was why they had no prior connection to him.
Roar!
At that moment, a massive azure dragon soared through the sky before transforming into a humanoid figure wrapped in a blue aura.
This was the Azure Dragon King, Qing Zhi.
A cultivator who had reached the First Cycle of Reincarnation.
An ancient powerhouse who had lived through the First Great War of Heaven and Earth, Qing Zhi was no stranger to the Eight Ancient Masters.
However, back then, his strength had been insufficient to influence the war's outcome.
A mere background character in that grand conflict.
"Qing Zhi greets the esteemed Ancient Masters."
Qing Zhi clasped his fists and bowed respectfully to the five figures before him.
"You know of the Dou Qi Continent and Emperor Zhou?" The Flame Master, known for his impatience, asked without hesitation.
Qing Zhi nodded. "The Dou Qi Continent is a world on par with our Tianxuan Continent. In the past, it has given birth to more than ten Dou God!"
"A Dou God is the pinnacle of power in the Dou Qi Continent, comparable to the great Lord Fu Zu (Symbol Ancestor)!"
"What? Over ten beings as powerful as our master?"
The Masters of Darkness and the others were stunned.
The Tianxuan Continent had never produced such an existence.
And they knew that their master, Fu Zu, was not originally from the Tianxuan Continent.
"This Emperor Zhou—he's a newly ascended Dou God?"
The Darkness Master, clad in sleek black battle armor, her long hair cascading over her shoulders, possessed a breathtakingly exquisite face. Her pure black eyes shimmered with curiosity.
"Yes," Qing Zhi affirmed. "Emperor Zhou is the first newly ascended Dou God in a thousand years. I just returned from his coronation and wedding ceremony."
"How many Dou Gods exist on the Dou Qi Continent?" The Primordial Chaos Master asked.
"Since the disappearance of the last Dou God, Tuo She Ancient Emperor, a thousand years ago, no one had ascended to that realm—until Emperor Zhou."
"Before his rise, the Dou Qi Continent was dominated by the Eight Ancient Clans, all descendants of past Dou God, their bloodlines brimming with latent power."
"Before achieving his breakthrough, Emperor Zhou had already established an interdimensional passage between the Tianxuan and Dou Qi Continents."
"But Emperor Zhou seems more interested in taking wives than expanding his empire. Many from the Tianxuan Continent have already become his consorts."
Qing Zhi's explanation gave the Ancient Masters a rough understanding of the Dou Qi Continent and Zhou Yi.
At the very least, it seemed Zhou Yi harbored no hostility toward the Tianxuan Continent.
As for his penchant for marriage…
That wasn't their concern.
"The Demon Emperor is coming. Time is short. I will go to the Dou Qi Continent and request Emperor Zhou's assistance."
The Darkness Master made her decision immediately.
Having lived for countless ages, even an idiot would have wisened up by now.
Qing Zhi had deliberately emphasized Zhou Yi's fondness for taking wives.
He might as well have outright stated that Zhou Yi was a womanizer.
Among the five of them, the Darkness Master was the only woman. Her chances of success were clearly the highest, as was the likelihood of securing an audience with Zhou Yi.
The other four nodded in agreement.
The Darkness Master, accompanied by Qing Zhi, tore through space and entered the Dou Qi Continent.
"Unbelievable how much has changed over the years."
The Space Master sighed.
"Will Emperor Zhou be willing to help?"
The Thunder Master was somewhat uneasy. The Demon Emperor was a being on par with Fu Zu, possibly even stronger than a newly ascended Dou God.
Moreover, Zhou Yi had no ties to the Tianxuan Continent. He had every reason to refuse their plea.
Having reached such an exalted level, Zhou Yi had all the time in the world to enjoy himself. There was no need for him to risk his life battling the Demon Emperor.
Even if the Demon Emperor conquered the Tianxuan Continent, Zhou Yi could simply destroy the interdimensional passage, cutting all ties between the two worlds.
Without that link, the Demon Emperor would be powerless to affect the Dou Qi Continent.
"Let's hope Senior Sister can persuade him. Either way, we must prepare for a final battle."
The Space Master sighed deeply.
Their gazes turned toward the heavens.
Beyond the celestial void, an ancient, colossal barrier loomed, its cryptic energy stirring the very essence of the universe. Merely glancing at it was enough to send one's internal energy into turmoil.
Layer upon layer of radiant light obscured the horrors beyond, yet faint silhouettes lurked behind the barrier's veil.
An abyssal rift loomed, resembling the gaping maw of a demon, spewing endless waves of malevolence—held at bay only by the ancient seal.
Then, from the depths of that void, a tiny beam of black light shot forth, piercing straight through the brow of the luminous silhouette guarding the barrier.
