"Your Majesty, the Tenth Prince has always been bold and relentless, his style like a thunderstorm—mighty and overwhelming. Because of this, you have had to reprimand him many times," Lou Zhong Xiao replied respectfully. "As for the Nineteenth Prince, his mastery of the Ju Ling Divine Technique is extraordinary. Many great generals of the Xian Dynasty royal court have trained in this technique, and while their skills are formidable, none possess the spirit and finesse displayed by the Nineteenth Prince. He has brought life and intuition into this martial art."
"So, who do you think is stronger?" Tian Fu Da Di asked.
"The Nineteenth Prince has immeasurable potential—Your Majesty's judgment is always keen. However, the Tenth Prince also seems to be on the verge of breaking through to the Dao Tier. Within him lies a dormant, immense power—a force akin to a thunderous dragon. Much of his current energy is focused on suppressing and assimilating this Thunder Dragon. Without this burden, the Nineteenth Prince might have been at a disadvantage today," Lou Zhong Xiao responded carefully, skillfully avoiding directly comparing their strengths.
"The Tenth Prince's temperament is too impulsive. The Thunder Dragon contained within his Thunder Dragon Staff is not easily refined. If he's not careful, it could overwhelm him," Tian Fu Da Di said, his tone suggesting he knew everything.
"Perhaps the Tenth Prince is deliberately using this challenge to temper his will. By conquering the corrosive influence of the Thunder Dragon, he could ascend to new heights in martial arts. After all, he carries Your Majesty's bloodline and naturally inherits your unparalleled ability to subdue even the gods," Lou Zhong Xiao quickly added.
"Haha, Lou Zhong Xiao, you're growing quite adept at flattery," Tian Fu Da Di chuckled. "It seems Bai Yue has surpassed all my sons this time. The Hundred Tribulations Golden Pill will likely go to her."
"Forgive me, Your Majesty, but if the Seventh Prince were to take action, Bai Yue would surely be defeated," Lou Zhong Xiao said with a hint of caution.
"Little Seventh, is that true?" Tian Fu Da Di asked.
"I dare not claim such superiority. Bai Yue's future accomplishments will undoubtedly match, if not exceed, mine," Seventh Prince Gu Fa Sa replied with a humble smile.
"I dare not compare myself to the Seventh Prince," Bai Yue interjected, bowing modestly. "The Seventh Prince has been cultivating at the Dao Tier for eight years, mastering the True Flame of the Three Mysteries. He is only a step away from achieving the Nine Transformations of the Glazed Jade Body. Compared to him, I am worlds apart."
"Enough," Tian Fu Da Di said with a wave of his hand. "I know Bai Yue's potential better than any of you. It seems Little Nineteenth and Little Tenth have no chance of claiming first place. Have them stop fighting and come see me. Public dueling among brothers is disgraceful, especially in front of so many nobles."
"As you command," Lou Zhong Xiao said and acted swiftly.
In an instant, the forces surrounding Gu Chen Sha and Gu Zhen Sha enveloped them, lifting their bodies into the air and depositing them outside the emperor's grand tent.
"This is the Seventh Transformation of the Dao Tier: Floating Beyond the Earth!" Gu Chen Sha thought. "Using innate energy to envelop the body and propel oneself through the air… This power can even manipulate others at will. Truly extraordinary."
Once outside the tent, the forces dissipated, and Gu Chen Sha fell to the ground, bowing deeply. "Father, I had no intention of fighting with Tenth Brother. However, public dueling between brothers violates etiquette. I await your punishment."
Gu Chen Sha understood his father's temperament. In such situations, it was better to admit fault first, regardless of the circumstances. Resistance would only bring more trouble.
"Father, I was also at fault," the Tenth Prince quickly knelt. Though outwardly brash and temperamental, Gu Zhen Sha knew when to assert dominance and when to submit.
"It is good that you both recognize your mistakes," Tian Fu Da Di said calmly. "But it was you, Little Tenth, who struck first. Little Nineteenth only defended himself—I saw everything clearly."
"You are right, Father. Nineteenth Brother, I apologize. It was my mistake," Gu Zhen Sha said immediately.
"I too was wrong for failing to manage our relationship as brothers. I apologize for angering you," Gu Chen Sha replied, bowing back.
The two exchanged glances briefly before looking away. While Gu Zhen Sha's gaze carried a lingering hostility, Gu Chen Sha's was cautious. He dared not reveal any trace of aggression, knowing it would not escape Tian Fu Da Di's notice.
"I will not punish you this time," Tian Fu Da Di said firmly. "Stand aside and watch the ongoing battles."
Both princes obeyed without protest, but it was clear to all present that their enmity had deepened. However, some officials began reassessing Gu Chen Sha. At the very least, if he were granted a noble title and command of troops, he would become a formidable force in the court.
At that moment, a low, resonant chant filled the air. Gu Chen Sha turned toward the battlefield and saw Lou Bai Yue surrounded by an aura of divine magnetism. Her movements appeared ethereal, as if she were walking in a parallel dimension.
Wherever she went, Man Tribe generals fell one after another without her making any obvious moves. Even princes struggled to hold their ground, retreating as she approached.
"What kind of technique is this?" several princes, including the Eighteenth Prince Gu Hong Sha and the Fourteenth Prince Gu Yun Sa, exclaimed in shock.
"It is the Void Grand Luo Technique," Tian Fu Da Di explained. "It seems Bai Yue has inherited some of the will of the Ancient Heavenly Emperor Xu. My judgment was indeed correct."
