Finally, an elderly scholar could no longer tolerate the actions of Tianhuo Empress and Taiyin Empress. He stood up and loudly rebuked them:
"Tianhuo Empress, Taiyin Empress, you are Empresses of the human race, revered and worshipped by the people. Do not be blinded by emotion and continue down this wrongful path! The Umbral Emperor, Xiao Fan, has wreaked havoc on the world, committing heinous crimes that cannot be redeemed even by a thousand deaths! Years ago, the great scholars of our Tiandao Academy dedicated their lives to saving the common people, rescuing countless lives, only to be ruthlessly killed by Xiao Fan! The sins Xiao Fan has committed over the past millennia are too numerous to recount. Though he may have once shown you kindness, as Empresses of the human race, you cannot allow personal feelings to override the greater good. What justice remains for those who revere you?"
The elder's passionate speech and fierce questioning quickly revealed him as a scholar from Tiandao Academy. His words resonated with the onlookers, who shared his sentiments but lacked the courage to speak out. Seeing someone take the lead, the crowd became increasingly agitated, joining in the condemnation of Tianhuo Empress and Taiyin Empress for their emotional decisions.
Yaochi Empress felt a surge of satisfaction as she watched the two Empresses face the people's rebuke. Tianhuo Empress's temper flared, and she wanted to teach the old scholar a lesson, but Taiyin Empress stopped her.
"No," Taiyin Empress shook her head. "If you act rashly, you will completely alienate yourself from the people. You may not mind, but it will put the people of Tianhuo at risk."
Tianhuo King Huoyang also breathed a sigh of relief, knowing his sister's fiery temper all too well. He feared her impulsiveness would bring more trouble.
Tianhuo Empress, realizing the broader implications of her actions, calmed down. Just as frustration mounted, a distant laugh echoed.
"Hahaha! It seems there are still sensible people in this world!"
The void trembled as countless massive figures appeared, nearly collapsing the space around them.
"Is the entire Dragon Clan mobilizing?" the crowd gasped.
Thousands of dragons emerged, each emanating a power equivalent to a Saint-level cultivator. The leading dragons exuded an aura akin to quasi-Emperor strength. The sight of so many dragons at once was unfathomable.
Dragons, symbols of immense power, were known for their low reproductive rate, making their numbers scarce. Rumors spoke of a devastating war between the Dragon Clan and the Demon Clan thousands of years ago, severely depleting the dragons' numbers, forcing them into seclusion to recover. Seeing even one dragon was rare, let alone this massive assembly.
Everyone assumed the Dragon Empress's appearance had drawn these dragons. The leading dragons bowed before her.
"Dragon Guang and the entire Dragon Clan pay respects to the Dragon Empress. We pledge our loyalty to you as our leader!"
"You!" Dragon Empress's eyes narrowed, recognizing Dragon Guang.
"Empress, you remember me?" Dragon Guang was thrilled. He had only met the Dragon Empress briefly when he was young and never expected her to remember him.
"Years ago, Xiao Fan colluded with the Demon Saintess, not only injuring you but also causing heavy losses to our clan. Please, Empress, return and lead us to revive our clan and slay Xiao Fan!"
"Please, Empress, return and lead us!"
The dragons' roars shook the heavens. Dragon Empress's cold facade finally cracked, her eyes showing a hint of pain. Memories she wished to forget resurfaced. She didn't care about Xiao Fan's betrayal; she cared that he broke their promise, leaving her for the Demon Saintess. She thought she had become heartless, but recalling Xiao Fan's abandonment, her heart ached as if torn apart.
Staring at the ruined Xiao Fan in the Origin Emperor City, her gaze grew colder. She initially didn't care whether he lived or died, but now, she felt only by killing him herself could she rid herself of the torment.
The crowd was stunned to hear of Xiao Fan's connection to the Dragon and Demon Clans. No one had expected such a revelation. Curiosity peaked, they longed to see more of Xiao Fan's memories, but with Yaochi Empress still controlling the Haotian Mirror, they remained in a stalemate.
Yaochi Empress glanced at Dragon Empress. If the latter had a grudge against Xiao Fan, perhaps she could be persuaded to join her side, making it a two-on-two battle.
Dragon Empress, sensing Yaochi Empress's thoughts, spoke first. "I'll help you on one condition: Xiao Fan's life must be mine to take."
Yaochi Empress hesitated. After witnessing Dragon Empress's idea of repayment, she found her unreliable. If Dragon Empress turned on her, it would ruin her reputation.