"It's the Demon Emperor!"
The Masters of Flame and Space gritted their teeth.
The once-glorious figure of Fu Zu, the master they revered, was fading away, his spectral eyes flickering with an unexpected emotion.
He looked at his disciples one last time, a gentle smile forming on his aged face.
"Do not grieve. Do not despair."
His voice, ancient as the stars, echoed across the land, shaking all who heard it.
"Master!"
The Ancient Masters were stunned, falling to their knees in reverence.
"My disciples… The Demon Emperor has laid his plans well, but so have I. You are my contingency…"
"But fate is unpredictable. Change has come. Perhaps… my plan is no longer necessary."
Fu Zu's spectral form dissolved into the void, leaving behind the incomplete seal that still held firm.
"Master…"
Though their hearts ached, the Ancient Masters took solace in one thing:
Fu Zu had acknowledged Zhou Yi's existence.
And he had faith that Zhou Yi would not stand idly by.
A being as powerful as Fu Zu himself…
Their confidence soared.
Yet the fragmented seal would not last long. The Demon Emperor would break free within a year or two.
They needed to prepare.
They could not simply rely on Zhou Yi alone.
Dou Qi Continent, Zhou Manor.
Zhou Yi lay comfortably with his consorts, including Ling Qingzhu, enjoying the blissful pleasures of life.
Suddenly, his senses tingled.
A powerful stranger had arrived.
"A Third Cycle Reincarnation… And a beauty at that. Must be the Darkness Master."
His gaze turned toward the interdimensional passage.
Her aura and cultivation technique made her instantly recognizable.
Whether in the Dou Qi or Tianxuan Continents, few women had reached such heights.
The only ones were Fu Zu's disciples:
The Darkness Master. The Ice Master. The Life and Death Master.
But the Ice and Life and Death Masters had reincarnated and not yet awakened.
In fact, Zhou Yi knew exactly who they were now.
The Ice Master had reincarnated as Ying Huanhuan—his fiancée.
The Life and Death Master? She was his little sister-in-law, Jiang Yinyin.
As soon as the Darkness Master and Qing Zhi emerged from the passage, a formidable presence descended upon them like divine judgment.
"Darkness Master seeks an audience with Emperor Zhou!"
The Darkness Master cupped her hands and offered a respectful bow.
As a disciple of the Symbol Ancestor, she was undoubtedly one of the most powerful beings on the continent. However, she understood all too well the unfathomable might of the Symbol Ancestor's realm.
It was beyond their comprehension.
Her arrival being noticed by Zhou Yi the moment she stepped into his domain was only natural.
After all, she was a powerhouse who had survived the tribulations of the Third Cycle of Reincarnation.
If Zhou Yi had failed to detect her presence, that would have been truly strange.
"Come forth."
Zhou Yi's indifferent voice resounded, and in an instant, the Darkness Master felt space ripple around her. In the blink of an eye, she found herself within a tranquil garden, where flowers bloomed in riotous profusion, competing in beauty and fragrance.
She lifted her head and saw a strikingly handsome young man.
His flawless features seemed sculpted by divine hands—sharp, resolute, and impossibly refined. His eyes, black and white in stark contrast, resembled a vast and unfathomable starry sky, yet also carried the imposing presence of a sovereign gazing down upon all living beings—a mystery interwoven with an overwhelming sense of dread and majesty.
Reclining lazily in a rocking chair, he held in his arms a peerless beauty—graceful and ethereal, like an immortal lotus fairy.
Yet despite his lean frame, an indescribable pressure emanated from him, as though he were an insurmountable mountain range, radiating an awe-inspiring dominance that made her breath hitch.
"The Darkness Master pays respects to the Emperor Zhou!"
The Darkness Master hurriedly saluted.
Zhou Yi regarded her calmly. She was indeed a great beauty—though at such a level of power, it was rare for one to be otherwise.
"The Demon Emperor is about to descend?"
Zhou Yi asked directly.
"Your Imperial Majesty, your insight is unparalleled. The remnants of the Abyssal Demons have utilized the safeguards left behind by the Demon Emperor to break the seal. It won't be long before the Demon Emperor fully shatters the confinement and descends upon our world!"
"If the Demon Emperor arrives, the Tianxuan Continent will be plunged into devastation and ruin! We implore your Imperial Majesty's mercy—to intervene and save the Tianxuan Continent from this catastrophe. The countless beings of Tianxuan Continent will be eternally grateful!"
The Darkness Master prostrated herself deeply in supplication.
"Rest assured. If the Demon Emperor descends, I will take action."
Zhou Yi's response was straightforward.
