Chapter 152: The Way of Heaven
Before the Demon Emperor Zhao Baizhou could kneel, the many powerful figures from the Western Regions who had just been excused from formal greetings knelt once more. Under the terrifying pressure of the draconic might, each person found it impossible to stand upright, prostrating themselves on the ground.
The immense draconic aura made them feel as though they were carrying boundless mountains on their backs, rendering them incapable of the slightest movement. Before long, they were drenched in their own sweat.
"Creak"
On the other hand, Zhao Baizhou, a Tribulation Crossing Realm expert of the first realm, tightly clenched his teeth. Veins bulged on his forehead, and his earlier nonchalant demeanor had completely vanished. He trembled uncontrollably, his legs quivering incessantly.
Although he felt that if he persisted, his lower legs, under the pressure, would snap in an instant due to the stress, Zhao Baizhou still refused to bow his head.
"Your Your Excellency, spare me from this humiliation!"
A trace of blood oozed from the corner of Zhao Baizhou's mouth, his eyes bloodshot. Yet, he still held his head high, refusing to bow. In the midst of his unwavering stance, he continued to converse with Chen Daoxuan.
As the Demon Emperor, he possessed his own dignity and would never kneel before anyone.
"Indeed, you have spirit. This Pavilion Master admires that. However, you've misunderstood This Pavilion Master has never insulted anyone. It's merely a matter of acting as I please.
"Furthermore, you, a mere Tribulation Crossing Realm cultivator, should bow before this Pavilion Master. Not doing so is an insult to me," Chen Daoxuan's lips curled slightly.
Although he admired the other's courage, there were times when one must kneel. In terms of actual strength, anyone who encounters him in this world must bow!
Usually, he didn't bother with these tedious formalities, but the other party wanted to stand on equal footing with him, even attempting to surpass him in terms of status? Under these circumstances, it was necessary to follow the rules.
And as for what those rules were, Chen Daoxuan's rule was simple: he set the rules!
"I... I will not kneel to anyone!"
At this moment, Zhao Baizhou, because he was forcibly resisting kneeling, was starting to feel dizzy. If he persisted for a moment longer, even his seven apertures might start bleeding.
"Tsk, don't be so hot-blooded. This makes this Pavilion Master appear like a great villain. Spreading such an image wouldn't be good for my reputation. Here's the deal: within the span of three breaths, kneel to spare yourself from death. Otherwise"
Seeing that the other remained resolute despite his entire body's joints creaking and popping, Chen Daoxuan couldn't help but touch his nose. He was beginning to feel more and more like a villain, wasn't he?
However, as the Pavilion Master of the Heavenly Dao Pavilion and with two disciples at his side, not to mention the numerous eyes from the Western Regions watching, retreating was out of the question.
Either the other side submits or dies!
Moreover, this fellow was a Tribulation Crossing Realm cultivator and thus, quite valuable!
"Three."
Before Zhao Baizhou could say anything, Chen Daoxuan had already begun the countdown. As the numerous powerful figures from the Western Regions witnessed this, their hearts were in their throats.
The imposing Emperor they usually feared, who was known for his absolute authority and decisiveness, was now in such a sorry state! Still, His Majesty lived up to his title as the Demon Emperor. Even in a life-and-death situation, he preserved his dignity!
"Two."
When Chen Daoxuan reached the count of two, he slowly raised a finger, pointing it directly at Zhao Baizhou's forehead.
"One. Don't worry, this Pavilion Master will handle your affairs properly. You're quite something."
By the time the countdown reached one, Chen Daoxuan saw that the other still persisted. Without further ado, he didn't waste any more words. It was a good time to harvest some system points and enhance his strength.
Furthermore, according to the words of the Western Regions people, Yanran was a survivor of the previous dynasty. The enmity between Zhao Baizhou and Yanran could be described as a deep-rooted feud. As her Master, he could also be considered as helping his disciple resolve a personal vendetta.
As Chen Daoxuan's words fell, without a hint of hesitation, he casually pointed his finger. Without employing any divine technique, Zhao Baizhou, suppressed by the draconic might, had no remaining strength for resistance, let alone evasion.
Just how solid was his cultivation base? Even without exerting much effort, Chen Daoxuan's casual strike was beyond what Zhao Baizhou's Tribulation Crossing Realm body could withstand.
"Your Majesty!!!"
The numerous powerful figures from the Western Regions exclaimed upon witnessing this scene. His Majesty, who usually commanded fear, known for his uncompromising and ruthless demeanor, was in such a state today!
Yet, His Majesty truly deserved his title as the Demon Emperor. He maintained his dignity even in this life-and-death crisis!
"Your Your Excellency, I I refuse"
Zhao Baizhou's eyes were bloodshot, seemingly verging on madness. However much he struggled, it was futile. The draconic might emanating from Chen Daoxuan had thoroughly suppressed him, leaving him gasping for air.
Regret began to creep into his heart. Why did he have to reveal himself here? Why did he let himself be entangled with this terrifying individual over a minor second-rate clan like the Jiang family?
If he had chosen to remain secluded in his cultivation chamber, this terrifying individual likely wouldn't have cared about him. He wouldn't have come knocking at his door But now, it was all over.
The draconic aura, in Zhao Baizhou's gaze, drew nearer, nearing his forehead. In despair, he closed his eyes.
"Hum" Suddenly, a strange fluctuation emerged, causing Chen Daoxuan's aura to dissipate.
"Hmm? This fluctuation it's the presence that's been surveilling me from the shadows."
Seeing this, Chen Daoxuan raised an eyebrow slightly, surprised that the gaze that had been observing him in secret would actually intervene to save the Demon Clan's Zhao Baizhou.
"Tsk, I've found you."
With a slight sensation, Chen Daoxuan locked onto the location of that aura, in the clouds about a hundred li away in the sky.
"Look after your two senior sisters here. I'll be back soon."
Currently, Leng Yanran and Li Yourong were still collecting heavenly treasures and earthly treasures from the Jiang family. Despite the appearance of the Demon Emperor earlier, Leng Yanran and Li Yourong had only taken a few curious glances before returning to their tasks. As long as their Master was present, they had nothing to worry about.
"Meow~~~"
Upon hearing his master's words, Yu Youwei obediently nodded. Chen Daoxuan's figure had already vanished from his original position, only to reappear hundreds of li away among the clouds.
"Why did you intervene?"
Standing with hands behind his back, Chen Daoxuan gazed at the indistinct, featureless figure before him and calmly inquired.
"You must not interfere in the struggle for the throne. Other matters can be negotiated, but the throne is off-limits," the figure replied with a tone devoid of emotion.
"You are the Heavenly Dao of this realm?"
Chen Daoxuan rubbed his chin and, after a moment of thought, had already reached a conclusion.
"Yes," the incarnated Heavenly Dao didn't deny its identity.
"However, you seem rather weak," Chen Daoxuan furrowed his brows and muttered upon confirmation from the other side.
"" the incarnated Heavenly Dao remained silent this time, its heart racing like a thousand horses. What did he mean by "weak"? Wasn't it the other way around, with this strange creature being too strong? How did this anomaly suddenly emerge?
"If I must kill the Demon Emperor, can you stop me?"