In the eyes of the ordinary soldiers in the Demon Realm, the Dark Mage was their commander, while Wei Chen was their spiritual belief.
When it came to fighting, it was better for the commander to face off against the enemy leader. If a deity intervened, everything would be over before they even saw what happened. What was the point of that?
The soldiers remained optimistic, but they were well aware that defeating the Jade Emperor in just a few moves was merely a beautiful wish. It was nothing more than a fantasy. What they truly hoped for was an epic battle between the Dark Mage and the Jade Emperor, one that would shake the heavens and be visually stunning.
The strongest warriors of the Demon Realm and the Nine Immortal Realm could not possibly determine a victor in just a few moves.
When two powerful figures clashed, it might take several nights before it concluded.
Moreover, in such a confrontation, everything around them would likely be utterly destroyed.
The location was at the Jade Emperor Palace, and they eagerly anticipated a battle that could potentially obliterate it.
Finally, the Warship arrived at the Jade Emperor Palace. Under the command of the Dark Mage, the Warship dispersed and surrounded the palace completely.
Aside from those soldiers operating the Warship to attack the Jade Emperor Palace, all other soldiers flew out to protect it while encircling the entire palace from all directions, casting a dark shadow over it with an imposing and terrifying presence.
Those watching from around the Jade Emperor Palace found themselves enveloped by the Demon Realm Army. They had opportunities to retreat but thought that if they left, they would miss out on an incredible show—the impending century battle—wouldn't that be a loss?
Based on the behavior of the Demon Realm Army so far, they likely wouldn’t harm anyone, right?
Several hundred powerful beings of levels thirty-four and thirty-five flew toward Shenzhou. They were masters from various Cloud Spirit Sects of the Nine Immortal Realm and held considerable power.
“Dark Mage, we will simply watch your battle without interfering. Would it be acceptable for both sides to remain untroubled?” one leader said as he clasped his fists toward the Dark Mage.
He almost called out "Demon Emperor," but realizing that such a title was inappropriate for addressing the Dark Mage, he quickly corrected himself.
The Dark Mage smiled lightly and replied, “Of course it's acceptable. As long as you don’t cause trouble, our Demon Realm Army won’t harm anyone. However, with our strength in the Demon Realm, we wouldn’t fear any disturbances from you either.”
"Understood."
The sect leaders retreated, taking their followers with them, leaving the main battlefield to the Demon Realm Army and the Jade Emperor Palace forces.
The poor Jade Emperor Palace had just over a million troops. Although their strength was commendable, how could they compete against the Three Hundred Million Demon Army?
Just the sheer momentum of the opposing forces left the Jade Emperor Palace's army at a loss. The soldiers trembled in fear, nearly wetting themselves.
At that moment, the Jade Emperor Palace parted ways, and the Jade Emperor, accompanied by his sycophants and a group of watching Immortal Emperors, flew out.
Stopping about a mile away from Shenzhou, the Jade Emperor and his entourage halted.
Dressed in a dragon robe with a stern expression, the Jade Emperor gazed at the Dark Mage from afar and coldly said, "Dark Mage, there has always been an understanding between the Nine Immortal Realm and the Demon Realm; battles only occur on chaotic battlefields. Why have you invaded the heart of the Nine Immortal Realm?"
"Heh heh, Jade Emperor, at this point, asking such questions is pointless, isn't it? The Demon Realm and the Nine Immortal Realm are separated only by a chaotic battlefield; in essence, they are one Spatial Plane. I have always wanted to connect the Demon Realm and the Nine Immortal Realm into a single entity. People from both realms could choose to cultivate demonic power or spiritual energy based on their own conditions. That would be beneficial for both realms."
"Now that the Demon Realm Army has arrived in the Nine Immortal Realm without causing any casualties or harm, if you were to surrender with your people, everything could be discussed. If you remain stubborn, we will dismantle your Jade Emperor Palace."
The Dark Mage's tone was extremely calm, yet within that calmness lay an overwhelming authority that left those present from the Nine Immortal Realm stunned.
Was the true intention of the Demon Realm to swallow up the Nine Immortal Realm?
No matter how grandiloquent the Dark Mage's words were, they clearly indicated an intent to consume the Nine Immortal Realm!
What did he mean by saying that the Demon Realm and the Nine Immortal Realm were one Spatial Plane? They were clearly two entirely different Spatial Planes; how could they become one in the Dark Mage's words?
However, his suggestion that individuals could choose to cultivate either demonic power or spiritual energy based on their physical constitution was quite appealing and somewhat tempting. To others in the Nine Immortal Realm, though, it sounded utterly absurd.
"You speak so boldly! The Nine Immortal Realm and the Demon Realm have existed in opposition for countless years. Your intention to swallow up the Nine Immortal Realm is evident; why hide it?" the Jade Emperor retorted angrily.
"Whether to conquer or unite is just a matter of thought; it all depends on what you decide," the Dark Mage said calmly.
Afterward, the Dark Mage glanced at the sixteen Immortal Emperors and then surveyed the Cloud Spirit Sect. "I promise you, once the Demon Realm and the Nine Immortal Realm unite, there will be mutual benefits and harmonious development. Whether you are willing or not, the three hundred million Army of the Demon Realm did not come here just to sightsee."
It was a blatant threat!
Faced with the Dark Mage's intimidation, the people of the Nine Immortal Realm changed their expressions. They squinted at the Dark Mage but remained silent.
