Chapter 891 - 686: The Head of the Demon Emperors
At the mountain’s peak, the Golden Winged Eagle Emperor and Golden Body Cicada Emperor stood side by side, gazing in the direction of Black Rock Valley, silent for a long time.
The wind whipped the clouds, and from the distant valley came faint sounds of flames churning, occasionally mixed with deep roars, like muffled thunder rolling through one’s heart.
Finally, the Golden Winged Eagle Emperor slowly spoke, his voice low, "Fellow Daoist Golden Body, do you think that old ape can endure this Bloodline Tribulation Fire?"
The Golden Body Cicada Emperor was silent for over ten breaths before slowly saying, "It’s hard to say. For us, the Demon Race, crossing tribulations is always difficult at first and easier later. As long as one can endure the first half, there is a chance to catch a breath in the latter half."
He paused, then continued, "That Divine Power Ape has a deep foundation to begin with, and it seems to have received True Master Profound Ice’s assistance just now. Observing its current aura, there should be a sixty to seventy percent chance of success."
At this point, the two demons simultaneously looked towards the valley.
They had both clearly seen the phantom of the Profound Ice Divine Dragon earlier.
The cold light was harsh, and frost filled the sky.
Though it was but a fleeting moment, it undeniably aided the Divine Power Ape.
If not for that, the Divine Power Ape Emperor’s aura might have already dissipated.
The Golden Winged Eagle Emperor’s eyes flashed with golden light, his tone sharp: "True Master Profound Ice, a Human Race Cultivator, dares to interfere in our Demon Race’s crossing of tribulations!"
His chest swelled with anger.
The originally well-planned scheme.
If the Divine Power Ape Emperor failed the tribulation, the tribe would have slaughtered the surviving Core Formation Realm apes, driving them away from the Spirit Vein of Black Rock Valley.
But now, all of this was in vain.
If that old ape truly succeeded in breaking through and entering the Middle Stage of Transformation, the delicate balance between the two races of a thousand years would be utterly shattered.
For thousands of years, in the eyes of the Golden Winged Eagle, the Divine Power Ape tribe had been nothing more than prey on their menu. When could they stand as equals?
"He has long been infiltrating the Demon Race."
The Gold Body Cicada Emperor’s voice was sharp, like metal scraping.
"First, he befriends the Purple Yunting Tree, builds Purple Yunting City, attracts Human Race trade caravans, exchanging elixirs and magical treasures for our Demon Race’s spiritual materials. Now, he assists the Divine Power Ape."
The tone of the Gold Body Cicada revealed deep dissatisfaction.
"How many Demon Race people have been beguiled by his ways over the years? Neglecting to cultivate their bloodline, instead learning the Human Race’s mercantile ways, farming elixirs, mining. Continuing this way, where is the bloodline spirit of the Demon Race? Where remains the heart to strive forward?"
"What this person seeks is by no means ordinary."
The Gold Body Cicada Emperor spoke with a chill.
He always disliked the alliance between the Purple Yunting Tree and True Master Profound Ice.
But, unfortunately, within the Wilderness Demon Race, there were far more supporters than opponents of this alliance.
The eight Demon Emperors restrained each other, and despite his dissatisfaction, he dared not easily oppose.
The Golden Winged Eagle Emperor suddenly let out a cold laugh, "Are you so certain he can endure the final Heart Fire Burning Veins?"
Even if the intensity of the Celestial Tribulation was waning, the bloodline backlash at the final moment was still extremely perilous.
How many in the Demon Race have perished at this point, their divine souls extinguished, their cultivation reduced to ashes?
"Let’s say, hypothetically."
The Golden Winged Eagle Emperor raised his head, his wings slightly trembling in the wind, "Even if by chance he breaks through, he would at most be in the same Realm as I am. Should it come to a fight, I still have the advantage of bloodline suppression; the upper hand is mine."
Though he spoke these words, he was not fully confident.
At their level of cultivation, without absolute advantage, none wished to engage in a life-or-death struggle.
Among the eight Demon Emperors of the Wilderness, though they interacted on the surface, suspicion ran deep.
Such is the nature of the Demon Race.
They trust only themselves, relying on no outsiders.
"Fellow Daoist Golden Wing speaks the truth."
The Gold Body Cicada Emperor responded in agreement, yet there was no smile on his face.
He was well aware.
The Purple Yunting Tree and the Divine Power Ape have long been deeply acquainted, and now, with the added unpredictable tactics of True Master Profound Ice.
If these three Tier Four Cultivators were to truly form an alliance.
The structure of the Wilderness would likely be completely altered.
By then, who would be willing, who would dare, to confront their edge?
The Gold Body Cicada Emperor spoke no more, redirecting his gaze to Black Rock Valley.
The golden flames within the valley still raged, flickering unpredictably in his compound eyes.
The wind intensified.
In the distance, a long howl suddenly pierced through the flames, soaring into the sky.
In the howl was pain, struggle, and a determined resolve to rebuild after destruction.
The two demons simultaneously held their breath, focusing their attention.
...
In Black Rock Valley.
The True Master of the Purple Yunting Tree stealthily circulated his True Essence, his roots deeply embedded in the rock layers, his Divine Sense spreading like a net, enveloping the entire tribulation region.
He must ensure that at the final moments of the Divine Power Ape Emperor’s tribulation, no external interference occurred.
Shen Xuan’s eyes flickered with red light, the Illusion-Breaking Spirit Eye Technique pushed to the extreme.
Through the churning golden sea of flames, he could barely make out the towering figure struggling within the tribulation fire.
Suddenly.
A long howl tore through the sky.
The mass of golden Bloodline Tribulation Fire in the valley trembled at the sound, then shattered like broken glass, scattering in all directions.
Firelight pieces drifted away, quickly dimming, finally transforming into fine particles of light, disappearing with the wind.
Almost simultaneously, the murky tribulation clouds that had enveloped Black Rock Valley for days began to dissipate like retreating tides.
Sunlight broke through the clouds, restoring a clear sky for miles around.
The clouds dispersed, mist vanished, and the world was bright and clear.
Massive swathes of colorful clouds surged from the void, shifting in five hues, spiritual light filling the air, quickly coalescing into an immense sea of clouds.
From within the clouds came the faint sound of celestial music, like the harmony of zithers and harps, the gentle chime of bells, each note striking straight to the divine soul.
Within the depths of the rosy glow, spots of pure light rained down like raindrops.
It was heavenly descent, and also a blessing from the Heavenly Dao.
The Divine Power Ape Emperor slowly opened his eyes.
The dark red color in his pupils faded, replaced by a deep dark gold.
He raised his head, bathing in the spiritual rain, listening quietly to the celestial music, a hint of enlightenment gradually appearing on his face.
Then he sat cross-legged, closing his eyes in concentration.
He was receiving the Heavenly Dao’s gift after completing the tribulation.
On his monster body, over ten feet tall, the scorch marks and cracks left by the tribulation fire were healing at a speed visible to the eye.
The newly born skin glowed with a dark golden luster, tougher than before.