The Wish of the Dragon

Chapter 119:

(AN: Thank you Jair for the donation. I hope all of you enjoy the chapter ).

While Issei is in the middle of informing the Little Demon Empress, he sensed the mark he put in Ye Xinghan's soul fluctuates. Meaning that something happened to his physical body.

He put this mark as a precaution and it seems that it had served its purpose sooner than he expected...

"Your excellency?" The Little Demon Empress called out softly seeing Issei seem a little distracted.

"*Sigh* It's nothing... My subordinates just did something stupid." Issei sighed tiredly.

"Anyway, just use this charm when I give you the signal. It will transfer you to my location directly." Issei told her briefly.

"I understand." The Little Demon Empress received the charm respectfully.

And with that said, Issei goes back to the <Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace>.

The Little Demon Empress glimmered in a vicious light the moment Issei disappeared... At last... The time for her long-awaited revenge is here...

...

"...What the hell are you doing?" Issei arrived at Esdeath's group hideout and said in a ticked-off voice.

He sees Ye Xinghan and Ling Kun being attached to the wall inside their hideout. Seeing their current state, he could already guess why this Ye Xinghan suddenly died...

Not far away, there's the true owner of this 'hideout' of theirs. It's a profound beast that's shaped like a white saber tooth tiger but it has a pair of wings on its back.

It's acting like a tame housecat right now though... Especially when it saw Issei, it let out a welcoming purring sound just like a real housecat would welcome their master back home... even though this is its home in the first place...

Anyway, this kind of spoilt trash who born with a silver spoon in his mouth obviously cannot take this much pain being inflicted on him.

"M-M-Master..." Esdeath let out a stutter while her body is drenched in cold sweat. The same goes for the others...

"Didn't I say not to let them die before?" Issei narrowed his eyes at them.

"W-W-We're sorry!" The four of them shouted in unison.

Issei sighed before he steps closer to Ye Xinghan's body.

He created a tiny ball of mana and throw it at him...

In the next second...

"AAA-------" Ye Xinghan was about to let out an ear screeching shriek but thankfully Issei is prepared for it and instantly put a soundproof barrier on his head.

The "Mark" Issei put on Ye Xinghan's body is similar to the mark Duke Ming has. But with something a little extra into it...

Ye Xinghan's soul is trapped inside his body so even if he died, his soul won't be able to pass on...

It's like water inside a jar.

If he by chance "die", Issei just needs to use a tiny bit of his mana to "revive" him. Kind of like a defibrillator works.

But the pain is extremely unbearable... Forcing a soul inside a damaged body is putting a strain on that said soul. So every time he is "revived" Ye Xinghan's soul will start to decay again and again until there's nothing left...

One might think what Esdeath's group did was cruel... But they don't know what Issei did is even worse...

"Now then... What you girls have to say for yourself?" Issei asked the trembling quartet... but one can see an unhealthy blush appearing on Esdeath's face when she's exposed to her beloved master anger...

...

"Don't go overboard again."

"Yes, Master..."

After scolding them for a bit, Issei headed for the girls of the <Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace> location, leaving the trembling Ye Xinghan and Ling Kun behind with the four grinning demonesses that's about to vent their anger of being scolded by their Master.

Although only three of them are truly angry because of it while one of them is not really angry...

...

The moment Issei entered the Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace, the girls who sensed his presence practically scrambled over to meet him.

"Elder Ise!" They shouted in glee the moment they saw him.

"Um." Issei nodded calmly in return.

It's been half a day for him but for the girls, it's been a few months.

"I see that your strength has risen by a great amount..." Issei said after he inspected their profound realm.

Most of the girls have officially stepped into the early stage of Tyrant Profound Realm already... While Feng Qianhui, Gong Yuxian, and Chu Yuechan are already in the late stage.

Xia Qingyue even already surpasses her master, Chu Yueli realm by one level... But there's only satisfaction that could be found on Chu Yueli's face when she saw this.

She's proud of her beloved disciple's progress.

"Yes, Ise. It's all thanks to you." Feng Qianhui said with a joyful smile.

"I only help you a little bit. Your current progress is thanks to your own effort."

It's kind of true though. If the girls weren't so diligent then their progress won't be this fast.

Now it's not like Issei denies that he's involved with their abrupt rise in strength. But no matter how good his assistance was, it won't matter if the one on the receiving end is not giving their full effort on improving themselves.

Take a look at that Ye Xinghan, how old was he? Hundreds? Perhaps nearing thousands by now but he only reaches the middle stage of Tyrant profound realm during that whole time... It can be seen that he clearly over-indulge himself in women and wine...

"Are you going to stay with us, Ise?" Feng Qianhui asked in a hopeful tone.

Even though it's only been a few months, they've already missed him greatly...

"No... I'm here to give you some news..." Issei shook his head much to their disappointment but when they heard about the news he brought them, they become taken aback.

The <Great Four Sacred Ground> will be coming to their palace with the intention of destroying it?!

But after Issei told them about Ye Xinghan's news, they gritted their teeth in anger. Especially Xia Qingyue... She's mad not because he's aiming for her but because that Ye Xinghan just brought trouble for her sect elder and sect members...

Feng Qianhui then remembered about the prophecy... The calamity that should befall them... could it be...

"Now, no need to panic since I will be here to protect all of you but... I hope that when the time comes, all of you could handle them with your own strength." Issei said softly but then his voice turns strict at the end.

The girls had a serious expression on their faces while listening to his words. They don't want to keep on relying on his kindness and protection all the time... They want to stand on their own and that way they will have the qualification to stand by his side...

"I will arrange a stage for you... And..." Then Issei proceeded to tell them what he had in mind.

At the end of his explanation, they give him a resolute nod. They will surely increase their strength even further so they will be prepared for what's to come...

Seeing their newfound determined look, Issei nodded in satisfaction to himself... Good... This is what he wanted. For them to stand on their own and not relying on him all the time...

This way he can leave them without worries when the time comes... Although he enjoyed their company as a friend and teacher, he can't stay here forever... He needs to go back to his loved ones' side.

After exchanging a few more words, Issei leaves the palace and wait for the arrival of the <Four Great Sacred Grounds>.

...

Three days later, the <Four Great Sacred Grounds> have finally arrived...

They now can easily find the location of the <Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace> because of the colossal <Primordial Profound Ark> hovering above it.

Issei purposefully stationed the Ark above the palace so they don't lose their way... He can't have them running around like a headless chicken trying to find the palace after all. It will be too bothersome...

Issei raised his eyebrows seeing that there are more 'guests' than he thought... Well, it doesn't matter how many of them come. They will make the perfect training dummy for the girls...

There are around thousands of people who came here as a 'guest'. While half of them only come here to spectate or to be the audience, most of them are with the <Four Great Sacred Grounds>.

There's also the <Divine Phoenix Empire> group amongst these 'guests' with Feng Hengkong and some elderly man in the lead.

There's not a hint of surprise that could be found on Issei's face. He calmly sat on a golden throne right in front of the <Primordial Profound Ark> entrance.

It sure brings back memories... It's been a while ever since he sat on a throne like this... But, back then, there's Forzelotte who sat beside him giving him some pointers...