"T-This is beyond comprehension!" Lou Zhong Xiao stammered, trembling as he knelt.
"What are you afraid of? Bai Yue clearly did not tell you that I was the one who sensed the location of the Ancient Heavenly Emperor Xu. The Maiden Sutra I passed to her was to see if she could seize this rare opportunity. Stand up—there is no need to be afraid," Tian Fu Da Di said, extending a calm hand.
"Your Majesty's grace toward the Lou family is immeasurable," Lou Zhong Xiao said as he stood, sweat beading on his brow.
Meanwhile, the number of Man Tribe generals in the forest dwindled rapidly. Bai Yue's slaughter was swift and precise, like slicing through vegetables. Many princes began unleashing their ultimate techniques, desperately trying to match her and claim the Hundred Tribulations Golden Pill.
"Indeed, the royal princes are full of hidden talents," Gu Chen Sha observed. "Some of them haven't even revealed their full strength. However, that pill is not something I dare contend for. Even if I had the power, drawing too much attention would be unwise. Bai Yue's abilities far exceed mine, and her body contains unfathomable energy."
The sound of roaring echoed in the distance.
At that moment, a fierce aura accompanied by howling erupted through the air.
The stench of blood filled the surroundings as something ominous stirred in the forest.
Following Lou Bai Yue's dominance, the princes gradually gained the upper hand, forcing the Man Tribe generals into a tight circle. They were now like beasts trapped in a cage.
Over thirty Man Tribe generals stood together, glaring at the advancing princes and Lou Bai Yue. Their wild roars echoed like feral cries. Among them, one general raised his head and howled at the sky, his voice interwoven with strange incantations. A mysterious and dangerous energy seemed to ripple faintly through the air.
"What's... happening?" The princes stopped their advance, sensing the imminent danger.
"Don't move! These Man Tribe warriors are performing a blood sacrifice!" Gu Hong Sha, the Eighteenth Prince, shouted, retreating quickly.
Apart from Lou Bai Yue, all the princes began to fall back.
The chanting Man Tribe general suddenly dropped to his knees, as if praying. The others, without hesitation, drove their hands into their own chests, ripping out their hearts.
"Great God, we offer ourselves to you, our souls and blood. Grant us your power to destroy these humans!" they cried in unison before collapsing lifelessly to the ground.
As the last of the Man Tribe generals fell, one remaining figure underwent a horrifying transformation. His entire body glowed crimson, a blood-red halo forming behind his head. The stench of blood became overwhelming as the snow beneath his feet turned a deep, vivid red. His body grew thick, bristling fur, claws extended into razor-sharp talons, and his fangs protruded from his mouth.
In a flash, he had become a demonic beast.
"A blood sacrifice... Thirty warriors offered their lives and souls to empower him through their god's blessing. This is a sacrificial rite to their dark deity," Gu Chen Sha muttered coldly. "A grotesque act that makes monsters out of men. Still, it's the first time I've seen this kind of ritual performed."
This kind of ritual was a far cry from the heavenly sacrifices of the royal court. Gu Chen Sha observed from a distance, wondering, How will Lou Bai Yue handle this? That Man Tribe general now has strength rivaling a Dao-tier master. Does she truly think she can win?
While the other princes hesitated, Lou Bai Yue stepped forward.
Crunch, crunch.
The sound of snow compacting under her feet echoed ominously as she advanced. The air was thick with the metallic tang of blood, and the snow was stained crimson. Yet, Lou Bai Yue moved unfazed. Forming a seal with her hands, she summoned her inner energy. Her blood surged powerfully through her veins, and her robes fluttered as if caught in a windstorm.
Her aura blasted away the oppressive blood mist around her, and she stood like a divine figure banishing all evil.
"Your Majesty, the Man Tribe general has performed a blood sacrifice to a dark deity, drastically increasing his power. Could it be that…" Lou Zhong Xiao whispered urgently.
"Bai Yue can handle it. Watch closely," Tian Fu Da Di replied, making no move to intervene. However, his expression grew colder. "That wolf-like dark god dares to accept a sacrifice in my presence? As the ancient texts say, 'When the sages reign, demons and ghosts retreat.' It seems that I am not yet a true sage, for such creatures dare to flaunt their power before me."
"Forgive us, Your Majesty! To let such an affront happen before you is our great failure!"
Several high-ranking officials dropped to their knees in terror, followed by other nobles, trembling as they prostrated themselves. Tian Fu Da Di's killing intent was so palpable it felt capable of slaying gods and demons alike.
"Your Majesty, with your divine power, you could sever the dark god's connection and end its influence!" Lou Zhong Xiao pleaded, his head pressed to the ground.
"Even if I sever its link, its root existence will remain unharmed," Tian Fu Da Di said, his gaze fixed on the void above. "I will conquer its domain, destroy its descendants and followers, and deprive it of its sacrificial foundation. When that happens, even if it flees to another time or space, it will not escape its inevitable demise."
"This dark god is not one of the true deities ordained by the Ancient Heavenly Emperor. Its name isn't recorded in the sacred tablets," said the Seventh Prince, Gu Fa Sa, bowing deeply. "If you are angered, Father, its annihilation is certain.
Moreover, under your rule, the cosmos is united, and the energies of creation flow. As the Heavenly Emperor's aura grows stronger, it is only a matter of time before the heavenly tablets manifest again. When that happens, you will have the authority to revoke the titles of true gods and appoint new ones with a single decree.
We, your princes, only hope to assist in governing the empire, elevating the nation, and guiding all people toward enlightenment."