For the Symbol Ancestor, the Demon Emperor was a formidable opponent.
After all, they were equals in power.
But for Zhou Yi? No opponent of the same level could stand against him.
And if one ever dared—
He had a trump card waiting to be tested!
"Many thanks, Emperor Zhou! Your kindness knows no bounds!"
The Darkness Master was overjoyed. She hadn't expected Zhou Yi to agree so readily—what a benevolent ruler!
Just like their master.
Their master had not been a native of the Tianxuan Continent either.
Yet he had willingly sacrificed himself, burning his own reincarnation to seal both the Demon Emperor and the spatial rift.
A noble sacrifice.
Now that she had Zhou Yi's promise, the heavy stone pressing down on her heart was finally lifted.
She did not linger, rushing back to deliver the good news.
After all, while Zhou Yi would handle the Demon Emperor—
The Demon Army was no less of a threat.
They, too, had to prepare for war.
Since the Demon Emperor had yet to arrive, Zhou Yi was in no hurry.
Let the storm brew a little longer.
Once the Demon Emperor's arrival threatened the very survival of the Tianxuan Continent, and when the entire world had grasped the gravity of the crisis—then Zhou Yi would intervene and resolve it.
That way, he would receive the greatest gratitude.
Zhou Yi was not one to do good deeds without recognition.
Moreover, earning the deep gratitude and devotion of the entire Tianxuan Continent would make it far easier for him to refine the Plane Embryo of this plane.
Thus—
Zhou Yi remained unhurried.
He recalled that in the original timeline, the Demon Emperor had taken an entire year to fully shatter the seal. Now that the process had been accelerated, it would only take longer, not less.
...
Time passed, day by day.
All of Tianxuan Continent was now aware of the Demon Emperor's impending descent. The horrors of the First War were once again being recounted with growing intensity, filling the hearts of countless people with dread.
Fortunately, the Darkness Master and her allies had announced that Zhou Yi had agreed to join the battle, rekindling hope among the continent's strongest warriors.
Yet the atmosphere remained heavy with tension.
The great war was imminent.
Storm clouds gathered.
The tempest approached, poised to engulf all.
And amid this looming crisis, months passed in the blink of an eye—until the day of Zhou Yi's wedding arrived.
This time—
Zhou Yi was marrying three brides: Gu Xun'er, daughter of Gu Yuan, patriarch of the Ancient Clan from the Dou Qi Continent; Cao Ying of the Cao Family; and Fenghuang, one of the three Phoenix Matriarchs of the Sky Demon Phoenix Clan.
Though the Tianxuan Continent was busy preparing for war, countless mighty figures still flocked to attend the grand celebration.
After all, this battle hinged on Zhou Yi.
How could they not come?
On this day—
The Zhou Manor was ablaze with festivities.
The Darkness Master, the Space Master, the Flames Master, the Thunder Master, and the Primordial Chaos Master were all present!
Except for the Darkness Master, the others had never met Zhou Yi before.
"Emperor Zhou has arrived!"
With a chorus of exclamations, Zhou Yi descended, accompanied by Gu Xun'er, Cao Ying, and Fenghuang.
In an instant, the atmosphere ignited.
Reaching its peak.
The Space Master and the others gazed curiously at Zhou Yi.
This man—who was said to rival their master, the Symbol Ancestor.
A single glance was enough to send an immense, unparalleled pressure crashing down upon them, causing their hearts to tremble. None dared meet his gaze directly.
Then—
They turned their attention to Gu Xun'er, Gu Yuan, and the others.
As descendants of a Dou God, they piqued their curiosity.
Especially the bloodline of the Dou God, known to grant rapid power growth and extraordinary cultivation speed, making the Dou God Clans extraordinarily formidable.
"The Dou God bloodline truly is extraordinary!"
Even from within Gu Xun'er, they could sense the terrifying potency of her divine-tier bloodline.
Should she fully mature, she would not be weaker than them.
"The Dou Qi Continent harbors many powerful beings, especially the Ancient Clan, the Flame Clan, the Thunder Clan, and the Medicine Clan. If they assist us, our chances against the Abyssal Demons will improve significantly."
The Space Master mused.
The other ancient masters nodded in agreement, making a mental note to form alliances.
After all, the foundations of the Dou God Clans were unfathomable.
The wedding ceremony concluded.
Gu Xun'er, Cao Ying, and Fenghuang were escorted to the bridal chambers.
From afar, Xiao Yan watched Gu Xun'er's graceful figure disappear, his gaze complex.
Though he and Gu Xun'er had parted on bitter terms, a faint ache still lingered in his heart.
"Xun'er... has become another man's wife."
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