The <Absolute Monarch Sanctuary> is led by a young man. He is a frail and thin young man who did not look to be more than sixteen years of age...

The <Supreme Ocean Palace> is led by a middle-aged woman. Her figure is exquisitely slender, and she wore a long palace robe that was sparkling with a blue glow. The highest collar of her robe directly reached her hair which was in the shape of a top knot.

She had the appearance of a middle-aged woman but without the slightest trace of femininity. Instead, each contour contained an extremely solemn dignity and sharpness.

Her eyes were extremely clear, and her pupils were as profound as the ocean. Within her eyes, there was a trace of emotion trickling around.

The <Sun Moon Divine Hall> is led by a middle-aged man. He's quite tall, wears white clothes and lacked any aura on his body; with an average face with no unique features. He looks around thirty to forty years old but his eyes contained incomprehensible deepness.

And last but not least, the <Mighty Heavenly Sword Region> is led by yet another middle-aged man. He wears simple green robes, his body was lithe and limber, his long black hair bound into a simple ponytail which reaches his waist. His face is thin and sunken, his features were completely ordinary.

Their respective name should be Huangji Wuyu, Qu Fengyi, Ye Meixie, and Xuanyuan Wentian.

"You fiend! Give me back my son right now!" Ye Meixie shouted in fury.

"I heard that you took captive of this old man sect elder... If you give him back safe and sound, I can give you a way out with your life intact. You can forget escaping with the Primordial Profound Ark since we've already spread out a profound field that prevents you from escaping. In other words, you're already trapped with no way out." Xuanyuan Wentian spoke calmly but his eyes are like those of a viper... He's eyeing the Primordial Profound Ark behind Issei with obvious greed.

The <Supreme Ocean Palace> and the <Absolute Monarch Sanctuary> also had a greedy glint in their eyes when they're looking at him.

The Profound field he mentioned is a field created by a treasure they both possess. It's the same treasure that they use to prevent those from the <Illusory Demon Realm> to come here with the spatial gate.

"Hmm... It took you all longer than I expected... But I don't remember 'inviting' the <Supreme Ocean Palace> and the <Absolute Monarch Sanctuary> though..." Issei pays no heed to their words and calmly spoke while he's lazily seated on his throne.

He even took out a smoking pipe made out of special gold ore while he's speaking...

This is not the first time for him to smoke... The content is not something like narcotics either and it's a special Yggdrasil leaf that allows someone to relax without any side effects.

This pipe is a gift from Nobunaga's second persona. He said he got this pipe during his travel of conquest from another world... Since Issei doesn't see any reason to refuse, he accepts it.

The bystanders who are watching by the side felt amazed by this sight... Doesn't he feel nervous at all being surrounded by these four behemoths of a faction from all sides? Can you stop acting cool for a second? They thought mockingly inside their mind...

"This one indeed doesn't have anything to do with the whole incident and this one came here on his personal accord. I heard from one of my elders that your excellency is very strong. So I wanted to ask for some pointers from your excellency..." Huangji Wuyu spoke politely but Issei can see through his real intention clearly.

Spiritual Master Ancient Blue who's next to him sighed bitterly. Although he doesn't really have any greedy intention at first... taking the growth of the <Absolute Monarch Sanctuary> into account... He finally relented...

Alas... He just hopes that there won't be any blood spilled today... Although that's very unlikely considering the grievance between the three has with each other...

There's no way the <Sun Moon Divine Hall> and the <Mighty Heavenly Sword Region> will let it go just like that.

"This sovereign wanted to ask if your excellency could sell the <Primordial Profound Ark> to me. The <Black Moon Merchant Guild> will gladly take care of the Ark from your excellency hand for a reasonable price." Qu Fengyi spoke next.

Her voice was just like that of a middle-aged woman's, very gentle, but each word was like a heaven shaking bell, majestic and full of power.

Reasonable price? This is clearly empty words... No matter how rich she is, it's obvious that her wealth won't be able to afford the <Primordial Profound Ark>...

The <The Black Moon Merchant Guild> is a merchant guild that sells anything one could imagine. It is reputed to be the biggest merchant guild chain in the Profound Sky Continent. The headquarters is located in the Divine Phoenix Empire. Its branch guilds have reached every country and major city. The guild had a tremendous reputation for being stringent but fair in transactions and would never be biased against any one side.

The guild usually only deal in merchandise with a high grade and never goods of low quality. The guild sells a dazzling assortment of merchandise; medicinal ingredients, pellets, weapons, armors, gems, low-rank profound beast cores, and even low-rank profound skills. Its wealth is so immense that it is estimated to be higher than the combined wealth of all the nations besides the Divine Phoenix Empire.

Even though the guild is very wealthy, the bystanders are completely sure that they won't be able to afford the Primordial Profound Ark if it's really up for sale... It's not some random Profound Ark but it's an Ark that has been around for millions of years...

Qu Fengyi's husband who goes by the name Zi Ji is the guild master of the Black Moon Merchant Guild...

If her husband were to know of her intention. He would've stopped at nothing to stop her because Issei is one of his most respected customers... Well, it's not really Issei but rather his subordinates, Altair instead.

Altair often traded some things that Issei deem unnecessary for some profound coins. Such as Tyrant Profound Weapon and the like... It would be too bothersome if Issei were to trade things with the Divine purple crystal all the time so he needed some profound coins.

And the guild happens to be the biggest shop there is so it's perfect to trade things there. Zi Ji himself doesn't dare to have any intention on Altair since she's not only at the peak level monarch, but her friends(Esdeath and Sirius) that often came with her were also at the same level.

A peak level monarchs can be considered the Apex powerhouse in the <Profound Sky Continent> so it would be unwise of him to try his luck with Altair's party. Not even the <Four Great Sacred Grounds> are willing to offend some random monarch they don't know anything about... especially when they regularly brings priceless treasures for sale. Unless they have a grievance with them then there's absolutely no reason for them to go on each other's throat... but alas...

Although he's very curious just how did they possess so many treasures, he won't try to send someone to investigate it... What a joke, he needs to at least send someone at the peak level monarch to spy on another peak level monarch.

Even though his guild is very rich, they don't have a peak level monarch laying around like some cabbages...

Sadly, Zi Ji doesn't know anything about Issei and this will be the downfall of his guild and also his wife sect...

"What if I refuse?" Issei asked them once again.

"Then... I can only apologize in advance but you are not allowed to refuse, your excellency." Huangji Wuyu said with a smile. Even though he called Issei with 'your excellency' it only serves as lip service.

"The same goes for this sovereign side." Qu Fengyi followed right after.

"So even if I let you leave now, you won't leave, right?"

"That is so, your excellency/Indeed." Both of them answered with a slight chuckle thinking how ludicrous Issei were.

"Hmm... so be it then. If you want to stay, then stay." Issei hummed disinterestedly before he snapped his finger.

*WOOSH*

Both Ye Xinghan and Ling Kun appeared not far away from his location. They're floating in the air...

"Xinghan!/Elder Ling!" Both Ye Meixie and Xuanyuan Wentian shouted.

