Guided by an unseen destiny, Cao Wenbin and Qin Yunmeng traversed countless mountains and rivers, finally arriving at the heart of this hidden realm.
Contrary to the dark, sinister imagery they had conjured in their minds, there were no ominous graves or tombstones in sight. Instead, a magnificent pagoda soared majestically into the clouds, though it boasted a mere three levels.
Anyone else might have mistaken this extraordinary structure for an unusual crypt. However, Cao Wenbin, with a single glance, recognized it immediately as the coveted imperial weapon he had long yearned for—the Devouring Heaven Tower.
"Come on, let's enter!" he urged, his voice resonating with excitement.
Without encountering any obstacles, the moment Cao Wenbin, pulling Qin Yunmeng alongside him, stepped onto the threshold of the tower, they were instantaneously transported within its confines.
"Haha! After all these years, a fresh issue of entertainment has finally arrived!" a voice echoed through the air, filled with a manic glee.
"Quick, surrender your minds to me!" it continued with an unsettling eagerness.
"New memories… this time, I shall savor every detail as a connoisseur would fine wine!"
"Though neither of you combined might be a century old, your memories should provide me with ample amusement for quite some time!"
Just as they steadied themselves within the tower, the strange voice infused with madness reverberated into their ears.
As Cao Wenbin began to grasp the full implications of this bizarre utterance, a surge of indignation welled up within him. This old lunatic was actually intent on perusing his memories as if they were mere lighthearted tales?
What outrageous arrogance!
Yet, upon getting a clearer glimpse of the speaker's appearance, Cao Wenbin was instantly rendered speechless.
"So, it's merely a deranged old fool!" he muttered under his breath.
The man, suspended in mid-air, was shackled by eighteen iron chains that rendered him utterly immobile, preventing his feet from ever touching the ground. The sole part of him that made contact with the earth was his wild, tangled beard.
"Who are you calling a madman?" the old man retorted, his voice laced with indignation.
"You and your entire family are the mad ones!" Cao Wenbin shot back defiantly.
"Foolish youth! I am the Grand Demon Emperor!" the old man proclaimed, puffing out his chest in exaggerated pride.
"Three thousand years ago, my very name could silence the cries of children throughout the Central Plains!"
"Enough of this nonsense! Hand over your memories now! If your lives can entertain me, then perhaps they will have some semblance of meaning!" he demanded with a manic gleam in his eye.
Cao Wenbin, unable to suppress his disdain, simply scoffed and turned away from the old madman. Engaging further seemed utterly pointless.
Scanning the surroundings, he soon spotted a staircase leading to the second level and immediately darted toward it with determination.
"Stop! You haven't left your minds behind yet!" the old man bellowed, desperation lacing his words.
Bound by chains, the old man's body remained motionless, yet with a sudden jerk of his head, he sent his beard whipping toward them with astonishing speed.
"Old fool, you've chosen the hard way!" Cao Wenbin replied, brimming with confidence.
Had the Grand Demon Emperor been at his peak, Cao Wenbin would have stood no chance against him. However, having been imprisoned and drained within the Devouring Heaven Tower for three thousand long years, the Emperor's strength had diminished to a mere fraction of its former glory.
Though still formidable, the old man's abilities were now within the realm of possibility for Cao Wenbin to contend with.
Without a moment's hesitation, Cao Wenbin drew forth his imperial sword, preparing to confront the oncoming assault of the erratic beard.
In days of old, this particular technique had served the Grand Demon Emperor without fail. Despite his diminished strength, his body retained the formidable resilience befitting an emperor. The beard, an extension of such a powerful vessel, was by no means an ordinary appendage.
However, today, it was destined to encounter its nemesis.
*Swish!*
As the two forces collided, the seemingly invincible beard was severed with ease, sliced through as if it were nothing more than tofu by Cao Wenbin's imperial sword.
Initially, Cao Wenbin had intended to press his advantage and pursue the attack. But just then, the old man let out a terrified scream that echoed through the chamber.
His expression twisted in horror, as if he had encountered a specter from beyond.
"The Rakshasa Sword?" he shrieked, his eyes wide with disbelief.
"Young man, what connection do you have to that she-demon, Zhao Yu'er?" he demanded, panic rising in his voice.
Cao Wenbin paused, momentarily taken aback.
The Rakshasa? Zhao Yu'er possessed such a powerful title?
"She's my wife. Do you have a problem with that?" he responded, his tone laced with defiance.
The Grand Demon Emperor's laughter was filled with derision, ringing out like a mocking bell.
"Young fool, I must admit, your courage is indeed remarkable!"
"If that madwoman ever hears about this, your ancestors may very well suffer her wrath!"
"Now go on, don't linger here! And remember, should you ever escape, do not mention that you encountered me, for I want no part of her vengeance."
Cao Wenbin found himself momentarily speechless.
Was Zhao Yu'er truly so terrifying? Was her mere name sufficient to frighten an emperor into silence?
"Interesting."
"No matter how formidable she may be… ultimately…"
Cao Wenbin's eyes glinted with resolve as he pondered his situation.
"I may never ascend to the heights of an emperor, but I shall surely rise to their level!"
His heart surged with ambition, and filled with such fervor, he boldly advanced toward the second level of the Devouring Heaven Tower.