Jade and Kieran stood before the Heaven Emperor, bowing in respect as they met his gaze. The Heaven Emperor was a powerful and wise ruler, known for his discerning judgment and deep understanding of celestial matters. He welcomed them with a gentle smile, but there was a hint of seriousness in his eyes.
"Jade, you have come a long way in your journey," the Heaven Emperor began, his voice carrying a solemn tone. "But before you leave, there is one final test you must undergo—the Heaven Rank Test."
Jade's heart skipped a beat at the mention of the Heaven Rank Test. He had heard legends about this sacred tradition. It was a trial designed to assess a candidate's strength, wisdom, and virtue, and only the most capable were able to achieve high ranks within the heavenly hierarchy.
The Heaven Emperor explained the rules of the test to Jade and Kieran, describing the various challenges they would face and the virtues they needed to demonstrate. Jade felt a mixture of excitement and anxiety, knowing that this test would not be easy.
The test commenced, and Jade and Kieran faced a series of trials that pushed them to their limits. They battled celestial beasts, solved intricate puzzles, and demonstrated their mastery over the elements. Kieran's guidance was invaluable, providing Jade with the support and encouragement he needed to persevere.
As the final trial approached, Jade felt a surge of anticipation. This last challenge would determine his Heaven Rank, and he knew that everything was on the line. With Kieran by his side, he entered the final arena, his mind focused and his spirit resolute.
The final trial required Jade to confront a moral dilemma, testing his courage and compassion. With Kieran's steadying presence, Jade followed his instincts, choosing the path that he believed was right, even if it was the harder one.
As the trial concluded, Jade stood before the Heaven Emperor, awaiting his judgment. The emperor's intense gaze lingered on him, assessing his actions and decisions throughout the test. After what felt like an eternity, the Heaven Emperor spoke.
"Jade, your test results are... terrifying."
Jade's heart sank for a moment. Terrifying? What did that mean? Had he done something wrong?
The Heaven Emperor continued, "You, Jade, are the first in millions of years to be ranked as a Divine True God. Your strength, wisdom, and virtue surpass those of any before you. You have reached heights that few can even dream of."
Jade was stunned. A Divine True God—the highest rank in the celestial realm. It was an honor beyond his wildest dreams, an achievement that left him both proud and humbled. Kieran beamed with pride, silently congratulating his friend on this extraordinary accomplishment.
Emperor Xian's expression softened as he addressed Jade and Kieran. "Jade, as a Divine True God, your power and potential are unparalleled. However, I have one more task for you. I need you to journey to the demon realm and ask Emperor Damon about the history of the Void. This information is crucial for the harmony of the realms."
Jade's eyes widened at the mention of the demon realm. It was a place known for its darkness and chaos, and he had only just begun to understand the celestial world. However, he knew he couldn't refuse the emperor's request.
The Heaven Emperor then turned to Kieran. "Kieran, I trust you to guide and protect Jade during this mission. Your wisdom and strength will be indispensable as you journey to the demon realm."
Kieran nodded, acknowledging the responsibility placed on him. He knew the mission would be perilous, but he was determined to keep Jade safe and complete the task at hand.
Jade channeled his draconic energy, creating a swirling vortex in the sky that would serve as a portal to the demon realm. He turned to the Heaven Emperor and bowed deeply, expressing his gratitude and bidding farewell. Then, with Kieran at his side, he stepped through the portal, ready to face the unknown.
As they emerged from the portal, they found themselves in the demon realm, surrounded by a dark and foreboding landscape. The air was thick with malevolent energy, and the ground seemed to pulse with a sinister rhythm. Despite the hostile environment, Jade and Kieran stood firm, prepared to confront whatever dangers lay ahead.
Before they could proceed further, they were approached by a group of demon guards, their eyes filled with suspicion and hostility. However, before the situation could escalate, a voice boomed out from the shadows.
"Welcome, honored guests, to the demon realm!" The voice belonged to Lord Damon, the ruler of the demon realm, a figure both charismatic and enigmatic. He welcomed them with a grand banquet, a display of hospitality that caught Jade and Kieran by surprise.
Jade and Kieran cautiously accepted Lord Damon's invitation, knowing they needed to gain information about the Void's history. As they entered the grand hall, they were treated to a lavish feast, filled with exotic foods and drinks. Lord Damon regaled them with stories of the demon realm, but his eyes never left Jade and Kieran, as if trying to gauge their intentions.
Despite the festive atmosphere, Jade and Kieran remained vigilant, engaging in careful conversations with the demon lords and warriors to gather the information they needed. The banquet revealed much about the delicate balance of power within the demon realm, providing clues that could help them on their mission.
As the banquet drew to a close, Lord Damon approached Jade with a cryptic smile. "I sense a great power within you, Jade—a power that could tip the scales of destiny. Be wary of those who might seek to use you for their own ends."