But Ye Meixie shout is more genuine while Xuanyuan Wentian is only a fake worry.

He doesn't really care about Ling Kun, to be honest. He only wanted to extract the secrets Issei possess for being able to gain control of the <Primordial Profound Ark>.

Ye Xinghan who heard his father's voice has his body jerked slightly: "Fat...her...?" His voice is so hoarse that it's barely discernable...

His eyes are so lifeless that one will doubt if he's really alive or not... While Ling Kun is already unresponsive towards everything around him.

There's really nothing wrong with their appearance... Issei put on an illusion for them so they will only see that they look perfectly fine... but in reality...

The only thing that left intact is their head...

"Don't worry, son! Father will help you right now!" Ye Meixie dashed instantly towards Ye Xinghan's direction only to be blocked by Naru who appeared out of thin air in the process.

She only stands in front of his path and doesn't have any intention of doing anything...

"You! Move aside for this old man!" Ye Meixie gritted his teeth before he waved his hand with the intention to kill. He used his a large amount of his strength trying to get Naru to get out of his way so he can rescue his son...

He was so sure that she will surely be forced to evade this attack of his. He has heard some news about this woman but she should be at the peak monarch level just like him so there's really nothing to worry about... He also still has his backup.

Naru who saw the incoming attack only grinned slightly... What happens next makes Ye Meixie's expression turns pale white...

Naru disappeared from her previous spot and what replaced her previous position is his son.

"NOOOOOOO!!!" Ye Meixie shouted in horror seeing that his attack was about to land on his son instead of his enemy...

But alas... No matter how hard he tries, he won't be able to retract it back...

*BANG!!!*

Ye Xinghan's body exploded into pieces the moment they came into contact with his attack... just like a popped balloon...

"YOU... YOU BASTARDDD!!! I WANT YOU DEAD!!!" Ye Meixie's whole eyes turned bloodshot and filled with wrathful vengeance.

The others who saw this also frowned deeply since what they did is really merciless... To think that they would use the "kill with borrowed knife" tactic here out of all places...

What an inhuman way to kill somebody especially since the other party is father and son...

Ye Meixie who's filled with anger disregards everything and was about to head towards Issei and Naru direction right away but Xuanyuan Wentian interferes in time.

"Brother Ye, wait!"

"You let go of me! I want them dead! Everyone kill them for me!" Ye Meixie ignored Xuanyuan Wentian's words and shouted at his subordinates who are situated behind.

"Listen to me! Don't get your anger take over and think more clearly!" Xuanyuan Wentian forcibly holds him down.

It's not like Xuanyuan Wentian cares about Ye Meixie well being or whatever. But he can't lose his "friend" just like this... He can tell that Naru is at the peak level monarch but he can't sense Issei cultivation at all... And that makes him feel uneasy.

He can't afford to have his "friend" to go ballistic like this. They need to observe the situation more carefully... For some reason, after seeing Issei's nonchalant act even though he basically has been surrounded from all sides, he started to feel really nervous...

Just what kind of secret is he hiding? Even though he feels nervous, he felt even more joyful at the thought of Issei possessing some kind of heaven-defying secret that would let him achieve his dreams...

Ye Meixie who heard Xuanyuan Wentian words calmed down a little even though his eyes are still bloodshot while looking at both Issei and Naru.

"Take a look at that woman's eyes... Those eyes are clearly not the eyes of a human. They might be demons that came from the <Illusory Demon Realm>!" Xuanyuan Wentian said in a dire voice while pointing out Naru's slitted eyes.

What?!!

Xuanyuan Wentian's words exploded like a thunderclap in everyone's present ears.

Their faces went pale with shock. Even the other three Sacred Masters, Huangji Wuyu, Qu Fengyi, and Ye Meixie reacted the same way.

"Sword Master Xuanyuan, this is no laughing matter. Are you sure about this?" Huangji Wuyu said in a grave voice, his expression completely changed.

Qu Fengyi's expression had also become grim as she spoke: "It highly possible considering the aura this woman possesses... It's not your normal profound energy and there's also her eyes... That pair of eyes clearly doesn't belong to a human."

If the three other Sacred Masters had reacted in this way, one could well imagine how everyone else had reacted to that proclamation.

Feng Hengkong's group expression changed yet again and there were no words that could describe the shock in their heart.

"Then how about you, <Divine Phoenix Empire>?" Issei dismissed their whole 'drama' and suddenly asked the Divine Phoenix Empire.

"What about us?" Feng Hengkong asked haughtily. Even though inside he feels restless, he can't lose his bearings in front of the sacred grounds: "You clearly stole the <Primordial Profound Ark> from us and you also dare to run amock in our city. There's no way we can let it be just like that."

"...Taking Feng Xue'er into account. I will allow you to leave right now or stand to the side... If not... Don't blame me for being ruthless." Issei spoke calmly while he exhaled through the pipe.

The Divine Phoenix Empire group shuddered for a brief second when they heard his words for some unknown reason. They become very restless...

It's like their Phoenix bloodline is warning them right now... But they decided to just wave it off...

"Hmph! You demon! Who allows you to mention Xue'er name? Is her name something your foul mouth allowed to say! Who do you think you are?!" Feng Ximing shouted in rage.

Issei's hand which was holding the pipe stopped for a second before it moved towards Feng Ximing's direction... And when he's about to do something, all of them heard a desperate voice out of nowhere.

"Grandmaster! Please don't!" Feng Xue'er suddenly appeared right next to Issei while begging him to stop.

She held Issei's extended hand with both of her hands with pleading eyes.

"Xue'er!?" Feng Hengkong's group shouted in disbelief seeing Feng Xue'er suddenly appeared right next to Issei.

"Grandmaster, please don't punish Xue'er royal brother, he doesn't know anything!" Feng Xue'er ignored their shout and continues her plea.

"Release her! She's not someone your filthy ha-" Feng Ximing once again shouted in a fit of jealousy. How can he not be envious? When his beloved Xue'er touched another man like that?!

Even he is only allowed to saw her from the distance after all this time...

"Royal brother please be quiet!" Feng Xue'er for the first time shouted in anger.

"X-Xue'er?" Feng Ximing said in shock. Even Feng Hengkong and the others are also shocked by her shout.

This is the first time for her to shout in this fashion...

"Xue'er, what's wrong? Why did you... why did you call him Grandmaster?" Feng Hengkong asked in trepidation.

Before coming here, she already warned her not to offend this person... but he pays no heed to it thinking that his daughter is still too young... but now... he started to feel ominous feeling rising from his bloodline...

This is the first time he ever saw his daughter being so desperate like this... she's practically begging with all she has right now...

"It looks like these two demons have taken captive of Princess Snow... To think that they would go as far as to take captive of a junior such as Princess Snow like this... Aiii... Truly an act befitting of those demons from that forsaken place." Xuanyuan Wentian said with a sigh trying to get the masses to rile up against Issei and Naru.

The way he twists the truth to his liking is truly a top tier skill that only belongs to someone as 'experienced' as him...

The onlookers' also started becoming restless at the whole situation... but once again, Issei doesn't even spare the 'drama' they're currently enacting a single glance.