They had initially thought that the Dark Mage was merely leading an attack on the Jade Emperor Palace, but to their surprise, his ambition extended to the entire Nine Immortal Realm!
In hindsight, everyone could understand; who would be foolish enough to bring people to demolish buildings without gaining anything in return?
What the Dark Mage sought was power—ultimate power!
Rather than allowing someone from the Demon Realm to become the leader of the Nine Immortal Realm, it would be better to let the indifferent Jade Emperor continue his reign. The people of the Nine Immortal Realm could not change their aversion to the aura of the Demon Realm in a short time.
However, the Dark Mage paid no mind to their thoughts; he was indifferent to what everyone in the Nine Immortal Realm thought.
At this point, all he cared about was his battle with the Jade Emperor!
"Dark Mage, if you wish to swallow up the Nine Immortal Realm, your Demon Realm probably doesn't have that qualification yet!"
The Jade Emperor sneered a few times and turned to look at the sixteen Immortal Emperors. "At this point, do you still want to watch from the sidelines?"
The faces of the sixteen Immortal Emperors were also grim. Their thoughts were similar to those of the leaders of Cloud Spirit Sect below; rather than letting the Dark Mage control the Nine Immortal Realm, it would be better for them to allow the indifferent Jade Emperor to maintain control.
So, shall we fight?
The sixteen Immortal Emperors hesitated. It was easy to imagine that if a battle broke out, the Nine Immortal Realm would suffer heavy losses. But if they chose not to fight, they would inevitably fall under the control of the Demon Realm and become a subordinate force.
The situation was clearly not what they wanted to see.
However, the Jade Emperor obviously intended to use them as cannon fodder, pushing them to the front lines.
Who would be willing to take such a huge loss?
The Immortal Emperors remained silent, their emotions tangled in conflict.
The Jade Emperor glanced at the Dark Mage again, a sinister glint in his eyes, ignoring the Army behind the Dark Mage. He coldly said, "Dark Mage, do you really think you have this in the bag?"
"Show some real strength if you can. Just talking big is meaningless," the Dark Mage replied lightly.
The Jade Emperor sneered, "Is that so? Hmph, three hundred million soldiers—quite impressive! But I wonder, if they all die here, will your Demon Realm be able to muster another three hundred million soldiers?"
"Is that so? With just this little force of yours? You think you can shake our three hundred million Demon Realm Army?" The Dark Mage looked at the over one million soldiers of the Jade Emperor outside the Jade Emperor Palace and couldn't help but chuckle.
Standing beside the Dark Mage, Ji Dingxuan, Sea Emperor Nanfeng, Muen, and others also cast disdainful glances at the Jade Emperor. They thought to themselves that such a small number wouldn't even be enough to fill the gaps in their Demon Realm Army!
Yet a hint of doubt quietly rose in the Dark Mage's heart. It was clear that the Jade Emperor was in a desperate situation, so why was he still so arrogant?
If he could be so arrogant, it meant he had some confidence. The Dark Mage recalled Wei Chen's earlier words about a divine sword in the hands of the Jade Emperor...
Could it be that the Jade Emperor's reliance was that divine sword?
The possibility was high.
The Jade Emperor coldly said, "Dark Mage, remember over seven thousand years ago when we clashed on the chaotic battlefield? We were evenly matched, weren't we?"
"Evenly matched? If you hadn't run away quickly, you would have lost your head back then," the Dark Mage retorted coldly.
"The Jade Emperor said, 'No matter what you do, you couldn't kill me, and I couldn't kill you either. At that time, we were at a stalemate, weren't we?'
'That seems to be the case,' the Dark Mage nodded. There was no need to dwell on such matters with the Jade Emperor. It seemed that the Jade Emperor was proposing a duel, which perfectly aligned with the Dark Mage's intentions!
The crowd secretly began to anticipate the confrontation. Regardless of how the battle between the Demon Realm and the Nine Immortal Realm would end, witnessing the ultimate showdown between the Dark Mage and the Jade Emperor would be worth it.
A hint of a smile appeared on the Jade Emperor's face as he gazed deeply at the Dark Mage. 'Dark Mage, although we are on opposing sides and you have always wanted to kill me, I have also wished to kill you. However, today I offer you a chance: take your army back to the Demon Realm. From now on, the Chaos Realm will still be our battlefield. I will overlook the destruction your army has caused in the Nine Immortal Realm. What do you say?'
'A joke!'
The Dark Mage firmly rejected him. Was the Jade Emperor out of his mind? At this moment, with three hundred million soldiers at his doorstep, he still dared to speak so defiantly? What good was bravado in such a situation?
The crowd was equally stunned by the Jade Emperor's words. This was absurd; even in dreams, one wouldn't behave like this! With such a significant advantage in the Demon Realm, how could they possibly just leave according to his demands? Who did he think he was?
The Jade Emperor's words were met with unanimous disdain from everyone in the Demon Realm Army. Even those from the Nine Immortal Realm secretly looked down on him for being delusional.
Looking at the Dark Mage, the Jade Emperor smiled slightly again and said, 'How about this: I'll fight you. If you lose, I won't kill you; you'll take your army back. How does that sound?'
Upon hearing this, there was still silence within the disciplined ranks of the Demon Realm Army, but those from the Nine Immortal Realm erupted into chaos."
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