"*Sigh*... Xue'er... You yourself have already seen that I already tried giving them a chance..." Issei said with a sigh.

"Xue'er understands but... please, Grandmaster... Give them another chance. Xue'er begs you!" Feng Xue'er said with teary eyes.

"Xue'er. Remember what you promised Master." Xiaotao appeared right behind Issei.

Her words are calm and soft yet sounded strict at the same time.

"You yourself promised Master and Grandmaster that after giving them another chance. We won't interfere with Grandmaster's decision any longer." Xiaotao reminded Xue'er.

"But... but... they clearly don't know about your identity Master... Xue'er is certain that if royal father and the others were to know of your identity at the very least... they won't do anything reckless any more..." Xue'er was pleaded in a desperate manner.

"Master doesn't care about their fate. Your Grandmaster's words are absolute and far more important than their lives... If your Grandmaster wanted to kill them then Master won't disobey his command and Master would personally kill them all if I had to!" Xiaotao's voice turned a bit colder at the end.

Her whole aura soared through the sky and there's a faint phoenix outline that could be seen behind her. At this moment, two long and narrow golden streaks of light suddenly appeared in the distant blue skies. Soon after, like a pair of slightly closed eyes, these two long golden streaks of light slowly opened Two incomparably huge golden eyes, which looked as though they were embedded onto the sky, opened.

Phoenix eyes!!!

Xiaotao doesn't have any attachment at all towards the <Divine Phoenix Empire> as a whole. Perhaps if it was the other Phoenix then she would probably hesitate but not her...

She's her Master loyal servant. No more no less.

"Heh, who would expect that you have it in you. I thought that you are another softie just like the original Phoenix... But it looks like Master influences made you become better." Lieyan voice resounded beside Xiaotao.

The onlookers become further amazed by the sight of two new additional goddess-like women appearing on Issei's side.

But those from the <Divine Phoenix Empire> had their whole body trembled all over when they saw Xiaotao and the phoenix outline behind her...

"This This voice and aura is is" Feng Hengkong said in a trembling voice.

He won't be mistaken of this voice and aura that solely belongs to his sect God... Even though she's currently in her human form, these main two things cannot be imitated. Especially when their entire bloodline reacting like this!

"Lord"

"Lord Phoenix God!!!"

Even prince and elder class people within Divine Phoenix Sect would rarely hear its voice or see its true appearance. There were even some who had never seen it in their entire lives.

But once they have heard and sensed her presence once, they won't be able to forget it!

All of them hastily kneeled on the floor towards Xiaotao's direction.

As for Feng Hengkong, his shock was far greater. Because he was one of the few who knew that the Divine Phoenix had passed away, and had personally seen the Divine Phoenix fade away. Seeing those golden pupils, that voice and aura caused him to take a long time to recover back from his shock. He simply couldn't believe his eyes. He finally regained his senses after a long while and slowly kneeled.

"This subject pays his respect to Lord Phoenix God!!!" Feng Hengkong shouted at the top of his lungs.

Everyone present no matter whether they're from the sacred grounds or just random nomad cultivators are dumbstruck... What?! That woman is the Phoenix God!?

Heavens!!! What the hell is going on?! Why would the Phoenix God suddenly appear here out of all places?!

Even Xuanyuan Wentian's whole body becomes tense. Didn't his source said that the Phoenix God already died?! Then how come... Ah, that's probably it... This whole thing is probably just an act...

When he realizes this, Xuanyuan Wentian secretly heaved a sigh of relief... Yes, it's most likely just an act... There's no way the Phoenix God will appear here... It must be...

But just to be safe, he sends a voice transmission towards Ye Meixie who's at his side...

Ye Meixie who received Xuanyuan Wentian's voice transmission at first felt surprised, but soon he gives a faint nod at his direction.

"Don't be alarmed everyone! There's no way that woman is the real Phoenix God!" Ye Meixie said out loud.

"Think about it... Why would the Phoenix God will suddenly appear here out of nowhere? And it's well known that the Phoenix God can only reside within the Divine Phoenix Empire holy ground. There's no way this woman is the real Phoenix God! Don't be fooled by these demons whole facade!"

Huangji Wuyu and Qu Fengyi who heard his words also nodded to themselves thinking that Ye Meixie's words are indeed sound reasonable... They also started to calm themselves down when they thought about it more clearly...

"So it's just an act? A fake?"

"It must be. There's no way the Phoenix God would appear here..."

"Bah! This young master almost got fooled by these demons!"

One by one the crowd started to calm down as well...

"So, what do you have to say for yourself, demon? Your whole act have been discovered! There's nowhere else for you to run!" Ye Meixie shouted with gritted teeth.

But all they receive is just a bland look from Xiaotao and Lieyan. Did these bunch of idiots really thinks that they have the upper hand...?

Issei once again exhaled through his pipe feeling really bored with these whole farce... He really wanted to just erase them all right at this moment but thinking about what he planned for the girls, he holds it in...

There's no need to feel angry over a dead person.

Why do they even need to set up this whole act of who's right and wrong? Is there any need to do all this? If you want to kill someone then just kill them. There's no need to make yourselves look right or anything like that... what a waste of time...

While the masses started to get riled up over Xuanyuan Wentian and Ye Meixie act. Those from the Divine Phoenix Empire thought otherwise inside their minds...

These bunch of idiots... They might think that this whole thing is just an act or some sort of illusion but there's no way they can be fooled over something like this! Their phoenix bloodline basically trembled all over telling them that this woman is indeed the Phoenix God herself!

Anything can be fooled or misdirected but not bloodlines! Now he understands why his daughter was being so desperate and repeatedly told him not to offend this man before them.

To think that even the Phoenix God herself treated him with such respect... then what is his real identity?! He started to pray furiously hoping for his sect wellbeing... if not then... they can only leave it to fate!

"Why are you being silent, demon!?"

"Are you done?"

Ye Meixie becomes increasingly angrier seeing that his provocation doesn't have any effect on them so he shouted once again. And his time his provocation won't be ignored just like he wished for... but... it will also be the last time he will ever speak.

"What?" He let out a confused voice after hearing Issei's sudden question.

"If you're done then you can die and join your son... Xiaotao."

"Yes, Master."

The enormous golden pupils of the Phoenix outline behind her suddenly flickered as a scarlet red Phoenix Fire Ring instantly descended from the sky, encircling Ye Meixie. The Phoenix Fire Ring immediately combusted violently, firmly locking Ye Meixie within.

These were Phoenix flames that came from the Divine Phoenix, its frightfulness and temperature caused those few from the Sacred Grounds to turn pale with horror.

Xuanyuan Wentian, Huangji Wuyu, and Qu Fengyi who are at close proximity of Ye Meixie location all retreated at the same time, covering more than one hundred meters of distance while their face turned pale in fright.

As for the Ye Meixie who was surrounded by Phoenix flames, though he had not been touched, it was still as though he had fallen into a lava hell as the clothes on his body instantly ignited. Deep terror was revealed on his face. He had no doubt that once those Phoenix flames approached, he would turn into ashes in a mere breath.

In the face of the threat of death, Ye Meixie finally began to fear. He pressed the ignited Phoenix flames on his body down in a fluster but no matter how hard he tries, the Phoenix flames that's released by Xiaotao won't disappear.

There's no way a mortal like Ye Meixie able to erase this divine flame... unless he has reached the Divine realm then he won't be able to do anything about it other than facing his impending death.

"Venerable Phoenix God, please calm your anger! This junior knows his wrong! Please spare me!!!" Seeing that all his effort went in vain. Ye Meixie finally starts to beg for his life.

"See that, Xue'er? That's human nature at its finest... When they have the upper hand they will keep acting like they're in the right. But when they're on the losing side, they will immediately beg for mercy. Don't be like this kind of human, understand?" Xiaotao said advisingly towards Feng Xue'er who nodded obediently.

"That looks like fun. Here, let me increase the heat for you." Lieyan said with a smirk.

And just like how there's a Phoenix outline above Xiaotao, there's a Golden Crow outline coming from her back.

A pair of scarlet-gold eyes suddenly opened up in the sky and shed down a fire-like burning brightness. Under the illumination of the pair of eyes, all of them held their breath, as if the space was sealed, and they did not dare to move at all. Then there's a golden-red flame descending in the same fashion as the Phoenix flame just now.

Those flames immediately descend upon the unfortunate Ye Meixie and this time he doesn't even have the time to scream but his whole body started to melt from the inside out...

The combination of the two flames coming from two divine beings struck terror on every onlookers' heart, including Xuanyuan Wentian and the others...

"...The... The Golden Crow..." Xuanyuan Wentian muttered incredulously. His trembling voice is laced with fear...

Holy shit!!! Did their whole lies turn out to be the truth all along?! They were framing Issei and Naru that they came from the <Illusory Demon Realm> but now... Not only the Phoenix God is here but the Golden Crow who supposedly the guardian of that place is also here!

To think the lies that they fabricated truly became the truth... Talk about bad luck and shitty karma giving them a punch in the gut at the same time!

In mere seconds, there's nothing left of Ye Meixie... Not even his ashes are left behind...

The sect leader of one of the <Four Great Sacred Grounds>, a peak level monarch, died just like that!

Those from the <Sun Moon Divine Hall> had their faces went pale white like a sheet of paper... Their body won't stop trembling at all... Some even pass out on the spot.

Ended! Their whole legacy will end on this very day!

"R-Retreat!" Xuanyuan Wentian said in a decisive tone followed by Huangji Wuyu and Qu Fengyi.

They can't stay here! Or they will share the same fate as Ye Meixie.

Those from the <Absolute Monarch Sanctuary> and the <Supreme Ocean Palace> also snapped out of their daze and hastily retreat backward after hearing their respective leader voice.

The onlookers' who spoke some rude words also immediately dashed off to the distance and even started blaming their parents for not giving them another set of legs so they can run away even faster from this godforsaken place!

While some still choose to stay to watch the ongoing show. But they're mostly those that stayed neutral the whole time, or in other words, your typical innocent bystanders.

Fortunately for them, they can escape since Issei never aimed for them in the first place... But as for those from the sacred grounds... they are not so fortunate...

"Wh-What is this?!"

One of them shouted in shock.

"I-It's some kind of... wall?!"

"Out of my way!" Xuanyuan Wentian shoved them aside and took out his sword and slashed with everything he had only to hear a blunt sound coming from the wall. But there's nothing happened other than that blunt sound... If anything, his sword is the one that is broken in half!

And this sight made his whole body turn rigid with terror. This sword of his is not a normal sword but rather a Xuanyuan Sword that his sect personally inherited from generation to generation.

To say that this sword is basically a divine artifact is not really wrong. At least in the lower realm, this sword is undoubtedly a priceless artifact.

And to think that this sword broke in half just from a single contact with this 'wall'...

Huangji Wuyu and Qu Fengyi also tried to attack the wall but it's all for naught...

Their whole body started to sweat profusely seeing their path of retreats have been sealed.

"Right... Use the teleportation scroll!" Xuanyuan Wentian remembered about the teleportation scroll they carry for emergency escape.

They instantly took out their respective scroll and used it without hesitation. But nothing happened yet again... Their scrolls are burned signaling their usage, but they're still here!

"What's wrong? Now you want to leave?" Issei's bored voice resounded across the snowy field. The constant snowfall that always befalls the surrounding area of the Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace also died down at this moment as if they intentionally stopped just to make sure that his voice can be heard clearly.

"I have already given you a chance to leave before but you don't want to take it. You only have yourselves to blame for that... Oh, and I can only apologize in advance but you are not allowed to leave, 'your excellencies'." He exhaled through his pipe while conveying the same word that they just used just now to mock them.

Their whole body becomes icy cold and their nerves went tight the moment they heard his voice.

"Y-Your Lordship, we know our wrong! If you can give us a chance, we will surely repay your kindness with everything we have!"

"This lowly one knows his mistake and this one begs for his lordship kindness! We will forever be grateful!"

"This slave..."

Seeing that there's no other way out, they started begging one by one. Starting from Xuanyuan Wentian, followed by Huangji Wuyu and Qu Fengyi. They started begging like a dog wagging their tails towards their master...

Xuanyuan Wentian completely understood that the sense of danger he detected from this man was not his imagination! He can only blame himself since he keeps dismissing his intuition thinking that he has the upper hand with the other sacred grounds here with him...

The image of Ye Meixie's death caused this invincible Sword Region Sword Master to clearly feel an icy cold sense of fear.

Their followers are also begging while kowtowing on the spot discarding their dignity to the wind without a second thought. There's nothing "sacred" about them anymore when the bystanders saw this scene... then again, they can't really blame them either when their foes are literal Divine Beings...

Before Xiaotao and Lieyan showed their true identity, they thought that Issei was just acting tough... but now...

This man clad in black was far scarier than the Primordial Devil God told in legends and he still hasn't done anything yet! The sight of him sitting at that throne alone is enough to instill fear and awe. What if he were to personally make a move? The thought alone sends shiver along their spines...

Even they would do the same if they were in the same position as these sacred grounds!

Issei doesn't react to their begging in the slightest and continues to look down on them like he's looking at a bunch of ants that are not worthy of his attention...

His hegemony aura is fully displayed in the open. This is the first time he acts like the true ruler in this world... and it won't be the last...

"Your majesty! We admit that we have wrongly accused you! But surely there's no need to go to this extent, right? Like a wise man once said... When you surround an army, leave an outlet free. Do not press a desperate foe too hard." Xuanyuan Wentian said with a sweat.

(AN: Sometimes soldiers would rather make a last stand when they have no way to flee, thus causing casualties to the enemy idiom).

Thankfully he got some news about the <Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace>... About their sect best disciple which was named Xia Qingyue... He secretly sent his subordinates to 'watch over' her family member...

Looks like it was the right decision back then... There's still some hope left.

"Wise words indeed... But sadly I don't share the same view as yours... I'm more of a believer in an 'eye for an eye' saying... and also... Know thy self, know thy enemy." Issei said while waving his hand.

*Thud* *Thud*

There are two corpses that fall from the empty air right in front of Xuanyuan Wentian. And when he saw it, his eyes widen in horror... That's because these two corpses are the ones that he sent to 'watch over' Xia Qingyue's father and brother!

His body began to shake uncontrollably... Issei basically read him like an open book! His backup plan has gone to waste just like that!

"And you have not wrongly accused me you know? I'm indeed not a human and I have some relationship with the <Illusory Demon Realm> as well..." Once he said that Issei slowly took off his mask...

Everyone's present becomes further stupefied seeing that under that mask, there's an otherworldly face that shouldn't belong in this mortal realm...

But what alarm Xuanyuan Wentian the most is the eyes that Issei possesses. Those slitted glowing red eyes that look similar to that woman is clearly not an eye that belongs to a human! It's like a snake... nay, a Dragon eyes! Being gazed by those eyes made his body shiver crazily like he's standing in front of Death itself!

Even with this revelation, his charm still manages to swoon the female onlookers' instantly and also exposed some hidden "Ji Qianrou" squad among the crowd aka an anomaly just like the latter...

"...There's going to be more bees that will swarm towards him now... So annoying!" Jasmine who saw the lovestruck look on these women's faces said with a pout from inside the pearl. But her own face is also reddened on its own... the same goes for Xun'er albeit she can hide it better compared to her daughter who's still wet behind the ears on this kind of stuff.

This is the first time for them to see the kingly side of him...

"You also seem to be mistaken about something from the start... I'm not the one who's trapped in here with you... But you're the one who's trapped in here with me."

In the next moment, the Little Demon Empress also appeared along with her entourages not far away from Issei's location.

Among them is Yun Qinghong and Yun Canghai himself! When they saw Xuanyuan Wentian and the other sacred grounds, their whole being is filled with bloodthirsty rage...

"I believe this thing belongs to you, Yun Canghai..." Issei sent Ling Kun towards the newly arrived Yun Canghai who had his eyes shone brightly the moment he saw the incoming Ling Kun.

He grabbed Ling Kun by the head and gave the latter a fiendish grin... His expression clearly expressed that he couldn't wait to tear this dog into shreds!

"This one is eternally grateful for your excellency kindness!" Yun Canghai and Yun Qinghong cupped their fist gratefully at Issei. They don't need to say anything else and if Issei wanted them to do anything, all he needs to do is just give them the word and the whole Yun family will surely obey it.

If he told them to go east then they will go east, if he told them to go west then they will go west. They won't go in the opposite direction.

Esdeath, Altair, and Sirius also appeared one by one making a straight line with him at the center. One of Zi Ji spy who saw them had his eyes wide open and he tremblingly sends a voice transmission towards his boss...

And if that's not enough, a swarm of profound beasts also started appearing outside the 'wall' and also from within the Primordial Profound Ark itself.

*WOOOOO!!!* *ROAARRRR!!!* *SCREEECHHH!!!*

Their roar filled the sky which made the stupefied onlookers hastily snapped out of their daze. And when they're about to run thinking that this is a profound beast stampede, they saw that those profound beasts ignored them and had their eyes locked onto the sacred grounds group instead...

Last but not least, the barrier surrounding the <Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace> also disappears at this time... The girls from the palace immediately positioned themselves in front of Issei while their eyes are viciously locked onto the sacred grounds group.

Xia Qingyue being the most furious since she knows of Xuanyuan Wentian's little plan from Issei before... Thankfully Issei is prepared for this outcome so they can avoid the worst scenario from happening...

If she's the cause of her sect downfall, she won't be able to live with herself when that moment truly comes.

"Just in time..." Issei said softly with a thin smile.

"Now that all of the participants are here... Let's begin the 'tournament' shall we? The 'tournament' that will decide your fate..." Issei said coldly towards Xuanyuan Wentian and the others: "The rule is simple... if you win then you can keep your life... but if not... well, you die... Simple, right?"

The countdown for the annihilation of the <Four Great Sacred Grounds> starts now.

The legs of the almighty leaders of the sacred grounds who feared nothing were currently shivering like sieves that could collapse at any moment. Under the sheer terror of this lineup, their face was simply whiter than any ghost of legend...

Issei has the girls to fight those from the sacred grounds to increase their combat prowess... Since most of them have reached the peak level tyrant or early-stage monarch, it will be the perfect time to increase their combat prowess.

Feng Qianhui, Gong Yuxian, Xia Qingyue, and the seven fairies had the highest cultivation realm amongst the other palace disciple. They are around 5th level Sovereign to 8th level Sovereign profound realm.

The sacred grounds disciple are also around at the same level so they will make the perfect training dummy...

Feng Xue'er is also included in this little 'tournament'.

The Divine Phoenix Empire is acting like a docile dog right now... there's not a single sound coming from their direction at all while the 'tournament' is still ongoing...

One by one those from the sacred grounds is being massacred... There's nothing they can do... If they refuse to fight, they will instantly be sent towards the swarm of profound beasts that are currently eyeing them like some sort of delicacy... literally!

And when they thought they have a chance of fighting these girls, they realize that they're anything but simple! They're using some sort of unknown profound art and their actual strength is nowhere near their actual cultivation realm! Their movement is completely unpredictable! It's like they're fighting with someone while wearing a blindfold...

Given the fame and prestige the Four Great Sacred Grounds had in the Profound Sky Continent, even though a sect master of the strongest powers within the Seven Nations would dare to kill the emperor of one of these nations, they would definitely not have the guts to kill even the lowliest disciple from any of the Four Great Sacred Grounds.

Even if it was the Four Great Sacred Grounds themselves, they would still heavily weigh the pros and cons before deciding to kill even an ordinary disciple from another Sacred Ground. So, they would definitely never consider killing someone who was at the level of an elder Moreover, the elders of the Sacred Grounds were not people that were so easily killed. If it ever truly occurred, it would definitely provoke the wrath of that entire Sacred Ground.

However, in the blink of an eye, one of the leaders of the four great sacred grounds already met his end and soon the rest will follow the same fate... just because they have offended someone they shouldn't offend in the first place...

They were the highly prestigious sacred grounds... But now they're nothing but a chicken ready to be slaughtered...

Xuanyuan Wentian, Huangji Wuyu, and Qu Fengyi can only look on helplessly as their sect disciples being killed one by one... They're being forced to watch all of their legacy being burned down to ashes...

Each disciple and elder that falls before their eyes is the sign of their sect downfall... With so many of them being killed here... even if they somehow manage to live today, it won't be long before they lose their standing as the sacred grounds...

Even until now they still could not feel a hint of profound energy emanating from Issei's body and he had made no move to suppress or seal their profound energy. But just from his gaze alone, they felt their bodies go weak and limp, felt their soul tremble and quake. They nearly could not find the strength to even stand.

"Please wait, your excellency!" At this time, there's another desperate voice coming from outside the invisible wall Issei erected.

All of the onlookers' eyes homing in towards the voice owner while thinking just who dare to voice out some word like this... Even the surrounding profound beasts also growled at this person.

There stood a medium statured old man dressed entirely in purple who was currently panting and sweating in cold sweat. The pressure he's currently in is very unbearable but for his wife wellbeing... he cannot back down now.

"Hm?" Issei confusedly looked at this newcomer.

"Oh? Isn't that the salesman?" Altair spoke softly.

"You know him, Altair?"

"Yes, Master... He's the shop owner where we often sell things you don't need. I believe his shop is called the <Black Moon Merchant Guild>." She answered respectfully.

"Ho? Isn't that shop is the one this woman mentioned?" Issei said while looking at the shivering Qu Fengyi.

"I believe so, Master."

"...Come forward." Issei waved his hand to open a small hole for the newcomer to come through.

"Many thanks, your excellency." The newcomer cupped his fist while gulping audibly. He walked forward just like he's told to do...

"What's your business here?" Issei asked.

"This old man is surnamed Zi, and simply named Ji." The old man answered with trepidation: "Your honor companions should know about this old man before and..."

"Get to the point." Issei said impatiently.

Zi Ji moved his body and pleaded with a lowly stance, "This old one himself knows that the Ocean Palace and Sanctuary have offended your excellency repeatedly just now... but we already know our mistakes. Your excellency must also know that our hearts are not as hideous as Sun Moon Divine Hall and Mighty Heavenly Sword Region. May may your excellency please be benevolent and gracious"

His voice sounded shaky but he still manages to convey what he wanted to say... he's begging for Issei to be merciful...

"Not as hideous?" Issei said while inhaling through his pipe.

"To me, all of you are all the same... You might think yourself look righteous and all that but in my eyes, you're nothing than a bunch of hypocrites. If it wasn't me being stronger than all of you then my and my companion's fate should be obvious to all... Perhaps when they had their way with us, there won't even be any bones left. We will be stripped clean just like a piece of meat..." Issei said coldly.

"The hideous side they all had when they all tried to force me for their personal greed back then, I still remember them clearly. But you are asking me to spare them all now? Do you think that I'm deaf and stupid that couldn't discern between what's righteous and what's not? After all that, you still dare to prattle what's righteous in front of me? Do you really believe that I won't kill you right where you stand right this instant?" Issei's eyes glowed even more fiercely.

"..." Zi Ji's face contorted in shame when he heard Issei's words. However, all those who were present were the core figures of the Ocean Palace. If they were all to die, it would not just be their lives that were lost but the ten thousand year history of the Ocean Palace. He could only continue pleading pathetically, "Your excellency, between your companion and me, there is some slight relationship, could you see"

"Relationship?!" Altair's expression fell and she retorted with anger, "Since when we have some slight relationship? All we have was an equal trade without any pretense! The extent of our relationship was between a seller and a buyer, no more no less! Don't think that just because you give us some benefits we suddenly establish some kind of nonexistent relationship you just mentioned!"

"..." Zi Ji opened his mouth but was completely dumbstruck. He thought that he indeed has some sort of relationship with each other given how many benefits/bonuses he gifted to them... but it seems that it's just a one-sided wish from his side...

The pressure he's currently in just increased by tenfold... However, in order to protect Supreme Ocean Palace and his wife's life, he had to do whatever it took and could not back down.

"As long as long as your excellency can grant us some benevolence... my Supreme Ocean Palace and Black Moon Merchant Guild is willing to be at the beck and call of your excellency just like a dog would... We would never disobey any orders given by your excellency."

Zi Ji's words made the experts of Supreme Ocean Palace behind him look up suddenly, but their heads gradually tilted downward again. Actually, considering Issei's current strength and the army behind him, he couldn't possibly need them for anything...

"And if... if it's still not possible... at least please spare my wife's life..." Zi Ji said pleadingly.

"Your wife?" Issei said with raised eyebrows. Then he looks towards Qu Fengyi once again: "That woman is your wife?"

"Yes... Qu Fengyi is indeed this old man's wife..." Zi Ji nodded profusely.

Issei's eyes narrowed slightly: "If I were to spare her, what would you give me in exchange?"

Zi Ji immediately raises his head and looks at Issei straight in the eyes.

His voice quivered violently as he spoke: "Life My life! As long as your excellency is willing to spare her life, no matter what The life of this old man Zi Ji Everything that I have I will agree to any request you make Beg I beg your excellency mercy and show me great favor and kindness. If I, Zi Ji, am unable to repay this debt in this life, I am willing to use the entirety of my next life to repay this debt of gratitude I beg your excellency to show grace and spare her"

The expression of Qu Fengyi who was at the side had her body shake greatly as two lines of tears slowly flowed from the corners of her eyes.

"Oh? Even if I were to claim your soul right here right now... You're saying that you're willing to trade place with her?" Issei said while there's a bunch of skeletal hands emerging from below Zi Ji's body and started to encircle his whole body...

Zi Ji's who's currently being encircled by these skeletal hands shuddered fiercely while his soul is faced with immense pain that made him unable to breathe properly... His whole face turned ghastly white as if he's about to pass out in the next second.

But he still grits his teeth and forced a firm sound of: "Yes... I'm Willing!"

"No, don't!" Qu Fengyi scrambled over to Zi Ji's side disregarding her own safety.

"Just take me! Don't take his life! He got nothing to do with all this!" Qu Fengyi said while sobbing softly.

"Yi'er... stand... stand aside..." Zi Ji said in between gasp. He's about to lose his consciousness but he still does his best to stay awake despite the pain he's currently in...

If he were to lose his consciousness right now, then those skeletal hands would rip out his soul out from his body and dragged it to their domain... and that place is <Limbo> itself. Semiramis's beloved place where she sent those who irk her.

"..." Issei doesn't say anything while his eyes are still narrowed in both of them.

After a few seconds, he exhaled through his pipe and took back the skeletal arms that were encircling Zi Ji.

Zi Ji's body slumped forward the moment the skeletal hands disappeared and Qu Fengyi hastily caught her husband fall...

"Because of your personal greed... Your husband almost lost his life and even his soul. You should be thankful that you have him as your husband." Issei said coldly at Qu Fengyi who continues to sob softly while holding onto her husband's body.

"...Thank..."

"I do not require your thanks but from this year onwards, Black Moon Merchant Guild has to submit eighty percent of its profits to the <Illusory Demon Realm> and the <Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace>."

Zi Ji tried to say his gratitude but Issei dismisses it instantly.

The onlookers' who heard his words had their eyes wide open and they were so shocked that they nearly jumped into the air at the same time. Not only then, even those from the <Illusory Demon Realm> and the <Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace> also feel shocked.

What kind of organization was the Black Moon Merchant Guild?

The combined wealth of all the nations in the Profound Sky Continent besides the Divine Phoenix Nation would definitely not be able to equal one Black Moon Merchant Guild. The status and historical foundation of these six nations were far from coming close to the Black Moon Merchant Guild.

What kind of notion was eighty percent of the Black Moon Merchant Guild's total earnings... He might as well take the whole guild for himself!

It was an astronomical number that they wouldn't be able to fathom in their entire lifetime...

Both Zi Ji and Qu Fengyi went dumbstruck when they heard Issei's words. He even forgot the pain he just experienced as if it wasn't there...

"This This" The Black Moon Merchant Guild was the result of Zi Ji's entire life's work and effort. It was something that was practically akin to his own life. At the same time, it was also the lifeline that supported all of Supreme Ocean Palace. If they were robbed of eighty percent every year, it would undoubtedly be equivalent to ruthlessly cutting his own flesh and bones. It was also equivalent to cutting away eighty percent of the lifeline that supported Supreme Ocean Palace.

"What's wrong? You have any objections?" Issei said with narrowed eyes.

"No No, NO!" Zi Ji frantically and anxiously waved his hand, "Eighty percent! Eighty percent it is!"

"E-elder Ise/Y-Your excellency..." Both Feng Qianhui and the Little Demon Empress tried to refuse but just one glance from him is enough to shut them down. They obediently shut their mouth acting just like a housewife would...

"Good... Naru, go contact Zin and tell her to take the <Supreme Ocean Palace> off the list."

"Yes, Master." Naru responded respectfully.

They who heard his words felt dizzy... You're telling them that he still has some army outside of the current one? Just how huge is his army... And what was that? "Take the <Supreme Ocean Palace> off the list"? So that means... while the core strength of the sacred ground is here, he already sent someone to wipe their home base at the same time? My god...

There will be a huge change happening throughout the whole continent... and this mysterious personage is the cause of it all.

"Since you're the biggest merchant guild in this continent, do you know any place that considered extremely dangerous or one with extreme climate?" Issei thought of something before he asked Zi Ji and Qu Fengyi.

"...Extremely dangerous?" Qu Fengyi muttered.

"Nevermind, I will just read your memories." Issei hooked his finger before Qu Fengyi's body floated right in front of him.

He put his hand on top of her head the moment she arrived in front of him.

"Hmm, interesting..." After a few seconds, Issei sends Qu Fengyi back towards Zi Ji's direction.

"Cough cough" Huangji Wuyu faked a cough before he moved his body forward but this simple movement made him become the new center of everyone's attention.

He submissively speaks: "This junior, Huangji Wuyu, am fully aware that I have no right to face you and that I have even less right to beg anything of you. If I can resolve your excellency fury towards us, I am willing to immediately take my own life, as long as your excellency is willing to give Absolute Monarch Sanctuary a way out."

"You have nothing that could interest me." Issei denied his words almost instantly.

He already read the memories of Qu Fengyi and Issei found nothing that could interest him coming from Huangji Wuyu side... and his kindness doesn't come twice in a row.

The only reason why he 'spared' Qu Fengyi and Zi Ji were because he's a little impressed with their bond as husband and wife. It got nothing to do with their wealth or anything like that.

He already asked the Little Demon Empress about this decision of his and she told him that as long as she can kill Xuanyuan Wentian then she's content already. And that's because Xuanyuan Wentian is the main culprit behind the attack on the <Illusory Demon Realm>...

"But your excellency...!"

*BAM!*

Huangji Wuyu tries to bargain once again but his body immediately crashed down to the ground. He felt a mountain weighing down on him from behind.

"Our Master has spoken, trash. Don't think that we will let you do as you please." Esdeath said with an evil grin. She put one of her legs on his back pinning him down to the ground.

"I've already known what you had in store, Huangji Wuyu... How funny, to think that each of the sacred grounds knows the ins and outs of each other sect... You're basically holding onto each other secrets... and that saves me some time." Issei said with a smirk.

"Even if you still have some secrets left, do you think I can't just do the same as I just did towards Qu Fengyi?"

Now these words left him stumped... Indeed... Issei could just read their memories and they won't be able to keep any secrets at all...

As for what they have to offer... He could just take it from their dead bodies...

"And the one who wanted your life the most is the Little Demon Empress, not me. So you should beg her instead." Issei said while pointing at the Little Demon Empress: "You should understand what you have to do, Qu Fengyi." He also reminded Qu Fengyi at the same time.

"Y-Yes... E-Even though we were bewitched by Xuanyuan Wentian all those years ago, we still committed a great wrong..." Without needing for Issei to say anything else. Qu Fengyi personally speaks out loud so everyone could hear her.

She explained the real reason behind their feud with the <Illusory Demon Realm>... It's basically just out of greed yet again. The onlookers' felt surprised by this revelation. They thought that the reason behind their feud was because of something righteous just like they claim it to be...

Turns out it's of personal gains yet again...

"...And for that... we apologize... we will also clean up the name of the Illusory Demon Realm within the Profound Sky Continent with our best capabilities..." Qu Fengyi knelt at the Little Demon Empress direction.

The Little Demon Empress's eyes flickered for a brief second when she saw the kneeling Qu Fengyi.

Huangji Wuyu who saw this also apologizes in the same fashion as Qu Fenyi, and the same goes for Xuanyuan Wentian. But there's no reaction that could be found from the Little Demon Empress side.

"How about this..." Issei gives a thoughtful look: "Huangji Wuyu, you can have a battle to the death with Xuanyuan Wentian over there, and I won't do anything towards the winner. How about it? You have my word."

Esdeath who catches on with her master intention had her grin grew wider... Master is really cunning... but she loves it!

And just like that... The two sect leaders once again dance on top of Issei's palm... They have no qualms killing each other if it means that it's for their survival...

...

At the same time they finished their battle, with Xuanyuan Wentian came out victorious by a slight margin, the girls also finished their little 'tournament'...

"I... I won..." Xuanyuan Wentian said while gasping furiously.

"Y-Your excellency... I won..." Xuanyuan Wentian gazes at Issei hoping that he will keep his words.

"Indeed... Congratulations." Issei shrugged slightly.

"D-Does that mean..."

"Ah, you're free to go. I won't do anything to you."

"Th-Then thank you, your excellency... I will forever be grateful."

Xuanyuan Wentian hastily turns back and head towards the opening on the wall Issei just opened.

When he's just a few centimeters away from his 'freedom'...

*Puchi!*

A ripping sound can be heard clearly...

"Pfft!!!" Xuanyuan Wentian pukes out a large amount of blood before he looks down slowly. There's a single hand that went through his chest cavity...

When he look behind him, he saw the piercing cold eyes belonging to the Little Demon Empress: "...You... you lied..."

In the next second, his body burst up in flames...

"I didn't lie. I said that 'I' won't do anything to you, but I didn't say anything about the Little Demon Empress, right?" Issei said with a mocking smirk.

"Yes, Master. You very clearly said that." Esdeath also had the same smirk on her face while looking at the burning Xuanyuan Wentian.

But the Little Demon Empress doesn't kill him right away. She only crippled his cultivation and made him pass out... He will share his accomplice, Duke Ming's fate...

And that concludes the sacred ground incident as a whole... From today onwards, only the <Supreme Ocean Palace> remains.

Even then they're basically crippled so bad that they're only at the same level as some major sect... Even the Divine Phoenix Empire is now better than them.

"We, the inhabitants of the Illusory Demon Realm are eternally grateful for your majesty benevolence!"

The Little Demon Empress paid her respect with utmost gratitude and the rest of her entourages also followed suit: "Long live your majesty!!!"

The Divine Phoenix Empire tremblingly kneeled on the ground waiting for their judgment... Issei narrowed his eyes at them with Feng Xue'er holding her hands together hoping that her sect punishment won't be too harsh...